Newsroom

On 8 December, FRA took part in the panel discussion on the use of AI in the field of criminal law. This was part of the online conference on digitalisation of justice – interconnection and innovation. The event was part of Germany's EU Council Presidency.
A workshop on 3 December looked at how to ensure the best interests of the child when monitoring forced returns that involve children. The International Centre for Migration Policy Development, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and FRA jointly organised the online workshop. It was attended by 50 people from 21 different Member States.
FRA’s Director joined the 7th Glion Human Rights Dialogue 2020 on 3 and 4 December. The high-level online event brought together over 100 human rights practitioners and experts.
This year, the COVID-19 pandemic leaves a lasting mark on society worldwide. It affected everyone but some people more than others. As we look ahead, on Human Rights Day, on 10 December, we need to make the new normal a better normal. In his video message, FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty underlines the need to stand up for human rights to make 2021 a better year. This means ensuring we respect and take into account everybody's human rights.
-
The Agency’s Executive Board and Management Board will meet online on 10 and 11 December 2020.
FRA will take part in the presentation of results from the European Network on Independent Living’s (ENIL) first Independent Living Survey on 10 December.
On 10 December, FRA will take part in an online seminar on the human rights impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. FRA will deliver the first keynote presentation at the event, drawing on the results of its bulletins on the impact on fundamental rights of the pandemic.
FRA will speak at a roundtable in Czechia on establishing NHRIs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Government of Czechia will host the roundtable discussion.
On 9 December, the FRA Director will address the EU-NGO Human Rights Forum. This year the focus is on the impact of new technologies on human rights. The forum provides a platform to elaborate recommendations on how the EU can further foster human rights compliance in the digital sphere.
-
As part of its work on civic space, every year FRA consults civil society organisations from across the EU about their experiences. The consultation covering 2020 is open from 9 December until 20 January 2021.
Today, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) publishes a report on fundamental rights issues at external land borders. The report looks at the main challenges of border management and puts forward proposals for actions to improve the current situation. The European Parliament requested FRA to prepare this report in January 2020. With the Coronavirus pandemic, the report could only be issued now.
This video statement by FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty was recorded for the online event "Union of Equality: achievements and challenges ahead".
The Council of the EU’s working party on Fundamental Rights, Citizens Rights and Free Movement of Persons will feature findings from FRA’s report report on strong and effective National Human Rights Institutions.
On 7 December, it will be 20 years since the proclamation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights by the Presidents of the EU institutions. On that day, FRA, in partnership with the European Commission will hold a virtual conference ‘Reinforcing the EU Charter: Rights of people in the EU in the next decade’. European Commission Vice-President, Věra Jourová who is in charge of the revised Strategy for the Charter’s implementation, President of the Court of Justice of the European Union, Koen Lenaerts, and FRA Director, Michael O’Flaherty, will have a panel discussion on the need for collective efforts to reinforce application of the Charter.
Video
FRA asked 518 Travellers in Ireland about their life and experiences of discrimination.
Results from FRA’s survey of Traveller discrimination in Ireland will feature during a webinar on 7 December.
During the eu-LISA annual conference, FRA spoke about the implications for fundamental rights of EU interoperability regulations.
FRA discussed with the Eurodac Supervision Coordination Group future cooperation activities and how best to dissemination its guide for authorities on their duty to inform when taking fingerprints.
News Item
The European Guardianship Network held an online meeting on 27 November to discuss child-related aspects in the EU Migration Pact. The Network, a European Commission initiative, is currently formed by representatives from 19 Member States, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, as well as representatives from UNHCR, EASO and FRA.
News Item
Albania will join FRA’s Management Board as an observer for the first time on 10 December 2020.