Parliamentarian concerned about Frontex status agreement between EU, Mauritania

A member of the European Parliament, Tineke Strik, has shown concern about  Frontex Status Agreement between the EU and Mauritania. 

This, she said would allow for Frontex deployment on the territory of a non-European country for the first time ever.Her words: “This morning at 10h45, I will present my report on the Frontex Status Agreement between the EU and Mauritania, which the Commission is currently negotiating. This would allow for Frontex deployment on the territory of a non-European country for the first time ever.

“I am very concerned about the implications of these plans. Besides, I am not convinced that the current agreement has sufficient safeguards to ensure accountability in case of human rights violations. Frontex staff is foreseen to get complete immunity from prosecution. 

In February, Tineke Strik said: “I travelled to Mauritania to examine the situation. The country has no asylum procedure and is not bound by European human rights standards. Yet, Frontex is foreseen to operate under Mauritanian command. 

“How will Frontex be able to respect EU law in this context? 

Moreover, Frontex has many fundamental rights issues to solve. Expanding their mandate now would send the wrong signal.”