On 1 October 2021, the draft Recommendation on the human rights of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls was agreed upon by the Council of Europe Drafting committee on migrant women (GEC-MIG). Representatives of 22 member states, 2 observer states, 4 observers and 8 sectors of the Council of Europe, discussed thoroughly the Compromise document prepared by the Chair and the Secretariat. The text addresses issues of non-discrimination access to justice and intersectionality, protection and support, reception, asylum, residence and integration, and returns. The text of the draft Recommendation as agreed upon by GEC-MIG will be forwarded to the Gender Equality Commission for discussion and adoption at its November 2021 plenary meeting. GEC-MIG, a subordinate body to the Gender Equality Commission (GEC), had been tasked by the Committee of Ministers to draft a Recommendation on migrant and refugee women and girls. The meeting was held in person in Strasbourg and via videoconference on 30 September and 1 October 2021.
Newsletter - October 2021
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.