SOS MEDITERRANEE Germany Jobs and more

SOS MEDITERRANEE: A humanitarian organization for search and rescue in the Mediterranean

About us

SOS MEDITERRANEE is an international humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in the Mediterranean. Founded in May 2015 by committed citizens from various European countries, the initiative arose in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the central Mediterranean and the failure of the European Union to address this crisis.

Our mission and goals

edit

Our mission is based on three central mandates:

Saving Lives

edit

With a professional and experienced team of rescuers, we conduct rescue operations in the Mediterranean to save people from drowning. Since our founding, we have already rescued over 37,000 people from distress at sea[2][4].

Protecting and Accompanying

edit

A team of experienced medical professionals and humanitarian experts ensures the care of the rescued until they disembark in a safe harbor. This includes medical care, food and water, as well as emotional support[4].

Witnessing

edit

We document the humanitarian crisis in the central Mediterranean and bring the stories and fates of the rescued to the public. This serves to inform people in Europe about this ongoing emergency and to give a voice to the rescued[4].

Organization and Structure

edit

SOS MEDITERRANEE operates as a European network with teams in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland. Our work is carried out independently from governments, political parties, and denominations, and is based on respect for people and their dignity, regardless of their origin and nationality[2][4].

Our Ships

edit

Since August 2019, we have been operating the rescue ship Ocean Viking in the central Mediterranean. Previously, we operated the rescue ship Aquarius from February 2016 to December 2018. The Ocean Viking is jointly financed and operated by our teams in the various countries[2][4].

Challenges and Activities

edit

Our crews aboard the Ocean Viking often face enormous challenges, such as rescuing overcrowded boats in difficult weather conditions and coordinating with local rescue coordination centers. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to our maritime duty to provide assistance and advocate for the safety and dignity of the rescued[2][5].

Values and Principles

edit

SOS MEDITERRANEE is a humanitarian organization based on the principles of human dignity, solidarity, and impartiality. We advocate for human rights and believe that solidarity should not stop at national borders or the external borders of Europe[4][5].

Sustainability Goals and Initiatives

edit

Our long-term goal is to create a world where every person in distress at sea is rescued and treated with dignity. We are working to ensure safer routes for people fleeing violence and to prioritize the saving of lives. Through our work and our public awareness campaigns, we contribute to informing the public about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean and mobilizing support for our mission[4][5].

Sources:

edit