Regional Thematic Study: Management of the External Borders of the EU and its Impact on the Human Rights of Migrants

Given the importance of migratory movements within and around the European Mediterranean region, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants has decided to focus his country visits of 2012 to examine, from a global perspective the complex issues of border control and management within the EU, using real case examples from the national level.

In this regard, he has held consultations with the in key EU institutions responsible for protecting and promoting the rights of migrants in Brussels, including the Directorate-General Home Affairs and the Directorate-General for Justice of the European Commission, and other relevant regional entities including the European Parliament, the European Council, the Fundamental Rights Agency, FRONTEX, and relevant civil society actors.

The Special Rapporteur then carried out four country visits to key countries on both sides of the EU southern Mediterranean border: Tunisia, Turkey, Italy and Greece.

The findings and recommendations emerging from these visits will be presented to the 23rd session of the Human Rights Council (June 2013) in the form of one thematic global mission report, with country specific attachments. The Special Rapporteur will highlight ongoing challenges in the development and implementation of policies, and will also identify best practices. In this study, he will also address the implications of EU policies and practices related to border control and management on countries of transit of migrants en route to EU countries. He will also provide a set of recommendations to assist Member States of the EU and other relevant States in overcoming such challenges individually, bilaterally and regionally.

1. Concept Note

2. Press release - mission to EU institutions in Brussels (7 - 9 May 2012)
http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12145&LangID=E

3. End of mission statement to Tunisia (3 - 8 June 2012)
http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12231&LangID=E

4. End of mission statement to Turkey (25 - 30 June 2012)
http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12307&LangID=E

5. End of mission statement to Italy (30 September - 8 October 2012)
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12640&LangID=E

6. End of mission statement to Greece (25 November - 3 December 2012)
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12858&LangID=E