The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, states that ‘Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.’ These rights don't change based on race, religion, sex or nationality, or whether you seek safety by land, air or sea. In Article 18 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights it is ensured that everyone has the right to ask for asylum.
For the past years the EU member states have used illegal operations to push back tens of thousands asylum seekers from Europe’s borders. Frontex, the border agency of the European Union plays an indispensable role in these pushbacks and abuses. Preventing access to a fair assessment of their claim, violating their basic human rights and using repression and violence to prevent them from finding a safe harbour.
As a result of these practices over 2.000 people have lost their lives, others have been assaulted, abused and mistreated. They are men, women and children fleeing from wars and violence who should have access to a fair asylum procedure.
An organization funded by the European Union is actively destroying the fundamental principles on which the Union is built. Funded by the EU means funded by us.
It is established by law that every human being deserves to be protected by basic human rights. The rule of law applies to everyone in and at our borders.
Therefore, we ask Europe to explain. Why is Frontex, funded by European taxpayers, used to actively destabilize and circumvent the principles of the European Union? Why is a European organization violating human rights at our borders?
We do this by holding the European Union accountable in multiple ways. We are starting legal actions against Frontex and European States, conducting research journalism on the role of the European Union and using public and political pressure against European member states supporting Frontex.
Together we can change this system of violation and oppression. As European citizens, we must not only ask Europe for an explanation, but above all demand that this system in which fundamental rights are ignored be changed. Because we cannot let this happen. Not on our border watch.
Join us in our cause, by supporting our actions and goals.