The Faculty of Education is perturbed by the news of violence at the Hal Far Open Centre. We univocally condemn any violence but we equally call on the authorities to reflect on the reasons that lead to these behaviours.
The Hal Far incidents call for people in authority to reflect on the policies the country adopts in relation to migration, including its integration strategies. Ghettoing people in a particular locality, leaving them in a state of uncertainty, and de facto punishing those who are simply seeking to escape hell or seek a decent life is leading to anger and frustration, unfortunately this may lead to violence. In this regard we express sympathy with all victims, whichever side of the barbed wire they find themselves in.
It is high time that all the institutions in Malta assume responsibility and engage in serious reflection on how to address situations such as these, both in the immediate and long-term; that confront seriously the concerns of immigrants in Malta, as well as put forward on the international agenda solutions that aim to tackle the problem at source or nearer to its source.
The incidents at Hal Far are an eye-opener for all, and call for a more thorough, humane and rational response. As a Faculty of Education, we are appealing to the authorities and others, to engage in constructive and inclusive practices that ultimately benefit both immigrants and locals, and not allow ourselves to fall into reactionary rhetoric and practices. As educators, we recognise that Diversity is Strength but at the same time, acknowledge that for diversity to emerge as a strength and a resource, it needs infrastructures that facilitate integration and inclusivity. Currently, such infrastructures are for the most part lacking.
Around the island, there are various examples of good practice, where migrant communities are living in harmony with the local communities, becoming part of these communities and contributing to the wellbeing of each other. These practices offer a paradigm of inclusion and social wellbeing.
Our Faculty is willing to offer its expertise and services, and to collaborate with the relevant entities and NGOs, to help create spaces where dialogue can take place. This is urgently required.
As a result of the reactions expressed by the public in general after the incident, we strongly feel that, apart from the lack of humanity and compassion, there is a complete lack of empathy for African immigrants thus reflecting total ignorance with regard to the causes which induce them to undertake the voyages of death.
If immigrants are primarily perceived as victims of injustice, rather than unwanted burdens, humanity and rationality might prevail over hatred. We believe that education should not be limited to school boundaries, but it should be pivotal in attaining democratic values and social wellbeing for all sectors in society.
We also encourage the authorities to work within the EU framework and other international fora so that the issue of migration, which is largely the result of past and present uneven economic, political and cultural exchanges, is effectively dealt with in a just and meaningful manner for all.
Office of the Dean
Faculty of Education