Dear Ms X,

In July 2022, the European Ombudsman launched a strategic inquiry into how the European Commission ensures respect for fundamental rights in EU-funded migration management facilities in Greece (‘Multi-Purpose Reception and Identification Centres’)

On 26 October, the Ombudsman inquiry team had a meeting with the Commission and inspected documents concerning the file. Please find attached the report of that meeting we have just published on the Ombudsman’s website.

The Ombudsman has decided to consult six organisations active in the area of asylum and migration, including yours[1], on the Commission’s views transcribed in the report.

In addition, we would like to know your views on the following:

1. What impact, if any, has your organisation identified on the rights of migrants as a result of their stays in the MPRICS?

2. Could you please comment on what access to legal assistance is available to migrants staying in the MPRICs?

3. Has your organisation come into contact with the activities of the Commission’s Task Force on migration management? If yes in which context?

4. Please set out any other matter you consider relevant for the Ombudsman’s inquiry.

It would be helpful if you could submit comments by 31 January 2023. In the course of this inquiry, we would like to publish your comments on the European Ombudsman’s website.

Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Marta Hirsch-Ziembinska, Principal Adviser on Charter compliance, who is responsible for the inquiry.

Yours sincerely,

Rosita Hickey
Director of Inquiries

Strasbourg, 15/12/2022

 

 

 

[1] OXFAM, HIAS, RSA, MSF, IRC and DRC.