Guardian: EU asks tech firms to pitch refugee-tracking systems

“Border agency Frontex has asked for designs for smartphone apps and databases to track and manage refugees arriving in Europe […]
But some of the frontline organisations working with migrants questioned how such a system would work. Dr Maurice Stierl of WatchTheMed Alarm Phone, an organisation of activists that supports free movement of migrants, criticised the proposals. The organisation operates an emergency phone service for migrants whose boats get into trouble in various stretches of sea around Europe, contacting the nearest coastguards to alert them when they receive an SOS call. In the last 15 months they have received about 1,400 distress calls. “

External Link: Guardian: EU asks tech firms to pitch refugee-tracking systems

Alarmphone on X

🆘 ~60 people in urgent distress off #Libya!
The group is drifting on a rubber boat with a broken engine and needs help immediately, as they report water entering and the boat deflating. Authorities are alerted - there is no time to lose! We urge them to act without delay!

🆘 52 vite umane in pericolo nel #Mediterraneo centrale!

@alarm_phone segnala che 52 persone in fuga dalla #Libia si trovano alla deriva a bordo di un’imbarcazione che si sta riempiendo d’acqua.

Le Autorità sono state allertate: serve un urgente intervento di soccorso.

🆘 Urgent distress in the central Mediterranean!

We were alerted by 52 people in distress off the coast of #Libya. They say they are adrift and report water coming into the boat. We lost contact a few hours ago. Authorities are informed, urgent rescue is needed!

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