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

🆘 Des proches nous ont informé que 30 personnes ont quitté Bordj El Bahri, #Algérie, le 4 septembre en direction des #Baléares. Deux enfants sont à bord et le moteur est tombé en panne le soir du 5. Les autorités son informées, nous espérons qu’elles seront vite secourues !

🆘 Relatives informed us that 30 people left Bordj El Bahri, #Algeria, on September 4th, heading towards the #BalearicIslands. Two children are on board, the engine broke down on the 5 September. Authorities are informed. We hope they will be rescued soon!

🆘 We were called by 36 people in distress between #Tobruk & #Crete. JRCC Cairo ordered the merchant vessel NV MARLIN with destination #Egypt to rescue. The people initially refused as they want to reach a safe place. However they are now on the vessel, headed to an unsafe place.