(MENAFNEditorial) iCrowdNewswire - Jul 26, 2017 Help Sea-Watch Save Lives
My sister has just come back from two missions volunteering as a doctor on a rescue boat in the Central Mediterranean. In the four weeks, over 2000 people were rescued from overcrowded wooden and rubber boats fleeing Libya. Many lives were also lost. Her stories are harrowing and a stark reminder of the inequality in the world. Also a reminder that I, my family and my friends are in a position to do something. Please join me in showing our support!
A Message from Stef
'I don't know where to start with the last weeks. I have experienced terrifying moments; overcrowded sinking boats, people drowning, CPR in speed boats, multiple patients strewn across the deck, armed coast guards targeting the ship, traumatised children that no longer cried, faces of the deceased in my hands. Desperation, panic and grief…but also relief and a lot of joy.
Far above all, I am deeply touched and inspired by the beautiful people I met—their stories, strength, perseverance and remarkable ability against their horror to manage a smile and keep hope.
It would mean so much to me to gather support for these people's lives, rights and dignity. Also to show that despite our Government's policy, Australian communities are generous and supportive of refugees.
Humanitarian Crisis at Sea
We currently have the highest amount of displaced people on record — 65.6 million people worldwide.
One of the largest migration routes is the Central Mediterranean — between Libya and Italy. It is also one of the deadliest. Stef encountered deaths that happened on the refugee boats, drownings during rescues and also boats that were initially spotted from the air, that were never found again.
People taking this sea-route come mainly from African countries (Nigeria, Sudan, Libya, Eritrea Somalia and many more). Many are trafficked, enslaved, raped and tortured in Libya.
While the resources are there, the European Union is failing to provide proactive Sea Rescue to these people and is leaving the work to NGOs like Sea-Watch. On Stef's first mission the maritime rescue center for the EU (MRCC Rome) did not provide proper assistance. As a result, Sea-Watch had hundreds of people on board for three days and were unable to properly attend to other rescues.
The EU is shirking their legal and moral obligation to help. Efforts have been inconsistent and ineffective and the EU is now making multi-million dollar deals with Libya, a failed state ruled by rival militias, to stop this passage.
Sea-Watch
is an not-for-profit NGO based on donations and volunteers. They operate a rescue boat in the Meditteranean Sea, along the Libyan coast. Their mission is "saving lives where states fail to act".
In 2016, Sea-Watch rescued over 20,000 people. In the same year, more than 5000 drowned or remained missing (See:). This year, the numbers are only escalating.
These people are victims of political decisions to limit migration to Europe and allow people to die at sea. Instead of rescuing or helping those needing protection the EU is turning a blind eye.
Sea-Watch advocates politically with the ultimate goal of a legal and safe passage to Europe.
Why you should donate to Sea-Watch
As an Australian, on an average salary, we are in the wealthiest 2.5% of the world's population (See:). Others, simply by the nature of where they were born are not so fortunate. Refugees are a particularly vulnerable population and we are all in a position to help.
Reasons to donate to Sea-Watch:
Donations to Sea-Watch directly save lives at Sea.Sea-Watch also advocates with decision makers/policy bodies and campaigns to raise public awareness.They act independently — politically, economically and religiously.Unlike other NGOs, Sea-Watch runs solely on volunteers and donations.They operate with transparency (which Stef can also vouch for) —donations are spent effectively and there is minimal administrative overhead.
Money goes to emergency food and water, blankets, life-jackets, medical supplies, rescue telecommunications and operating costs for the Sea-Watch 2. Stef will put the resources bought with the donations to good use on her next mission.
Further Information
Follow Sea-Watch online:
Articles and News:
Photos from the Central Mediterranean
The situation for refugees and migrants in Libya
EU shifting responsibility to Libyan coast guards
Libyan coast guard intercepting Sea-Watch
THANK YOU for your support!Please share this page with your contacts.
- Lucas (a VERY proud brother!)
Team Members
Lucas Pender
Stefanie Pender
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