Border Agency Failures Putting Migrant Lives at Risk

The EU’s border security agency, Frontex, has major flaws that make it partly responsible for the deaths of migrants trying to reach Europe, according to an EU watchdog.

Frontex Not Stopping Migrant Boats From Sinking

On Tuesday, the EU Ombudsman criticised Frontex for not doing enough to save the lives of migrants making the dangerous Mediterranean Sea crossing to Europe. The Ombudsman said Frontex border operations have failed to prevent overloaded and unseaworthy migrant boats from sinking. 

So far, over 250 migrants have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean in 2023. The Ombudsman said Frontex border aircraft and ships do little to prevent loss of life. They mainly just report sinking boats to coast guards instead of actively saving migrants in distress.

Emily O’Reilly, the EU Ombudsman, said this makes the EU appear complicit in migrants dying at sea. She said Frontex’s failures are against the EU’s human rights obligations.

Frontex Also Criticized Over Transparency

Additionally, Ombudsman O’Reilly criticised Frontex over a lack of transparency. She said the border agency does not disclose enough information about its operations, making proper scrutiny impossible.

There are also wider accountability issues with the organization, such as allegations of illegal pushback of migrant boats. The Ombudsman said more openness is vital for public trust in Frontex.

O’Reilly Calls for Major Improvements

The Ombudsman urged the EU to rapidly fix major shortcomings in how Frontex operates. Her recommendations include:

– Establishing search and rescue as a clear priority in all Frontex maritime operations, rather than just border control.

– Ensuring Frontex ships and aircraft take an active role in preventing loss of life at sea. 

– Vastly improving transparency around operational activities and human rights compliance.

– Appointing fundamental rights monitors to all Frontex operations.

EU Commission Under Pressure to Reform

The scathing report pressures the European Commission to drive reforms at Frontex. However, the agency remains controversial with some member states favoring a tough border control approach over human rights priorities.

A Commission spokesperson said Frontex plays a vital role but must uphold EU values. The Commission says it will study the Ombudsman’s recommendations on how to prevent more migrant deaths at European borders.