UNHCR looking into possible violations of intl. law in deporting 108 migrants to Libya

BY Libyan Express Jul 31, 2018 - 14:56

Illegal immigrants, who were rescued by the Libyan coastguard in the Mediterranean off the Libyan coast, arrive at a naval base in the capital Tripoli on May 10, 2017. [AFP PHOTO / MAHMUD TURKIA]

The U.N. refugee agency says it is looking into possible violations of international law involving the transport to Libya of 108 migrants rescued at sea by an Italian-flagged mercantile ship.

Responding to the suspicions, Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said on Facebook Tuesday that the Italian coast guard was not involved in the rescue, which was coordinated by the Libyan coast guard.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in Italy said on Twitter that Libya is not a secure port, making such a transfer a violation of international law.

An Italian lawmaker aboard an NGO rescue ship, Nicola Frantoianni said on Facebook that they had proof that the ship, Asso Ventotto, was taking the migrants to Libya, calling it “a very serious precedent” if ordered by the Italian coast guard.

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