Bari, 14 June. (askanews) – A G7 coalition to prevent and combat migrant trafficking. From the Borgo Egnazia summit, under the Italian presidency, the need for a collective commitment to address migration as a global phenomenon emerges forcefully. The theme stands out on the day of Pope Francis’ historic participation and occupies a long paragraph of the final declaration: “we will strengthen our actions to prevent, combat and dismantle the organized criminal networks that profit from the smuggling of migrants and human trafficking”, they confirm the leaders in a passage of the text. The agreement is clearly only political. The G7 is not the right place to take operational decisions and the technicians will decide what to do and how to intervene. The basic idea, however, would be to promote greater cooperation on investigative capabilities, involving the competent authorities in the countries of origin, transit and destination. In particular, for “evidence-based joint law enforcement actions against smuggling and trafficking networks”, it will be essential to improve data exchange between the countries of the ‘coalition’. It will also be fundamental to follow the “follow the money” approach to identify, investigate and effectively combat organized crime, addressing the financial aspects, including the confiscation of assets”. Giorgia Meloni, who invited some representatives of the African continent to today’s proceedings , can be said to be satisfied.
The leaders endorsed some of the principles dearest to the Prime Minister, recognizing the need to face challenges “through an integrated, global and balanced approach”, in line with international law. “Collective actions carried out in a spirit of joint commitment and responsibility” were deemed essential for the development of sustainable and inclusive solutions to effectively manage migration for the benefit of all, “including low- and middle-income countries facing significant migration pressures” The G7’s commitment, however, seems to go further. The Heads of State and Government, in fact, intend to guarantee an increasingly sustainable governance of migration, capable of “guaranteeing full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, regardless of their migratory status”. No possibility of misunderstanding about this; the final declaration contains a clear passage: “we recall everyone’s right to seek asylum from persecution as provided for in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to request international protection protected by the Geneva Refugee Convention”. In this context, the intention is to increase efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, such as conflict, political instability, poverty, crime, corruption and human rights violations. The aim is to promote comprehensive and equitable partnerships between countries of origin, transit and destination to pave the way for “long-term structural solutions that contribute to sustainable development, resilience and stability”. At the same time, efforts will be increased to prevent and address irregular migration, counter the illegal activities that facilitate it and address the challenges it poses to individuals and societies. In this context, strategies will be developed to dissuade people from undertaking ” irregular and dangerous migratory journeys”, and “border and visa management processes will be strengthened”, also with a view to limiting the activities of migrant smuggling and trafficking networks. Furthermore, “the safe and dignified return of people unfit to remain” in the country reached will be supported, as well as to support sustainable reintegration efforts in their countries of origin. Finally, the possibility of developing “safe paths and regular routes for migrants and refugees”, which may represent realistic alternatives, have the potential to reduce irregular migration and the use of smuggling and trafficking networks, and help prevent negative humanitarian consequences resulting from embarking on dangerous routes. Regular routes must meet national requirements, adhere to the legislation of the G7 countries and their sovereign decisions. In this context, regional programs aimed at securing talent and professional mobility and establishing effective pathways for resettlement – the G7 intends – will be able to provide safe and legal pathways for migrants, while addressing labor gaps in destination countries . (by Corrado Accaputo).
