On August 24, the Ocean Viking, chartered by SOS Méditerranée and the International Federation of the Red Cross, came under fire from the Libyan Coast Guard while assisting people in distress at sea.
👉 No one was injured, but human lives were put at risk and international obligations were blatantly violated.

⚖️ What the law says:

Under the law of the sea, every vessel has a duty to assist persons in distress.

The use of force against a humanitarian rescue ship constitutes a serious breach of international law, the principle of non-refoulement, and fundamental human rights.

🌍 This incident also raises questions about the responsibility of European States, which provide equipment and training to the Libyan Coast Guard as part of their migration control policies.

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Photo by Sue Carroll on unsplash