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World Refugee Day: Upholding refugee rights shows shared values and humanity

Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has marked World Refugee Day by paying tribute to the support given by Council of Europe member states to millions of refugees.

“Our continued commitment to upholding the rights of refugees is a testament to our shared values. Over the last decade, Europe has faced refugee crises of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War, with more than ten million people finding refuge within our member states. They have been displaced by Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, other conflicts, and political persecution beyond our Continent.

“My Special Representatives have visited the countries most affected by the refugee influx to identify how the Council of Europe can best support them in line with its Action Plan on Protecting Vulnerable people in the context of Migration and Asylum in Europe (2021-2025).

“We have launched projects to strengthen the rights of refugees and enhance countries’ asylum systems. Training for local professionals has improved their ability to address war-related trauma among refugee women and children. We have developed free online courses, as well as practical tools to help young refugees in their transition to adulthood, including the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR) project. In line with our Summit decisions, we are also redoubling our efforts to counter migrant smuggling. Finally, the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) offered grants for both emergency and long-term assistance to member states hosting people fleeing Ukraine.

“The Council of Europe has also published three joint guidance notes with the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).

“In the framework of our long standing co-operation with UNHCR, I made a pledge at the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Geneva. Further pledges were announced at the latest UN Global Refugee Forum. The Council of Europe is committed to continue contributing towards the objectives set out in the Global Compact on Refugees.”

SECRETARY GENERAL STRASBOURG 20 JUNE 2024
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Start date: December 2023

Duration: 30 months

Budget: EUR 1,000,000

Donor: Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia for 2023- 2026

Main Partners: Ministry of Justice, Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Human Rights Defender’s Office

Contact person: Ms Tamara Barbakadze, Project Manager

This project aims to provide tailored support to Armenian authorities in addressing the needs of displaced persons and refugees, with a specific emphasis on strengthening human rights institutions, particularly the Human Rights Defender’s Office and the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The project's primary emphasis is to accompany the authorities towards operating with an advanced legislative and policy framework related to displaced persons, ensuring that the letter enjoy basic human rights per the European Convention on Human Rights and other European standards. It also focuses on enhancing the capacity of legal professionals, relevant national authorities, and civil society organisations to respond effectively to the needs of the displaced population. Furthermore, the project aims to facilitate access to information on rights and available services for displaced persons, ensuring they are well-informed about their entitlements and available support.

The Project will focus on accomplishing the following outcomes:

  • Legal professionals, relevant national authorities and civil society organisations operate with enhanced capacity while responding to the needs of the displaced population.
  • Access to information on the rights and available services is facilitated for the displaced persons.