The third Annual Report of the Frontex Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights provides an overview of the activities undertaken by the Consultative Forum in 2015. Among its various activities, the Consultative Forum has observed trainings, visited Joint Operation Triton, initiated a study on gender mainstreaming in Frontex and participated in Joint Operation VEGA Children. The report also presents the views and recommendations shared with Frontex and its Management Board on fundamental right matters connected to the agency’s activities, as well as an external evaluation of the Agency commissioned by Frontex and the Management Board.
In 2015, the mandates of some Consultative Forum member came to an end since their initial appointment in 2012. Most of the members requested and were selected for new three-year terms. The AIRE Centre, a specialist law centre that helps vulnerable individuals to assert their rights, also joined the advisory body.
The report stresses the Consultative Forum support to the establishment of an individual complaints mechanism in order to ensure access to justice and effective remedy to those persons affected by Frontex-coordinated Joint Operations. It also emphasises the need for the Fundamental Rights Office to be adequately staffed to support further promotion of respect for fundamental rights in Frontex activities. In addition, the document also provides an assessment of the impact of enhanced cooperation between Frontex and non-EU countries.
The publication of this report is in line with Article 26a of the amended Frontex Regulation. The third Annual Report of the Consultative Forum was presented to the Frontex Management Board at its 58th meeting on 30 March 2016.
For further information about the Report, please contact:
Marta Ballestero, United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Consultative Forum Chair
balleste@unhcr.org
Stefan Kessler, Jesuit Refugee Service
Consultative Forum Co-Chair
stefan.kessler@jrs.net
consultative.forum@frontex.europa.eu