Protecting the rights of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls is a new strategic objective for the Council of Europe’s work to promote gender equality and women’s rights under the Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023

Many migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls have been exposed to various forms of gender-based violence, either in their country of origin, during the journey to Europe, or upon arrival. Due consideration should be given to their needs and circumstances and gender-responsive measures should be adopted to prevent discrimination, violence, harassment, trafficking and other forms of exploitation and abuse – including in times of crisis and natural disasters. In addition, measures need to be taken to ensure that migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women have access to their human and social rights in relation to individual freedom, employment, housing, health, education, social protection and welfare where applicable; and access to information about their rights and the services available. Council of Europe and other international instruments should serve as a blueprint for all efforts and measures undertaken by member States to protect the human rights of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls. In 2022, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers adopted a new Recommendation on protecting the rights of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls. The Recommendation brings together the provisions of existing Council of Europe and international standards and the policies that can best ensure the empowerment and protection of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls.