An appeal to the Estonian authorities demanding a resolution to the humanitarian crisis at the Narva border checkpoint, ensuring safe and humane conditions for people crossing the border, and optimizing checkpoint processes to put an end to multi-day queues under the open sky.
A critical situation has emerged at the Narva-Ivangorod border checkpoint, directly violating human dignity and fundamental human rights. People, including young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, are forced to stand in line for hours or even days directly on the street, regardless of weather conditions (rain, heat, cold). Basic sanitary conditions, a sufficient number of seats, shelters, and access to drinking water are completely lacking in front of the checkpoint entrance.
A member state of the European Union should not create or allow a situation where people of any citizenship, nationality, or age are subjected to hazardous and degrading conditions while crossing the border. The current organization of work is inefficient and demands immediate intervention.
We demand the immediate implementation of the following measures in the operation of the Narva border checkpoint:
- 1. Creation of humane conditions: Install weather-resistant shelters/tents, a sufficient number of free toilets, and trash cans for people waiting to cross the border, and ensure access to drinking water.
- 2. Optimization of throughput capacity: Increase the number of border guard and customs officials during peak hours and days to speed up document and baggage checks.
- 3. Electronic or organized queue: Implement a clear and transparent queuing system for pedestrians (similar to the vehicle reservation system) to eliminate the need to physically stand on the street for hours.
- 4. Priority queue for vulnerable groups: Ensure priority border crossing rights for parents with infants, pregnant women, people with severe health conditions, and the elderly.