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  • MARSA, MALTA - JUNE 20: Immigrants walk by the Marsa Open Centre building in Marsa on June 20, 2011. The Marsa Open Centre's capacity is of 650 people, but now hosts 900 immigrants, most of which are from Somalia. The centre's popoulation is composed of immigrants who received subsidary protection, asylum seekers (immigrants who applied and wait for their case to be handled), and rejected asylum seekers. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0411.jpg
  • MARSA, MALTA - JUNE 20: A sub-saharan immigrant that distributes food to his fellow immigrants at lunch is here at the Marsa Open Centre in Marsa on June 20, 2011. The Marsa Open Centre's capacity is of 650 people, but now hosts 900 immigrants, most of which are from Somalia. The centre's popoulation is composed of immigrants who received subsidary protection, asylum seekers (immigrants who applied and wait for their case to be handled), and rejected asylum seekers. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0504.jpg
  • MARSA, MALTA - JUNE 20: A flyer by the Migrants' Network for Equality is here outside the Marsa Open Centre in Marsa on June 20, 2011. The flyer denounces the murder of Suleiman, killed in front of a club in Paceville in 2009, and invites people to a peaceful march on the 24th of June. The Marsa Open Centre's capacity is of 650 people, but now hosts 900 immigrants, most of which are from Somalia. The centre's popoulation is composed of immigrants who received subsidary protection, asylum seekers (immigrants who applied and wait for their case to be handled), and rejected asylum seekers. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0573.jpg
  • MARSA, MALTA - JUNE 20: An immigrant sits on a wall at the entrance of the Marsa Open Centre in Marsa on June 20, 2011. The Marsa Open Centre's capacity is of 650 people, but now hosts 900 immigrants, most of which are from Somalia. The centre's popoulation is composed of immigrants who received subsidary protection, asylum seekers (immigrants who applied and wait for their case to be handled), and rejected asylum seekers. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0568.jpg
  • MARSA, MALTA - JUNE 20: A sub-saharan immigrant that distributes food to his fellow immigrants at lunch is here at the Marsa Open Centre in Marsa on June 20, 2011. The Marsa Open Centre's capacity is of 650 people, but now hosts 900 immigrants, most of which are from Somalia. The centre's popoulation is composed of immigrants who received subsidary protection, asylum seekers (immigrants who applied and wait for their case to be handled), and rejected asylum seekers. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0506.jpg
  • MARSA, MALTA - JUNE 20: An immigrant watches Al-Jazeera on TV in the leisure room of the Marsa Open Centre in Marsa on June 20, 2011. The Marsa Open Centre's capacity is of 650 people, but now hosts 900 immigrants, most of which are from Somalia. The centre's popoulation is composed of immigrants who received subsidary protection, asylum seekers (immigrants who applied and wait for their case to be handled), and rejected asylum seekers. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0429.jpg
  • MARSA, MALTA - JUNE 20: A doctor visits an immigrant in his office of the Marsa Open Centre in Marsa on June 20, 2011. The Marsa Open Centre's capacity is of 650 people, but now hosts 900 immigrants, most of which are from Somalia. The centre's popoulation is composed of immigrants who received subsidary protection, asylum seekers (immigrants who applied and wait for their case to be handled), and rejected asylum seekers. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0392.jpg
  • MARSA, MALTA - JUNE 20: A map of Africa is here in one of the offices of the Marsa Open Centre in Marsa on June 20, 2011. The Marsa Open Centre's capacity is of 650 people, but now hosts 900 immigrants, most of which are from Somalia. The centre's popoulation is composed of immigrants who received subsidary protection, asylum seekers (immigrants who applied and wait for their case to be handled), and rejected asylum seekers. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0389.jpg
  • MARSA, MALTA - JUNE 20: Ahmed Bugri from Ghana, director of FSM (Foundation for Shelter and Support to Migrants) is here in his office at the Marsa Open Centre in Marsa on June 20, 2011. The Marsa Open Centre's capacity is of 650 people, but now hosts 900 immigrants, most of which are from Somalia. The centre's popoulation is composed of immigrants who received subsidary protection, asylum seekers (immigrants who applied and wait for their case to be handled), and rejected asylum seekers. "The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres" Ahmed says. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0373.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - JUNE 19: Malta Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi gives a speech at the EASO (European Asylum Support Office) inauguration at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, Malta, on June 19, 2011. EASO, the European Asylum Support Office, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström at the Upper Barrakka Gardens,Valletta.<br />
The EASO is a regulatory agency set up to improve the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, develop practical cooperation among member states on asylum, and support member states experiencing particular pressure on their asylum systems. Malta lobbied hard to make it the first EU agency based on its shores.
    CIPG_20110619_NYT_MALTA__MG_9949.jpg
  • MARSA, MALTA - JUNE 20: Two beds, hanged clothes and the personal belongings of immigrants in the overcrowded Marsa Open Centre in Marsa on June 20, 2011. The Marsa Open Centre's capacity is of 650 people, but now hosts 900 immigrants, most of which are from Somalia. The centre's popoulation is composed of immigrants who received subsidary protection, asylum seekers (immigrants who applied and wait for their case to be handled), and rejected asylum seekers. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0556.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - JUNE 19: Malta Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi gives a speech at the EASO (European Asylum Support Office) inauguration at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, Malta, on June 19, 2011. EASO, the European Asylum Support Office, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström at the Upper Barrakka Gardens,Valletta.<br />
The EASO is a regulatory agency set up to improve the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, develop practical cooperation among member states on asylum, and support member states experiencing particular pressure on their asylum systems. Malta lobbied hard to make it the first EU agency based on its shores.
