“International humanitarian law allows no exceptions”

The attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and the escalating, immeasurable human suffering caused by Israel’s response constitute a fundamental violation of international humanitarian law. It is the backbone of the protection of civilians in armed conflicts – it applies always, everywhere and to everyone. It is non-negotiable, non-relativisable, and indivisible. Sea-Eye e.V. therefore appeals to all parties to respect international humanitarian law without exception.

Hamas must treat all hostages still in its custody humanely and release them unconditionally. The collective punishment of the population of Gaza through forced displacement, starvation or blockade by the Israeli government must end immediately. The deliberate violation of rules protecting humanitarian principles is an attack on the fundamental principles of humanity – and cannot be justified under any circumstances.

Sea-Eye therefore fully endorses the declaration of the 111 humanitarian organisations and supports the resolution of Médecins Sans Frontières, which calls for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered access for aid supplies by land under UN coordination.

The German Parliament’s Budget Committee is cutting financial support for civil sea rescue operations from 2025

Rettungswesten im WasserLeonard Müller

A quiet decision during the parliamentary summer recess that dangerously reduces the chances of survival for people fleeing.

Context & background

  • The German federal government, made up of the CDU/CSU and SPD, plans to completely withdraw the annual funding of around two million euros to organisations such as Sea-Eye, SOS Humanity, Sant’Egidio and others from 2026. 
  • Now, the Budget Committee has decided that financial support for civil sea rescue operations should already be withdrawn this year. According to the Foreign Office, the amount was still around 900,000 euros in the first quarter of 2025, which means that organisations will have to fill a gap of around 1.1 million euros in 2025.
  • Sea-Eye warned that the loss of government support could lead to missions being cancelled and rescue ships possibly having to remain in port.
  • At the SPD federal party conference in June, the Social Democrats (SPD) voted by a large majority in favour of continuing civil sea rescue operations. However, the draft budget for 2026 does not contain any funds – the SPD parliamentary group remains inactive.
  • Foreign Secretary Johann Wadephul (CDU) had already declared at the end of June that he rejected funding for civil society sea rescuers. Civil sea rescue was an ‘inappropriate method,’ he said. 
  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz also expressed his opposition on Sandra Maischberger’s talk show. Civil sea rescue was ‘not a task for the private sector,’ he said.

“The dispute over civil sea rescue is a core conflict in democratic politics. After all, who decides in a democracy whether human rights are enforced or abandoned – party conferences or budget committees? It is shocking how the federal government is trying to quietly and secretly shirk its responsibility during the parliamentary summer recess. Sea rescue is a cornerstone of civilisation in our treatment of people fleeing their homes. We continue to insist on continued funding,” says Gorden Isler, chairman of Sea-Eye e.V.

Between October 2023 and February 2025, state-supported Sea-Eye missions saved an additional 747 people from drowning. 

Press material