Inter-institutional meeting underlines importance of National Independent Monitoring Mechanisms under the Pact on Migration and Asylum

Inter-institutional meeting underlines importance of National Independent Monitoring Mechanisms under the Pact on Migration and Asylum

On 11 June, representatives of IMMs, including National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs), met online to discuss the operationalisation of IMMs under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. Discussions focused on the designation of IMMs across EU member states, preparations for monitoring activities, challenges related to institutional independence and resources, and arrangements for ensuring effective investigations into substantiated allegations of fundamental rights violations.

Participants reviewed the state of play regarding the establishment of IMMs across Europe and exchanged experiences on preparing monitoring methodologies, conducting visits and identifying training needs. Lessons learned from initial testing exercises highlighted the importance of clear mandates, specialised expertise and adequate resources.

The meeting also explored the potential establishment of a European platform of IMMs to facilitate cooperation, exchange of experience and the development of common approaches to monitoring.

The meeting was jointly organised by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), the Frontex Fundamental Rights Office (FRO), the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) and the Council of Europe's Division on Migration and Refugees (DMR).

Participants included representatives of the European Commission, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).

For more, see the meeting agenda.

To support fundamental rights protection under the Pact, FRA has developed dedicated guidance for Member States on establishing the monitoring mechanisms it considers a cornerstone of that protection. It has also released the 2026 edition of its handbook on European asylum and migration law, updated to reflect recent legal developments, including the adoption of the Pact.