Search and rescue : legal considerations of the EU migration and asylum pact

Abstract

This contribution focuses on the legal aspects of the search and rescue considerations in the European Union Migration and Asylum Pact. It provides an overview of the core instruments making up the EU Pact and considers how these relate to each other. Particular attention is given to the evaluation of the human element in the light of the disembarkations following rescue at sea. The authors conclude that, although the Pact represents a positive step in the progressive development of the law in this area, considering the significant efforts made to address migration through cooperation and development, a number of legal and practical challenges remain, which could endanger fundamental human rights protections, therefore continuous monitoring and evaluation is paramount.