We start a different conversation about migration in Malta
Malta’s history is linked to the phenomenon of human migration. Its population and culture bear witness to the central role that migration has played in a number of the archipelago’s historical events, as well as to its role as a commercial center and strategic base over time.
The last century has been characterized mainly by phases of emigration, while, over the last two decades, Malta has become a net destination country, with well over ten of its population being of foreign origin despite that emigration increased again, especially after membership in the United States. EU.
This experience reflects Malta’s role as a hub in the center of the Mediterranean. However, being a hub does not remove the fact that the archipelago is now located on the external border of a political and economic bloc that attracts people from outside, in search of a better life.
The project Border Snapshots – Small Towns Facing the Global Challenges of the 2030 Agenda, implemented between 2017 and 2021, was, in fact, all about gathering voices, practices and experiences on migration issues from the periphery (borders) and bringing them to the center.
Kopin (VO / 0200) was the national coordinator for the project in Malta. Our efforts have focused on the involvement of a number of local councils (mainly Marsa, Hamrun, Gżira and Msida) which have been experiencing challenges stemming from a marked increase in diversity. of their population and from a gap in central government policies to support social inclusion in these communities. In line with our vision as an organization, this was another opportunity to provide a safe space for representatives of these communities (from political leaders to community leaders) to discuss, explore and help us shape the agenda of activities. of the project.
Inclusion is a difficult concept to quantify. How do we know if our efforts to include another person are succeeding? What does it take for someone to feel included? How do long-term residents perceive our attempts at inclusion?
Most of us live in segmented existences, working together with people who are like us. We form friendships with like-minded (and visible) people and, often, our neighborhood and families are filled with more people like us. And while it’s important to feel comfortable and safe in our environments, our communities and we individually as well can’t grow so much without challenges or diversity.
The concepts of diversity, equality and inclusion are often implicitly framed around a default standard that “others” can be integrated with. It is assumed to be diverse is to be different from the dominant culture. Equal inclusion and feeling are understood as having access to and being equal to this dominant culture.
The many interactions that have taken place over the last four years thanks to activities and discussions within the Snapshots from the Borders project have brought to the fore a new understanding. The concepts of belonging, dignity and justice have made themselves a central component of this process. More importantly, these concepts were not only understood in relation to how “the other” felt when interacting within our communities but, rather, that it was equally fundamental that long-term residents be included in such a framework.
Our communities and we individually cannot grow so much without challenges or diversity
The lack of connection between the central government’s efforts (lack of) to strengthen the community and the experience of local communities is exemplified by fear, anger and resentment. frustration of residents to feel ‘lumbered’ with challenges without having been consulted or given the necessary resources. An artificial attempt centered on security to create a sense of security through (among others) increased police presence in these communities did not yield the expected results.
The most rewarding project activities were those that, in fact, aimed to strengthen the community. The establishment of the Network of Border Cities and Islands ensures the sustainability of networking and cooperation between local authorities from the different countries involved and their ability to make their voices heard at European level. Exchange visits and training on how local politicians can better support the central administration and government at national level have increased the knowledge and skills of local council representatives.
In the last year, community workers from a number of entities have participated in professional peacebuilding training in the community, used in-depth dialogue as a tool for engagement and focused on addressing real needs, especially in areas with tensions based on socio-cultural disparities, such as Marsa and Hamrun. The skills and methodologies acquired by these professionals are already being used well and efforts will be sustained beyond the life of the project.
Involvement with individual residents and community leaders is certainly among the most interesting Snapshots moments for us in KopinAllow us to have a smoky perspective on the opportunities and challenges of integrating migrants from people who are free in one way or another and are affected by it.[alinaf’KopinIppermettilnajkollnaperspettivasfumatadwarl-opportunitajietul-isfidital-integrazzjonital-migrantiminnnieslib’ximodjewieħorhumaaffettwatiminnhaSmajnastejjerta’tamalimhuxbisskienumhuxmistennijaimmawkollinkoraġġantiħafna
Kopin has been providing various services with the aim of contributing positively to the integration and inclusion of migrants and, in particular, asylum seekers and refugees in Malta for the last decade. Joining Snapshots has increased our understanding and commitment, particularly in Marsa and other Maltese cities where migration has generally been seen as a challenge, rather than an opportunity.
In our view, and that of my fellow participants in the project, the project helped to start a different conversation about migration in Malta. Most importantly, it brought together different stakeholders to start working on a model of community dialogue that is helping to prevent or resolve community issues related to cultural diversity and migration.
William Grech is an executive director, Kopin.
About the project
Snapshots from Borders it is co-financed by the European Union and implemented by 35 partners, local border authorities and civil society organizations, led by the municipality of Lampedusa and Linosa. The main general objective of the project is to improve the critical understanding of European and local decision-makers and laws, civil servants, opinion leaders, public opinion and citizens on the subject of flows. migration to European borders. Its aim is to strengthen a new horizontal and active network of towns and villages directly facing migration flows at the EU’s borders as a way to promote increasingly effective policy coherence at all levels. The perspective and final framework are to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The project activities in Malta are co-financed by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Sport, Recreation and Voluntary Organizations (MISW) through the NGO Co-Financing Fund.
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