"Mediterranean Crossroads" - An Event commemorating International Migrants Day in Malta

The 18th of December is marked by the United Nations as International Migrants’ Day, an annual event that calls upon governments, organisations, and individuals to recognise the efforts, contributions and rights of migrants world-wide. The scope of this day is for people to come together, share their experiences and contribute to raising awareness on human rights and migrants’ fundamental freedoms.

In December 2012, a multi-stakeholder event was organised in Malta to commemorate this day. ‘Mediterranean Crossroads’ was jointly by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the Agency for Welfare of Asylum Seekers (AWAS), UNHCR Malta, the International Organisation for Migration and the local NGO Community – the Foundation for Shelter and Support to Migrants, GetUp! StandUp!, KOPIN, Integra Foundation, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS Malta), Organisation for Friendship in Diversity (OFD), Malta Emigrants' Commission, aditus foundation, the Migrants’ Network for Equality, SOS Malta, the Malta International Relations Student Association (MIRSA) and INMalta.

Various migrant groups residing in Malta were invited to support the event by contributing in different ways such as setting up a stand, or displaying traditional dresses, music, food, or simply by attending the event. Thanks also to the financial support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, different migrant groups were able to participate in the event through various activities such as displaying henna art, cooking food from different cultures as well as sharing traditional music and dance.

A video of the event, entitled “Frames of Mind” can be found here. 

In the photo above: Brazilian group; below: Sudanese musician at the "Mediterranean Crossroads" event.

For further information contact Elizabeth Tratnik at KOPIN: elizabeth.tratnik@kopin.org.

Information provided by SKOP, National Platform of Maltese NGDOs