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“The Mytilini Declaration for the Dignified Treatment of all
Missing and Deceased Persons and their Families as a Consequence
of Migrant Journeys”
On the 11 May 2018, following two days of discussions between
experts from across the world, the Mytilini Declaration was agreed.
We believe this is a landmark in establishing the rights of and
duties toward all those who experience suffering because of the
death or disappearance of their loved ones as a result of migrant
journeys and we now call upon all countries and international bodies
to ensure that these rights are respected and that the standards
contained in the Declaration are implemented as a matter of urgency.
Here are the
Greek, French,
German,
Spanish,
Arabic,
Turkish
and
Italian
language versions. The English language version is the version that
was agreed at the expert drafting meeting and prevails in the event
of any differences arising.
Catriona Jarvis
and Syd Bolton the
co-conveners of the project are available for interview and comments
by email and telephone.
The electronic consultation on the draft protocols, which closed on
30 March 2018, was followed by a two-day meeting of a working group
of international experts on the 10 and 11 May 2018, held on the
Greek island of Lesbos (where most of the refugees and migrants
arrived in 2015, as well as many before and since, and where many
have died), attended by delegates from Lesbos and around the world
who brought to bear upon the draft document both their theoretical
knowledge and practical skills and experience to hone the content.
Included among the delegates (some of whom were speakers) were
representatives able to speak for affected migrant and refugee
groups, as well as the local community, since it is key that all
voices be heard. Indeed, representatives from all sections have been
participating in the reference group from the early days.
On day two, the revised version was presented in plenary to permit
final discussion prior to adoption and signature (entirely
optional), in protocol form, of what is titled ‘The Mytilini
Declaration.’ It is intended that the Declaration be a tool that
will be commended to all relevant bodies and persons, requesting
that they give serious consideration to the adoption of such a tool
and put it into practice without delay. The aim is to create a
protocol that will not, if at all possible, necessitate primary
legislative changes. Sitting behind the Declaration will be other
papers previously prepared as well as the wealth of material gleaned
from the consultations and discussions, from which an Explanatory
Note will be created to accompany the Declaration prior to final
wider circulation.
The Mytilini Declaration, although based upon and springing from
legal theory, social and legal research, and humanitarian practice,
will be, above all, a practical tool that will enable all actors to
perform their tasks in ways that meet best practice and deliver
respect for substantive rights to the missing, the dead and their
bereaved families, assisting the bereaved to continue with their
lives, at the same time enabling respectful and appropriate
treatment of local populations. It goes without saying that it is in
the interests of good government and in the general public interest
that all these matters are dealt with respectfully, in accordance
with the law.
The Declaration and Explanatory Note as well as other relevant
documents will be made available online and all interested
researchers and other readers, as well as institutions will have
access to these.
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newsletter to be kept
informed of developments.