The non-legislative initiative was presented by Spain's center-left Socialist Party (PSOE) to the Congress of Deputies. It motions for the government to work together with NGOs in operations to rescue and assist refugees for an ''effective respect of human rights''. 

The party led by Pedro Sanchez believes the work carried out so far by the conservative government of Premier Mariano Rajoy is not sufficient given that 2,726 people drowned or were reported missing in the Mediterranean from the beginning of the year until October, the PSOE said. 

In their initiative, the Spanish Socialists denounced the ''violation of human rights and international duties of Spain'' and the lack of a search-and-rescue system for migrants near Libya's territorial waters. The government was thus urged to ''recognize the work carried out by humanitarian NGOs'', which in spite of the risks and difficult situations ''improve maritime security'' through their rescue actions. 

In addition, the PSOE called on the cabinet to ''cooperate to guarantee an effective respect of international humanitarian law and engagements taken in the development sector provided for by the Treaty on European Union''. 

According to the motion presented to Congress, such cooperation must take into account the security of the countries of origin of migrants and the effectiveness of the ''system of asylum, support to refugees and ability and will to fight against human trafficking''. 

NGOs for their part, in order to carry out their work, ''must be able to count on sufficient guarantees of security, according to international laws, as well as the necessary authorizations to enable rescued migrants to land in a safe port, as provided for by humanitarian and maritime laws and the statute of refugees''. The Socialists said allegations that humanitarian ships attract refugees, favoring illegal immigration and traffickers are unjustified.

Author: Paola Del Vecchio