On 19 June 2020, ahead of the annual World Reufugee Day (20 June), the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) issued a Guidance Note on the entitlement of victims of trafficking, and persons at risk of being trafficked, to international protection. The Guidance Note analyses the application of the principles of international protection in the context of human trafficking, building upon earlier UNHCR guidelines. The guidance emphasizes that there should be a possibility for presumed victims of trafficking to apply for asylum while they are in the process of being identified. It also stresses the principle of non-punishment of trafficking victims for offences they were compelled to commit. Furthermore, the guidance emphasizes the need for risk assessments in order to prevent victims of trafficking being returned to the country where they first applied for asylum, pursuant to the Dublin Regulation, but where they face the risk of being re-trafficked. The guidance notes the particular vulnerability of child victims, who should be promptly referred to child protection authorities and appointed legal guardians.
Newsletter - May-July 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.