In the past months, SOS MEDITERRANE has witnessed a proliferation of state and non-state actors in the central Mediterranean feeding the cycle of abuses at sea and in Libya.
SOS MEDITERRANEE has collected numerous testimonies from survivors that provide evidence of the reckless behaviour of militias in Libya, often working in collusion with smugglers, the police and the Libyan coastguard. The continued support of European states to the Libyan authorities, which operate with little transparency and accountability, maycontribute to these critical situations at sea.
Rome, 11/10/20204 – The judge of the Court of Brindisi, Italy, with the appeal by SOS MEDITERRANEE challenging the administrative detention of the Ocean Viking ship earlier this year (08/02/2024), has decided to raise a question of constitutionality regarding Decree Law 1/2023, which was later converted into Law No. 15/2023: the so-called Piantedosi Decree.
In view of the rampant human rights violations against migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in Tunisia, especially those who are Black; Tunisia’s lack of an asylum system; the Tunisian government’s crackdown on civil society, judicial independence, and the media; and the impossibility of fairly and individually determining nationalities or assessing the protection needs of migrants and asylum seekers while at sea, it is clear that Tunisia is not a safe place for the disembarkation of people intercepted or rescued at sea.
SOS MEDITERRANEE is an international humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives at sea. Founded in 2015, the initiative emerged as a response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Central Mediterranean, as well as the discontinuation of Mare Nostrum and the subsequent EU disengagement from search and rescue operations in the area.
SOS MEDITERRANEE is an apolitical and non-confessional humanitarian organization structured as an international network present in France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Our dedication to humanitarian principles and commitment to human dignity has earned us international recognition and support.
SOS MEDITERRANEE operates primarily through its vessel, the Ocean Viking, a search and rescue ship equipped to respond swiftly to distress calls, and to provide assistance, protection and rescue operations for people in distress at sea.
All operations are carried out in strict accordance with international maritime and humanitarian law. SOS MEDITERRANEE launched its search and rescue mission in the Central Mediterranean based on the legal duty to render assistance to people in distress at sea, and to disembark them in a place of safety, where their rights are ensured, their needs can be met and where their lives are no longer under threat.
SOS MEDITERRANEE was established by a group of European citizens, including seafarers and humanitarians, who were deeply concerned about the rising death toll among people attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety and a better future.
SOS MEDITERRANEE has cultivated a robust network of dedicated volunteers and influential supporters from diverse backgrounds, who donate their time and expertise to contribute to the organization’s search and rescue efforts, fundraising campaigns and awareness-raising initiatives. Their dedication to solidarity has been a driving force behind our operations.
At only 17 years old, Alex* fled the war-torn city of Bor in South Sudan alone. After a difficult journey across Sudan and Libya, he attempted to cross the central Mediterranean on an overcrowded wooden boat. Listen to his inspiring story, an incredible example of resilience.
