By Robert A. Emmanuel
It remains to be seen whether the government will stay committed to making public the United Nations’ assessment of the African migrants in the country. A United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson told Observer they will share their findings directly with the government.
Observer media wrote to the UNHCR to request information about their work on the ground.
“Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the situation, the team will share these recommendations directly with the government of Antigua and Barbuda to help address this situation in a humane and dignified manner, in accordance with international law,” Public Information and Communications Officer, Andrea Mucino-Sanchez, responded.
She said any further UN support needed as part of potential solutions will also be included in that report.
The UN inter-agency team consists of representatives from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), UNHCR and UNICEF, with the Antigua and Barbuda government assisting with cooperation and coordination.
Last week, Information Minister Melford Nicholas assured the public that the government would be transparent on the matter, although how much of the findings of the report will be shared with the public is not yet known.
Antigua and Barbuda has been inundated with a large population of African migrants who travelled to the country from Nigeria via Antigua Airways flights — a partnership between the Antiguan government and Nigerian investors — and another charter airline.
Last week, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, and Guadeloupe were caught in the centre of a migrant smuggling tragedy after approximately 32 passengers illegally left Antigua aboard a fishing boat bound for St Thomas, USVI.
The vessel, which was registered in Guadeloupe, subsequently capsized in waters close to St Kitts.
To date, three persons are confirmed dead, 13 are missing and presumed dead, while 16 passengers were rescued, including two Antiguans.
The UNHCR spokesperson commended the government’s actions in rescuing the survivors.
“People who are making these dangerous sea crossings have varying needs and profiles, but we believe that there are individuals among them that [need] international protection,” Mucino-Sanchez said.
She also noted that the first step in any migrant case would be to document them to ensure their protection.
“When people are forced to flee their homes to escape war, persecution or violence, the registration and documentation by states or by UNHCR is a key first step in ensuring their protection.
“Registration and identification of refugees is key for the people concerned, as well as for states to know who has arrived, and facilitate access to basic assistance and protection,” she explained.
The UNHCR representative called for the refugees to be treated in a “safe and dignified” manner.
“Millions of refugees around the world live year after year with little hope of ever returning home. Some cannot because their countries are engulfed by endless conflict or because they fear persecution if they were to return.
“Refugees are human beings with stories to tell, with traditions to share, and talents to contribute to society … they have the right to seek safety — whoever they are, wherever they come from and whenever they are forced to flee,” she added.
