UNHCR and the European Parliament Information Office have today presented their joint publication #knowthefacts – a booklet with information and statistics on asylum and migration in Malta, Europe and beyond.
The publication is intended to provide MEP candidates and stakeholders with factual information on which to base positions and views. It is based on information available from UNHCR statistics, Eurostat data and various official sources in Malta.
Although it focuses primarily on statistics from last year, the booklet also includes updated information from 2014. It is available also online through the UNHCR Malta and European Parliament Office websites, and specific points of information will be disseminated in the coming weeks through social media platforms.
Presenting the publication to the media, Jon Hoisaeter, UNHCR Representative to Malta said “Asylum and migration issues remain high on the agenda in Malta. There are different perspectives as regards challenges and solutions. But the debate often suffers from lack of awareness about some of the basic facts. We hope this publication could contribute to a well-informed dialogue on asylum and migration topics in Malta.”
Peter Agius, Head of European Parliament Information Office, said that this initiative is being taken as part of a wider information campaign towards a more informed debate leading to the European elections. “We are pleased to be part of the launch of this practical information toolkit, addressing a topic that is often hotly debated. The booklet will be shared with MEP candidates, relevant authorities and civil society organisations.”
One of the first tasks for the newly-elected MEPs will be to participate in the grilling of the new EU Commissioners, including the one designated as responsible for migration policy.
www.unhcr.org.mt
www.europarlmt.eu
www.facebook.com/parlamentewropew
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