Brussels, 07 August 2014 – For two years now, Stefan Kessler, senior policy officer at JRS Europe has been the co-chair of the consultative forum to Frontex, the EU agency for external border security headquartered in Warsaw. JRS Europe, took part regular discussions with the management board and staff of Frontex in order to mainstream human rights in their border security work. The first annual report of the consultative forum is out now.

“The consultative forum has resulted in some achievements, but still there are many difficulties as the annual report shows,” says Mr Kessler.

Together with eight other civil society organisations, four intergovernmental organisations, and two European Union agencies, JRS Europe has worked on the difficult task of integrating human rights protection into the border security work of Frontex.

Whilst the joint consultations have led to encouraging experiences (e.g. a very productive and effective contribution to a Code of Conduct on Joint Return Operations – see p. 21), challenges remain and the forum will continue to monitor and develop effective human rights mechanisms with Frontex.

The consultative forum has resulted in some achievements, but still there are many difficulties as the annual report shows.