The Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law  has submitted a contribution to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants in response to his call of 21 November 2025 in view of the preparation of a report on the externalisation of migration governance.

The submission provides a concise overview of  the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights and the work of Council of Europe monitoring bodies, underlining Council of Europe standards concerning notably  the prohibition of refoulement, the need for individualised assessments and safeguards against ill-treatment and collective expulsions, including in cooperation with third countries.

It also provides information on the  Council of Europe’s standards and work concerning  immigration detention, independent monitoring, vulnerable persons, the safe third country concept and the use of artificial intelligence, contributing to international efforts with the United Nations to ensure effective human rights protection in migration governance.