from AHMED ZAYED in Tripoli, Libya
Libya Bureau
TRIPOLI, (CAJ News) – THE blockage of search and rescue vessels is reducing the chances of survival for people fleeing violence in Libya.
This is according to the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), in its report, “Deadly Manoeuvres: Obstruction and Violence in the Central Mediterranean.”
It is based on operational and medical data and survivor testimonies collected on board the rescue ship, Geo Barents, in 2023 and 2024.
The report mentions restrictive Italian policies, notably due to the Piantedosi Decree, introduced in 2023.
It requires, among other things, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to immediately head to the port of disembarkation designated by the Italian authorities after a rescue.
This legal and administrative framework limits the ability of ships to carry out rescues.
“The Piantedosi Decree is a structured and institutionalized mechanism aimed at hindering civilian search and rescue activities ,” said Juan Matias Gil, MSF SAR representative.
The Geo Barents has been sanctioned four times under the Piantedosi Decree, resulting in 160 days of port detention.
By 2023, the vessel had rescued 4 646 people, compared to 2 278 in 2024.
As a result of restrictive Italian laws and policies, MSF ended its operations aboard the Geo Barents in December 2024.
MSF has called on the Italian authorities to stop obstructing sea rescue operations and to stop sanctioning humanitarian vessels.
It also called on the European Union and member states to immediately end financial and logistical support to the Libyan coastguard, and any action aimed at facilitating the forced return of people to Libya.
– CAJ News