Detention of migrants at sea in breach of human rights - NGOs

Maltese human rights NGOs have written to the EU home affairs commissioner arguing that the government's detention of migrants at sea represents a breach of human rights. NGOs Aditus, Integra and the Jesuit Refugee Service called on Commissioner Ylva Johansson to urgently intervene to resolve the situation.  More than 150 people are currently being held on two chartered private ferries - typically used for harbour cruises - just outside Maltese territorial waters after the country closed its ports in April.  The NGOs said they had no information as to whether any assessments had been conducted to identify vulnerable persons or unaccompanied minors, although 18 women and children were brought ashore to Malta. Moreover, they said, those on board had no access to lawyers, supporting organisations, interpreters or the UNHCR and had not been provided information as to their legal situation and related rights.  "In particular, we sincerely doubt that the right or possibility to seek asylum has been explained to them, as it is clear that Malta’s intentions are for them not to reach Maltese territory," the NGOs said.  The NGOs argued that keeping the migrants aboard the vessels was a...