    CIPG_20110619_NYT_MALTA__MG_9968.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - JUNE 19: EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom gives a speech at the EASO (European Asylum Support Office) inauguration at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, Malta, on June 19, 2011. EASO, the European Asylum Support Office, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström at the Upper Barrakka Gardens,Valletta.<br />
The EASO is a regulatory agency set up to improve the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, develop practical cooperation among member states on asylum, and support member states experiencing particular pressure on their asylum systems. Malta lobbied hard to make it the first EU agency based on its shores.
    CIPG_20110619_NYT_MALTA__MG_9871.jpg
  • Marsa, Malta - 17 August, 2012: Sub-saharan migrants play pool in one of the recreation rooms of the Marsa Open Centre, in Marsa, Malta,  on 17 August, 2012.<br />
<br />
The Marsa Open Centre's capacity is of 650 people, most of which are from Somalia. The centre's popoulation is composed of immigrants who received subsidary protection, asylum seekers (immigrants who applied and wait for their case to be handled), and rejected asylum seekers.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres.  All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center. The migrants who do not receive neither refugee status of subsidiary protection are considered illegal, though living in the open centers. They end up living in Malta for months or years, while some go aboad illegally.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120817_NYT_Malta__MG_5653.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - JUNE 19: EASO Executive Director Robert Visser gives a speech at the EASO (European Asylum Support Office) inauguration at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, Malta, on June 19, 2011. EASO, the European Asylum Support Office, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström at the Upper Barrakka Gardens,Valletta.<br />
The EASO is a regulatory agency set up to improve the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, develop practical cooperation among member states on asylum, and support member states experiencing particular pressure on their asylum systems. Malta lobbied hard to make it the first EU agency based on its shores.
    CIPG_20110619_NYT_MALTA__MG_9879.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - JUNE 19: Malta Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi (center), Malta Home Affairs Minister Carm Misfud Bonnici (right), EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom (rear left) and EASO Executive Director Robert Visser (rear right) enter the Upper Barrakka Gardens for the EASO (European Asylum Support Office) inauguration in Valletta, Malta, on June 19, 2011. EASO, the European Asylum Support Office, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström at the Upper Barrakka Gardens,Valletta.<br />
The EASO is a regulatory agency set up to improve the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, develop practical cooperation among member states on asylum, and support member states experiencing particular pressure on their asylum systems. Malta lobbied hard to make it the first EU agency based on its shores.
    CIPG_20110619_NYT_MALTA__MG_9786.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - JUNE 19: (L-R) EASO (European Asylum Support Office) Management Board Chairperson Stéphane Fratacci,  EASO Executive Director Robert Visser, Malta Home Affairs Minister Carm Misfud Bonnici, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom and Malta Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi attend the inauguration of EASO at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, Malta, on June 19, 2011. EASO, the European Asylum Support Office, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström at the Upper Barrakka Gardens,Valletta.<br />
The EASO is a regulatory agency set up to improve the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, develop practical cooperation among member states on asylum, and support member states experiencing particular pressure on their asylum systems. Malta lobbied hard to make it the first EU agency based on its shores.
    CIPG_20110619_NYT_MALTA__MG_0051.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - JUNE 19:  (L-R) Malta Home Affairs Minister Carm Misfud Bonnici, Malta Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, EASO Executive Director Robert Visser and EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom look at the EASO logo as it is unveiled at the EASO (European Asylum Support Office) inauguration at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, Malta, on June 19, 2011. EASO, the European Asylum Support Office, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström at the Upper Barrakka Gardens,Valletta.<br />
The EASO is a regulatory agency set up to improve the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, develop practical cooperation among member states on asylum, and support member states experiencing particular pressure on their asylum systems. Malta lobbied hard to make it the first EU agency based on its shores.
    CIPG_20110619_NYT_MALTA__MG_0046.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - JUNE 19:  (L-R) Malta Home Affairs Minister Carm Misfud Bonnici, Malta Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, EASO Executive Director Robert Visser and EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom look at the EASO logo as it is unveiled at the EASO (European Asylum Support Office) inauguration at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, Malta, on June 19, 2011. EASO, the European Asylum Support Office, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström at the Upper Barrakka Gardens,Valletta.<br />
The EASO is a regulatory agency set up to improve the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, develop practical cooperation among member states on asylum, and support member states experiencing particular pressure on their asylum systems. Malta lobbied hard to make it the first EU agency based on its shores.
    CIPG_20110619_NYT_MALTA__MG_0034.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - JUNE 19:  (R-L) EASO Executive Director Robert Visser, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom and Malta Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi attend the EASO (European Asylum Support Office) inauguration at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, Malta, on June 19, 2011. EASO, the European Asylum Support Office, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström at the Upper Barrakka Gardens,Valletta.<br />
The EASO is a regulatory agency set up to improve the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, develop practical cooperation among member states on asylum, and support member states experiencing particular pressure on their asylum systems. Malta lobbied hard to make it the first EU agency based on its shores.
    CIPG_20110619_NYT_MALTA__MG_0003.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - JUNE 19: EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom gives a speech at the EASO (European Asylum Support Office) inauguration at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, Malta, on June 19, 2011. EASO, the European Asylum Support Office, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström at the Upper Barrakka Gardens,Valletta.<br />
The EASO is a regulatory agency set up to improve the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, develop practical cooperation among member states on asylum, and support member states experiencing particular pressure on their asylum systems. Malta lobbied hard to make it the first EU agency based on its shores.
