European Union Ambassador to The Gambia, Immaculada Roca Cortés, urged communities and families to cease glorifying irregular migration during recent comments. Roca Cortés emphasized the severe risks involved, stating that "the 'backway' is a dangerous route that has claimed lives and enriched criminal networks." The Ambassador's remarks highlight the EU's ongoing concerns about perilous journeys undertaken by migrants from The Gambia. Roca Cortés stressed the importance of discouraging unsafe migratory practices, showing that irregular migration harms migrants, families, and societies alike. She warned that the "backway" is a dangerous route that has claimed lives and enriched criminal networks, posing significant threats to those who attempt it.
The Perils of the 'Backway'
Immaculada Roca Cortés, EU Ambassador to The Gambia, cautioned that the "backway" represents a hazardous route. According to Roca Cortés, this path has resulted in fatalities and financially benefited criminal networks operating in the region. She showed that irregular migration causes detriment not only to the migrants themselves but also to their families and the broader societies involved. The Ambassador’s statements reiterate the critical dangers associated with such journeys, emphasizing the widespread negative impact beyond individual travelers. She stressed that the allure of irregular migration often overshadows the severe and often fatal consequences, making it imperative for communities to understand and acknowledge these risks. The EU's stance is clear: while the EU needs workers and skills, mobility must be safe, regular, and dignified, a principle directly contradicted by the perils of the "backway."
Legislative and Initiative Support
The EU Ambassador, Immaculada Roca Cortés, called on the Gambian government and National Assembly to accelerate the passage of the new Immigration Bill. She urged the Gambia government and National Assembly to expedite the adoption of the new Immigration Bill to strengthen the legal framework surrounding migration. This legislative push follows the completion of the new Immigration Bill's second reading on Wednesday, marking a significant step in the parliamentary process. The timely passage of this bill is seen as key for establishing a more strong and humane system for managing migration within the country.
In addition to legislative support, the European Union has launched two initiatives, COP-Gambia II and COMPACT, aimed at addressing migration challenges. These initiatives represent a financial commitment of approximately €6 million. The programs are designed to enhance border management capabilities, improve investigations into migrant smuggling and human trafficking, and strengthen judicial capacities within The Gambia. They seek to promote prevention efforts and raise public awareness regarding irregular migration. The initiatives aim to strengthen border management, improve investigations into migrant smuggling and human trafficking, enhance judicial capacities, and promote prevention and awareness, providing a multi-faceted approach to the issue.
Addressing Root Causes
While awareness campaigns are key for informing the public about the dangers of irregular migration, they alone are insufficient to counter the powerful draw of economic hardship. Awareness campaigns alone cannot compete with economic hardship, making it imperative to address the underlying drivers. Addressing the underlying motivations for migration requires a more full approach. Investment in jobs and education is essential to tackle the root causes that compel individuals to seek opportunities abroad through irregular channels. This proactive strategy aims to provide viable alternatives within The Gambia, reducing the perceived necessity of dangerous journeys. Such investments are seen as fundamental to fostering sustainable development and offering a future for young Gambians, thereby diminishing the impetus for irregular migration. Investment in jobs and education is essential to address the root causes of migration, offering tangible solutions that can provide young people with viable alternatives to irregular pathways.
Cooperation and Protection
The European Union requires workers and skills, but emphasizes that mobility must be safe, regular, and dignified. Combating trafficking and migrant smuggling necessitates full cooperation among various entities, including law enforcement agencies, immigration authorities, prosecutors, judges, civil society organizations, and international partners. This collaborative effort is vital to dismantle criminal networks and ensure justice for victims. The EU Ambassador noted that protecting vulnerable people must remain central to all these efforts, ensuring that humanitarian considerations are at the forefront of migration policies and enforcement actions. Combating trafficking and migrant smuggling requires cooperation among law enforcement agencies, immigration authorities, prosecutors, judges, civil society, and international partners, creating a united front against these exploitative practices. Protecting vulnerable people must remain at the centre of the efforts, ensuring that all actions prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals caught in precarious migratory situations.
