The Mediterranean humanitarian crisis, told by an Open Arms volunteer

Martínez noted that “the humanitarian crisis in the central Mediterranean is hard: that is why the activity carried out by Proactiva Open Arms is essential. This is the only organization saving lives in the sea”. Also, he highlighted that “thousands of people risk their lives every day to get to Europe and escape from warlike conflicts and other situations which are violating human rights”. “Also -he said-, difficulties do not stop when those people are rescued at the sea, because when they get to Europe, hoping to have a better life, they are usually deported”.

Students were listening in silence. Martínez confessed he is unable to see this situation without wondering how can it be that some people are making those other people live in this situation. “However, and unfortunately, not all people think the same”, he said. Although the lecture was titled “Saving lives is not a crime”, the volunteer reminded the students that this NGO is under investigation due an accusation of favouring illegal immigration, and until not long ago, their main ship was fixed in an Italian harbour. He touched on this situation: “Itʼs as if we went two years back in time. Open Arms cannot go to the rescue area and therefore our missions have to be carried out with a sailboat”.

Martínez told the students about the birth of this NGO: “Open Arms resulted from the commitment of civil society to human rights, and the activity of Proactiva is carried out thanks to the donations of privates and collaborating volunteers”. Last, he insisted there is still a lot of work to be done: “We donʼt have to go to the Mediterranean, we can help by making small actions in Barcelona”.