Gjadri at the center of the storm: 'reception camp' or prison? What is hidden behind the Rama-Meloni agreement?

The situation today

The agreement signed between Prime Minister Edi Rama and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni for the establishment of immigrant reception centers in Gjadra continues to cause strong public debate.

Invited to the show "Kafe Shqeto", activist Sidorela Vatnikaj declared that migrants rescued at sea while attempting to reach Italy will be transferred to Albania and placed in closed camps.

According to her, these people will have limited contact with the outside world, no communication with family members and only partial access to lawyers.

She described this model as problematic and similar to a form of detention, raising serious concerns about human rights violations and a lack of transparency in the agreement.

According to her, this agreement has been described as extremely problematic, raising serious concerns about human rights.

Vatnikaj emphasizes that these migrants never had Albania as a destination and their transfer to a third country, against their will, constitutes a violation of fundamental principles.

In conclusion, Vatnikaj emphasizes that Albania is granting Italy autonomy over part of its territory without a clear legal basis.

context

The debate has also been deepened by subsequent reports and denunciations of the situation on the ground. According to an article published by La Repubblica, Italian deputies who inspected the camp in Gjadra described it as a facility with “inhumane” conditions.

They reported that out of a capacity of 830 places, there were only 25 migrants in the camp, many of whom were drowsy due to the use of medications such as Rivotril.

Also, in just three months, around 30 cases of self-harm have been recorded, while some migrants are alleged to have been transferred without clear legal procedures.

According to the deputies, most of them have no criminal record and some have subsequently returned to Italy, raising questions about the effectiveness of the entire scheme.

The agreement has also been criticized by international organizations such as Amnesty International, which has described the model as dangerous and potentially contrary to human rights standards.

Where did the 16 migrants from the Gjadri camp "escape"?

The Italian media outlet "La Stampa" has raised the alarm with a published article, reporting that 16 migrants had escaped from the Gjadri camp and their whereabouts are unknown.

According to Italian media, only 25 migrants remain in Gjadra, Lezha, out of 41 who recently arrived by boat.

According to information collected, the first person transferred to Albania on April 11 returned to Italy the next day, without even entering the Repatriation Reception Center (CPR).

As for the other 15, it is believed that: 6 have been returned to Italy due to lack of confirmation of residence; 5 have been assessed as unsuitable for living in a closed community due to self-harm episodes or health problems; while 4 migrants may have been repatriated to their countries of origin.

This situation raises questions not only about the management of migrants, but also about the effectiveness of reception and repatriation policies.

According to the MPs, transfer and detention in Albania have become not only an unnecessary burden for migrants, but also a cost for the public budget.

An uncertain future for migrants

The issue of migrants in Albania highlights the difficulties and complexity of the European reception system. With increasing migratory pressure, it is essential that institutions provide clear and transparent responses.

The lack of information not only fuels the mystery, but also undermines trust in the international protection system.

In a context where human rights must always be a priority, it is imperative that competent authorities clarify the situation of migrants and guarantee that every individual is treated with dignity and justice.

GENESIS

The agreement between Albania and Italy was reached in August 2023 during the visit of the Italian Prime Minister to our country. It foresees the construction of centers for the reception and processing of asylum applications of migrants who intend to enter Italy, but who will be temporarily sheltered on Albanian territory.

According to the protocol, the Italian side undertakes to cover 100% of the costs, including expenses for personnel, health services, equipment and logistics. The agreement has a 5-year term and is automatically renewed unless denounced by the parties.

It was also reviewed by the Constitutional Court, which in a split decision (5 in favor and 4 against) considered the agreement in accordance with the Constitution, emphasizing that it does not change Albania's territorial jurisdiction and that the responsibility for respecting human rights remains shared between the two states.

However, critics continue to consider this agreement a dangerous precedent, which could violate the sovereignty and fundamental rights of the individuals involved./POLITIKO.AL