Meeting with a delegation from the Frontex Fundamental Rights Office at the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights
Date:
The Commissioner for Human Rights Marcin Wiącek received a delegation from the Fundamental Rights Office of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) on 22 October 2024.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Director of the Frontex Fundamental Rights Office Grigorios Tsioukas and FRO officers Aleksandra Arcichowska and Mara Bottone. The Commissioner was accompanied by the Director of the Executive Operations and International Cooperation Department Maciej Kruk and the Chief Coordinator for Strategic Cooperation Maciej Grześkowiak.
The conversation focused on the exchange of experiences considering the specific mandates of both institutions. In particular, the subject of the functioning of the Terespol border crossing and the conduct of officers of this crossing towards persons declaring their willingness to apply for international protection was raised. During the meeting, possibilities for potential cooperation between the two institutions were also discussed.
The Fundamental Rights Officer (FRO) is mandated with monitoring Frontex’s implementation of its fundamental rights obligations in accordance with EU and international law and with advising the Executive Director on fundamental rights-related issues. The FRO and the staff of the Fundamental Rights Office, including Fundamental Rights Monitors, have an independent role within the agency to reinforce respect, protection and promotion of fundamental rights. In order to effectively monitor the agency’s compliance with fundamental rights, the FRO can conduct investigations into any of its activities and carries out regular on-the-spot visits.