    CIPG_20110619_NYT_MALTA__MG_9841.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Immigrants stay outside the containers they live in at the  Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which includes Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space, and external containers. The conditions are very poor and the has inflamable oil on the floor.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_1309.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Immigrants play soccer at the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which includes Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space, and external containers. The conditions are very poor and the has inflamable oil on the floor.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_1235.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: A Shuka, a 25 years old immigrant from Somali, is here with her son by the Swiss Red Cross tents inside the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which includes Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space, and external containers. The conditions are very poor and the has inflamable oil on the floor.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_1174.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Idris Said Ham, a 32 years old immigrant from Eritrea. lives in a container in the Tent Village, an open centre in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_0670.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: A Sudanese immigrant between two containers of immigrants at the Tent Village, an open centre in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_0654.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 20: Two Maltese guards look over immigrants at the Lyster Barracks Closed Center, a detention center for immigrants in Hal Far (which translates as Rats' town), Malta, on June 20, 2011. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities: the Lyster Barracks Closed Centre, the Safi Closed Centre, and the Ta’kandja Closed Centre. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0354.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 20: Three sub-saharn immigrants that arrived from Libya are here at the Lyster Barracks Closed Center, a detention center for immigrants in Hal Far (which translates as Rats' town), Malta, on June 20, 2011. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities: the Lyster Barracks Closed Centre, the Safi Closed Centre, and the Ta’kandja Closed Centre. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0121.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 20: The entrance of the Lyster Barracks Closed Center,  a detention center for immigrants in Hal Far (which translates as Rats' town), Malta, on June 20, 2011. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities: the Lyster Barracks Closed Centre, the Safi Closed Centre, and the Ta’kandja Closed Centre. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0065.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 21 August, 2012:  Somali migrants wait to be picked up to be hired as day laborers in front of the Hal Far Tent Village open centre, in Hal Far, Malta, on 21 August, 2012.<br />
<br />
The Hal Far Tent Village, initially composed of tents when it first opened, is composed today of 100 containers with no water where the immigrants live for months, and sometimes years. Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") is an industrial area of Malta which hosts two open centres for immigrants. The open centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120821_NYT_Malta__MG_7662.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 21 August, 2012:  Somali migrants wait to be picked up to be hired as day laborers in front of the Hal Far Tent Village open centre, in Hal Far, Malta, on 21 August, 2012.<br />
<br />
The Hal Far Tent Village, initially composed of tents when it first opened, is composed today of 100 containers with no water where the immigrants live for months, and sometimes years. Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") is an industrial area of Malta which hosts two open centres for immigrants. The open centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120821_NYT_Malta__MG_7656.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 20 August, 2012:  Two Sub-Saharan migrants enter the Hal Far Hangar Site open centre after buying some vegetables in Hal Far, Malta, on 20 August, 2012.<br />
<br />
The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which, until 2011, included Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space in very poor conditions and with inflamable oil on the floor. Today, the hangar is closed and the migrants live in 34 external containers with no water. <br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120820_NYT_Malta__MG_7321.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Immigrants stay outside the containers they live in at the  Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which includes Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space, and external containers. The conditions are very poor and the has inflamable oil on the floor.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_1308.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: A Shuka, a 25 years old immigrant from Somali, is here with her son by the Swiss Red Cross tents inside the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which includes Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space, and external containers. The conditions are very poor and the has inflamable oil on the floor.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_1142.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: A Shuka, a 25 years old immigrant from Somali, is here with her son by the Swiss Red Cross tents inside the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which includes Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space, and external containers. The conditions are very poor and the has inflamable oil on the floor.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_1122.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Immigrants stay outside the containers they live in at the  Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which includes Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space, and external containers. The conditions are very poor and the has inflamable oil on the floor.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_1087.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Immigrants play ball and ride bikes at the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which includes Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space, and external containers. The conditions are very poor and the has inflamable oil on the floor.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_1061.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Immigrants hang their clothes between the hangar and a fence at the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which includes Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space, and external containers. The conditions are very poor and the has inflamable oil on the floor.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_1053.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Michael, a 25 years old immigrant from Ethiopia, is here with one of his 15 twins in the Swiss Red Cross tent in the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. Michael and his wife left Libya on a boat that got lost in sea for 10 days, with no food nor water. They fed their twins with toothpaste and sea water for the entire trip. Michael's friend, Mubak (23 years old from Ethiopia), said  military planes and ships saw them on the second and sixth day. On the 10th day they set their boat on fire in order to get rescued. That's when the Maltese forces noticed them. A pregnant woman died on the 10th day, a few hours before the other passengers were rescued.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which includes Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space, and external containers. The conditions are very poor and the has inflamable oil on the floor.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_0985.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Immigrants walk by the Swiss Red Cross tent in the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. Michael and his wife left Libya on a boat that got lost in sea for 10 days, with no food nor water. They fed their twins with toothpaste and sea water for the entire trip.<br />
