Deployment and Distress - Legal and political challenges in connection with Danish naval participation in search and rescue in the Mediterranean

The rise in irregular boat migration means that maritime search and rescue has become increasingly embroiled in legal and political discussions. The Mediterranean, in particular, has become the scene for repeated political standoffs and multiple reports about non-compliance or active pushbacks in violation of international law. The situation is of particular significance for Denmark. Partly because Denmark actively participates in international naval operations and migration control as part of EU and NATO cooperation. Partly because the repeated conflicts in regard to search and rescue have an economic impact for Denmark, as one of the world’s largest shipping nations. This report aims to identify the core legal and political challenges to the current search and rescue regime, and for how Danish naval forces best navigate these challenges in order to uphold its international obligations.