European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE)

Do’s and really just Don’ts on Asylum and Migration for the new European Commission ✅ Do…  implement the law Should go without saying but in this area of law it doesn’t. EU reform of asylum law in the form of the Pact has just been concluded, after eight very trying years, yet MSs are clamouring for new reforms... ❌Don’t… reopen the legal framework To do so, would be just another excuse for states to avoid their obligations. Unfortunately, reform of legislation on return looks inevitable but it should at least be approached in a cautious manner... ✅Do… question proposals to “frontload” the Pact Most proposals to frontload parts of the Pact look like MS picking and choosing their preferred elements, generating the risk that delicate political agreement unravels ✅Do… do some scenario planning ...Given current debates, proposals and actions already taken by some MS, more serious scenario planning is necessary, namely assessing the possible scenarios if the common system collapses. Such an exercise might focus minds on implementation... ❌Don’t… panic Operating in perpetual crisis mode feeds the far right and leads to bad decisions. This is really not the biggest challenge facing Europe... ✅Do… dig into the stats Look at the details, the nuance and the statistics not the myths. Most people seeking protection in Europe do have protection needs. Perhaps it would be easier if they didn’t, but they do... ❌Don’t… endlessly recycle myths about migration A new blast of hysterical rhetoric has prevailed during the gap between Commissions. If ever there was a topic that could benefit from less emotion and more reason and facts, it is this. More normalising would be pleasant ✅Do… ensure protection for those who need it One of the many negative consequences of the Pact is that it will be harder to be recognised as in need of protection. The belief is that it will deter people from coming (it won’t)... ❌Don’t… assume that deportation is the answer to everything The main challenge is not annoying lawyers blocking deportation, it is countries of origin & most of them feel disinclined to assist Europe ✅Do… build asylum systems in Europe Functioning, properly resourced asylum systems in Europe keep the issue manageable and demonstrate to other countries how it can be done ❌Don’t… act as a puppet for European People's Party EU's role is not to do the bidding of states, nor is it to pursue particular political parties’ efforts to outflank the far right ✅Do… make link between asylum & labour shortages Refugees are not there to resolve labour market challenges. Still, a more rational & mutually beneficial way of reconciling these contradictions could be through supporting market inclusion Overall: ✅Follow the law ✅Plan for all scenarios, even the end of the system ❌But don't panic ✅Act with a little decency ❌Don’t sacrifice rule of law and long-term European interests 📝 Read editorial's Catherine Woollard's editorial: https://bit.ly/3VsPhkd

❤️ A special addition to the #MigrationCoLab! "How to improve protection standards? Lessons from the EU’s response to the displacement from Ukraine" Based on ECRE’s extensive compilation and analysis of evidence related to the implementation of the temporary protection directive: ➡️Three key takeaways on #EU management of displacement from #Ukraine. ➡️How these could be transferred to the protection of other groups of displaced people. 🖊️ From: former ECRE Policy Officer Viktoryia Vaitovich, PhD Read here ⤵️

Check out the latest #asylum and #migration job vacancies. Subscribe to #ECREWeekly to receive them in your inbox every week (https://bit.ly/496vOul) ECRE Member Organisations   ⭐aditus foundation, Lawyer, Malta, 20 December https://lnkd.in/dNTh_9Hx   ⭐Danish Refugee Council / Dansk Flygtningehjælp, Various https://job.drc.ngo/jobs/   ⭐Diakonie Österreich Various https://lnkd.in/eqnC8-S3 ⭐Entraide Pierre Valdo, Various https://lnkd.in/e5AquMK9   ⭐Fenix - Humanitarian Legal Aid Legal Aid, Interpreter, Remote https://lnkd.in/eaAqZFdw   ⭐Fenix - Humanitarian Legal Aid, Legal Officer, Lesvos https://lnkd.in/dg3dvHsB ⭐Forum réfugiés, Various https://lnkd.in/ey4gV6Dj ⭐Fundación Cepaim, Various https://lnkd.in/djrHN7fY ⭐Irish Refugee Council, Researcher with expertise in the fields of housing, homelessness and migration, Dublin, 9 December https://lnkd.in/ePTGr7P ⭐Movimiento por la Paz, Various https://lnkd.in/eK4yuaST   ⭐Solentra, Klinisch psycholoog – 5 jaar ervaring, Antwerp https://lnkd.in/eCH-_Dwd   ⭐Solentra, Klinisch psycholoog – 10 jaar ervaring, Antwerp https://lnkd.in/ejn3rD4T   ⭐Solentra, Klinisch psycholoog, West Flanders https://lnkd.in/eMG3zzF4 Others   ⭐Fondazione L'Albero della Vita E.T.S., Events Officer, Brussels, 31 December https://lnkd.in/eh8SVFqe   ⭐Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Audiovisual and Digital Communications, Rome, 15 December https://lnkd.in/eWcSqWbU   ⭐Equal Legal Aid, Project Coordinator, Thessaloniki, 31 December https://lnkd.in/d6FKatUy ⭐Equal Legal Aid, Volunteer Lawyer, Thessaloniki, 15 December https://lnkd.in/d3KFveQf   ⭐I Have Rights., Administration and Finance Coordinator, Samos or Remote, 8 December https://lnkd.in/enFisuJ3 ⭐Immigration Research Initiative, Visiting Researchers, Montreal, 15 December https://lnkd.in/eu3FnQcm ⭐IOM - UN Migration, Intern (Diaspora Engagement), Rome, 5 December https://lnkd.in/ekarxub8 ⭐SOS MEDITERRANEE Germany, Community Engagement Manager*in, Berlin, Remote or Hybrid, 1 January  ⭐SOS MEDITERRANEE Germany, Head of Fundraising (m/w/d), Berlin or Remote, 11 December   ⭐SOS MEDITERRANEE Germany, Werkstudent*in – Digital Fundraising und Digital Communication, Berlin or Hybrid, 12 December ⭐Quaker Council for European Affairs, Migration and Peace Programme Officer, Brussels, 6 January https://lnkd.in/ef_uXR9n

