European Diversity Awards: Charity of the year 2023

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the European Diversity Awards Optum Charity of the Year.

This recognition is a tribute to the unwavering dedication and compassion of our incredible team, volunteers, and supporters. This award also shines a crucial spotlight on the urgent situation in the Mediterranean. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 28,000 lives have been lost between 2014 and 2023. The current situation is alarmingly dire with 2023 recording the highest number of deaths since 2017.  

At SOS MEDITERRANEE, our vision is a world where every person in distress at sea is rescued and treated with dignity. We also believe in a world where safety and security are guaranteed for all. We are dedicated to humanitarian principles and work tirelessly to save lives, irrespective of nationality, ethnicity, or status, and ensure that every individual receives the care and protection they deserve. The profiles of people fleeing across the Mediterranean are extremely varied, ranging from across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and beyond.

Since the start of our operations in 2016, SOS MEDITERRANEE has rescued over 39,000 people in distress in the Mediterranean Sea, coming from over 40 different countries, including 25% minors, many of them traveling alone.  

This achievement is only possible thanks to our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and diverse partners. The Ocean Viking, a citizen ship essentially funded by private donors, stands as a testament to their support. Your generosity and collaboration empower us to persist against all odds and have been a driving force behind our operations. 

Thank you for standing with us.