Rightlines: Drawing fundamental rights policies and actions at the Greek and Cypriot borders

ended

In accordance with the European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG) Regulation and Fundamental Rights Strategy, compliance with fundamental rights in border management activities is a precondition for assuring a European Integrated Border Management (EIBM) approach, as well as an obligation of the States. At the same time, the realities at the EU Southern borders, and particularly Greece and Cyprus, call for enhancing institutional capacities. By bringing together the International Organization for Migration, the Fundamental Rights Officer (FRO) in Greece and the Police in Cyprus (CYPOL), while also consulting with other key stakeholders involved, the Action seeks to strengthen and streamline the protection and promotion of fundamental rights in border management activities in Greece and Cyprus, considering regional and national policies, priorities and identified needs. In terms of longer-term perspectives and impact, the Action will contribute to the implementation of the EBCG Fundamental Rights Strategy, and therefore to rendering more effective the EU’s efforts towards a coherent integrated border management framework, in full compliance with fundamental rights. To this end, the Action will work over the following main pillars: - Research and development of a national Fundamental Rights Strategy and a corresponding Action Plan in Greece. - Training and education on fundamental rights compliance at the borders, targeting border and migration management frontline staff in Greece and Cyprus, including the creation of relevant training material. - Awareness-raising, exchange opportunities and knowledge-sharing between Greece and Cyprus to exchange and replicate best practices, with eventual benefits for other EU Member States.