The conference “10 Years of Search and Rescue on the Frontline: Saving Lives, Defending Rights” hosted by Members of the European Parliament Estrella Galán Cecilia Strada and takes place on 4 November 2025 at the European Parliament in Brussels. We speak alongside other search and rescue and human rights organisations, as well as the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Defenders.

Every day, lives are at risk in the Mediterranean Sea. Marking a decade of continuous operations at sea, this event brings together representatives of civil search and rescue NGOs, survivors, and experts to reflect on:

• the realities of maritime rescue and the erosion of humanitarian spaces

• the impact of European externalisation policies on people on the move and on humanitarian work at sea

• advocacy and strategic litigation by SAR NGOs defending the right to life and solidarity

• testimonies from rescued people, sharing their experiences and perspectives

The evening concludes with a Q&A session, encouraging dialogue and participation from the audience.