Preventing loss of life and protecting the human rights of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants at sea
The protection of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants travelling by sea forms an integral part of international human rights, refugee and maritime laws. As explained in this document, states have clear obligations to aid any person found in distress at sea, to rescue people in distress and to ensure that their rights - including the right to life and to protection from refoulement - are upheld. Therefore, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights is putting forward a Recommendation on how to help member states make these rights practical and effective.
LIST OF ACRONYMS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 – EFFECTIVE SEARCH AND RESCUE: COORDINATION AND CAPACITY
1.1. Ensuring effective coordination of rescue operations
1.2. Ensuring adequate rescue capacity in the Mediterranean
CHAPTER 2 – ENSURING THE SAFE AND TIMELY DISEMBARKATION OF RESCUED MIGRANTS
2.1. Ensuring disembarkation in a place of safety
2.2. Strengthening coordination of disembarkation to avoid delays
2.3. Human rights-compliant treatment of disembarked migrants
CHAPTER 3 – CO-OPERATION WITH NGOs CHAPTER 4 – CO-OPERATION WITH THIRD COUNTRIES
4.1. General approach to migration co-operation with third countries
4.2. Specific comments on co-operation with Libya
CHAPTER 5 – THE PROVISION OF SAFE AND LEGAL ROUTES TO PREVENT IRREGULAR, DANGEROUS SEA JOURNEYS CONCLUDING REMARKS
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