Migration and human rights discussed at the Council of Europe

An informal conference of ministers of justice of the Council of Europe held in Strasbourg today, 10 December discussed topical migration issues and the role that the European Convention on Human Rights plays in addressing them responsibly.

The conclusions of the ministerial conference will guide the Council of Europe's further efforts to strengthen migration management and the functioning and effectiveness of the Convention system. The ministers agreed on the further preparation of a political declaration concerning migration and security issues from the perspective of the Convention. The declaration is to be adopted at the Foreign Ministers' meeting in Chișinău in May 2026.

In connection with the conference, 27 member states issued a joint statement emphasising their commitment to the Council of Europe, the European Convention on Human Rights and the independence of the European Court of Human Rights. Finland joined the statement.

The joint statement highlights the need to strengthen the Convention system's capacity to address diverse migration phenomena - including human smuggling, border security and the expulsion of people guilty of serious offences - while respecting human rights. The parties to the joint statement underline the importance of constructive dialogue and shared responsibility to ensure the credibility of the system.

JOINT STATEMENT