UN Human Rights Experts Condemn Italian Bill To Fine Migrant Rescuers - OHCHR

UN human rights experts have criticized a proposed draft decree by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini that would fine those who rescue migrants at sea and urged Rome to halt its approval, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said on Monday

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th May, 2019) UN human rights experts have criticized a proposed draft decree by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini that would fine those who rescue migrants at sea and urged Rome to halt its approval, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said on Monday.

"We urge authorities to stop endangering the lives of migrants, including asylum seekers and victims of trafficking in persons, by invoking the fight against traffickers. This approach is misleading and is not in line with both general international law and international human rights law," the independent experts said in the release.

The proposed decree, which was unveiled by Salvini earlier this month, would fine vessels $6,100 for every person rescued at sea and taken to Italian territory.

Non-governmental organization rescue boats and other vessels that rescued migrants could also have their licenses revoked or suspended.

The human rights experts also requested the withdrawal of two previous directives banning NGO vessels rescuing migrants off the Libyan coast from accessing Italian ports, the release said.

Europe has been struggling with its worst migration crisis in recent history for some four years. Italy alongside Spain and Greece have been among the most affected countries as they serve as the main entry points for migrants trying to reach Europe by sea.

Italy's government has banned vessels carrying rescued migrants from entering its territorial waters, with the nation's ports having remained closed to such boats since last summer.