Closure of ports goes against the 1951 Refugee Convention

Neither Malta, nor Italy were respecting the 1951 Refugee Convention in regards to the principle of non-refoulement. This principle applies wherever the “State exercises its authority, including beyond its borders, for example when intercepting ships on the high seas. All refugees are entitled to protection from refoulement – including those who have not been formally recognized as such.” (1951 Refugee Convention). More...