During this period the SRSG continued to focus on the protection of people fleeing Ukraine. Through internal and external consultations areas with the most urgent needs for action in the frontline countries were identified. These include: the protection of vulnerable persons, action against trafficking in human beings, preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence and the protection of children against sexual exploitation and abuse, access to health care, including psychological support, linguistic integration, access to education and access to employment. Under her mandate, the Special Representative coordinates the related actions within the Council of Europe, but also together with the international partners, notably through the effective implementation of the Council of Europe Action Plan on Protecting Vulnerable Persons in the Context of Migration and Asylum in Europe (2021-2025).

The Special Representative has supported and promoted Council Europe´s new standards and guidance which can be implemented in the current situation:

• Guidance Note on addressing the risks of trafficking in human beings related to the war in Ukraine and the ensuing humanitarian crisis
• Checklist Protection of children affected by the refugee crisis from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse
• Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member Stateson protecting the rights of migrant, refugee and asylumseeking women and girls
• Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member States on multilevel policies and governance for intercultural integration

On 8 April 2022, an online meeting was organised with representatives of UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) and OSCE/ODIHR to exchange information on the actions carried out in the context of the current crisis. The aim of the meeting was to enhance synergies and to determine how best the Council of Europe, within its mandate, can complement the ongoing efforts.

10 May 2022, after completing her fact-finding visit to the Slovak Republic (2-4 May 2022) and Czech Republic, (4-6 May 2022), the Special Representative commended the efforts made by both countries in hosting a large number of people fleeing Ukraine, mostly women and children. At the same time, within her mandate, she proposes targeted support by the Council of Europe in close co-operation with its international partners, including on the ground, in the light of the extraordinary challenges related to the protection of these people in a vulnerable situation.

The risk of trafficking in human beings of women and children had been particularly underlined by the Council of Europe Network on Focal Points on Migration at their extraordinary meeting on 9 March 2022, by the Commissioner for Human Rights and by the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA). Her delegation therefore included a member of GRETA to provide thematic expertise.

“I was deeply moved by the stories I heard of women and children, who had to flee their homes overnight and arrived after days of travelling in difficult circumstances. I also heard their gratitude to the countries that have taken them in” said the SRSG.

From 30 May to 3 June 2022, the SRSG visited Poland. After the visit, she called for medium and long-term solutions.

“Poland is the main country of arrival for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine and the generosity shown by the residents, civil society organisations, local and national government institutions is to be commended. This demonstrates that it is possible to provide an adequate and dignified welcome to people who flee for their lives “, said the SRSG. “There are many challenges and uncertainties lying ahead in the medium and longer term, in particular with regard to housing, access to education, healthcare and employment. Both authorities and civil society are committed to addressing these issues”, she added.

The SRSG also raised awareness on Council of Europe tools such as the Recommendation on Effective guardianship for unaccompanied and separated children in the context of migration, the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR) and the Toolkit for language support for adult refugees.

The delegation included also a member of the Lanzarote Committee - the acting body of the Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.

The reports of the country visits are forthcoming.