Rédaction Africa Links 24 with M Abdo
Published on 2024-03-04 18:11:36
As the European Union elections draw near, the Italian branch of SOS Mediterranee has taken a bold stance by launching a petition to change the direction of policies regarding the sea rescues of migrants and refugees. Valeria Taurino, the organization’s director, made this announcement from the port of Siracusa on the Italian island of Sicily while onboard the Ocean Viking ship on February 29.
Taurino highlighted the urgency of the situation by stating, “We want to launch a petition to change the direction of policies on sea rescues. In a few months, there will be European Parliament elections, and we believe that they could be a turning point.” She pointed out that in the past year, there have been 16 administrative detentions for NGO ships that allegedly violated the Piantedosi decree, a regulation that undermines the international law of the sea.
The director stressed the need for change, especially in response to the actions of Libyan authorities. Taurino expressed concern over the increasingly harsh policies aimed at hindering and criminalizing sea rescues. She mentioned that oftentimes these detentions of NGO ships result from false information provided by the Libyan Coast Guard, who illegally intercept migrants at sea and forcibly push them back.
“This has been confirmed by the UN, the Council of Europe, and the Court of Cassation,” Taurino emphasized. The Italian branch of SOS Mediterranee has called on candidates for the European Parliament to take a stand on this pressing issue.
Taurino asserted, “The time has come to say enough is enough. With this petition, we intend to halt all measures that impede sea rescues, ensure compliance with international maritime law, and put an end to agreements with countries like Libya, Tunisia, and Albania. We also want to eliminate dangerous and discriminatory practices such as assigning ports far from the point of disembarkation.”
The organization’s director further elaborated on their demands, stating, “We are urging for EU funds allocated for border control to be redirected towards increasing sea rescues. We commit to presenting this petition to European leaders and candidates for the European Parliament to see who will support these calls for more humane policies.”
As the European Parliament elections approach, SOS Mediterranee’s initiative to change the direction of policies on sea rescues has garnered attention and support. The organization’s efforts aim to bring about tangible changes that prioritize the safety and well-being of migrants and refugees in distress at sea. By raising awareness and advocating for more humane practices, SOS Mediterranee is pushing for a shift towards compassionate and effective solutions to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean.
Read the original article on Libya Update
