The Subcommittee on Human Rights discussed the EU’s external dimension of migration policy with the participation of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
Members of the Subcommittee on Human Rights urged the European Commission to change its approach to the cooperation with partner countries like Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, and place human rights at the core of EU external relations and partnerships with third countries.
This includes the need to guarantee that, in the field of migration and international protection, the definition of safe countries duly takes into account their human rights record, MEPs added.
On 24 January, the Subcommittee on Human Rights, in association with the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, held an exchange of views on the recent developments in the field of the EU’s external dimension of migration policy, particularly the recent EU arrangements with third countries on migration, with a fundamental rights protection perspective. Guest speakers included Rosita Hickey, Director of Inquiries at the office of the EU Ombudsman, and Sara Prestianni, Director of EuroMed Rights.
In line with the EU Ombdusman’s initiative, Members reiterated that the Commission should conduct systematic human rights impact assessments in a transparent and independent way, before adopting agreements or starting migration activities. It should also conduct regular monitoring assessments of the human rights situation throughout the duration of such arrangements.
MEPs repeated their call that agreements should be concluded with a clear legal basis and to ensure parliamentary scrutiny. They underlined how informal arrangements lead to legal ambiguity and lack of judicial oversight, including reducing opportunities for redress for those whose rights were violated.
“The pressure of today’s debate only gives a hint of the pressure the people at our EU borders are experiencing. It is the responsibility of the European Parliament and the Subcommittee on Human Rights to make sure their voices are heard. Therefore we have to place human rights at the core of external action and strengthen the Parliament’s role in possible agreements with partner states“, said Udo Bullmann (S&D, DE) Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights.
