EU Search and Rescue Activities in the Mediterranean

Lena Düpont

doi:10.1177/1781685820915973

Abstract

This article focuses on the EU’s search and rescue activities in the Mediterranean, the location of some of the world’s deadliest migration routes. It argues that saving lives at sea is not an act of grace, nor of simple solidarity with those at risk. Rather, it is first and foremost a legal obligation under international law. Understanding this fact is essential when engaging in the underlying and frequently misleading debate on our humanitarian obligation to render assistance to people in distress at sea. The article also makes the point that the EU must clearly distinguish between economic migrants and refugees in need of humanitarian protection, and prioritise dedicating its resources to those genuinely in need of safeguarding. Legal pathways and humanitarian corridors can only be set up for refugees.

Highlights

This article argues that the EU needs to prevent people from risking their lives crossing the Mediterranean and end the viability of the business model of human smugglers and traffickers
Saving lives at sea is not an act of grace, nor of simple solidarity with those at risk
The EU must clearly distinguish between economic migrants and refugees in need of humanitarian protection and prioritise dedicating its resources to those genuinely in need of safeguarding

Summary

Introduction

This article argues that the EU needs to prevent people from risking their lives crossing the Mediterranean and end the viability of the business model of human smugglers and traffickers. Saving lives at sea is not an act of grace, nor of simple solidarity with those at risk It is first and foremost a legal obligation under international law. Close cooperation and engagement with third countries is paramount to prevent migrant smuggling One step in this respect is to share information and carry out awareness-raising campaigns of the risks of smuggling and irregular migration. This is crucial to prevent prospective migrants and asylum seekers, including people in more vulnerable situations such as children, from embarking on hazardous journeys to the EU. We cannot allow a legal vacuum to exist at sea

Protecting the most vulnerable

SAR in the broader context of asylum and migration

Conclusion

Author biography