Several sea-rescue groups have joined together to create a new coordinated fleet, announcing that they will no longer communicate with the Libyan Coast Guard during rescue operations.
Sea-Watch representative Giulia Messmer explained that more than a dozen organizations are taking a collective stand against what she described as “crimes against humanity” committed by the Libyan Coast Guard and other actors.
“While our mission is to save people in danger at sea and take them to safe locations, the Italian government and the European Union are enabling these violations,” Messmer stated. “They continue to provide funding, training, and equipment to Libyan militias, including the so-called Libyan Coast Guard.”
Messmer added that despite knowing the risks, Italian authorities still direct rescue teams to work with the Libyan forces: “Italy pressures rescue teams to cooperate, fully aware that the Libyan Coast Guard never transports survivors to safety as required by international law. Instead, they return them to Libya, where they face torture, slavery, and sexual abuse, these abuses have even been confirmed by the United Nations. They have even shot at people in distress.”
According to Messmer, the newly established Justice Fleet has defined objectives aimed at defending vulnerable migrants and asylum seekers from mistreatment by governments and other groups: “We have reached our limit. This year, rescue organizations are joining together stronger than ever, to defend human rights, maritime law, and international law. Our goals are clear: stand up against state-driven abuse, reinforce support networks for those trapped in Libya, resist political attacks, and demand justice. We want to apply public and legal pressure to force political change.”
Even though human-rights bodies have repeatedly urged European governments to stop backing Libyan forces that block migrants from crossing the Mediterranean, European authorities appear determined to continue their support.
