UNHCR voices concern over comments to FT

The United Nations' refugee agency has expressed serious concerns over comments, reportedly made by Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg, that Malta was contemplating suspending its international obligations.

In a statement, the UNHCR said it was very much aware that Malta has been facing important challenges during the summer months.

But by suspending its international obligations, it could seriously affect the fate and safety of the various categories of people that approach the island, including asylum-seekers and persons in need of international protection, the UNHCR said.

In an interview granted to the Financial Times, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg expressed his government's frustration over the issue of irregular migration, prompting him to say that Malta was considering suspending its international obligations.

Dr Borg described the response from the EU to the problem as "sluggish" and said that despite continuing diplomatic efforts, the Libyans seemed incapable of stopping boats leaving its ports.

Subsequently, the minister denied that he had meant Malta would suspend its international obligations, which would pave the way to return undocumented migrants or force them to seek landing at nearby Italian islands, as reported by the FT.

"He only said that all options are open without actually referring to any specific one. Any change in the government's position under international law, which has not been contemplated until now, would only take place under the rules of such law; and not in breach of them," a spokesman for Dr Borg clarified yesterday.

The UNHCR said it was reassured by such statements that, despite the problematic situation, Malta will continue to honour its international obligations.

"The UNHCR otherwise hopes that Malta finds the support needed from the appropriate institutions to face the summer's challenges."

In a statement issued later, Dr Borg called on the UNHCR to step up its efforts to help Malta resettle immigrants to other European countries.

There are over 1,000 irregular immigrants from 33 different countries being held in eight detention centres in Malta.

EU countries are parties to the 1951 Geneva Convention and its (1967) Protocol, which outline the obligations of countries that receive applications from asylum-seekers and the basic rights that should be granted to asylum-seekers and refugees.

Malta signed this convention in 1970 and since then the Emigrants' Commission has acted as the body responsible for asylum-seekers and refugees in Malta.

There is also the Dublin Convention that determines which country is responsible for examining an application for asylum. This avoids situations of refugees being shuttled from one EU country to another with none accepting responsibility.