Sinn Féin Senator Paul Gavan has led a fact-finding mission for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe into the situation of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers arriving at Lampedusa and Sicily in southern Italy.

Senator Gavan was requested to lead the four-person delegation from the human rights assembly to focus on an examination of the effectiveness of access to fundamental rights including on the application of border procedures and the protection of unaccompanied foreign minors.

Senator Gavan’s team also focused on the role of civil society in providing support to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers and the attitudes of the local population.

Speaking at the conclusion of the three-day visit to southern Italy, Senator Gavan said:

“We met with a wide range of actors who play a vital role in saving lives and providing essential supports to human beings fleeing war, poverty, and oppression. The role of civil society organisations and the generosity of the local population cannot be under-estimated.

“We also heard first hand testimony from minors who consistently told us of the horrors of being kidnapped, tortured and held to ransom by various actors in Libya including the so-called government authorities that continue to receive funding and support from the European Union.

“While there are a number of important aspects of the reception process that need to be improved, there are also a number of points of good practice, and the legal code in place to protect minors – known as the Zampa Law – provides a template that should have much wider application across Europe.”

Senator Gavan will present his report next month to the PACE Committee for Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons.