PACE has recently undertaken a range of migration-related initiatives, emphasisng human rights, international cooperation, and the urgent need for policy reforms. These include a proposal for the Council of Europe to draw up a new legal instrument on migrant smuggling to ensure consistency in its interpretation; recommending measures to address the fate of missing migrants, particularly children, through improved data sharing and harmonised legislation; supporting Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian captives in Russian custody; advocating for solidarity among European states to equitably manage migration, especially in hotspots like Lampedusa; and urging stronger protection of migrant workers from trafficking and exploitation. Additional efforts include exploring migration as a solution to Europe’s demographic challenges, holding discussions on balancing border protection with human rights obligations, and showcasing the human reality of migration through the documentary The Other Half. Below are the detailed actions and resolutions:

1. Addressing Migrant Smuggling: In a resolution adopted at its Autumn Plenary Session, PACE proposed that a Council of Europe draw up an instrument to clarify the crime of migrant smuggling, ensuring no criminal liability for humanitarian aid or unauthorised border crossings, while calling for enhanced measures against organised criminal groups.

2. Fate of Missing Migrants: PACE adopted a resolution urging member states to adopt a common definition of "missing migrants," harmonise processes for recording cases, and ensure child migrants are systematically registered and referred to appropriate care.

3. Support for Ukrainian Captives: Through its resolution and recommendation PACE pledged ongoing support for Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians detained in Russian captivity, emphasising adherence to international humanitarian law and advocating for prisoner exchanges.

4. Solidarity for Migrants in Lampedusa:In a report presented following a fact-finding mission to Lampedusa and Sicily, PACE highlighted the need for equitable distribution of migrants across Europe, improved reception conditions, and enhanced cooperation on search-and-rescue operations.

5. Combatting Labour Exploitation: On European Anti-Trafficking Day, the PACE’s Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons, meeting in the Slovenian Parliament, made a declaration stressing the importance of protecting migrant workers from exploitation, urging member states to implement comprehensive anti-trafficking laws and resources for vulnerable groups.

6. Migration and Demographic Challenges: PACE Migration Committee adopted a report highlighting immigration as a solution to Europe’s aging population, advocating for policies promoting migrant integration, labour market inclusion, and community cohesion.

7. Human Rights in Migration Management: A Ljubljana meeting of the PACE Migration Committee emphasised balancing migration management with human rights obligations and explored innovative solutions such as AI in migration and preventing collective expulsions.

8. Cultural Awareness through Film: The screening of The Other Half underscored the human cost of restrictive migration policies and called for a humane approach to migration management.

9. The Forum Talk, part of the World Forum for Democracy in co-operation with PACE, addressed the integrity of elections and its role in representative democracy. Moderated by George Papandreou, the discussion highlighted the importance of protecting electoral processes, supporting exiled individuals to rebuild their societies, and fostering democratic environments beyond election day. Sabina Ćudić emphasised monitoring electoral processes, while Pierre-Alain Fridez warned against subtle hate speech in campaigns. Audience discussions covered electronic voting, citizen trust, and active participation through equitable access to rights and education.

These actions reinforce PACE’s commitment to addressing migration-related challenges through comprehensive, cooperative, and human rights-based approaches.