United Nations Human Rights Council

56^th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Migrants

25 June 2024

EU statement

Thank you Mr President,

The European Union thanks the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of his first report to the Council.

Unsafe and irregular migration pathways, migrants’ smuggling, human trafficking, and ongoing conflicts, can exacerbate migrants’ vulnerability and marginalisation, putting their human rights and safety at risk, often by embarking on dangerous journeys.

In addition to individual EU Member States’ policies, the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum puts forward a comprehensive approach for a sustainable migration and asylum system, based on the respect of human rights and with mechanisms to monitor compliance.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for examining the factors that hinder the recognition of migrants’ contributions. As the report emphasizes, migrants are rights holders. As such, their human rights must be protected, regardless of the contributions they make with their knowledge, networks and skills to society and its social, cultural and economic fabric. By engaging with civil society, social partners, and local communities, the EU works to ensure safe, secure, and legal migration pathways, in line with national competencies.

Everyone must be given equal opportunities to enjoy their human rights and participate in society, in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights. Human-rights- and evidence-based narratives, sharing best practices and common actions on integration and inclusion are important for local communities, and for the long-term well-being of societies.

Thank you.