A practical evaluation of border activities in Romania: control, surveillance and expulsions

In 2017, Romania witnessed a high number of arrivals at both land and sea borders, in comparison with previous years. Within this context of increased pressure at the Romanian borders, this chapter aims to investigate, first, whether the Romanian legal framework is capable of ensuring effective access of individuals to complaint mechanisms for fundamental rights violations in the situation of border activities. Second, it will explore what are the main possible practical gaps in ensuring the accountability of the responsible authorities. The authors note that in Romania an effective system of independent oversight is not available for third-country nationals who are victims of fundamental rights abuses in the context of border control and surveillance operations. Based on their findings, the authors put forward a number of suggestions which are directed at improving access to effective remedies and justice in Romania.