From 11 to 15 September, the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees (SRSG), Leyla Kayacik, carried out a fact-finding mission to Bulgaria. It focused on those in vulnerable situations, in particular unaccompanied and separated children, and was aimed at identifying the possibilities for the Council of Europe to provide support and expertise to the authorities in the framework of its Action Plan.
The visit included meetings with the relevant state authorities, the Ombudsperson’s Office, representatives of international organisations and NGOs. The Special Representative visited registration and reception centres. as well as a border crossing with Türkiye. A report on the fact-finding mission is forthcoming.
In a report published on 27 September, the SRSG highlighted the significant efforts made by the Hungarian authorities at both the national and local levels, in co-ordination with NGOs and volunteers, to welcome, support and protect people displaced from Ukraine, whether they are in transit to other destinations or choose to stay in the country.
The report, based on the findings of the SRSG’s fact-finding mission to Hungary which took place from 21 to 23 March, examines the response of the country’s authorities to the influx of people, who are forced to flee Ukraine due the Russian Federation’s aggression, outlines the main challenges and offers recommendations for possible avenues of support and co-operation, in line with the Action Plan on Protecting Vulnerable Persons in the Context of Migration and Asylum in Europe (2021-2025).
The SRSG praised the prompt activation of the national temporary protection scheme that enabled people from Ukraine to easily enter Hungary and gain rapid access to various services even before the EU Temporary Protection scheme was activated.
In meetings with relevant authorities at the national, regional, and local levels, as well as with representatives from NGOs and international organisations, the SRSG was informed about substantial efforts in welcoming individuals from Ukraine. However, there is also a recognition of the necessity for additional endeavours to guarantee their sustained access to services and inclusion in the medium to long run.
This need is particularly highlighted in reforming the asylum system for non-Ukrainian third country nationals, so as to ensure a fair and effective accees to asulum procedures aligned with the Council of Europe and other international human rights standards. Further strengthening of vulnerability assessment and referral procedures, as well as ensuring access to education and the labour market are also needed. Positive examples already exist, especially concerning the facilitation of employment for Ukrainians with a medical background.
The SRSG also took part in the Closing ceremony for the “Asylum and Migration” and “Local Development and Poverty Reduction” EEA Grants programmes in Athens, Greece on 28 September.
In her keynote speech, she expressed gratitude to the organisers and EEA and Norway Grants for including the Council of Europe in the closing ceremony. She highlighted the Council of Europe's commitment to promoting human rights and co-operation among member states in line with its Action Plan on Protecting Vulnerable Persons in the context of Migration and Asylum in Europe (2021 – 2025). “The Council of Europe will continue to foster an inclusive and rights-based approach to migration and asylum, placing the dignity of all individuals at the forefront of our efforts”, Ms Kayacik said. She further emphasised the importance of EEA and Norway Grants programmes in Greece and offered the Council of Europe's support for potential follow-up initiatives.