The "February 26 Network" criticized the government for not following through on commitments made in March during a meeting at Palazzo Chigi, as stated in a note published last weekend.

The network was created by a group of associations that dealt with migration issues after the shipwreck of a migrant ship in Cutro on the night of February 25-26, 2023, claiming the lives of 94, including 35 minors, with at least ten still missing.

Also read: Shipwreck in Italy: 'The last tragedy of this kind dates back to 2013'

Announcement of mobilization for the shipwreck anniversary

The "February 26 Network" announced "a mobilization, together with the migrant families, to call legal entry channels against European policies of rejection."

The organization noted that there were a total of 2,571 persons who died at sea in 2023, according to figures from the International Organization of Migration (IOM) and the NGO Doctors Without Borders.

As per its press note, the "February 26 Network" was created with a dual objective, on the one hand to offer support to the families of victims and survivors, especially in the identification of the bodies and the repatriation of the corpses, and on the other hand to denounce institutional and policy failures as well as the violations of human rights which the organization sees as being the cause of shipwrecks in the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea.

For this reason on 26 February, we will resume our plans to take action and organize ourselves.

On the upcoming anniversary of the tragedy, the network wants to "take action" by organizing a mobilization to reiterate the requests of the families of those shipwrecked as well as survivors, and to organize protests against "Europe's rejection policies".

Also read: Italy: 5,000 people protest in Cutro with a cross made from wreckage

The requests put forth by the organization

The "February 26 Network" has asserted its demands, stating, "We call for justice and truth." The organization has outlined several key requests, including a thorough investigation into the shipwreck to ensure accountability and truth. Organizers are advocating for humanitarian corridors and family reunifications, in line with promises made by the Italian government, aimed at providing relief for victims in their respective home countries.

Moreover, the network is calling for the identification, recognition, and dignified burial of the victims of the shipwreck. It is urging the immediate revocation of European Union agreements with third countries such as Turkey, Libya, and Tunisia, particularly those related to externalized border control. Lastly, the organization said it is actively pushing for the establishment of safe and legal entry channels to address the needs of persons fleeing poverty and humanitarian crises.

Also read: Italy: First application of 'Cutro decree', 15 traffickers detained