Saving Humans USA is an American nonprofit organization dedicated to the humanitarian mission of monitoring and rescuing migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers in distress in the Central Mediterranean Sea. Established as a 501(c)(3) public charity, the organization functions as the U.S. sister entity of Mediterranea Saving Humans, an Italian association engaged in similar life-saving efforts at sea.

Mission and Activities

The primary purpose of Saving Humans USA is to raise funds and support operations aimed at saving lives of people in danger while crossing the Mediterranean, often fleeing war, persecution, or extreme poverty in Northern Africa. The organization’s work involves monitoring maritime routes used by migrants and coordinating or assisting rescue operations for those facing life-threatening conditions on the sea. Additionally, Saving Humans USA seeks to raise public awareness about the humanitarian crises affecting these vulnerable populations.

Relationship with Mediterranea Saving Humans

Saving Humans USA supports Mediterranea Saving Humans by providing financial and logistical aid to its projects, including sea rescue missions using ships like the Sea-Eye 4, which has rescued hundreds of people during multiple operations. Mediterranea Saving Humans operates a ship under the Italian flag and maintains extensive networks both at sea and on land to support migrants. The organization’s land-based crews are active in numerous Italian cities as well as in major cities across Europe and the United States.

Social and Legal Context

The organization operates amid complex legal and political challenges. For instance, members of Mediterranea Saving Humans have faced accusations of “facilitating illegal immigration” by Italian authorities, reflecting broader controversies concerning civil rescue operations in the Mediterranean. Saving Humans USA and its affiliates emphasize that saving human lives is a moral imperative, underscoring the slogan “Saving Humans is not a crime.”

Organizational Structure

Classified under Internal Revenue Code Sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), Saving Humans USA is committed to transparency and public charity standards. It acts as a platform connecting individuals and associations who wish to contribute to or participate in maritime rescue and advocacy initiatives, enabling community engagement and volunteerism.

Saving Humans USA continues to play a crucial role in humanitarian efforts amid one of the most significant migration crises of the 21st century, fostering solidarity and direct action to preserve human life and dignity in the perilous context of Mediterranean migration[1][2][3][4].