FRA: report on six steps to prevent future tragedies at sea

The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has published a short report advising the EU on what to do in order to preclude more deaths at sea. FRA asks for a comprehensive response, appealing to the EU Commission, EU Agencies and EU Member States. 

The report on preventing and responding to deaths at sea pinpoints six key areas for action: prompt, effective and independent investigations; improved search and rescue at sea; clear disembarkation rules and more solidarity; better protection for survivors; independent border monitoring; and more accessible legal pathways to the EU. 

More specifically, the report underlines the need to always implement the principles of accountability and transparency, displayed in EU rules, when conducting investigations on migrant shipwrecks. Additionally, it is suggested the exchange of search and rescue protocols between the EU Commission and Member States, in order to allow for a better adjustment of practices. FRA also proposes to link EU funding for maritime border management to the use of protocols with the goal of assisting people endangered at sea. Furthermore, it is recommended that the EU should create a specific mechanism for people rescued at sea and continue to apply the voluntary relocation mechanism, ensuring its accessibility. FRA suggests the EU create a new category of asylum applicants with special needs, shipwreck survivors, and highlights that guidance be provided by the EU Asylum Agency and Frontex, who would cooperate on the matter. The report also emphasizes the need for Member States to establish independent border monitoring and suggests three accessible legal pathways to the EU: resettlement, humanitarian admission programmes and talent partnerships for migrants and refugees. 

FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty emphasizes how the numerous migrants at sea are “a cause of deep shame for Europe”, calling on EU Member States to improve their action.