MAY 25, 2016, Jericho – The European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point, EUBAM Rafah, and the Palestinian Authority General Administration for Borders and Crossings (GABC) concluded a workshop in Jericho to enhance the capabilities of border administration, in line with international standards
During the two-day workshop, which was attended by Mr. Nazmi Muhanna, the director of GABC, EUBAM Rafah Head of Mission and staff, CPCC representative from Brussels, EUPOL COPPS Mission and other EU officials, three main strategic documents were presented, namely the Business Strategy, the Integrated Border (IBM) Strategy and the Joint Redeployment Plan (JRP), which were drafted in previous working groups.
With the drafting and approval of the Business Strategy the PA/GABC has clearly identified and stated the main objective they intend to achieve in the medium long term, as well as the methodology and the measures to be put in place to achieve them to become a modern and accountable Border Administration, in line with the EU and international standards.
The IBM strategy will enable the GABC to carry out effective border controls aiming at protecting internal security, ensuring trade facilitations and revenue collection and protecting the Palestinian citizen, environment and heritage.
In conclusion, The JRP, elaborated with the support of the European Gendarmerie Force, will help the PA Border Authorities to rapidly redeploy at the Rafah Crossing Point, be operational and perform the management of the border crossing activities when political and security conditions will allow for its reopening.
EUBAM Rafah was fully deployed from 2005 to 2006. However, when Hamas took over of the Gaza Strip, the Mission operations at the RCP were suspended on 13 June 2007. The Mission has been on standby since then, yet in constant contact with GABC to provide advice and contribute to Palestinian capacity building in all aspects of border control and customs operation.
