A Tale of Non-State Actors and Human Rights at Sea: Maritime Migration Crisis and Commercial Vessels' Obligations

The main purpose of this article is to present the role which non-state actors have played in the maritime migration crisis in Europe. Therefore, theoretical considerations regarding non-state actors' obligations derived from human rights regulations and refugee law, in terms of maritime migration, have been conducted. The author points out that, in the current situation very little attention has been devoted to the shipping industry and commercial vessels as holders of human rights responsibilities and hence such analysis is necessary. The author analyzes international legal acts from the scope of international maritime law, human rights law and refugee law. In conclusion, it is summarized that addressing the issue of maritime migration would require amending many international legal treaties. Additionally, it is indicated that it is necessary to study migration as a complex phenomenon which has not only implications in international law pertaining to human rights and refugee law, but also for the shipping industry.