(Politico) Rome is facing pressure to abolish its offshore quarantine system for migrants and refugees following a series of alarming incidents, including several deaths, over the past year.
Since May, the Italian government has isolated asylum seekers on ships after they arrive, an approach designed to not only stem the spread of the coronavirus but also placate populists.
Human rights advocates have questioned the legality of this practice. Last month, more than 150 humanitarian organizations — including Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and search-and-rescue group Open Arms — met in Sicily, where the quarantine ships are currently stationed, to issue an open letter to the Italian government calling for an end to the offshore system.
