Monday, 17 July 2017
News
Draft migrant NGO code sets 11 rules
11 rules have just been submitted by the Italian Government to the EU, to set a Code of Conduct for NGO’s engaged in cooperation activities in the Mediterranean basin. Failure tu comply with these rules may result in the NGO’s denial to dock any Italian harbour.
- "Absolute prohibition" for humanitarian ships to enter Libyan waters, which can only be reached "if there is a clear danger for human life at sea".
- Not to make phone calls or send luminous signals to facilitate the departure and the embarkation of boats carrying migrants, with "the obvious intention of not facilitating contacts with traffickers".
- Not transporting migrants on other ships, be they Italian or belonging to international organisations, except in an emergency situation.
- And after rescues the NGO ships "will have to complete the operation by taking the migrants to a safe port".
- Obligation to receive official police officers for inquiries related to trafficking in human beings.
- Not to hinder search and rescue (SAR) operations by the Libyan Coast Guard, to make known the funding sources for their rescue activities.
- Declare sources of funding for rescue activities at sea.
- To notify the flag-flying country's maritime coordination centre of the intervention, "so that this State is informed on the ship's activities and can assume responsibility also for the purposes of maritime safety".
- Holding a certification attesting the technical suitability for rescue activities.
- Obligation to cooperate honestly with the public security authorities of the migrant landing site, providing - for example - , before arrival, documents on the operation and on-board health status.
- Duty to transmit all information of inquiry to the Italian police authorities, while delivering any evidence that could constitute an illegal act.