Today, Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić announced the appointment of Swiss diplomat David Best as her Special Representative on Migration and Refugees.

The Council of Europe provides a close dialogue and support to its member states in responding to these challenges on the basis of the European Convention on Human Rights and other Council of Europe standards, with a particular focus on the protection of migrants and refugees in vulnerable situations. The Secretary General’s Special Representative (SRSG) plays a central role in that effort (link to the mandate).

David Best is a seasoned diplomat. After graduating in political sciences from the University of Geneva in 1988, he began his career with the International Committee of the Red Cross, where he honed his skills in humanitarian affairs and global diplomacy. Transitioning to the Swiss Foreign Ministry, he served in various capacities in several countries.

His extensive experience includes significant collaboration with the Council of Europe, notably serving as Diplomatic Adviser to the Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers (2009-2010) and, until recently, as Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Council of Europe.