At the 76th Plenary Session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) Programme (6–10 October 2025), Anna Barbarzak, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Council of Europe to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva, delivered a statement reaffirming the Council of Europe’s commitment to protecting refugees and upholding human rights and the rule of law.

The address recalled that nearly 12 million refugees have found protection in the 46 member States of the Organisation and highlighted close cooperation with UNHCR in supporting countries across Europe, with particular attention to persons in vulnerable situations, such as children, older persons and people with disabilities. The statement also outlined recent initiatives, including the creation of the Council of Europe’s Division on Migration and Refugees (DMR), the implementation of its Action Plan on Migration and Refugees (2021–2025), and ongoing work to strengthen legal and practical tools for professionals dealing with migration and asylum issues.

In his address to the same event, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi also underlined the importance of cooperation between UNHCR and the Council of Europe, recognising their shared commitment to protecting people forced to flee violence and persecution.

The Council of Europe will continue to strengthen this partnership through upcoming joint activities and by contributing to the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review in December 2025.