Today, the Special Representative on Migration and Refugees of Council of Europe Secretary General, Ambassador Drahoslav Štefánek,  addressed the 41st session of Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. 

The challenges related to migration issues were discussed during two debates: "Regions and Diaspora" and "Migration: Continuing Challenges for Cities and Regions".

In his speech, the Special Representative appreciated the fact that the Congress addressed the topical issue of migration. During his fact-finding missions, he has observed that situated at the frontline, the local and regional authorities have a major role to play in the reception and integration of refugees and migrants, he said. While Ambassador Štefánek acknowledged the challenges related to the pandemic, new difficulties constantly arise, such as the situation in Afghanistan. Another challenge is the instrumentalisation of migrants, resulting in new migratory routes and provoking an increase of human rights violations against aslym seekers and migrants at member state´s borders. 

He also presented the Council of Europe Action Plan on Protecting Vulnerable Persons in the Context of Migration and Asylum in Europe (2021-2025) which was recently adopted by all the 47 member states. The Special Representative is tasked to co-ordinate the implementation of the 5 year action plan inside and outside the Council of Europe.