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The role of non-state actors in a hybrid system
for managing irregular migrations in the Mediterranean Sea

The aim of the article is to present the role of non-governmental organizations conducting search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea in the hybrid model of migration management and to demonstrate that the functioning of this model is associated with fundamental difficulties. This hypothesis is tested by analyzing the activities of associations conducting operations at sea, with particular emphasis on two organizations (Sea Watch and Jugend Rettet) and the activities of the Italian government, which is attempting to play a superior role over private associations. The article indicates difficulties in harmonious cooperation between the state and private organizations. The conclusions indicate that these difficulties result from the politicization of migration by some organizations and the reluctance to attempt to include a private search and rescue system in a system operating under state control. The article contributes to research on the cooperation of the state and non-state actors in migration management and points to the difficulties associated with regulating and standardizing the activities performed by private organizations.

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