Statement

The Mediterranean committee meeting provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on migration, with a particular focus on the influx of migrants and refugees, including young people, from various parts of the world, especially Africa and the Middle East, into Europe.

The situation in the Mediterranean region regarding youth migration remains complex and sensitive.

Several factors contribute to this issue including conflict and instability, economic conditions, humanitarian crises, asylum and refugee policies, and integration challenges.

The increasing rate of unemployment with limited economic prospects in some Mediterranean countries pushes young people to seek opportunities in European nations. There’s a mismatch between education and the labor market. Additionally, the perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea has resulted in numerous tragedies, with migrants and refugees often risking their lives on overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels. The reception and integration of young migrants and refugees into host countries' societies and labor markets pose significant challenges for both the newcomers and the host communities.

Human trafficking is a grave concern in the Mediterranean region, with criminal networks involved in the smuggling and trafficking of people. Traffickers often exploit vulnerable migrants and refugees, subjecting them to various forms of abuse, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and debt bondage.

Due to the aforementioned factors, The Progressive Youth Organization, and IUSY Mediterranean Member Organizations including UESARIO, Fateh Youth Movement, JSD Tunisia, PASOK YOUTH, JSE Spain, ITIIHADIYA YOUTH, JS PORTUGAL, GUPS Palestine, GD Italy, PUK, ARF Zavarian Student Association, and PSYU Palestine in solidarity with all the youngsters forced to live outside of their home countries, demand international interventions to be implemented in the areas of education and the labor market.

IUSY asks for:

1.       Government implementations for political stability conditions which can indeed be a significant factor in limiting youth migration. When a country enjoys political stability, it typically experiences reduced levels of violence, economic social unrest, and uncertainty.

2.      A clear legal framework, which includes preventing passport scandals in migration. This involves implementing laws and regulations that enhance the security of passports and the integrity of the migration process. Passport scandals can include fraudulently obtained passports, the use of stolen or forged passports, or other forms of passport-related misconduct.

3.      Combatting human trafficking and illegal migration through the shores and borders which result in the death of many young people and families. In this context, the Progressive Socialist Party could be taken as an example when they proposed a law aiming to amend Article 586 (1) of the legislative decree number 340 published on March 1^st, 1943 that speaks about criminalizing human trafficking and exploiting migrants.

4.     Implementing reforms to end corruption and secure social, economic, and political justice including basic human rights in living in good conditions in their home countries. Strengthening Anti-Corruption Laws and Institutions is a must. Implementing reforms to end corruption in the Mediterranean region will require commitment from governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the international community. These reforms should be ongoing, adaptive, and tailored to the specific challenges and contexts of each country in the region. Additionally, building a culture of integrity and accountability is essential to achieving long-term success in the fight against corruption.

5.      International donors including the IMF and World Bank support countries suffering from weak economies in infrastructure investment, which can have a positive impact on job creation and economic growth; Education and Skill Development, to enhance the human capital of these countries. A well-educated and skilled workforce is more likely to find opportunities within their home countries; Poverty Alleviation Programs that target vulnerable populations; Financial Inclusion and Access to Credit can enable small businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive in economically weaker countries; Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation can exacerbate economic challenges in vulnerable regions. The World Bank can provide support for climate change mitigation and adaptation projects, helping communities to build resilience and maintain their livelihoods.

6.     International support to institutions that aid refugees on the educational and health care level, and this could be achieved through funds and launching programs that result in empowering the new generation to become economically stable. It is crucial to raise awareness since better education in the camps will reduce crime rates and enable residents to take care of themselves.

7.      Shedding more light on youth migration without spreading fake news, since the media plays a crucial role in campaigning for better life conditions and empowering youth.

As a result, IUSY condemns human rights abuses against refugees, deliberate starvation tactics implemented by some governments, and the failure of the international community to contribute the entire amount of money that is needed and allotted.The Mediterranean committee meeting provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on migration, with a particular focus on the influx of migrants and refugees, including young people, from various parts of the world, especially Africa and the Middle East, into Europe.

The situation in the Mediterranean region regarding youth migration remains complex and sensitive.

Several factors contribute to this issue including conflict and instability, economic conditions, humanitarian crises, asylum and refugee policies, and integration challenges.

The increasing rate of unemployment with limited economic prospects in some Mediterranean countries pushes young people to seek opportunities in European nations. There’s a mismatch between education and the labor market. Additionally, the perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea has resulted in numerous tragedies, with migrants and refugees often risking their lives on overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels. The reception and integration of young migrants and refugees into host countries' societies and labor markets pose significant challenges for both the newcomers and the host communities.

Human trafficking is a grave concern in the Mediterranean region, with criminal networks involved in the smuggling and trafficking of people. Traffickers often exploit vulnerable migrants and refugees, subjecting them to various forms of abuse, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and debt bondage.

Due to the aforementioned factors, The Progressive Youth Organization, and IUSY Mediterranean Member Organizations including UESARIO, Fateh Youth Movement, JSD Tunisia, PASOK YOUTH, JSE Spain, ITIIHADIYA YOUTH, JS PORTUGAL, GUPS Palestine, GD Italy, PUK, ARF Zavarian Student Association, and PSYU Palestine in solidarity with all the youngsters forced to live outside of their home countries, demand international interventions to be implemented in the areas of education and the labor market.

IUSY asks for:

1.       Government implementations for political stability conditions which can indeed be a significant factor in limiting youth migration. When a country enjoys political stability, it typically experiences reduced levels of violence, economic social unrest, and uncertainty.

2.      A clear legal framework, which includes preventing passport scandals in migration. This involves implementing laws and regulations that enhance the security of passports and the integrity of the migration process. Passport scandals can include fraudulently obtained passports, the use of stolen or forged passports, or other forms of passport-related misconduct.

3.      Combatting human trafficking and illegal migration through the shores and borders which result in the death of many young people and families. In this context, the Progressive Socialist Party could be taken as an example when they proposed a law aiming to amend Article 586 (1) of the legislative decree number 340 published on March 1^st, 1943 that speaks about criminalizing human trafficking and exploiting migrants.

4.     Implementing reforms to end corruption and secure social, economic, and political justice including basic human rights in living in good conditions in their home countries. Strengthening Anti-Corruption Laws and Institutions is a must. Implementing reforms to end corruption in the Mediterranean region will require commitment from governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the international community. These reforms should be ongoing, adaptive, and tailored to the specific challenges and contexts of each country in the region. Additionally, building a culture of integrity and accountability is essential to achieving long-term success in the fight against corruption.

5.      International donors including the IMF and World Bank support countries suffering from weak economies in infrastructure investment, which can have a positive impact on job creation and economic growth; Education and Skill Development, to enhance the human capital of these countries. A well-educated and skilled workforce is more likely to find opportunities within their home countries; Poverty Alleviation Programs that target vulnerable populations; Financial Inclusion and Access to Credit can enable small businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive in economically weaker countries; Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation can exacerbate economic challenges in vulnerable regions. The World Bank can provide support for climate change mitigation and adaptation projects, helping communities to build resilience and maintain their livelihoods.

6.     International support to institutions that aid refugees on the educational and health care level, and this could be achieved through funds and launching programs that result in empowering the new generation to become economically stable. It is crucial to raise awareness since better education in the camps will reduce crime rates and enable residents to take care of themselves.

7.      Shedding more light on youth migration without spreading fake news, since the media plays a crucial role in campaigning for better life conditions and empowering youth.

As a result, IUSY condemns human rights abuses against refugees, deliberate starvation tactics implemented by some governments, and the failure of the international community to contribute the entire amount of money that is needed and allotted.