There is hardly any search and rescue in international waters off the Tunisian coast. Boats carrying people seeking protection disappear without a trace because rescues are not coordinated. Humanity 2 will fill this life-threatening gap.
People flee Tunisia in unseaworthy, often welded-together metal boats that can sink in seconds. An additional rescue ship can mean the difference between life and death.
The Tunisian Coast Cuard intercepts refugees at sea on behalf of the EU and returns them by force and illegally. In doing so, it systematically violates human rights. With Humanity 2, we will monitor and make these breaches of the law visible.
While the EU and its Member States shift the responsibility for search and rescue to third countries, civil society is taking action. The rescue and monitoring ship Humanity 2 sends a strong signal of humanity – precisely where Europe is failing.