Thirteen European search-and-rescue NGOs have formed a new alliance, the "Justice Fleet," and announced they will no longer communicate with Libya's Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Tripoli.

In a joint statement, the groups accused the JRCC of enabling returns to Libya, where refugees reportedly face grave human rights abuses, rather than improving rescue coordination.

Supported by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) and Refugees in Libya, the alliance brings together organizations from Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.

According to the NGOs, the alliance has been created in order to strengthen cooperation and collective defence against what they described as mounting pressure from the EU and Italy to cooperate with the Libyan Coast Guard.

What are rescue groups saying

"We have never recognised these actors as a legitimate rescue authority — they are part of a violent regime enabled by the European Union," Ina Friebe, spokesperson of CompassCollective said.

"Ending all operational communication with the so-called Libyan Rescue Coordination Center is both a legal and moral necessity — a clear line against European complicity in crimes against humanity."

In their joint statement, the organizations allege that the Libyan Coast Guard intercepts refugees at sea and returns them to detention facilities in Libya, where reports cite widespread abuse, including torture, sexual violence, and forced labor.

European courts and UN institutions have recognised such organized violence as amounting to crimes against humanity, the NGOs said.

Why is the 'Justice Fleet' no longer communicating with Libya?

The NGOs argue JRCC Tripoli "cannot be regarded as a competent authority," as they cited its lack of constant availability, limited language capacity, and inadequate technical infrastructure to coordinate maritime rescues.

They went on to argue that the JRCC operate as a "decentralised network of armed militias," that they say have been trained and equipped with EU — particularly Italian — funds.

The groups acknowledges refusing communication with the JRCC could expose them to fines, detentions, or vessel confiscation under Italy's Piantedosi Decree, which has been in force since 2023.

However, Giulia Messmer, Sea-Watch spokesperson said it was Justice Fleet's obligation to act contrary to the JRCC's action as: "Those who save lives act in accordance with international law. Those who organise or finance violence, violate it." 

A unified strategy by the 'Justice Fleet'

Through the Justice Fleet, the organisations plan to coordinate legal, political, and public advocacy to defend the right to rescue and to protect people seeking safety.

Their strategy includes challenging illegal pushbacks and documenting violations in the central Mediterranean.

A newly launched website will track reports of violence by the Libyan Coast Guard and compile legal cases that rescue NGOs have won since 2023.

The alliance says its work will focus on countering the "politics of deterrence" pursued by European governments, while reaffirming a commitment to human rights and international maritime obligations.

Members include CompassCollective, Louise Michel, Mediterranea Saving Humans, Mission Lifeline, Pilotes Volontaires, RESQSHIP, r42 – sail and rescue, Sea-Eye, Sea Punks, Sea-Watch, Salvamento Marítimo Humanitario, SOS Humanity, and Tutti gli occhi sul Mediterraneo (TOM).

Edited by: Kieran Burke