On 11 December 2020, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) participated in a panel on the disproportionate negative impact of COVID-19 on the health and socio-economic participation of minorities and migrants. Organised by the Brussels Interdisciplinary Research centre on Migration and Minorities (BIRMM) and VUB’s Fundamental Rights Centre, the event brought together academics and experts from civil society. The panel highlighted that while the global pandemic, posing a threat to us all, does not affect us all equally: the most vulnerable among us are hit more severely. Minorities and migrants tend to face double jeopardy, because of the systemic discrimination resulting in a weaker socio-economic position. Poor health conditions make these groups not only more susceptible to contracting the virus but also disproportionately hit by the ensuing economic crisis, the panel concluded.
Newsletter - December 2020
Mandate
The Division on Migration and Refugees (DMR) was created at the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law (DG1) on 1 February 2025 to follow-up on the action by the former Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees. Its mandate includes suggesting assistance and support to member states, particularly through the Network of Focal Points on Migration, seeking, collecting and analysing information on the human rights situation of migrants and refugees, as well as complementing and co-ordinating activities of other relevant Council of Europe bodies and our action with other international partners, notably the UNHCR, IOM, EU, and its specialised agencies, and other national, regional and international stakeholders, including civil society organisations. The DMR represents the Council of Europe in the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award Selection Committee, as well as in the Consultative Forums of Frontex and of EUAA.