Tag: migrants

Urgent action is needed to prevent huge losses of life at sea given the forecast increase in unsafe mixed migration by sea, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) agreed, following a special session on the issue (9 June). The MSC commended the efforts of rescue services, merchant vessels and others in saving lives. But it condemned the actions of the people smugglers. The MSC agreed that greater focus needs to be placed on addressing unsafe migration by sea through more safe and regular migration pathways. It was agreed that the issue of unsafe mixed migration by sea should be placed on the agenda of the MSC and other IMO bodies in order to further discuss the matter and develop actions.IMO Secretary-General Sekimizu told the MSC the situation was a truly humanitarian crisis which was not sustainable. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, addressing the MSC via video message, said this global issue required everyone to work together with a comprehensive approach, which would protect human rights, uphold international law and recognize the benefits of migration. Also addressing the special session were representatives of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization ...

A group of Syrian toddlers wail as rescuers lift them from a migrant boat and carry them to safety on board Phoenix

The updated and revised Rescue at Sea: A guide to principles and practice as applied to refugees and migrants is now available

Maritime search and rescue services should be less localised in their approach to saving lives at sea

The ITF called for more search and rescue resources to be deployed to rescue migrants at sea

The Skuld P&I Club has published an article to provide the latest developments of the the tragic refugee situation

ESC Global Security has warned that only those commercial ships operating with security personnel onboard should assist in rescuing seaborne refugee

Welfare organisations call on EU to recognise the key role of seafarers in the rescue of migrants at sea

HRAS has become aware through direct reporting to the organisation of the emerging issue of trafficked persons and migrants abandoned at sea

IMO's Alper Keceli brought INTERTANKO up to date on the latest developments regarding unsafe, mixed migration by sea