<br />
The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which includes Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space, and external containers. The conditions are very poor and the has inflamable oil on the floor.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_0968.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Migrants take the 113 bus from Valletta to the Open centres in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_0883.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: A young sub-saharan immigrant walk by the containers in the Tent Village, an open centre in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_0865.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Samzen Muse, 23, with her daughter Farhiya, 14 months,  is an immigrant from Somalia that  lives in a container in the Tent Village, an open centre in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. Samzen arrived together with her three container roommates on a boat from the port of Az Zawiyah, Libya, on a boat with 520 people. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_0795.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Amina Mohammed, 30, and her daughter Sabarina, 20 months (held by Fatima Aden, 26) is an immigrant from Somalia that lives in a container in the Tent Village, an open centre in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011.Amina arrived together with her three container roommates on a boat from the port of Az Zawiyah, Libya, on a boat with 520 people. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_0771.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 20: Lyster Barracks Closed Center, a detention center for immigrants in Hal Far (which translates as Rats' town), Malta, on June 20, 2011. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities: the Lyster Barracks Closed Centre, the Safi Closed Centre, and the Ta’kandja Closed Centre. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0355.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 20: Sub-saharan immigrants that arrived from Libya are here in a room with catholic icons at the  Lyster Barracks Closed Center, a detention center for immigrants in Hal Far (which translates as Rats' town), Malta, on June 20, 2011. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities: the Lyster Barracks Closed Centre, the Safi Closed Centre, and the Ta’kandja Closed Centre. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0299.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 20: Sub-saharan immigrants that arrived from Libya watch an Italian TV channel at the Lyster Barracks Closed Center, a detention center for immigrants in Hal Far (which translates as Rats' town), Malta, on June 20, 2011. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities: the Lyster Barracks Closed Centre, the Safi Closed Centre, and the Ta’kandja Closed Centre. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0286.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 20: Two sub-saharan immigrants that arrived from Libya are behind bars here at the Lyster Barracks Closed Center, a detention center for immigrants in Hal Far (which translates as Rats' town), Malta, on June 20, 2011. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities: the Lyster Barracks Closed Centre, the Safi Closed Centre, and the Ta’kandja Closed Centre. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0268.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 20: Groom, a 27 years old immigrant from Ethiopia that arrived from Libya three months ago, is here at the Lyster Barracks Closed Center, a detention center for immigrants in Hal Far (which translates as Rats' town), Malta, on June 20, 2011. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities: the Lyster Barracks Closed Centre, the Safi Closed Centre, and the Ta’kandja Closed Centre. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0233.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 20: Two sub-saharan immigants that arrived from Libya make braids for their friend (center) at the Lyster Barracks Closed Center, a detention center for immigrants in Hal Far (which translates as Rats' town), Malta, on June 20, 2011. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities: the Lyster Barracks Closed Centre, the Safi Closed Centre, and the Ta’kandja Closed Centre. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0217.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 20: Sub-saharan immigrants that arrived from Libya play checkers on self-made boards and plastic caps at the Lyster Barracks Closed Center, a detention center for immigrants in Hal Far (which translates as Rats' town), Malta, on June 20, 2011. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities: the Lyster Barracks Closed Centre, the Safi Closed Centre, and the Ta’kandja Closed Centre. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0173.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 20: An Ethiopian immigrant that arrived from Libya stays in her room at the Lyster Barracks Closed Center, a detention center for immigrants in Hal Far (which translates as Rats' town), Malta, on June 20, 2011. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities: the Lyster Barracks Closed Centre, the Safi Closed Centre, and the Ta’kandja Closed Centre. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0079.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 20 August, 2012:  Ethiopian migrants stay outside because of the excessive heat of the containers they live in at the Hal Far Hangar Site in Hal Far, Malta, on 20 August, 2012.<br />
<br />
The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which, until 2011, included Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space in very poor conditions and with inflamable oil on the floor. Today, the hangar is closed and the migrants live in 34 external containers with no water. <br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120820_NYT_Malta__MG_7561.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 20 August, 2012:  Two Ghanaian brothers stand in the container they live in and that they share with other 8 Sub-Saharan migrants in the Hal Far Hangar Site in Hal Far, Malta, on 20 August, 2012.<br />
<br />
The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which, until 2011, included Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space in very poor conditions and with inflamable oil on the floor. Today, the hangar is closed and the migrants live in 34 external containers with no water. <br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120820_NYT_Malta__MG_7531.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 20 August, 2012:  Two Ghanaian brothers stand in the container they live in and that they share with other 8 Sub-Saharan migrants in the Hal Far Hangar Site in Hal Far, Malta, on 20 August, 2012.<br />
<br />
The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which, until 2011, included Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space in very poor conditions and with inflamable oil on the floor. Today, the hangar is closed and the migrants live in 34 external containers with no water. <br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120820_NYT_Malta__MG_7527.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 20 August, 2012: A Ghanaian migrant stands outside the container he lives with other 9 Sub-Saharn migrants, including his 16 years old brother, in the Hal Far Hangar Site in Hal Far, Malta, on 20 August, 2012.<br />
