The International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD) expresses deep concern over serious allegations that personnel linked to the EU Border Assistance Mission at Rafah (EUBAM Rafah) have interrogated Palestinians in a manner aimed at extracting intelligence about relatives and community networks, including questions that appear unrelated to legitimate border-assistance functions.
If confirmed, such conduct would represent a grave breach of EUBAM Rafah’s mandate, a violation of basic human rights and data-protection principles, and an unacceptable departure from the European Union’s obligations to ensure that EU missions do not facilitate abuses. Any practice that effectively turns an EU civilian mission into a channel for third-party security objectives—including cooperation that benefits the Israeli security forces or the IDF beyond strictly defined legal frameworks—would undermine the credibility of EU external action and erode trust among affected communities.
IFRD therefore calls for:
- An immediate, independent investigation into these allegations, including access to interview protocols, complaint mechanisms, and oversight logs.
- Full transparency from the EEAS and the mission leadership regarding:
- what questions are being asked,
- under what legal basis,
- what data is collected, stored, and shared,
- and with whom information has been exchanged.
- An immediate suspension of any interview practices that are not strictly necessary for a lawful and clearly defined border-assistance purpose, pending review.
- Clear safeguards and accountability mechanisms, including informed-consent procedures, access to legal support where relevant, and strict prohibitions on intelligence-style questioning.
- Parliamentary scrutiny by the European Parliament and formal reporting to relevant oversight bodies to ensure the mission complies with EU law, international human rights standards, and the principle of “do no harm.”
The EU must not allow any of its missions to be perceived—rightly or wrongly—as operating as an auxiliary arm of a party to the conflict. The legitimacy of EU engagement depends on strict neutrality, legality, and the protection of civilians’ rights and dignity.
IFRD reiterates that Palestinians seeking passage, assistance, or administrative processing must never be placed in coercive situations where access to movement, safety, or services is conditioned—explicitly or implicitly—on providing sensitive information about family members or social ties.
International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD)
Brussels, Belgium
