SAVING HUMANS USA – has been established in 2019 – is the U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mission and activities of MEDITERRANEA Saving Humans, the Italian civil society organization engaged in search and rescue operations in the Central Mediterranean. Mediterranea was founded in the summer of 2018 in response to a growing humanitarian emergency, when thousands of women, men, and children were losing their lives at sea while seeking safety, protection, and the opportunity to build a better future.
What began as a collective act of conscience and solidarity has evolved into a broad network of citizens, volunteers, maritime professionals, and human rights advocates working across Italy, Europe, and the United States. Today, Mediterranea operates through sea crews and land-based teams, supported by thousands of members and activists who share a commitment to defending human dignity and protecting lives at risk.
As armed conflicts, political instability, economic inequality, and climate-related displacement continue to force people onto dangerous migration routes, the Mediterranean sea remains one of the world’s deadliest borders. Together with other humanitarian organizations in the Civil Fleet, Mediterranea continues to rescue people in distress, document & report human rights violations, and advocate for changes in migration policies – changes rooted in justice, accountability, and respect for human life.
Every mission is possible thanks to the support of individuals and communities who believe that solidarity must be transformed into action. Through donations, partnerships, and public engagement, SAVING HUMANS USA helps provide the resources to continue rescue operations at sea, to support humanitarian monitoring efforts, and to ensure that vulnerable people are not abandoned. By supporting this work, you help save lives and affirm a simple principle: every human life matters.
OUR MISSION
At SAVING HUMANS USA, our mission is to support life-saving humanitarian operations in the central Mediterranean sea and to advance a future in which no one is forced to risk their life in search of safety, protection, or opportunity.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 30,000 people have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean Sea since 2014. The vast majority of these deaths have occurred along the central Mediterranean route, making it the deadliest migration route in the world. Behind every statistic is a human story: a mother, a father, a child, a family whose journey ended in tragedy instead of hope.
We believe these deaths are preventable. Search and rescue operations play a vital role in saving lives, but lasting solutions require more than an emergency response. They require policies that place human dignity at their center and recognize that freedom of movement has always been part of the human experience. When safe options disappear, dangerous journeys become the only alternative.
For this reason, we support the work of MEDITERRANEA Saving Humans not only in rescuing people in distress at sea, but also in advocating for an approach to migration that puts safeguarding human lives and rights before the borders. Expanding safe and legal pathways to Europe, strengthening access to international protection, family reunification, humanitarian visas, labor mobility programs, and resettlement opportunities are essential steps toward preventing further loss of life.
Our mission is grounded in solidarity, human rights, and the conviction that no border should become a graveyard. Together with our supporters, partners, and communities, we work to save lives today while helping build a future in which safety, protection, and freedom can be reached without risking death at sea.
Mediterranea Rescue Fleet
Mediterranea Ship
Mare Jonio Ship
Safira Sailing Vessel
ORGANIZATION
Saving Humans is a non-governmental organization composed of activists, sociologists, journalists, researchers, and philanthropists dedicated to advancing human rights, safeguarding human dignity, and promoting freedom of movement.
Through advocacy, research, public awareness, and humanitarian engagement, we work to support vulnerable communities, encourage evidence-based dialogue, and uphold the universal principles of equality, solidarity, and justice.
Our mission is to contribute to a society where every individual can live in safety, dignity, and freedom, regardless of their background, nationality, or circumstances.
Francesco Memoli
Francesco Memoli is President of Tenova Inc., leading the company’s U.S. operations in sustainable technologies for the metals industry. With extensive international experience in steelmaking and industrial innovation.
Michael Hardt
Michael Hardt is a political philosopher, literary theorist, and Professor of Literature at Duke University. An internationally recognized scholar, he is best known for his influential work on globalization, democracy, and social movements, including the groundbreaking book Empire, co-authored with Antonio Negri.
Luca Casarini
Luca Casarini is an activist who focuses on the social and political implications of the contemporary global development model. He is the author of Genova dentro (2011), about the protests against the G8 summit in July 2001, and La Cospirazione del Bene (2023). In 2018, he founded Mediterranea Saving Humans and he participated in the Synod of Bishops as a special guest of Pope Francis. He also collaborates with the Mediterranean Theological Network.
Anna Maria Berta
Anna Maria Berta is President and Co-Founder of LindenAI. With a background spanning mathematics, artificial intelligence, software development, and educational technology, she has contributed to research, innovation, and public-sector initiatives in both Europe and the United States.
Greg Barnhisel
Greg Barnhisel is Professor of English at Duquesne University and an award-winning scholar of literature, culture, and publishing. He is the author and editor of multiple books on literature and history, and his work has been supported by organizations including the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Maso Notarianni
Maso Notarianni is an Italian journalist, editor, and communications professional with extensive experience in media, publishing, and public discourse. His work has focused on journalism, cultural engagement, and advancing informed civic participation.
Linda Ambroso
Linda Ambroso is a business development professional with experience supporting organizations across industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. Based in Pittsburgh, she brings expertise in strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and organizational growth.
Heather Gautney
Heather Gautney is a sociologist, author, and Professor of Sociology at Fordham University. Her research focuses on social inequality, public policy, labor, and social movements. She has served in senior policy advisory roles and is widely recognized for her scholarship on democracy, economic opportunity, and civic engagement.
SUPPORT US
Every life saved at sea is possible because someone chose to act.
By supporting SAVING HUMANS USA, you help sustain the search and rescue operations of MEDITERRANEA Saving Humans in the Central Mediterranean. Your donation contributes to keeping rescue vessels at sea, supporting humanitarian monitoring activities, and defending the fundamental rights of people forced to undertake dangerous journeys in search of safety.
In the face of indifference, solidarity becomes action. Together, we can save lives, protect human dignity, and help build a future where no one is forced to risk death in order to reach safety.
SAVING HUMANS USA (EIN:84-2250991) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, eligible to receive tax deductible charitable contribution.
