UNHCR Malta expressed surprise at having been denied access to part of the group of 102 men, women and children rescued yesterday morning.

The local branch of the UN’s High Commission for Refugees said it visited some of the group, all Somali nationals, at the Lyster detention centre. It said several intended to apply for asylum.

Access was requested to the rest of the group, held at the police headquarters, but a representative was not allowed in. The agency said it had expected access in view of the formal agreement with the Government that allows UNHCR personnel “unimpeded access to refugees and other persons of concern”.

“UNHCR’s access to asylum seekers is also prescribed in terms of Maltese refugee and immigration legislation.”

Given the current situation in Libya, forced return or push-back of asylum seekers “is not an option, as this would constitute a breach of international law”, said Jon Hoisaeter, UNHCR Representative to Malta.