The president of Doctors Without Borders accused Italy’s government of criminalizing humanitarian aid to drowning migrants as their search and rescue vessel was detained. After a court suspended the blockage, the Geo Barents is now free to return to the Mediterranean. Italy claimed the group failed to provide timely information during rescues, which MSF denies.
Despite Italy’s law allowing only one rescue at a time, MSF’s Geo Barents witnessed another boat in distress and went to help, saving lives. This detention is part of a pattern of obstacles faced by rescue vessels, with Italy aiming to impede humanitarian efforts in the Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean route remains the world’s deadliest migration path, with thousands of migrants dying or going missing each year. While crossings have decreased, migrants are taking new, perilous routes due to lack of EU collective solutions. Italy’s collaboration with Libya has faced criticism for human rights violations, as migrants are pushed back to face abuse.
Doctors Without Borders continues to advocate for humane treatment and dignity towards migrants, emphasizing the need for more humanitarian funding and less on security measures.
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