<br />
The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which, until 2011, included Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space in very poor conditions and with inflamable oil on the floor. Today, the hangar is closed and the migrants live in 34 external containers with no water. <br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120820_NYT_Malta__MG_7512.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 20 August, 2012:  A Sub-Saharan migrant ridese his bike between the containers of the Hal Far Hangar Site in Hal Far, Malta, on 20 August, 2012.<br />
<br />
The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which, until 2011, included Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space in very poor conditions and with inflamable oil on the floor. Today, the hangar is closed and the migrants live in 34 external containers with no water. <br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120820_NYT_Malta__MG_7337.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 20 August, 2012: Guuleed Abdihe, a 16 years old migrant from Somalia, is in the Hal Far Ten Village open centre at sunrise in Hal Far, Malta, on 20 August, 2012. Gulled arrived in Malta a month ago travelling from Somali by himself.<br />
<br />
The Hal Far Tent Village, initially composed of tents when it first opened, is composed today of 100 containers with no water where the immigrants live for months, and sometimes years. Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") is an industrial area of Malta which hosts two open centres for immigrants. The open centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120820_NYT_Malta__MG_7196.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 19 August, 2012: A group of Sudanese immigrants in their car visits their friends at the Hal Far Tent Village open centre, in Hal Far, Malta, on 19 August, 2012. The Hal Far Tent Village, initially composed of tents when it first opened, is composed today of 100 containers with no water where the immigrants live for months, and sometimes years. Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") is an industrial area of Malta which hosts two open centres for immigrants. The open centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120819_NYT_Malta__MG_6744.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 19 August, 2012: Ethiopian immigrants stand in front of the containers of the Hal Far Tent Village open centre they live in, in Hal Far, Malta, on 19 August, 2012.The Hal Far Tent Village, initially composed of tents when it first opened, is composed today of 100 containers with no water where the immigrants live for months, and sometimes years. Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") is an industrial area of Malta which hosts two open centres for immigrants.  The open centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120819_NYT_Malta__MG_6731.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 19 August, 2012: Immigrants hang their clothes between the containers they live in at the Hal Far Tent Village Open Centre in Hal Far, Malta, on 19 August, 2012. <br />
The Hal Far Tent Village, initially composed of tents when it first opened, is composed today of 100 containers with no water where the immigrants live for months, and sometimes years. Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") is an industrial area of Malta which hosts two open centres for immigrants. The open centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120819_NYT_Malta__MG_6717.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: A birthday picture of Michael's twin (a 25 years old immigrant from Ethiopia) and their stuffed animal are here in a Swiss Red Cross tent in the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. Michael and his wife left Libya on a boat that got lost in sea for 10 days, with no food nor water. They fed their twins with toothpaste and sea water for the entire trip.<br />
<br />
The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which includes Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space, and external containers. The conditions are very poor and the has inflamable oil on the floor.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_0988.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Two 15 months twins, children of Michael (25 years old from Ethiopia) cry in their crib in a Swiss Red Cross tent in the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. Michael and his wife left Libya on a boat that got lost in sea for 10 days, with no food nor water. They fed their twins with toothpaste and sea water for the entire trip. Michael's friend, Mubak (23 years old from Ethiopia), said  military planes and ships saw them on the second and sixth day. On the 10th day they set their boat on fire in order to get rescued. That's when the Maltese forces noticed them. A pregnant woman died on the 10th day, a few hours before the other passengers were rescued.<br />
<br />
The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which includes Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space, and external containers. The conditions are very poor and the has inflamable oil on the floor.<br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_0982.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21:  at the Tent Village, an open centre in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_0674.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 20: Sub-saharan immigrants that arrived from Libya are here at the  Lyster Barracks Closed Center, a detention center for immigrants in Hal Far (which translates as Rats' town), Malta, on June 20, 2011. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities: the Lyster Barracks Closed Centre, the Safi Closed Centre, and the Ta’kandja Closed Centre. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.
    CIPG_20110620_NYT_MALTA__MG_0308.jpg
  • Malta - 21 August, 2012: Aerial view of the Hal Far Tent Village (center) and of the Hangar Site (bottom left) with respectively 100 and 34 containers where migrants live, in Hal Far, Malta,  on 21 August, 2012.<br />
<br />
The open centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120821_NYT_Malta__MG_7868.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 21 August, 2012:  The interior of a container of the Hal Far Hangar Site where migrants live, in Hal Far, Malta on 21 August, 2012. Each one of the 34 containers can host up to 10 migrants. The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which, until 2011, included Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space in very poor conditions and with inflamable oil on the floor. Today, the hangar is closed and the migrants live in 34 external containers with no water. <br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120821_NYT_Malta__MG_7617.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 21 August, 2012:  A hand drawn heart stating "Love is life" appears in one of the 34 containers where migrants live, at the Hal Far Hangar Site in Hal Far, Malta, on 21 August, 2012.<br />
<br />
The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which, until 2011, included Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space in very poor conditions and with inflamable oil on the floor. Today, the hangar is closed and the migrants live in 34 external containers with no water. <br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120821_NYT_Malta__MG_7611.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 20 August, 2012:  Somali migrant Daher Abdi Ali, 28, stands in fron of his bed in the container he lives in and that he shares with other 9 migrants in the Hal Far Hangar Site in Hal Far, Malta, on 20 August, 2012.<br />
