The 10th Meeting of the Council of Europe Network of Focal Points on Migration (NFPM) took place on 12-13 December in Strasbourg, bringing together representatives from member states, experts, and Council of Europe officials to address key migration and asylum-related challenges, share updates on recent developments, and present new tools and standards.
The meeting covered updates on the Council of Europe migration-related activities, the implementation of its key recommendations and newly developed resources:
SRSG Fact-Finding Mission to Finland
The meeting opened with remarks from David Best, Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) on Migration and Refugees, who also chaired the sessions. Additionally, the SRSG presented findings from the report on his fact-finding mission to Finland.
Commissioner for Human Rights and Migration
Representatives from the Commissioner for Human Rights’ Office, Christian Mommers and Matteo de Bellis, provided updates on the Commissioner’s migration-related activities, priorities and key concerns.
Parliamentary Assembly Report on Missing Migrants
Julian Pahlke (PACE Committee on Migration, Refugees, and Displaced Persons) presented findings from the recent report, Missing Migrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers – A Call to Clarify Their Fate, which emphasises the need for international cooperation to address this pressing human rights issue
Combatting Migrant Smuggling
Eva Pastrana, Secretary of the Steering Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC), outlined conclusions from the 2nd International Conference on Migrant Smuggling and shared insights from a feasibility study on a potential new Council of Europe instrument.
Focus on Displaced Persons from Ukraine
Jennifer Schuetze-Reymann (Children’s Rights Division) presented the ongoing work of the Consultative Group on the Children of Ukraine (CGU). For their part, focal points shared updates on their countries’ responses to hosting people displaced from Ukraine and identified key challenges and good practices.
Guardianship for Migrant Children
Anne Kayser, representing the Children’s Rights Division, shared findings from a questionnaire-based assessment of the implementation of Recommendation CM/Rec(2019)11, which promotes effective guardianship for unaccompanied and separated children in migration contexts.
Guide on Gender-Sensitive Migration Policies
Louise Hooper, expert from the Gender Equality Division presented a guide to implementing Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)17, addressing the specific needs of migrant women and girls to ensure their protection and integration.
Focus on Statelessness and Children’s Nationality
Philippe Krantz from the European Committee on Legal Co-operation (CDCJ) detailed ongoing efforts to address statelessness among children and develop guidelines for child-friendly administrative procedures.
Updates on EU Pact on Migration and Asylum
Discussions also focused on cooperation between the Council of Europe and EU agencies, with an emphasis on instruments to support member states in implementing the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Continued Updates on National Legal and Policy Developments
Focal Points shared updates on recent legal and policy initiatives in their respective countries, in particular those aimed at protecting vulnerable persons in migration and asylum contexts.
The 10th meeting of NFPM reinforced the Council of Europe’s commitment to supporting member states in addressing migration challenges while upholding human rights and fostering international cooperation.
