The organization states that financial constraints will end its four-year partnership aboard the Ocean Viking, despite thousands of people having been rescued.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) announced on Tuesday that it will close its operation in the central Mediterranean, which supported people on the move, ending its partnership with SOS Méditerranée aboard the Ocean Viking search and rescue vessel due to a lack of resources to continue the operation beyond 2025.
In a statement, the organization said its staff will no longer be present on the ship, leaving SOS Méditerranée to cover operational costs alone. This mission had been a vital link, with IFRC teams participating in the rescue of more than 8,600 people over the past four years, including 2,200 children.
“It is with immense sorrow and sadness that we see financial constraints directly affect such a vital and life-saving operation,” said Maria Alcazar Castilla, Deputy Regional Director of the IFRC for Europe. “We thank all our partners who have supported this important initiative, from funding to sending staff on board, as well as advocating for migrants.”
During the operation, IFRC teams provided medical care, first aid, psychosocial support, food, and information on asylum procedures. They participated in 156 rescue operations, distributed 96,000 meals, conducted 6,500 medical consultations, and helped send 3,200 “safe” messages to families.
While the work at sea is ending, the IFRC assures that its commitment to people on the move continues through humanitarian services along migration routes in Europe and beyond.
Source: AA
