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

Five weeks ago, Alarm Phone responded to a distress situation off #Libya. What then ensued was a disastrous failure of rescue coordination, leading to several deaths & forced returns to Libya. Read our joint report with SOS Mediterranee! @SOSMedIntl

🆘 ca. 40 people in distress in the Central Med!
We were alerted about a boat with ca. 40 people on board who fled from Qarabulli, #Libya on Thursday night. Unfortunately we have no news and don't know what happened to them. Authorities are alerted and should search for the boat!

🆘 44 people in distress in Maltese/Italian Search and Rescue zone!

The people say they have been at sea for 6 days already and have no water left. We have informed relevant authorities and urge them to rescue without further delay!

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