Politicians, governments and also media across Europe have been accusing non-governmental organisations and individual activists carrying out search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean of undermining efforts to reduce the number of people entering Europe. Even worse, boats carrying out life-saving measures have been obstructed (e.g. boats by Jugend Rettet, MSF, Sea Watch, SOS Mediteranée) and helpers were attacked as human smugglers and in some cases put to court. The illusory idea to halt people fleeing war, persecution and poverty prevails. Securing the EU’s borders is considered a higher priority then saving people’s lifes. Given the current context of criminalisation and repression of those who are saving human lifes in the Mediterranean and elsewhere, TRANSEUROPA is hosting a debate between Tommaso Fabbri (head of MSF Mission Italy) and Cedric Harrou (French human rights defender with a pending court case) moderated by PorCausa.
