Today, the Commissioner published her written observations submitted to the European Court of Human Rights in connection with the case of Dabo v. Sweden. This case concerns the refusal to grant family reunification to the family members of a person with refugee status in Sweden, because he did not meet the so-called maintenance requirement showing sufficient income and appropriate accommodation. Because the application was allegedly filed more than three months after the applicant had been granted international protection, he could not benefit from the exemption from this maintenance requirement.
In her submission, the Commissioner recalls that family reunification is an essential human right which enables refugees to resume a normal life and is crucial for their integration in the host country. In addition, the Commissioner argues that maintenance requirements, as well as short deadlines to qualify for exemptions, should preferably not be applied to persons granted international protection, and that member states should avoid keeping family separated unnecessarily.
Third party interventions represent an additional tool at the Commissioner’s disposal to help promote and protect human rights. They are foreseen by the European Convention on Human Rights and are based on the Commissioner’s country and thematic activities.