Civil Society Press Statement on the fate of over 100 people abandoned at sea
We are extremely concerned at the fate of over 100 men, women and children in distress at sea. We know that over the past few days they were in distress in Malta’s Search and Rescue Zone. We also know that a ship was ready to rescue them, but was prevented from doing so by Malta. Now, we are unable to say where they are, if they have been pushed back to Libya or even if they are alive. It is unacceptable that Malta relinquishes its duty to coordinate the rescue of persons in distress in its Search and Rescue Zone. It is also undemocratic and reprehensible that Malta has repeatedly refused to provide information on its decisions and actions.
The undersigned organisations reiterate that every single life matters, that Malta’s migration concerns in no way justify abandoning people in distress at sea. We further stress that the Maltese authorities are accountable for their decisions and actions, and that withholding information in an attempt to circumvent these obligations is not in line with core democratic values.
We therefore urge Malta to ensure that all efforts are made to secure the lives of the 110 missing persons. We also invite Malta to immediately publish all information regarding this particular incident and to commit to a spirit of transparency and accountability for future incidents.
Statement of:
- aditus foundation
- African Media Association Malta
- Alliance for Justice, Equality and Peace
- Allied Rainbow Communities
- Anti-Poverty Forum Malta
- Blue Door English
- The Critical Institute
- The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation
- Dean’s Office, Faculty for Social Wellbeing, University of Malta
- Dean’s Office, Faculty of Education, University of Malta
- Fondazzjoni Sebħ
- Great Oak Malta Association
- Integra Foundation
- Jesuit Refugee Service (Malta)
- KNŻ – Kunsill Nazzjonali taż-Żgħażagħ
- LGBTI+ Gozo
- Malta House of Prayer Foundation
- Malta Humanist Association
- Malta Refugee Council
- Maltese Association of Psychiatry
- The Maltese Association of Social Workers (MASW)
- Men Against Violence
- Migrants Commission
- Migrant Women Association Malta
- Millennium Chapel
- Moviment Graffitti
- Paolo Freire Institute
- Peace and Good Foundation
- Repubblika
- Salesians of Don Bosco – Dar Osanna Pia
- Segretarjat Assistenza Soċjali tal-Azzjoni Kattolika Maltija
- SOS Malta
- Spark 15
- St. Jeanne Antide Foundation
- Sudanese Community
- Victim Support Malta Foundation
- Women’s Rights Foundation
