Migrants Stranded on Offshore Platform Amid Deteriorating Conditions

A group of 30 migrants stranded on an offshore platform in the Mediterranean faces worsening conditions, including severe hunger and health deterioration. Humanitarian organizations are urging Italian and Maltese authorities to intervene as the migrants’ situation becomes increasingly critical. Concerns over potential rights violations have also been raised regarding the platform’s owners and operators.

A group of 30 migrants is stranded on an offshore platform in the Mediterranean Sea, east of Tunisia, facing dire conditions. They have been without food for several days, leading to a rapid decline in their health, as reported by the emergency hotline service Alarm Phone.

The platform, situated about 75 miles off the Tunisian coast, is considered inadequate for providing the necessary care. The humanitarian organization Sea-Watch conducted a reconnaissance visit and noted that the migrants arrived on an inflatable boat, which was later seen tied to the platform. Tragically, one individual has reportedly died due to the severe conditions, while others are exhibiting signs of extreme hunger and exhaustion.

Aid organizations are urging both Italian and Maltese authorities to take action, as the migrants are located within international waters that fall under the search and rescue responsibilities of both countries. Sea-Watch stated, “They have the right to be transferred to a safe port.”

Human rights groups have raised concerns that Shell, the owner of the platform, and Amilcar Petroleum Operations, its operator, could be involved in human rights violations if the migrants are forcibly returned to Libya or Tunisia. Under international law, returning individuals to a country where they may face persecution or harm is strictly prohibited.

The situation for the 30 stranded migrants on the offshore platform remains critical, with urgent calls for intervention from Italian and Maltese authorities. The ongoing humanitarian crisis emphasizes the need for adherence to international legal standards regarding the treatment of migrants. Aid organizations continue to advocate for the safe transfer of individuals to avoid potential rights violations by associated corporations.

Original Source: libyaobserver.ly