German Government answers on Frontex and readmission agreements with Morocco

The German Government was asked about the mass deportation of migrants from Rabat/ Morocco to the desert at the Algerian border in december 2006, which – the Moroccan Government claimed – happened in accordance with decisions of the African-European summit in Rabat in july 2006.

The most interesting points from the answer:

The German Government did not ask EU member states to stop deportations to Morocco or to reevaluate their bilateral readmission agreements with Morocco. Instead, Moroccan legal obligations of international law and the role of UNHCR was emphasized.

The multilateral European readmission agreement with Morocco is still in negotiation, but not imminent. The non-refoulement principle will be emphasized only in relation to Morocco, not covering further deportation to other countries. (ignoring “chain deportations”)

Development aid to Morocco in 2005/2006:

135 / 168 million € from the EU (MEDA programme)

68,6 / 51,85 million € bilateral aid from the German Government (BMZ)

No information was given on specific financial aid from the EU for securing Moroccan borders and refugee camps.

Antwort auf kleine Anfrage, 27.04.2007 Drucksache 16/4833