NGOs return to sea 'to defend human rights'

(ANSA) - Rome, November 22 - Three migrant-rescue NGOs said Thursday they were taking to the sea again "to defend human rights" and ensure search and rescue operations despite Italian government opposition.
    Sea Watch, Proactiva Open Arms and Mediterranea said their vessels had already set out and would soon reach the area off Libya where most rescues take place.
    "The intense campaign of criminalisation launched against humanitarian organisations," said Open Arms, "has reached the goal of eliminating uncomfortable witnesses and has impose silence on what is happening in those waters".