European civil rescue organizations stand up against smuggling allegations

The signatories of this statement jointly reject these reproaches which distort the facts. People do not migrate because there are smuggling networks. Smuggling networks exist, because people have to flee. Only safe and legal routes to Europe can put an end to the traffickers’ business.

Fabrice Leggeri makes it sound like an allegation that “40 percent of all recent rescue operations” (EUNAVFOR MED data) were carried out by non-government organisations. Rather, these numbers highlight that the EU is not taking on their responsibility to finally fully join the rescue efforts. Private SAR organizations have to help those in need because there is no state-run support by the EU.

It is cynical to now discredit those organisation that save people at sea. Our mandate differs very clearly from that of the war ships in the area. Our crews are not deployed to disband trafficking networks but rather to provide humanitarian aid.

Contrary to Leggeri’s claims, there are no attempts to provide ways of legal immigration. The closing of the Balkan route, the EU-Turkey Deal and the training of the Libyan Coast Guard are measures aimed at preventing immigration to Europe, thereby worsening the desperate situation and insecurity of refugees. Instead of providing safe and legal ways to enter the EU, migration is being criminalized.

As civil society, we – thousands of private donors, voluntary rescuers and supporters – are defending European values by actively doing something against the appalling conditions in the Mediterranean. On the long run, taking care of people in need at Europe’s borders cannot remain the responsibility of civil society!

Sea-Watch · Jugend Rettet · Alarmphone · Mission Lifeline · Borderline Europe · CADUS

Alarmphone on X

Rescued! A group of 7 people called us when in distress in the central #Mediterranean. We alerted relevant authorities as well as the #civilfleet. @SOSMedIntl searched for them and carried out a successful rescue operation!

🆘! 15 people in distress in the Central Med!
A group of people left from Annaba, #Algeria, 3 days ago. Relatives still don't have news from them & fear for their lives. We've alerted authorities several times, but to our knowledge, no search operation has been launched.

«Diese Migration war immer ein ganz normaler Teil unseres Lebens – bis die EU einschritt», sagt der Aktivist Moctar Dan Yayé. Willkürliche Verhaftungen seien die Folge gewesen. «Uns wurde klar, dass wir etwas tun müssen»

@Wochenzeitung @alarm_phone

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