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.”