“The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, are calling for the immediate disembarkation of more than 400 rescued migrants and refugees currently on board three vessels in the Central Mediterranean […]. The humanitarian imperative of saving lives should not be penalized or stigmatized, especially in the absence of dedicated State-led efforts. The lack of agreement on a regional disembarkation mechanism, long called for by IOM and UNHCR, is not an excuse to deny vulnerable people a port of safety and the assistance they need, as required under international law […]. IOM and UNHCR are deeply concerned about the continued absence of dedicated EU-led search and rescue capacity in the Central Mediterranean.” UNHCR and IOM call, Geneva, August 29, 2020
The initiatives Mediterranea, Salvamento Maritimo Humanitario and Sea-Eye, rescuing migrants at sea, joined Agora Europe and its partners, the Columbia University Committee on Forced Migration and Alliance Program, Studio Europa Maastricht, the Maritime Club of Hendaye Txingudi, Les Sauveteurs en Mer SNSM, Ulysse Bookshop, SOS Racismo, Irungo Harrera Sarea and Baobab Experience – to shed light on the situation of exile in an event held in Hendaye, on August 29. The event,“ Est-ce que l’eau est une frontière?” (“Is Water a Border”) was an opportunity to highlight the departure of the new missions of Mare Jonio, also on August 29, and Sea-Watch 4, as both ships were changing course to provide assistance to the Louise Michel after several emergency calls for help were ignored. The occasion also marked the fact that the boat Aita Mari is still blocked at the Pasai Donibane port due to the administrative constraints imposed by the Italian government.
