In the Name of Solidarity and Human Values: Rescue Operations at High Seas by NGOs vs. the International Legal Order

Abstract

Rescue Operations by NGOs in Central Mediterranean are presently at stake. International Rules on the Law of the Sea (namely, UNCLOS) and IMO’s Conventions on the matter are confident on the powers of the States to conduct ⎯or survey⎯ such operations, and State’s public services have been conceived to develop such activities, but not owing special consideration to human rights questions behind. Then, rescue activities by NGOs are viewed with suspicion by States, and, usually, many legal obstacles hamper them. Insofar as present International regulation does not offer a clear answer, the proactive work by International Civil Society Actors in this domain and their pressure shows a new trend that presumably could be assumed in the future by States, reconciling Human Values and Legal Rules.