Dear Madam President von der Leyen,

the Mediterranean Sea has been the deadliest border in the world for years. I am writing to you so that you, as President of the EU Commission, will do everything possible to put an end to these deaths!

Human Rights must remain the foundation of all policies! I urge you to remember your duty to uphold and respect Human Rights.

1. Implement a national sea rescue programme! Finally assume responsibility along with the European Union; respect European law and human rights. Practical politics must not lead to a constant breach of the law. Rescue at sea is a state duty.

2. Lobby in favour of civilian sea rescue! The EU Member States must no longer obstruct civilian sea rescue vessels. They are often not allowed to set sail for months. Systematically preventing civilian humanitarian aid throughout Europe costs lives. European governments bear collective responsibility for these losses!

3. End all cooperation with the so-called Libyan coast guard! The European Commission is financing Libyan criminal militias operating as alleged coastguards in the war-torn country and accepts that people dragged back to Libya will be subjected to the worst torture. I expect that European taxpayers’ money will no longer be used to fund the illegal activities of warlords and human traffickers!

I firmly believe that: we must not get used to having thousands of people dying at the borders of our continent. Deterrence must not become a cynical intent, however cumbersome the political task may be. This refugee policy has no bright future. This policy not only threatens the refugees; it also puts our own humanity and dignity at risk.

Yours sincerely,