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

🆘 52 people in grave distress!

We informed authorities in #Italy and #Malta about a boat in severe weather conditions in the Central Mediterranean. Extreme wind makes it impossible to communicate with them, so we do not know their position. They are repeatedly calling for help!

🆘 26 people in distress in the Central Med: We are in contact with a boat in the #Maltese search and rescue zone. The people report water is entering their boat. They urgently need rescue and, at the same time, fear an interception to #Libya. Rescue now, no interception!

🆘 Boat on distress close to #Sfax, #Tunisia! 49 people incl. 3 children are on board. They say that their boat is sinking. We have tried to contact the Tunisian authorities but they fail to respond and to cooperate. We call on them to rescue the people before it is too late!

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