Commemoration – gimmick for convenience of politicians
The deaths of 366 refugees within site of Lampedusa on 3 October shocked the world and exposed the failings of the EU and the international community to protect refugees. This week the Italian government organised a commemoration for those who died. Meron Estefanos and Father Musie Zerai, Eritreans who are working with the Eritrean refugees, were present. They described the so-called funeral as a gimmick arranged for the convenience of politicians.
The deaths could, and should, have been prevented. The refugees, both those who died and those who survived, and their families continue to be treated with contempt as the Italian authorities hand the management of the process to the Eritrean regime. Their statement on what they found is set out below.
