On Sunday, the Rome International Conference on Irregular Migration commenced, marking a significant step in addressing the complex issue of irregular migration between Europe and Africa. Led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the conference brought together prominent leaders to discuss the urgent matter at hand.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has been raging since 2015 between the internationally recognized government and Houthi rebels, has led to hundreds of thousands of casualties and one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Despite the relative calm witnessed in the country after the United Nations-brokered ceasefire in 2022, the issue of irregular migration continues to linger.
During a press conference held as part of the conference, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the exploitation of migrants by criminal organizations to generate profits. She stressed the importance of investing in Africa, especially in countries that serve as the origins of the migrants, in order to improve their living conditions and create better prospects for their future.
Tunisian President Kais Saied expressed his firm stance against the resurgence of “slave trade” facilitated through irregular migration. He asserted that Tunisia will not tolerate the covert settlement of migrants and is committed to not becoming a transit point or a safe haven for those who violate the law.
Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani highlighted his country’s role as a host to over 100,000 illegal migrants. To tackle the challenge of irregular migration, Mauritania is actively working to enhance border surveillance and effectively manage the influx of migrants. President Ghazouani stressed that irregular migration significantly impacts the development of countries from which migrants originate.
Libyan Presidential Council’s Head, Mohammed Al-Menfi, voiced his concern about the rising issue of irregular migration. He stressed the need to address the root causes of this phenomenon to effectively combat it. President Al-Menfi described irregular migration as a “humanitarian tragedy” and expressed his commitment to supporting African countries in overcoming their crises. He vowed to back all efforts aimed at curbing irregular migration.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized the importance of solidarity, sovereignty, and burden-sharing in tackling irregular migration. She underscored the mutual European-Tunisian interest in investing in Tunisia’s development to foster sustainable solutions. Furthermore, von der Leyen expressed the European Union’s intent to invest in clean energy in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea to contribute to their socio-economic progress.
The Rome International Conference on Irregular Migration presents a crucial platform for leaders to collaborate and devise viable solutions to address the pressing challenges associated with irregular migration. By engaging in dialogue and cooperation, participants aim to make strides in safeguarding human rights, promoting stability, and fostering regional development. The outcomes of this conference will undoubtedly shape the path forward in tackling one of the most significant global issues of our time.