📣 Good news ahead of the #EuropeanGenderEqualityWeek Spots were filled quickly You showed interest We responded to your demand and increased the capacity of attendees. 💡 Now you can register to attend our webinar organised in partnership with France terre d'asile on women and girls access to international protection. 👉Registration open until 9 December here: https://bit.ly/3VqJAU1 ℹ️ Find more about the agenda here: https://bit.ly/3VpV9e3

Today marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a crucial reminder of the unique challenges faced by asylum seekers and migrants with disabilities. Some of them are: ⚫ Perilious Migration Journeys: People on the move including the ones with disabilities are forced to take dangerous journeys to reach safety. Many drown, get stuck at borders or are abducted by the EU-funded Tunisian and Libyan authorities. ⚫ Identification Issues: Disabilities are frequently under-identified or not recognized during asylum procedures. Even when recognised, often, they are not provided with the healthcare and assistance needed. ⚫Communication Barriers: During the asylum process, refugees with intellectual disabilities may have difficulties in preparing interviews and collecting the necessary information to demonstrate the credibility of their claims. Also, refugees with hearing or physical impairments may struggle to communicate due to the absence of a medium/mediator. ⚫Intersectional Discrimination: In addition to xenophobia and racism, migrants and asylum seekers with disabilities are also exposed to violence, exploitation and social exclusion. ✊ It's time to move beyond statements and take action. All member states must prioritize INCLUSIVE PROTECTION, ensuring safe routes, comprehensive disability identification, accessible communication channels, and targeted anti-discrimination measures. Let's commit to a future where migrants with disabilities are not just protected, but empowered to lead and thrive.

🔴 Join us along with France terre d'asile at the Webinar on Women and Girls’ Access to International Protection: Challenges and Legal Developments! 👭 Women and girls fleeing persecution, conflict, or violence face unique challenges in seeking international protection. Gender-based violence, discriminatory laws, and socio-cultural practices put them in a vulnerable situation. The webinar aims to provide a platform for experts, legal practitioners, and policymakers to discuss the gendered dimensions of international protection in the EU. By focusing on key legal developments and practical challenges, the webinar will contribute to a better understanding of how refugee women and girls’ rights can be fully realised. 📅 10 December 🕙 11:00 AM - 12:45 PM CET 🌐 Online 📌 Important: Participation is limited! Register early to secure your spot – spaces are available on a ✨️first-come, first-served✨️ basis. 🔗 Sign up now: https://lnkd.in/eRptw9Cx

