Today, the Frontex Consultative Forum published its fifth annual report that provides an overview of the activities undertaken by the Consultative Forum in 2017. The report also presents observations and recommendations shared with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and its Management Board in an effort to further strengthen fundamental rights protection in the agency’s activities.
The primary objective of the Consultative Forum in 2017 was the further implementation of the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation, with a special focus on returns. The Consultative Forum observed three Frontex return operations and supported the revision of the Frontex Code of Conduct for Return Operations and Interventions. Furthermore, the Consultative Forum continued its work towards the strengthening of child protection in Frontex activities at both the strategic and working levels. The Consultative Forum stresses that child protection, including strong internal child safeguarding policies, is integral to an effective and rights-based integrated border management. Furthermore, the Forum issued a recommendation regarding gender mainstreaming in Frontex activities.
The report emphasises the need for the Fundamental Rights Office to be adequately staffed to be able to carry out its increased responsibilities under the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation. It also encourages Frontex to resume the revision of its Fundamental Rights Strategy.
The publication of this report is in line with Article 70 (4) of the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation. The fifth annual report of the Consultative Forum was presented to the Frontex Management Board on 22 March 2018.
The report is available here. For further information, please contact:
Marta Ballestero, United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR)
Consultative Forum Chair
balleste@unhcr.org
Stefan Kessler, Jesuit Refugee Service
Consultative Forum Chair
stefan.kessler@jrs.net
Frontex Consultative Forum Secretariat
consultative.forum@frontex.europa.eu