The Plight of Migrants in the Mediterranean: Challenges and Responsibilities of States and NGOs
The humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean continues to escalate, as migrants risk their lives to seek refuge in Europe. The recent incident involving German NGO Sea-Eye and Maltese authorities highlights the urgent need for a more effective and humane response. Despite Malta’s legal obligations under international law, responsibility-sharing remains a contentious issue as many states in the region struggle to meet their responsibilities. NGOs like Sea-Eye have played a vital role in search and rescue operations but have also faced criticism for allegedly encouraging more migration and collaborating with smugglers. The EU’s approach of externalizing migration control and financing the Libyan coast guard has also been criticized for breaching international law and exposing migrants to abuse. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of all states in the region to uphold their legal obligations and address the underlying factors causing the crisis.
