On the occasion of International Migrants Day (18 December), the Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has announced the appointment of Leyla Kayacik as her new Special Representative on migration and refugees. The announcement comes at a time when migration-related challenges are prominent and fast evolving in many countries across Europe. The Council of Europe provides close dialogue and support to its member States, helping them respond to these challenges on the basis of the European Convention on Human Rights and other Council of Europe standards. The Secretary General’s Special Representative plays a central role in that effort. (link to mandate)
A long-time member of the Council of Europe Secretariat, Ms Kayacik brings over 30 years of international experience in the field of human rights and the rule of law. During that time, she has served in a number of roles, including in the European Commission of Human Rights, the Secretariat of the European Social Charter, in the field and as Director of the Private Office of the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General. She is currently Deputy Secretary of the Committee of Ministers. Leyla Kayacik will take over the work of Ambassador Drahoslav Štefánek on 1 January 2022, after he completes his two-year mandate.