International Organization for Migration (IOM) visits the EU Operation Headquarters
On August 31 2015 in Rome the International Organization for Migration (IOM) visits the EUNAVFOR MED Headquarters to examine possibilities to cooperate in the field of contrasting smugglers and traffickers business and ensuring safety of lives at sea.
The IOM delegation composed by Federico Soda, Director of the IOM Coordination Office for the Mediterranean, Giulia Falzoi, Head of Migration Management Unit, and Flavio Di Giacomo, the Spokesperson for IOM Italy, met the Operation Commander, Rear Admiral (UH) Enrico Credendino and his staff.
EUNAVFOR has reached its full capacity and is currently implementing the first phase on surveillance and assessment of human smuggling and trafficking networks, performing information gathering and patrolling on the high seas to support the detection and monitoring of smuggling networks, which is of vital importance for the later phases of the operation.
The vessels have been involved in Rescue activities upon request by the competent Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), in accordance with the International Law of the Sea, fully respecting the Refugee Conventions.
From the beginning of the operation, the units have been involved in 9 rescue activities, contributing to save more than 1400 lives.