Authors: Mădălina Lepşa-Rogoz (ICMPD), Anna Makarenko (independent expert), Alexis McLean (ICMPD), Marzia Ferraro (ICMPD)
Contributing Authors Andrew Hallan (independnet expert), Laura Cleton (EUR), Ana Maria Torres Chedraui (EUR), Antonella Patteri (INP PAN), Monika Szulecka (INP-PAN)
15 November 2024
This document is a report on human rights monitoring of forced returns in Europe. It summarises the work undertaken with the aim to formulate improved guidelines for monitoring forced returns in Europe which take place via scheduled flight, land borders as well as at sea borders. The report contributes to the “Finding Agreement in Return” (FAiR) project’s research component on fundamental rights in return. This component focuses, in addition to forced return monitoring, on the fundamental rights in return processes, fundamental rights in ”voluntary” return, as well as on post-return realities in selected third countries.
The report is structured in five main sections. The first section describes the methods employed and the scope of the report. The second and third sections provide background information on forced return operations and fundamental rights in forced return. The fourth section describes how monitoring forced return is currently being conducted, summarising the results of the research conducted in FAiR. Finally, the fifth section presents guidelines for monitoring forced return, with specific suggestions for monitors and for national administrations. The guidelines are intended for national monitoring bodies, return enforcing institutions, and other authorities in Member States which play a crucial role in facilitating the deployment of forced return monitors. By including relevant background information and summary of research findings, the report can also be useful for various organisations as well as members of the public interested in some of the legal and practical aspects of monitoring forced return operations.