Humanitarian Disaster in the Mediterranean – Home-Made and Accepted by the European Union
At the moment boats continue to leave the Libyan shore, with people putting their lives in danger in order to cross the Mediterranean. At sea, all those on board are in distress and there is hardly anyone left to help: meanwhile almost all ships chartered by private rescue organizations have been moored in ports for flimsy reasons. European politicians such as Seehofer, Salvini, and Kurz are systematically blocking private rescues at sea and are consciously accepting the deaths of many more people. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in June and July of this year alone, 851 people died fleeing across the Mediterranean and more than 1,500 people have drowned there since the beginning of 2018. We will no longer tolerate this!
Our demands
We demand safe passage, a decriminalization of sea rescue, and a humane welcome for people who have had to flee or are still on the run. In short: moving away from deportation and isolation and towards freedom of movement for all people. Nobody flees without reason. Create cities of solidarity that provide decent care and the right to participation, education and work. Create safe harbors: Build bridges not walls!
One week of Pan-European Protests (25.8. – 2.9.2018)
After weeks of campaigns and rallies throughout Germany, we now expand our protest to the streets across Europe: from Berlin to Barcelona and Paris to Rome and Brussels. Thousands of us will show solidarity with refugees and sea rescue organizations in the Mediterranean. It is high time we made it clear that the majority of the European population does not support this policy of isolation. Together we are strong! We are calling for demonstrations throughout Europe during the week of 25th August to 2nd September 2018. By wearing the color orange – the color of the life vests – we are expressing solidarity with refugees and sea rescue organizations. Only with your support can we carry our message of solidarity to the streets of Europe and finally exert the necessary pressure on the states and cities of the EU. Take to the streets, wear orange, organize rallies and actions, and show your disapproval of this inhumane policy!
We also support the European Citizens’ Initiative #WelcomingEurope! A European Citizens’ Initiative is the strongest means of direct democracy in Europe. If this petition receives one million signatures from citizens in at least seven EU countries, the European Commission is obliged to hear our demands.
Your signature counts: weareawelcomingeurope.eu