Dear Excellencies We, the undersigned, were sad to learn that on September 7th, 2012 dozens of refugees lost their lives in the waters that separate North Africa from the Island of Lampedusa (Italy). It is the tragedy involving desperate people fleeing brutal persecution and injustice in an attempt to seek refuge in Europe. Over the past 20 years more than 20,000 refugees from Africa have perished in the short 127- km stretch of sea. They drown, starve or die of exhaustion at sea. For years concerned groups have been calling on the Italian government and international institutions to start a programme for the monitoring and rescue of refugees in the Mediterranean. To prevent these tragedies taking place at sea, we are calling upon the Italian government to start a 24-hour maritime rescue service for these refugees. Thanking you for your attention and everything you can do to save lives.