The Interdiction of Asylum Seekers at Sea: Intersection with Coastal State's Obligation in UNCLOS, SOLAS and SAR Conventions

Interception and repatriation of asylum seekers in different maritime zones has been a common practice of the coastal states in recent years. This situation is in contrast with the coastal states' obligations to assist asylum seekers and that the study of its dimensions is one of the object and purposes of this article. The research method is descriptive-analytical and relies on the provisions of the UNCLOS, SOLAS and SAR Conventions. Main research question is what is the Coastal State's international obligations in rendering assistance to asylum seekers and avoiding interception and push back of their ship in different maritime zones? Research findings show that the Coastal State is obligated to cooperate with the ship's Master and its flag State to rescue people in distress at sea, asylum seekers disembarkation and provide them a safe haven in its territory. However, the interdiction of asylum seekers from the Territorial Waters and the Contiguous Zone is justified by the provisions of the UNCLOS and from the High Seas and the Exclusive Economic Zone with bilateral agreements, which however is not an accepted practice.