PM calls for EU action to tackle 'slave' traffickers

The European Union must take a collective stand to tackle migrant trafficking at its source in African countries, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Wednesday.

In an address to the lower house of Parliament after hundreds died in the latest Mediterranean disaster over the weekend, Renzi said the EU should have a more visible role, with UN backing, in sub-Saharan countries where migrants originate.

Renzi urged the EU to quickly devise a long-range, comprehensive policy to stop the flood of migrants leaving Libya, and establish refugee camps in Niger, Sudan and elsewhere in Africa with UN assistance.

Italy has been rescuing hundreds of migrants daily from distressed boats in the Mediterranean.

"We are asking Europe to be Europe, not just when it's time to devise a budget," Renzi said.

A broad, long-term EU strategy, with wider sea patrols and a robust presence in southern Libya, would help combat "21st-century slave drivers" of migrants, he said, adding he was optimistic that the bloc could "change tack" on migration issues.

Up to 900 migrants were feared dead after their boat sank in the dark on its way from Libya over the weekend, leading to calls for more concerted action to stop the flow of people fleeing war and hardship in Africa.

The EU on Monday agreed to a 10-point plan to prevent more tragedies, including reinforcing its patrolling operations in the Mediterranean by giving them more money and equipment.

Under the plan, the bloc would also make a systematic effort to capture and destroy vessels used by human smugglers.

Mounting pressure

European governments came under increasing pressure on Tuesday to tackle the Mediterranean's migrant crisis ahead of an EU emergency summit, as harrowing details emerged of the fate of hundreds who died in the latest tragedy.

UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said the incident had occurred due to a "monumental failure of compassion" by the continent's rulers.

Stung by the full horror of the disaster, the UN Security Council urged a strengthened global response to migration and human trafficking, and the 15-member council voiced support for southern European countries struggling with the refugee influx.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker called for a show of "financial solidarity" toward the countries bearing the brunt of the drama.

Mere "compassionate rhetoric" was not enough, he said during a visit to Austria, whose Chancellor Werner Faymann supports construction of massive refugee camps in North Africa to shelter would-be migrants and refugees.

British Prime Minister David Cameron urged a halt to what he termed the "cargo of death", and the Times reported that Britain was considering sending a warship to help with rescue efforts.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2015-04/23/content_20514485.htm