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

🆘 from ~30 people close to #Kalymnos, #Greece! We alerted @HcoastGuard to a boat in distress during the night - acc. to our information a @HcoastGuard vessel was towing the boat. On the phone #Greek authorities refuse to share any information. We are worried. Where are they?

🆘 3 people at the police station in #NeaVyssa, #Greece. We were informed about 3 people in the #Evros region. They entered the police station and then could not be reached anymore. @hellenicpolice: where are they? Their relatives are worried! #NoPushback!

🆘️! ~70 people, including 20 children in distress on their way to #Crete!

We are in contact with a group who reports that water is entering their boat & they are struggling with bad weather, high waves. We informed all local authorities & urge them to send rescue now!