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Thirteen European search and rescue organizations have formed a new alliance, the Justice Fleet, and cut ties with Libya’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) over alleged human rights abuses against refugees and migrants crossing the Mediterranean. The group, which includes NGOs from Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, accused the Libyan coastguard of violent conduct, including firing at migrant boats and obstructing rescues. NGOs also criticized the European Union for enabling Libya’s actions through funding and cooperation. By drawing this “moral line,” the Justice Fleet hopes to end European complicity and refocus efforts on safeguarding the world’s most dangerous migration route, where thousands have tragically died or disappeared. Libya, home to over 867,000 refugees and asylum seekers, has remained a key transit hub since Gaddafi’s fall in 2011.
Aljazeera