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

🆘 Where are they? 31 people missing at sea since Friday evening.

We have informed authorities but do not have a clear location of the boat. We fear another invisible #shipwreck in the central Mediterranean. We stand with the relatives and demand #SafePassage!

🆘️ Where are they?

We alerted authorities more than 10 hours ago about 37 people in distress. They departed from Zuwara, #Libya. We do not know what has happened to the group. We are worried for their safety and urge authorities to search for them NOW!

🆘️ from ~79 people in distress on #Rhodos!

The group tell us there are 26 children and a pregnant woman with them. They are soaked from water entering the boat, and are freezing cold. They need urgent medical assistance. Authorities have been informed: assist them now!