Frontex monitored as Libyan coastguard rammed migrant boat

The internal report by Frontex’s own fundamental rights officer details the June 19 incident, noting that while no fatalities occurred, the conduct of the Libyan coastguard constituted a clear violation of the right to life. After receiving the Mayday relay from the EU agency, the Libyan vessel arrived 90 minutes later and immediately compromised the safety of the migrants on board. The findings argue that the responsibility of the border agency extends beyond mere notification, requiring operations to be executed in a manner that minimizes risks to human life.

This event underscores a deep-seated friction within the agency regarding its cooperation with Libya. Executive director Hans Leijtens has previously defended the practice of informing North African authorities about vessels in their search and rescue zones, framing it as a necessary step to facilitate regional rescue efforts. However, the rights officer’s assessment counters this, asserting that the standard for such operations must prioritize the physical security of those at sea. Frontex has declined to comment on the specific allegations contained in the report.