The Implications and Solutions of Criminalizing Humanitarian Volunteers Assisting Migrants at Sea: A Call for Enhanced Security Compacts

The Implications and Solutions of Criminalizing Humanitarian Volunteers Assisting Migrants at Sea: A Call for Enhanced Security Compacts

Introduction

In recent years, the criminalization of humanitarian volunteers assisting migrants in distress at sea has become a pressing issue. This has led to a curtailment of humanitarian space and hindered the ability to provide assistance to those in need. European countries, particularly those with far-right parties in power, have seen a significant increase in the arrests of individuals involved in humanitarian efforts. The rise in criminalization has been termed the "criminalization of solidarity" by NGOs and supporters of migrants. Simultaneously, the European Union (EU) has focused primarily on political and socio-economic objectives, neglecting the development of security and defense partnerships with its eastern neighbors. This article explores the unintended consequences of criminalizing humanitarian volunteers and highlights the need for enhanced security compacts to address these challenges.

The Criminalization of Humanitarian Assistance

The criminalization of humanitarian volunteers assisting migrants has resulted in a sea of blood, where those seeking to save lives and provide essential assistance are punished. Humanitarian actors are increasingly subjected to legal or quasi-legal mechanisms that hold them accountable, hindering their ability to carry out their work effectively. The number of arrests of humanitarian actors has risen significantly in recent years, with volunteers, ship captains, crew members, priests, journalists, and even mayors being detained for their efforts. These arrests have been made under the pretext of assisting displaced individuals, whether by saving lives at sea or providing essential humanitarian aid such as food, shelter, and transportation.

The Impact of Criminalization on Humanitarian Space

The criminalization of solidarity has had a profound impact on the humanitarian space. It has resulted in a curtailment of assistance to those in need, leaving vulnerable migrants at greater risk. Restrictive NGO legislation and the merging of security policies, migration control, and criminal justice have created an environment where organizations and both professional and volunteer humanitarians are punished for their noble actions. The consequences of criminalization are particularly pronounced in countries where far-right parties, relying on anti-immigration rhetoric, are in power. The number of cases has increased significantly, from only 10 in 2015 to 104 in 2018. This trend highlights the urgent need to address the issue and protect the humanitarian space.

Forging Security Compacts with Eastern Neighbors

Simultaneously, the EU has focused primarily on political and socio-economic objectives, neglecting security and defense partnerships with its eastern neighbors. This approach has led to the bloc's achievements being reversible, as it has relied on smaller member states and the US to strengthen the resilience of eastern neighborhood countries in matters of security and defense. To address this gap, the EU should forge security compacts with its eastern neighbors, including Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Tunisia, Morocco, and other African states. By adopting a more geopolitical stance and developing stronger security partnerships, the EU can enhance its influence in eastern Europe and beyond.

Enhancing Intelligence Cooperation

One key area where security compacts can be beneficial is intelligence cooperation. The US has unparalleled capabilities in areas such as communications intelligence, signals intelligence, and satellite photography. The EU should leverage these capabilities by establishing capacity-building programs, structural coordination on threats, and technical support for intelligence agencies in Eastern Partnership countries. Additionally, the EU should create an Eastern Neighbourhood Intelligence Support and Coordination Cell in Brussels to facilitate information sharing and collaboration.

Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges

Cybersecurity is another critical aspect that demands better coordination and cooperation. All Eastern Partnership countries face significant cybersecurity challenges, which can be effectively addressed through joint initiatives. The EU, its member states, and willing Eastern Partnership countries should collaborate on larger-scale cybersecurity cooperation, sharing best practices, and developing joint defense mechanisms against cyber threats.

Military Assistance and Training

To strengthen security in the region, the EU should provide military assistance, training, and equipment to Eastern Partnership countries. Building on successful initiatives such as the Visegrád Battlegroup, which includes Ukrainian participation, the EU can engage other countries in similar programs. This would not only enhance their defense capabilities but also foster greater cooperation between the EU and its eastern neighbors.

Conclusion

The criminalization of humanitarian volunteers assisting migrants at sea poses significant challenges for the humanitarian space. To address these challenges, the EU should forge security compacts with its eastern neighbors, focusing on intelligence cooperation, cybersecurity, and military assistance. By adopting a more assertive geopolitical approach, the EU can ensure the protection of humanitarian actors while simultaneously strengthening security in the region. It is imperative to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard the principles of solidarity and provide essential assistance to those in need.