<br />
The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which, until 2011, included Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space in very poor conditions and with inflamable oil on the floor. Today, the hangar is closed and the migrants live in 34 external containers with no water. <br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120820_NYT_Malta__MG_7390.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 20 August, 2012:  A migrant stands outside the container he lives in at the Hangar Open Centre, in Hal Far, Malta, on 20 August, 2012. <br />
<br />
The Hangar Open Center is a field with an ex-aircraft hangar which, until 2011, included Swiss Red Cross tents in a dark, non lit space in very poor conditions and with inflamable oil on the floor. Today, the hangar is closed and the migrants live in 34 external containers with no water. <br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120820_NYT_Malta__MG_7217.jpg
  • Hal Far, Malta - 20 August, 2012: Blocks of limestone are piled up by the containers of the Hal Far Tent Village open centre where sub-saharan migrants live, in Hal Far, Malta, on 20 August, 2012.<br />
<br />
The Hal Far Tent Village, initially composed of tents when it first opened, is composed today of 100 containers with no water where the immigrants live for months, and sometimes years. Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") is an industrial area of Malta which hosts two open centres for immigrants. The open centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for their first interview with the Refugee Commissioner. Asylum seekers may be detained for up to 12 months: at this point, if their claim is still pending, they are released and transferred to an Open Center.<br />
<br />
Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times
    CIPG_20120820_NYT_Malta__MG_7166.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Fatima Aden, 26, is an immigrant from Somala who lives in a container with 13 other single women at the Tent Village, an open centre in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. Fatima Aden arrived in Malta on March 28th after fleeing the unrest in Libya. She left from the port of Az Zawiyah, 50 miles from tripoli. There were two boats, and 180 peple were on hers. It took them 33 hours to reach Malta. Fatima lived in Libya for one year and 9 months and worked as a chemist for 500 dinars, which were enough for her. She didn't want to leave but she was forced to. She wasn't threatened and didn't have to pay for the boats. The boats were given to the people by government officials. She's been in Malta now for 3 months and obtained subsidiary protection. She left Somali in 2006 when she was 21 and went first to Nairobi, Kenya, then South Africa. She has 2 sons living with her mother in Uganda. She's not married. Fatima lives in a container in the Hal Far Tent Village with 13 other single women: 2 Ethiopians, 2 Eritreans, 1 Nigerian, 9 Somalis. The majority of migrants living in the tent village is from Somalia. No lights, though they have electricity for a mini fridge. Fatima has a sister in Sweden. <br />
<br />
The Open Centres in Malta serve as a temporary accomodation facility, but they ended becoming permanent accomodation centres, except for those immigrants who receive subsidiary protection or refugee status and that are sent to countries such as the United States, Germany, Poland, and others. All immigrants who enter in Malta illegally are detained. Upon arrival to Malta, irregular migrants and asylum seekers are sent to one of three dedicated immigration detention facilities. Once apprehended by the authorities, immigrants remain in detention even after they apply for refugee status. detention lasts as long as it takes for asylum claims to be determined. This usually takes months; asylum seekers often wait five to 10 months for
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_0722.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: A document, issued by the registry office of the municipality of Palermo to migrants requesting residence in the municipality of Palermo, is seen here in the registry office of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_8835-BW.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando (71), is seen here at his desk during an interview in the town hall of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_9743.jpg
  • SUTERA, ITALY - 8 JANUARY 2018: Asylum seekers attend afternoon Italian classes for adults in the elementary school of Sutera, Italy, on January 8th 2018.<br />
<br />
Sutera is an ancient town plastered onto the side of an enormous monolithic rock, topped with a convent, in the middle of the western half of Sicily, about 90 minutes by car south of the Sicilian capital Palermo<br />
Its population fell from 5,000 in 1970 to 1,500 today. In the past 3 years its population has surged  after the local mayor agreed to take in some of the thousands of migrants that have made the dangerous journey from Africa to the Sicily.<br />
<br />
“Sutera was disappearing,” says mayor Giuseppe Grizzanti. “Italians, bound for Germany or England, packed up and left their homes empty. The deaths of inhabitants greatly outnumbered births. Now, thanks to the refugees, we have a chance to revive the city.”<br />
 Through an Italian state-funded project called SPRAR (Protection System for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), which in turn is co-funded by the European Union's Fund for the Integration of non-EU Immigrants, Sutera was given financial and resettlement assistance that was co-ordinated by a local non-profit organization called Girasoli (Sunflowers). Girasoli organizes everything from housing and medical care to Italian lessons and psychological counselling for the new settlers.<br />
The school appears to have been the biggest beneficiary of the refugees’ arrival, which was kept open thanks to the migrants.<br />
Nunzio Vittarello, the coordinator of the E.U. project working for the NGO “I Girasoli" says that there are 50 families in Sutera at the moment.
    CIPG_20180108_LIBERATION-Sutera__M3_...jpg
  • SUTERA, ITALY - 8 JANUARY 2018: Images of an illustrated Italian alphabet are seen here in a room of a private home used to teach Italian to adult asylum seekers in Sutera, Italy, on January 8th 2018.<br />
<br />
Sutera is an ancient town plastered onto the side of an enormous monolithic rock, topped with a convent, in the middle of the western half of Sicily, about 90 minutes by car south of the Sicilian capital Palermo<br />
Its population fell from 5,000 in 1970 to 1,500 today. In the past 3 years its population has surged  after the local mayor agreed to take in some of the thousands of migrants that have made the dangerous journey from Africa to the Sicily.<br />
<br />
“Sutera was disappearing,” says mayor Giuseppe Grizzanti. “Italians, bound for Germany or England, packed up and left their homes empty. The deaths of inhabitants greatly outnumbered births. Now, thanks to the refugees, we have a chance to revive the city.”<br />
 Through an Italian state-funded project called SPRAR (Protection System for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), which in turn is co-funded by the European Union's Fund for the Integration of non-EU Immigrants, Sutera was given financial and resettlement assistance that was co-ordinated by a local non-profit organization called Girasoli (Sunflowers). Girasoli organizes everything from housing and medical care to Italian lessons and psychological counselling for the new settlers.<br />
The school appears to have been the biggest beneficiary of the refugees’ arrival, which was kept open thanks to the migrants.<br />
Nunzio Vittarello, the coordinator of the E.U. project working for the NGO “I Girasoli" says that there are 50 families in Sutera at the moment.
