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22 Jul 2026Italian court reaffirms Libya is not a safe haven for rescued migrantsFor several years, the Italian government has been detaining civil rescue vessels for not coordinating with Libyan authorities when they recover people in distress at sea. On 9 July, the Italian court system again recognised the unlawfulness of such detentions - this time after the SOS HumanityAccess to JusticeMigrants & Refugees -
18 Jul 2026Trial of Smyrtos master set to become test case for criminalisation of shadow fleet seafarersMV Smyrtos Case Smyrtos master Ajay Pant has been denied bail and will remain in custody ahead of a December trial over alleged sanctions breaches linked to the first shadow fleet tanker seized by theAccess to Justice -
17 Jul 2026Australian SBS News investigates the risks of being a tuna fisheries observerWhen SBS News reporter Jennifer Scherer approached fisheries observers to speak about their experiences on commercial fishing vessels, many were afraid to speak publicly due to fear of retributionAccess to JusticeLaw Reform and Policy Development -
13 Jul 2026SOS MEDITERRANEE acquittal ends nine-year battle against SAR criminalisationOn 10 July, the Criminal Court of Catania in Italy acquitted the crew of the Aquarius of charges related to alleged illicit waste trafficking. The acquittal, after nine years of legal proceedings, is an important milestone for civil society rescue organisations in their long-term fight forMigrants & Refugees -
09 Jul 2026Paris MoU report highlights Maritime Labour Convention non-complianceThe Paris MoU has published its 2025 Annual Report and performance lists highlighting an increased number of vessel bans compared to the previous few years. The detention rate also trended upwardProjects and Initiatives -
07 Jul 2026Cayman Maritime strengthens efforts to tackle sexual harassmentThe Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands is undertaking a concentrated inspection campaign focused on sexual harassment. It’s the next step in the registry’s long-term commitment to crew welfareAccess to JusticeLaw Reform and Policy Development -
03 Jul 2026Protecting Crew Lives launches yachting crew welfare survey after death of Paige BellPRESS RELEASE South Africa · July 3, 2026 Protecting Crew Lives (PCL) is calling on super yacht crew members to take its survey into their living and working conditions on the first anniversary of the tragic death of Paige Bell. Alongside the PCL platform launch on June 16, PCL has deployed theAccess to JusticeLaw Reform and Policy Development -
26 Jun 2026The hard reality and unspoken truths of human rights at seaOriginal article published by The Manila Times 17 June 2026 by Yashika Torib Reproduced with kind permission. (Updated 19 June 2025). Picking up from The Manila Times Maritime Section’s recentlyAccess to JusticeLaw Reform and Policy Development -
25 Jun 2026Threat of Criminalisation Again Hangs Over Humanitarian Rescue OperationsFor now, the captain of the Sea-Watch 5 has been allowed to leave Italy and return home to the Netherlands. A criminal investigation into his alleged “aiding and abetting unauthorised immigration” isLaw Reform and Policy DevelopmentMigrants & Refugees