Check out the latest #asylum and #migration job vacancies. Subscribe to #ECREWeekly to receive them in your inbox every week (https://bit.ly/496vOul) ECRE ⭐Junior Legal Officer – EU Asylum Law / Legal Officer – EU Asylum Law, Brussels, 1 December https://lnkd.in/eZU-Y_AH ECRE Member Organisations   ⭐aditus foundation, Lawyer, Malta, 20 December https://lnkd.in/dNTh_9Hx ⭐ANDALUCÍA ACOGE, Various https://lnkd.in/ecqnN2zn   ⭐Danish Refugee Council / Dansk Flygtningehjælp, Various https://job.drc.ngo/jobs/   ⭐Diakonie Österreich Various https://lnkd.in/eqnC8-S3 ⭐Entraide Pierre Valdo, Various https://lnkd.in/e5AquMK9   ⭐Fenix - Humanitarian Legal Aid Legal Aid, Interpreter, Remote https://lnkd.in/eaAqZFdw   ⭐Fenix - Humanitarian Legal Aid, Legal Officer, Lesvos https://lnkd.in/dg3dvHsB ⭐Forum réfugiés, Various https://lnkd.in/ey4gV6Dj ⭐Fundación Cepaim, Various https://lnkd.in/djrHN7fY ⭐Movimiento por la Paz, Various https://lnkd.in/eK4yuaST   ⭐Solentra, Klinisch psycholoog – 5 jaar ervaring, Antwerp https://lnkd.in/eCH-_Dwd   ⭐Solentra, Klinisch psycholoog – 10 jaar ervaring, Antwerp https://lnkd.in/ejn3rD4T   ⭐Solentra, Klinisch psycholoog, West Flanders https://lnkd.in/eMG3zzF4 Others   ⭐Fondazione L'Albero della Vita E.T.S., Events Officer, Brussels, 31 December https://lnkd.in/eh8SVFqe   ⭐Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Audiovisual and Digital Communications, Rome, 15 December https://lnkd.in/eWcSqWbU   ⭐European Network on Statelessness, Community Advisory Board Member for ‘Strengthening the Capacity of NGOs and Local Governments to Identify and Address Statelessness in Refugee and Migration Contexts in Europe and Central Asia’ project, 18 November https://lnkd.in/egUAVCEz   ⭐I Have Rights., Administration and Finance Coordinator, Samos or Remote, 8 December https://lnkd.in/enFisuJ3 ⭐Immigration Research Initiative, Visiting Researchers, Montreal, 15 December https://lnkd.in/eu3FnQcm ⭐IOM - UN Migration, Intern (Diaspora Engagement), Rome, 5 December https://lnkd.in/ekarxub8 ⭐Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, Justice First Fellowship – Trainee Solicitor, London, 29 November https://lnkd.in/ehPveq85 ⭐Quaker Council for European Affairs, Migration and Peace Programme Officer, Brussels, 6 January https://lnkd.in/ef_uXR9n ⭐UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Associate Policy Officer, Geneva, 3 December https://lnkd.in/eRMzwY3N

📚#AIDA Temporary Protection Compilation on 2023 is OUT ➡A compilation of the annexes on temporary protection (TP) that were attached to the 2023 updates of the Asylum Information Database (AIDA) country reports for 19 EU member states (MS) and three non-EU countries. ➡It includes information on and analysis of the implementation of the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) and similar national temporary protection regimes in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Read it in full here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ejyYTEfn

💼VACANCY💼 The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) is looking for a Legal Officer or Junior Legal Officer to develop and manage ECRE’s legal and political advocacy work on the EU asylum acquis. ➡️Responsibilities 👉Support ECRE’s work on and with the EU Asylum Agency  👉Support ECRE’s work on elements of the Common European Asylum System  👉Monitoring compliance with EU law – work of the AIDA database 👉Fundraising and grant management 👉Work with ECRE teams; accountability to Board, members and donors 📌 Where?: Brussels ⌛ Deadline: 1 December ➡️Applicants must have the right to work in the European Union at the time of application. ➡️Applicants should send a CV and a motivation letter by e-mail to Eleonora Testi (etesti@ecre.org) with the Subject: ‘Application (Junior) Legal Officer’. 🔗Read more and apply: https://lnkd.in/eZU-Y_AH

🚨ECRE has published a comments paper on the regulation commonly known as the Asylum Procedures Regulation (APR). More comments on the Pact will be published in the coming weeks.   🔴Find out all you need to know about the Regulation establishing a Common Procedure for International Protection in the EU👇   ➡Changes to the Directive on Common Procedures for Granting and Withdrawing International Protection (Asylum Procedures Directive (APD)) introduced under the APR represent a deterioration in protection standards compared to the status quo. ➡More people will be detained in centres, usually at the border, and have their applications heard in border procedures. ➡Fewer people are likely to receive protection in Europe given the erosion of procedural guarantees and restrictions on the right to appeal. ➡There may also be more denials of entry due to the increased responsibilities of countries at the external borders.   ➡Read the full comments here: https://lnkd.in/e9kCN3YW