ROME (AP) — The U.N. refugee agency, which has expressed serious concerns about Italy’s deal to process asylum claims from some migrants, reception centres in Albaniahas agreed to oversee the first three months of the agreement.
UNHCR recalled that it was not a party to the Italy-Albania dealhad reservations about it and asked for clarification on how it would be implemented. But the agency said in a statement on Wednesday that it had agreed to monitor its implementation to help “protect the rights and dignity of those subject to it.”
The agency said it would advise migrants on their right to seek asylum and ensure that the procedures used “are in line with relevant international and regional human rights standards, are fair and promote protection and remedies for those in need of international protection.”
The controversial five-year deal, tattooed last yearcalls on Albania to house up to 3,000 male migrants rescued in international waters at a time, while Italy expedites their asylum applications. It was supposed to be operational this month, but delays in the construction of two new detention centres in Albania have pushed back the start date.
Italy’s right-wing government has stopped the agreement as an important example of sharing the burden of migrant responsibility in Europe, while also serving as a deterrent to potential refugees. European Commissionwho has long struggled with the migrant debate in Europe, has supported it.
But human rights groups have condemned the Italian authorities. outsourcing its responsibilities under international law to process asylum applications from migrants travelling to Italy who have been rescued at sea.
UNHCR said the observation mission would be funded by sources other than Italy and Albania to ensure the mission remained independent.
___
