For Italy to cancel a decree that criminalizes rescuing refugees

In response to the inhuman policies around the world we are writing to Italian officials to petition they cancel a hard hearted decree, that is aimed at discouraging civilians from aiding and rescuing refugees on the Mediterranean. 

This letter will be presented to the Italian ambassador in Finland. In case you live elwhere, please feel free to copy the Italian language version and send it to the Italian ambassador in your country. I recommend sending traditional mail. Or sign this one.

Below the English translation and below that, the Italian language letter. 

This petition page concludes with links to information around this issue.

To the Italian Ambassador Mr. Gabriele ALTANA

Itäinen Puistotie 4 - 00140 Helsinki, Finland

With great urgency I write to you concerning the new decree in Italy, that makes it illegal to help refugees at sea.

Besides being against my sense of legality and decency, this law is in direct conflict with The International Maritime Law. It is worrying that these kinds of regulations will, in effect, make criminals of your most honest citizens and visitors.

It is true that the number of refugees in the world is mounting. Yet, this law and its kind, will ultimately do nothing to remedy the problem or the reasons behind it.

Please, let your government know that the world is watching, and urge them to change this law.

Sincerely,

Egregio Ambasciatore Gabriele ALTANA

Itäinen Puistotie 4 - 00140 Helsinki, Finlandia

E’ con un senso di urgenza che le scrivo riguardo alla nuova legge italiana che rende illegale aiutare i rifugiati in mare.

Oltre ad essere contro il mio senso di legalità e decenza, questa legge è in conflitto diretto con il diritto marittimo internazionale.
Il fatto che una normativa di questo tipo trasformerà elementi onesti della nostra società ed i suoi visitatori in criminali di fatto, è molto preoccupante.

È vero che il numero di rifugiati nel mondo sta crescendo. Tuttavia, questa legge e la sua natura non faranno nulla per rimediare al problema o alle sue cause.

Con questa lettera le chiedo cortesemente di invitare il suo governo a considerare il cambiamento della legge in questione e a non sottovalutare che il mondo intero sta guardando.

Ringraziandola per la sua attenzione le porgo i miei cordiali saluti.

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Link to Legal Brief on International Law and Rescue at Sea (pdf) on United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees pages

https://www.unhcr.org/487b47f12.pdf

Links to reports on the new decree in Italy

https://reliefweb.int/report/italy/italy-un-experts-condemn-bill-fine-migrant-rescuers

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201906/14/WS5d027dc7a3103dbf1432814c.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/italy-refugee-rescue-fine-salvini-ngo-boat-msf-migration-a8913166.html

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/15/italy-adopts-decree-that-could-fine-migrant-rescue-ngo-aid-up-to-50000

Minna Harri    Contact the author of the petition