Italy Intensifies Measures Against Boats Rescuing Illegal Migrants in the Mediterranean

The Italian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has escalated its crackdown on illegal migration across the Mediterranean by impounding a humanitarian rescue ship for the 23rd time. The ship, Geo Barents, is operated by the international medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and was detained in the port of Salerno this week after rescuing 191 migrants.

Detention Order Issued

A 60-day detention order was issued on Monday night, marking one of the most severe actions taken in an 18-month campaign against humanitarian groups operating in the Mediterranean. Italian authorities have accused Geo Barents of endangering lives and failing to provide timely information during a night-time rescue last Friday. The crew had intervened to save migrants from a small fiberglass boat that was being approached by a Libyan coastguard vessel. MSF has rejected these accusations, stating that their crew had "no choice" but to carry out the rescue after witnessing a significant number of people falling—or being pushed—overboard. The charity has criticized the Italian government's decision as "arbitrary and inhumane."

Migration Control Measures

The impoundment aligns with Meloni's commitment to curb irregular migration, a key promise of her administration. This has led to a noticeable decrease in migrant arrivals—just over 39,500 this year, compared to 112,500 in the same period last year.

NGOs Express Disapproval

NGOs, including MSF, Oxfam Italia, and SOS Humanity, have criticized the measures as a "systematic obstruction of civilian search and rescue activities," which they believe are now costing human lives. These groups lodged formal complaints with the European Commission over a year ago, questioning whether Italy's regulations comply with EU and international law. The matter is still under evaluation by Brussels.

Human Rights Concerns

Global leaders have also voiced their disapproval of the measures, including Pope Francis, who referred to the refusal of aid to migrants crossing the Mediterranean as a "grave sin." The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has observed that while irregular arrivals to Italy have decreased, the number of shipwrecks and drownings has not seen a corresponding decline. The IOM estimates that at least 1,027 migrants have died or gone missing in the central Mediterranean this year.

Implications for Humanitarian Groups

Upon assuming office in late 2022, Meloni's government introduced strict new rules to limit the ability of humanitarian groups to rescue migrants. These include warnings that vessels failing to comply with the protocols will be impounded—a threat that has been repeatedly realized. Ten search and rescue boats have been detained by Italian authorities, some more than once, resulting in a cumulative loss of 480 days at sea for rescue operations this year alone, according to SOS Humanity.

Legal Challenges

The impounding of Geo Barents marks the vessel’s third detention, and MSF has vowed to challenge the "unlawful detention" in court. However, such cases are often not heard until long after the boats have been released, effectively undermining the legal process.

Continued Rescue Operations

Despite these challenges, other rescue vessels, like the MV Louise Michel—funded by the artist Banksy—continue their operations under increasing pressure. After being released from a 20-day detention on August 7, the crew of the Louise Michel reported rescuing 229 people from seven boats in distress in the Mediterranean just this week.

Bottom Line

As the Meloni government tightens its grip on the Mediterranean, the future of humanitarian rescue missions in the region remains fraught with uncertainty, and the human cost of this geopolitical struggle continues to rise. It's a complex issue that requires careful thought and consideration. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing which is everyday at 6pm.