Open Arms, Mediterranea, and Sea-Watch join forces as ‘single humanitarian fleet’

The rescue NGOs call on cities, organizations, and citizens to step up “against the unjust and inhumane policies of Europe”

From left to right Giorgia Linardi (Sea Watch), Oscar Camps (Open Arms), Erasmo Palazzotto (Mediterranea) during their press conference at the Barcelona Maritime Museum on November 23 2018 (by Miquel Codolar)
From left to right Giorgia Linardi (Sea Watch), Oscar Camps (Open Arms), Erasmo Palazzotto (Mediterranea) during their press conference at the Barcelona Maritime Museum on November 23 2018 (by Miquel Codolar) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

November 23, 2018 04:50 PM

Refugee rescue NGOs Open Arms, Mediterranea, and Sea Watch have joined forces to not only conduct operations in the Mediterranean, but also, to raise awareness in order to create a “solidary Europe.”

Each NGO has one vessel, and their now-united fleet will also alongside the Moonbird rescue aircraft, have launched an operation in the Mediterranean Sea, during which they will also be documenting human rights violations.

The three organizations announced their plans at a press conference held at the Barcelona Maritime Museum, during which they also presented a joint manifesto. In the document, they also denounce “a governmental and judicial strategy destined to convert the solidarity shown to people in peril, into a punishable crime.” They also call on the support of cities, organizations, and citizens to work “against the unjust and inhumane policies of Europe.”