It’s the agreement that’s shocking.
Italy plans to build two detention centers in Albania for migrants rescued in Italian waters.
An “inhumane” project according to the NGOs who oppose it.
These two centers, which will be managed by Italy, on the territory of a country which is not part of the European Union, will be able to accommodate up to 3,000 migrants arriving by sea.
“The agreement consists of Albania giving Italy the possibility of using certain areas of Albanian territory where Italy will build, at its expense and under its jurisdiction, two structures where it can set up centers for the management of illegal migrants,” declared Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“The agreement is in accordance with the Constitution”
Migrants arriving in Italy will be taken by boat to the former naval port of Shengjin, now a popular tourist destination on Albania's northern Adriatic coast.
“The Albanian government is only responsible for external security.
The Albanian police will therefore be responsible for ensuring that none of these people leave the camp,” said Albanian Interior Minister Taulant Balla last December.
Despite appeals from NGOs, the Albanian Constitutional Council approved the project on January 29.
“The agreement is in accordance with the Constitution and does not harm the territorial integrity of Albania nor human rights and freedoms,” declared the institution. The associations fear in particular that the rights of asylum seekers will not be not respected.
These centers are expected to open in spring 2024.