19
June
2015

Fundamental rights at land borders: findings from selected European Union border crossing points Summary

Asylum, migration and borders
The situation at land border crossing points into the EU has received less attention than
Europe’s southern sea borders, where migrants’ lives are at risk. Although FRA research
shows that land border checks of third-country nationals are generally conducted routinely
and take place without incident, a number of challenges affect travellers’ fundamental
rights.
Downloads
19 June 2015
Fundamental rights at land borders: findings from selected European Union border crossing points - Summary (373.43 KB)
Order a printed copy from EU Publications website
 
These range from disrespectful treatment to the failure to identify persons in need of protection. Such challenges must not be neglected. Together with two FRA sister reports on the EU’s air and southern sea borders, this summary, and the related full report, serve to inform EU and Member State practitioners and policymakers of fundamental rights challenges that can emerge at land borders. Increased awareness should also help to create a shared understanding among border guards of what fundamental obligations mean for their daily work, ultimately enhancing fundamental rights compliance at the EU’s external borders.