The impact of criminalization on the management of search and rescue NGOs in the Central Mediterranean Sea since 2017

In mid-2015 the European Union changed its response to the increase of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea from humanitarian to securitization and deterrence. In 2017 this became visible in the criminalization of search and rescue (SAR) organizations, which had an impact and both intended and unintended consequences. This study focuses on the impact of criminalization on the management of search and rescue NGOs in the Central Mediterranean Sea since 2017 by analysing changes in their recruitment, training and general management, their decision-making process when faced with (the risk of) criminalization and criminalization’s impact on their ability to fulfil their mission. This is done through analysing literature and conducting semi-structured interviews with four people who are active in SAR organizations affected by (the risk of) criminalization. This study finds that it is not generally known that authorities have changed strategies of criminalization. The previous more open form of criminalization partly strengthened one of the organizations as members became more resolute in their commitment to their mission and public support and donations increased by those who opposed the authorities’ strategy. The current strategy consists of mainly administrative hurdles, which are less visible but more difficult to manage for organizations. Recruitment was impacted as there are fewer potential candidates and vetting increased. Trainings changed to give crew members additional information and enable them to obtain required licenses. In general management more sustainable structures were created for resilience to criminalization. In the decision-making process when faced with (the risk of) criminalization the organizations aim to be democratic, which makes the process more time-consuming and prone to internal conflict. The organizations’ ability to fulfil their missions was impacted by the negative influence of the media on their public image and needing to use resources for legal defence instead of SAR operations. There are currently less frequent SAR operations and it is increasingly difficult for small organizations to run their own ship