More
than 600 children, parents, and families are likely dead
after a ship carrying refugees and migrants sank off the
coast of Greece.
So
far, authorities have rescued only around 104
survivors out of the 750 passengers, presuming the rest
have all drowned.
This tragedy could
have been avoided if it weren't for the European Union's
increasingly rigid asylum policies, and the Greek coast
guard's inaction.
This
has left desperate families with few options besides
risking such dangerous sea voyages. According to
Eftychia Georgiadi of the International Rescue
Committee: "Nobody embarks on these treacherous
journeys unless they feel they have no other
option."
The
Greek coast guard was aware the ship was experiencing
problems, including overcrowding, lack of food and
water, and possible engine failure issues. But it claims
the captain "denied help," so coast guard members just
sat by and watched
the ship go down, with hundreds of screaming humans on
board.
Under international maritime
law, Greek authorities were required to
intervene and attempt to rescue the passengers
on board due to the multiple unsafe conditions. But the
coast guard is maintaining it did nothing wrong by
holding back and watching families sink and drown.
International
authorities must hold the Greek government accountable
for its failure to intervene and save these 750 lives.
Additionally, the EU must rewrite its policies on asylum
to make sure no family feels the need to endure such
dangerous voyages again! Sign the petition to
speak up for human
rights!
