Amnesty International regards the fact that the European Union (EU) is finally considering ways to address the dramatic loss of lives in the Mediterranean as a positive although much belated step. We have consistently been calling on the EU and its member states to strengthen search and rescue (SAR) operations. Regrettably, it has taken a death toll of nearly 2000 people this year alone to create the momentum for discussions on what the EU and its member states can do to offer tangible help.
