On 20 March, the Council of Europe Division on Migration and Refugees (DMR), in cooperation with the Faculty of Law of Maastricht University (Jean Monnet Chair), organised a webinar today focusing on the vulnerability of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in the context of Council of Europe and European Union standards.
The event marked the first webinar of the Division following the publication of its thematic paper on migration-related vulnerability.
Opening the event, Nikos Sitaropoulos, Head of the DMR, highlighted the growing importance of addressing vulnerability in migration which is underpinned by evolving European and international law. He recalled that, although no universally agreed legal definition exists, the Council of Europe established a working definition in its 2021–2025 Action Plan. Furthermore it was emphasised that vulnerability is often multi-layered and requires careful, individualised assessment by national authorities. “Vulnerability in migration is rarely one-dimensional; it is often complex and intersecting, requiring States to respond with tailored, comprehensive protection measures,” he noted.
Discussions highlighted that vulnerability remains a cross-cutting concept in European and international instruments, aimed at ensuring targeted protection for individuals and groups facing specific challenges in accessing their rights. Participants stressed that national authorities play a central role in identifying vulnerable persons and providing appropriate assistance throughout immigration and asylum procedures, particularly in light of evolving European legal frameworks, including the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
More then a hundred participants in the webinar, heard speakers from the Council of Europe, European Union and United Nations, who paid particular attention to migrant children and victims of trafficking in human beings, reflecting both current policy priorities and ongoing monitoring work within the Council of Europe. It also underlined the need for continued multi-level efforts by States to address remaining challenges, strengthen coordination and build on promising national practices to enhance effective protection of vulnerable persons on the move across Europe.
Council of Europe Strategy and Standards on Children in Migration Context
