On 1 January 2022, Ms Leyla Kayacik, took up her functions as the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees (SRSG). Her priority actions for the year include closer dialogue with the members of the Network of Focal Points in order to contribute to a better understanding of current and emerging challenges faced by member states and promote exchange of good practices. It also includes focusing on human rights protection of migrants and refugees in a vulnerable situation 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). Coordination and co-operation with relevant international organisations and agencies will remain one of the key objectives.
“I am conscious that I take up this position at a time when more and more member states are facing complex migration-related challenges. Based on my mandate, my aim will be to provide support to these member states in compliance with the Council of Europe standards and, mainly, with the European Convention on Human Rights and the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights”, said the Special Representative.
The Special Representative is bringing over 30 years of international experience in the field of human rights and the rule of law. As a long-time member of the Council of Europe Secretariat, she has served in a number of roles, including work in the field and various leadership positions at the headquarters in Strasbourg.
On 12 January 2022, in Strasbourg, the Special Representative participated in the conference "Lawyers at the heart of a Europe that protects against injustices”, organised by France´s Conseil National des Barreaux, where she emphasised the Council of Europe´s human rights standards and actions in protecting migrants and refugees in a vulnerable situation.
On 28 January 2022, in Strasbourg, the Principality of Monaco signed an Agreement which covers the years 2022-2023 and foresees a voluntary contribution to support a number of Council of Europe initiatives, including the Council of Europe Action Plan on Protecting Vulnerable Persons in the Context of Migration and Asylum in Europe (2021-2025). The Special Representative would like to thank the Monaco authorities for this financial contribution.
Other activities included three different events related to Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP): the launch of HELP/UNHCR course on Asylum and Human Rights for more than 300 justice professionals in the Western Balkans, the launch of HELP Asylum and Human Rights course for Lithuanian judges and a seminar on effective human rights training in the EU member states.
She also held exchanges with the General Consul of Morocco Driss El KAISSI, and with the First Deputy Public Defender of Georgia, Tamar Gvaramadze, on possible areas of co-operation.