    CIPG_20180108_LIBERATION-Sutera__M3_...jpg
  • SUTERA, ITALY - 8 JANUARY 2018: The daughter of  Nigerian asylum seekers attends is seen here in a kindergarten class in Sutera, Italy, on January 8th 2018.<br />
<br />
Sutera is an ancient town plastered onto the side of an enormous monolithic rock, topped with a convent, in the middle of the western half of Sicily, about 90 minutes by car south of the Sicilian capital Palermo<br />
Its population fell from 5,000 in 1970 to 1,500 today. In the past 3 years its population has surged  after the local mayor agreed to take in some of the thousands of migrants that have made the dangerous journey from Africa to the Sicily.<br />
<br />
“Sutera was disappearing,” says mayor Giuseppe Grizzanti. “Italians, bound for Germany or England, packed up and left their homes empty. The deaths of inhabitants greatly outnumbered births. Now, thanks to the refugees, we have a chance to revive the city.”<br />
 Through an Italian state-funded project called SPRAR (Protection System for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), which in turn is co-funded by the European Union's Fund for the Integration of non-EU Immigrants, Sutera was given financial and resettlement assistance that was co-ordinated by a local non-profit organization called Girasoli (Sunflowers). Girasoli organizes everything from housing and medical care to Italian lessons and psychological counselling for the new settlers.<br />
The school appears to have been the biggest beneficiary of the refugees’ arrival, which was kept open thanks to the migrants.<br />
Nunzio Vittarello, the coordinator of the E.U. project working for the NGO “I Girasoli" says that there are 50 families in Sutera at the moment.
    CIPG_20180108_LIBERATION-Sutera__M3_...jpg
  • SUTERA, ITALY - 8 JANUARY 2018: The daughter of  Nigerian asylum seekers attends the 3rd grade of elementary school in Sutera, Italy, on January 8th 2018.<br />
<br />
Sutera is an ancient town plastered onto the side of an enormous monolithic rock, topped with a convent, in the middle of the western half of Sicily, about 90 minutes by car south of the Sicilian capital Palermo<br />
Its population fell from 5,000 in 1970 to 1,500 today. In the past 3 years its population has surged  after the local mayor agreed to take in some of the thousands of migrants that have made the dangerous journey from Africa to the Sicily.<br />
<br />
“Sutera was disappearing,” says mayor Giuseppe Grizzanti. “Italians, bound for Germany or England, packed up and left their homes empty. The deaths of inhabitants greatly outnumbered births. Now, thanks to the refugees, we have a chance to revive the city.”<br />
 Through an Italian state-funded project called SPRAR (Protection System for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), which in turn is co-funded by the European Union's Fund for the Integration of non-EU Immigrants, Sutera was given financial and resettlement assistance that was co-ordinated by a local non-profit organization called Girasoli (Sunflowers). Girasoli organizes everything from housing and medical care to Italian lessons and psychological counselling for the new settlers.<br />
The school appears to have been the biggest beneficiary of the refugees’ arrival, which was kept open thanks to the migrants.<br />
Nunzio Vittarello, the coordinator of the E.U. project working for the NGO “I Girasoli" says that there are 50 families in Sutera at the moment.
    CIPG_20180108_LIBERATION-Sutera__M3_...jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando (71), poses for a portrait in his office in the town hall of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_9852-BW.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando (71), poses for a portrait in his office in the town hall of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_9843-BW.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando (71), is seen here at his desk during an interview in the town hall of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_9761-BW.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando (71), is seen here at his desk during an interview in the town hall of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_9743-BW.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando (71), is seen here at his desk during an interview in the town hall of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_9739-BW.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: Ouattara Ibrahima Kobena<br />
(34, from Ivory Coast),  President of the Council of Cultures of the City of Palermo, poses for a portrait in front of the registry office for foreigners of the municipality of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019. The Council of Cultures sees its role as ultimately guaranteeing that new residents to the city are able to take their place in the political and institutional life of the city as full citizens regardless of their nationality or immigration status.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_8955-BW.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: A migrant seeking registration for residence receives informations from a clerk at the registry office for foreigners of the municipality of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
The registry office of the municipality of Palermo is collecting the requests of migrants seeking registration for residence and is waiting to see if they will be accepted on the basis of the indications of the mayor Leoluca Orlando who suspended the security decree by Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_8849-BW.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: The counter of registry office for foreigners of the municipality of Palermo is seen here in Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_8775-BW.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: A migrant seeking registration for residence waits at registry office for foreigners of the municipality of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
