Cancelling an Economy Light fare - refund of taxes?

Having booked an Economy Light fare for family of 3, we now have to change our plans and leave 2 weeks earlier.
It's non cancelable/ non refundable, so... sigh... I guess the money is lost.
But - I did think they had to refund you the Govt taxes (about 50% of this fare!) as they don't pay those when you cancel - is this correct, or is the whole sum lost via some other legal clause?!
Thanks all
It's non cancelable/ non refundable, so... sigh... I guess the money is lost.
But - I did think they had to refund you the Govt taxes (about 50% of this fare!) as they don't pay those when you cancel - is this correct, or is the whole sum lost via some other legal clause?!
Thanks all