Statewatch analysis of the proposed new rules on interception and disembarkation during Frontex sea operations

Statewatch has published an analysis of the Commission's proposal for new rules for Frontex sea operations signed by Marie Martin. The analysis concludes that the proposal does not clarify Frontex's responsibility for and in joint operations and warns that it may contain provisions contrary to the principle of non-refoulement, given that in case of interception on the high seas, disembarkation may take place in the third country from which the ship departed. The proposal also seems to exclude the application of asylum law to situations in contiguous zones (beyond the territorial sea) and high seas, while not clarifying who should be responsible for assessing the situation in those third countries, and appears permissive of "push-backs". Finally, the analysis points to deficiencies as regards the regulation of search and rescue operations.

Read the full analysis at Statewatch.

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