The registry office of the municipality of Palermo is collecting the requests of migrants seeking registration for residence and is waiting to see if they will be accepted on the basis of the indications of the mayor Leoluca Orlando who suspended the security decree by Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_8770-BW.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 16 JANUARY 2019: The writing "Salvini Parassita" (Salvini Parassite) is tagged on a wall by the University of Palermo, Italy, on January 16th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190116_NYT_Palermo_M3_6954-BW.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 16 JANUARY 2019: A jockey rides a horse in front of the writing "Salvini Parassita" (Salvini Parassite), tagged on a wall by the University of Palermo, Italy, on January 16th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190116_NYT_Palermo_M3_6923-BW.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando (71) is seen here by paintings of Saint Rosalia (left), the saint patron of Palermo, and Saint Benedict the Moor (right, a 16th century Sicilian friar born of African slaves), here in a chapel of the town hall of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_9861.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: A letter from Pope Francis and an image of the Dalai Lama are seen here on the desk of Leoluca Orlando, Mayor of Palermo, during an interview in the town hall of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_9798.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando (71), is seen here at his desk during an interview in the town hall of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_9749.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando (71), is seen here at his desk during an interview in the town hall of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_9739.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: A migrant seeking registration for residence receives informations from a clerk at the registry office for foreigners of the municipality of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
The registry office of the municipality of Palermo is collecting the requests of migrants seeking registration for residence and is waiting to see if they will be accepted on the basis of the indications of the mayor Leoluca Orlando who suspended the security decree by Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_8849.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: A document, issued by the registry office of the municipality of Palermo to migrants requesting residence in the municipality of Palermo, is seen here in the registry office of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_8835.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: The counter of registry office for foreigners of the municipality of Palermo is seen here in Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_8775.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 17 JANUARY 2019: A migrant seeking registration for residence waits at registry office for foreigners of the municipality of Palermo, Italy, on January 17th 2019.<br />
<br />
The registry office of the municipality of Palermo is collecting the requests of migrants seeking registration for residence and is waiting to see if they will be accepted on the basis of the indications of the mayor Leoluca Orlando who suspended the security decree by Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190117_NYT_Palermo_M3_8770.jpg
  • PALERMO, ITALY - 16 JANUARY 2019: The writing "Salvini Parassita" (Salvini Parassite) is tagged on a wall by the University of Palermo, Italy, on January 16th 2019.<br />
<br />
Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, together with the mayors of Naples, Florence and Parma, are rebelling against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini by refusing to implement the new controversial security law which reduces the rights of asylum seekers.<br />
The "Salvini decree", passed in November 2018 by the far-right government, removes humanitarian protection status – one of the three forms of asylum offered by Italy – which means thousands of people would no longer be entitled to state shelter.<br />
“It is not an act of civil disobedience or conscientious objection, but the simple application of the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all those who live in our country”, Leoluca Orlando said.
    CIPG_20190116_NYT_Palermo_M3_6954.jpg
  • SUTERA, ITALY - 8 JANUARY 2018: The daughter of  Somali asylum seekers attends the 1st grade of elementary school in Sutera, Italy, on January 8th 2018.<br />
<br />
Sutera is an ancient town plastered onto the side of an enormous monolithic rock, topped with a convent, in the middle of the western half of Sicily, about 90 minutes by car south of the Sicilian capital Palermo<br />
Its population fell from 5,000 in 1970 to 1,500 today. In the past 3 years its population has surged  after the local mayor agreed to take in some of the thousands of migrants that have made the dangerous journey from Africa to the Sicily.<br />
<br />
“Sutera was disappearing,” says mayor Giuseppe Grizzanti. “Italians, bound for Germany or England, packed up and left their homes empty. The deaths of inhabitants greatly outnumbered births. Now, thanks to the refugees, we have a chance to revive the city.”<br />
 Through an Italian state-funded project called SPRAR (Protection System for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), which in turn is co-funded by the European Union's Fund for the Integration of non-EU Immigrants, Sutera was given financial and resettlement assistance that was co-ordinated by a local non-profit organization called Girasoli (Sunflowers). Girasoli organizes everything from housing and medical care to Italian lessons and psychological counselling for the new settlers.<br />
The school appears to have been the biggest beneficiary of the refugees’ arrival, which was kept open thanks to the migrants.<br />
Nunzio Vittarello, the coordinator of the E.U. project working for the NGO “I Girasoli" says that there are 50 families in Sutera at the moment.
    CIPG_20180108_LIBERATION-Sutera__M3_...jpg
  • SUTERA, ITALY - 8 JANUARY 2018: A couple of Nigerian asylum seekers and their daughter walk toward the school where they will attend afternoon Italian classes, in Sutera, Italy, on January 8th 2018.<br />
<br />
Sutera is an ancient town plastered onto the side of an enormous monolithic rock, topped with a convent, in the middle of the western half of Sicily, about 90 minutes by car south of the Sicilian capital Palermo<br />
Its population fell from 5,000 in 1970 to 1,500 today. In the past 3 years its population has surged  after the local mayor agreed to take in some of the thousands of migrants that have made the dangerous journey from Africa to the Sicily.<br />
<br />
“Sutera was disappearing,” says mayor Giuseppe Grizzanti. “Italians, bound for Germany or England, packed up and left their homes empty. The deaths of inhabitants greatly outnumbered births. Now, thanks to the refugees, we have a chance to revive the city.”<br />
 Through an Italian state-funded project called SPRAR (Protection System for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), which in turn is co-funded by the European Union's Fund for the Integration of non-EU Immigrants, Sutera was given financial and resettlement assistance that was co-ordinated by a local non-profit organization called Girasoli (Sunflowers). Girasoli organizes everything from housing and medical care to Italian lessons and psychological counselling for the new settlers.<br />
The school appears to have been the biggest beneficiary of the refugees’ arrival, which was kept open thanks to the migrants.<br />
Nunzio Vittarello, the coordinator of the E.U. project working for the NGO “I Girasoli" says that there are 50 families in Sutera at the moment.
    CIPG_20180108_LIBERATION-Sutera__M3_...jpg
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