We are extremely concerned at yet another allegation that Malta illegally pushed back to Libya a group of 83 persons. According to the reports, the people were in distress at sea in Malta’s Search and Rescue Zone. The reports further allege that, instead of coordinating their rescue, Malta somehow permitted the Libyan authorities to enter Malta’s zone of rescue responsibility and to return the people to Libya.
Libya is not a safe country. It remains unsafe due to widespread and on-going conflict. This is aggravated by the fact that it does not yet have a Government able to provide security and stability to the entire country and to all people living in it.
Furthermore, the awful situation for non-Libyan nationals living in Libya is very well-documented, including by United Nations expert observers. Human rights violations of the most egregious nature occur on a daily basis. Migrants and refugees are not safe in Libya.
“Malta’s declared prevention policy must not result in loss of life or in human rights violations. Illegal actions cannot be part of Malta’s strategy to control its borders.”
Neil Falzon, aditus Director
We therefore urge Malta to refrain from returning to Libya persons in distress at sea, including through facilitation with the Libyan authorities. We also urge Malta to immediately investigate the most recent pushback allegation and to publish the findings of its investigation.
- aditus foundation
- Association for Justice, Equality and Peace (AJEP)
- Blue Door Education
- Christian Life Community – Malta
- The Critical Institute
- Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation
- Humanists Malta
- Jesuit Refugee Service (Malta)
- Justice and Peace Commission
- KOPIN
- Maltese Association of Social Workers
- Migrants Commission, Archdiocese of Malta
- Migrant Women Association Malta
- Office of the Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Malta
- Office of the Dean, Faculty for Social Wellbeing, University of Malta
- Paulo Freire Institute Foundation
- PEN Malta
- Repubblika
- SAR Malta Network
- SPARK15
- St Jeanne Antide Foundation
- Victim Support Malta
- Women’s Rights Foundation
🆘 ~83 people are being abducted from #Malta Search and Rescue zone – right now!
— @alarmphone (@alarm_phone) April 8, 2024
Alarm Phone was alerted to a boat adrift in Malta SAR. Instead of being rescued to safety they are currently forcibly intercepted by the so-called Libyan coastguard. These crimes at sea need to end! pic.twitter.com/JgqoWKh5Ny