Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, signed an agreement to strengthen collaboration on border management and humanitarian protection across Europe. The two organizations agreed to exchange information and expertise to promote and support effective border management.
In the face of increasingly complex migration challenges, the two organizations are stepping up efforts to ensure Europe’s borders remain secure while respecting the rights and dignity of those seeking safety. This enhanced partnership marks a significant commitment to upholding principles guaranteeing access to asylum while ensuring control of migration flows humanely.
The Letter of Intent was signed at the Frontex headquarters in Warsaw by Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens and UNHCR Regional Director for Europe Philippe Leclerc.
“This agreement is about ensuring that Europe’s borders remain secure, while fully respecting the rights of those who seek protection,” said Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens. “By standing together with UNHCR, we are reaffirming our commitment to safeguard fundamental rights at every stage of border management. Our joint efforts will help us adapt to new challenges, ensuring that those in need are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.” He continued, “In a world where migration is becoming increasingly complex, we must act with unity and purpose. This partnership is a step towards building a system where border management and humanitarian protection go hand in hand.”
Key areas of collaboration
The newly signed agreement focuses on three main areas of cooperation:
- Capacity building and training: Sharing expertise to ensure that border management is both effective and compliant with international human rights and refugee law.
- Information sharing and coordination: Enhancing communication between Frontex and UNHCR to ensure timely and accurate responses in border operations.
- Complementary communication: Promoting a unified approach to addressing public concerns on migration, border security, and the protection of refugees.
This renewed partnership formalizes cooperation that began in 2008 and is reflected in a formal agreement, paving the way for a stronger working arrangement between the two organizations.
With this new agreement, Frontex and UNHCR are setting the stage for enhanced cooperation in the years to come, aiming to foster greater safety, security, and humanity in Europe’s border management efforts, in line with the EU acquis and international law.
