New Policy Brief published by the The Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration (CERC Migration)

Authors: Danai Aggeli, Vassilis Papadopoulos

Each year, hundreds of migrants die or go missing in their effort to cross the Mediterranean Sea in unseaworthy vessels. The duty to save lives is well established in international law. However, strained coastal states are often reluctant to save unwanted migrant vessels and assume the responsibility for the survivors. The latest shipwreck in Greece, epitomizes the consequences of this inaction. There is an urgent need to develop a common search and rescue policy scheme to prevent further tragedies and ultimately to manage borders in accordance with international law standards.

Read the full Policy Brief here