ICMPD and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) organised two trainings of trainers (ToT) on the newly developed fundamental rights and forced-return monitoring training for escort officers in Member States (MS). Both the trainings took place in the framework of the Forced-Return Monitoring III (FReM III) project in Warsaw on 27-28 and 28-29 November 2019, respectively.
One of the seven components of the FReM III project is specifically aimed at contributing to the harmonisation of fundamental rights training for escort officers in MSs. Therefore, ICMPD developed jointly with its project partners a trainer’s manual for a fundamental rights and forced-return monitoring training of escort officers in MSs. The overall concept was agreed during a workshop held in Cyprus in May 2019 where the learning outcomes envisaged for the training, content to be covered, overall structure and methodology for the various sessions were also defined.
In order to familiarise escort officers and monitor trainers with the training and the materials, two training of trainers were organised; another round will take place in 2020. The objective of these training of trainers’ sessions was to support participants in developing an understanding of the course methodologies and gaining the skills to deliver this training in their respective MSs. Ultimately, the trainers shall disseminate the knowledge and the training concept at a national level, i.e. by introducing it to other colleagues for further implementation.
The training is targeted at escort officers. It can be delivered to law enforcement officers either as part of their training to become escort officers or as a refresher course. It includes four main sessions on fundamental rights; monitoring mechanisms; the roles and responsibilities of monitors; and reporting and follow-up.
Forced-return operations must be conducted in a humane manner, respect the dignity of the persons being returned and comply fully with fundamental rights as enshrined in the EU Charter and relevant international human rights law. In line with these principles, escort officers executing a return decision by the relevant state authorities and who accompany third-country nationals being forcibly returned, should know and understand the fundamental rights that specifically apply to forced-return operations. They should also be fully aware of the role, mandate and responsibilities of forced-return monitors who monitor forced-return operations; in particular, the information and support that monitors possibly require before, during and after an operation.