In the heart of the Mediterranean, where countless lives are at risk, SOS MEDITERRANEE stands as a beacon of hope and humanity. Founded in May 2015 by a group of concerned citizens, SOS MEDITERRANEE is dedicated to saving lives at sea, protecting those rescued, and bearing witness to the plight of migrants. SOS MEDITERRANEE France has been with TGE for over four years, and we had the pleasure of interviewing them.
The Mission of SOS MEDITERRANEE
The central Mediterranean is one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world. Every year, thousands of people risk their lives crossing the sea, fleeing war, persecution, and poverty in hopes of finding safety and a better future. SOS MEDITERRANEE not only saves lives at sea but also restores hope and dignity to those who have lost everything along the way.
The organization was founded in response to this humanitarian crisis. Its mission is threefold: to rescue people in distress, provide care and protection on board, and bear witness to the realities faced by those they save.
On board the Ocean Viking, the organization’s rescue ship, crew members regularly hear firsthand accounts from survivors, many of whom speak of abuse in Libyan detention camps and the traumatic journey they endured just to reach open waters. Sharing these testimonies is a vital part of SOS MEDITERRANEE’s work, helping raise awareness about the realities faced by people on the move.
Since its inception, SOS MEDITERRANEE has rescued more than 42,000 people, offering a lifeline in some of the most desperate circumstances.
Challenges Faced by SOS MEDITERRANEE
Besides the challenges mentioned above, SOS MEDITERRANEE faces a wide range of obstacles operating the Ocean Viking in the Mediterranean. The first challenge is financial, as SOS MEDITERRANEE is a citizen-led initiative that relies on 91% private funds. The Ocean Viking alone costs €24,000 per day to operate, highlighting the expensive nature of their mission. Still, as the organization puts it, “the most expensive cost is life cost”, a reminder of what’s really at stake.
Another significant challenge is operational, particularly due to the Italian government’s new decree (Piantedosi Decree) requiring rescue ships to head to designated safe ports immediately after a rescue, even if there are more people to be saved nearby. This regulation increases operational costs and reduces the number of lives they can save. Additionally, the Libyan coast guards, funded by European governments, often intercept migrant boats before SOS MEDITERRANEE can reach them, sometimes even shooting at SOS MEDITERRANEE’s rescue ships, adding to the dangers faced by the crew and the migrants.
The Role of Transnational Giving Europe
TGE facilitates tax-efficient cross-border giving, enabling donors from different European countries to support SOS MEDITERRANEE’s mission while benefiting from tax advantages in their country. This partnership has been instrumental for multiple reasons, such as legitimacy, a wider range of donors, and reduced administrative costs.
Being part of TGE provides SOS MEDITERRANEE with increased legitimacy, as it signifies that the organization has been vetted and approved through due diligence checks by multiple countries. This legitimacy helps build trust with potential donors. Through TGE, SOS MEDITERRANEE can operate in multiple countries without the need to establish new associations in each country, reducing administrative costs and allowing the organization to focus more resources on their mission. Finally, the partnership with TGE allows SOS MEDITERRANEE to reach new donors across Europe, expanding their funding base and increasing their financial stability.
Why Support SOS MEDITERRANEE
Supporting SOS MEDITERRANEE means standing behind a mission that’s as straightforward as it is urgent: saving lives at sea. No one should have to die while fleeing unimaginable circumstances. So far, the organization has rescued more than 42,000 people, a quarter of them under 18 of whom 80% are traveling alone. With its community-driven approach and commitment to transparency, SOS MEDITERRANEE continues to be a trustworthy and deeply impactful organization worth supporting.
How to Support SOS MEDITERRANEE
Supporting SOS MEDITERRANEE is crucial in ensuring that their vital work can continue. Here are a few ways you can contribute:
Donations: Donations directly support SOS MEDITERRANEE’s life-saving missions at sea. Every contribution helps cover the operational costs and enables the organization to continue rescuing people in the central Mediterranean. Donations can be made through various channels, including the Transnational Giving Platform, which ensures tax benefits for donors in their country of residence.
Volunteering: SOS MEDITERRANEE relies on a network of volunteers to organize events, raise awareness, and provide support. Volunteering your time and skills can make a significant impact.
Spreading the Word: Raising awareness about the work of SOS MEDITERRANEE is vital. Share their stories on social media, talk about their missions with friends and family, and help spread the message of hope and solidarity.
In conclusion, SOS MEDITERRANEE exemplifies the power of compassion and solidarity in addressing humanitarian crises. By supporting this citizen-led organization, we can all play a part in saving lives and advocating for the rights of those in need.