German Rescue Ship Enters Sicilian Port, Disembarks Minors

 

Italy allowed a humanitarian rescue ship carrying 179 migrants to enter a Sicilian port and begin disembarking minors early Sunday, while refusing to respond to requests for safe harbor from three other ships carrying 900 more people in nearby waters.

Italy's new far-right-led government has closed its ports to rescue ships run by non-governmental groups and insists that the countries whose flag the ships fly must take in the migrants. It granted the Humanity 1 access to port to land minors and people needing medical attention.

Officials at the German-run charity that operates the Humanity 1 challenged Italy's move to distinguish vulnerable migrants, saying all were rescued at sea and that alone qualifies them for a safe port under international law.