
ICJ oral statement in the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants
The ICJ drew attention on various issues related migrants and asylum seekers.
The ICJ drew attention on various issues related migrants and asylum seekers.
Malta should abandon its policy of mandatory detention of undocumented migrants and asylum seekers and dedicate resources to significantly improve their reception conditions, says a new ICJ report.
On 29 September, the ICJ, the Maltese NGO “aditus”, and the UNCHR office in Malta organized these trainings with the support of the European Commission Representation in the country.
The trainings targeted stakeholders working with migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, as well as those not working with these groups.
The topics covered included general human rights principles, international refugee law, human rights in Malta, detention of migrants and economic, social and cultural rights. The primary aims of the trainings were to facilitate migrant mainstreaming and the promotion of a rights-based approach to migrant issues.”
The ICJ drew the attention of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants to the fact that between 6 and 10 May 2009 the Italian authorities intercepted some 500 migrants in international waters.
These people were trying to reach Italy in small boats. Italian authorities escorted them back to Libya, without taking due account of Italy’s obligations in relation to potential asylum-seekers or others who may not be transferred to Libya for reasons of non-refoulement, as stipulated in Article 33 of the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.
The ICJ is concerned that an amendment introduced to new security legislation on administrative detention of irregular migrants would contravene international human rights standards.