The European Union Ombudsman’s Office has opened an investigation into the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, following repeated accusations that the border committed human rights violations on the Turkish-Greek border.
On Thursday, European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly announced that she had opened an investigation into how Frontex “deals with alleged violations of basic rights. “
In particular, the investigation assesses the extent to which Frontex’s reporting mechanism is effective and transparent to those who report rights violations.
The research will also focus on the “role and independence” of Frontex’s “head of basic rights,” a role that was created in reaction to the Ombudsman’s workplace recommendations in 2013.
Thursday’s announcement comes when Frontex continues to face scrutiny of accusations that Frontex is involved in return operations on the Greek-Turkish border, or to prevent migrants, asylum seekers and refugees from reaching EU soil and waters.
In recent weeks, several media outlets, the Bellingcat Research Organization, have reported a series of incidents of return activity, which violate foreign law.
Last month, the European Commission responded to calls for action by calling for an “urgent” board assembly with Frontex.
At the time, on Twitter, Internal Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said she and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were calling for “an urgent assembly of Frontex’s board of directors on 10 November to discuss alleged return incidents in Greece and basic rights. “. “
O’Reilly’s said the ombudsman had sent a list of detailed questions to Frontex about the court case mechanism and human rights.
The questions are accompanied by questions about what happens to whistleblowers facing a forced return while their court cases are still being prosecuted, as well as the resources that can be given to them.
The questions also point to the characteristics that whistleblowers must have in making their accusations when they are outside the EU.
O’Reilly also informed members of the European Network of Mediators (ENO), that their workplace seemed to recommend that they be active participants.
“This is important, given the role of the national government in Frontex’s operations and the fact that some national mediators are here to trace court cases about this,” O’Reilly’s office said.
I am a journalist covering problems of immigration, politics, human rights and social justice. Previously, I worked for Newsweek, The Independent and The Canadian.
I am a journalist covering problems of immigration, politics, human rights and social justice. Previously, I worked for Newsweek, The Independent and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. To be more informed about my work, my website.