I refer to the article “Spanish trawler standoff taken to the big screen” (TMIS, 31 August). The article talks about a film being screened in Spain on the standoff between Malta, Spain, and UNHCR over the Spanish trawler Francisco y Catalina in July 2006. The trawler had picked up illegal immigrants in Libya’s search and rescue area and tried to disembark them in Malta. You did well to add that the film would recount the version of events of the Spanish trawler’s crew. That way we know what to expect.

There was a detail I did not understand at the time, but which I do now. UNHCR, described as the United Nations refugee agency, had conspicuously taken the side of Spain and expected the Maltese government to bear the brunt of the incident. I could not understand how a United Nations agency, of which Malta and Spain are equal member States, could be flagrantly and publicly n side with one against the other.

I have since learnt that UNHCR is not a typical United Nations agency. According to its website (www.unhcr.org), only 3.5 per cent of its income derives from the United Nations; 96.5 per cent are donations. Spain is one of the major donors, whereas Malta does not even figure in the list of contributors. During the period 1999-2007, Spain donated some $100 million, about a quarter of it in the year of the standoff. Human nature being what it is, UNHCR’s position can be understood.

There is also something curious regarding UNHCR’s position in Malta. Usually it signs a cooperation agreement with the country where it is represented, known as accord de siège. It is well known that UNHCR has an office here without ever having concluded such an agreement with Malta. It is represented by Dr Neil Falzon who is variously and confusingly described as UNHCR’s representative, head of office or consultant, with each title having different diplomatic implications. It would be useful if the reading public could be informed if Dr Falzon is a staff member of the United Nations or a freelance expert on refugee law under contract with UNHCR.

Louise Vella

MOSTA