Today, the European Union (EU) Pact on Migration and Asylum enters into application. In a new statement, ENNHRI reaffirms the importance of strong human rights protections and effective, independent human rights monitoring in the context of the Pact.

ENNHRI underlines that NHRIs are key actors in upholding the human rights of migrants and asylum seekers. The statement sets out a number of recommendations for the establishment and implementation of independent monitoring mechanisms. 

The Pact consists of ten interlinked legislative acts that together establish a common EU migration and asylum framework. One key fundamental rights protection is that EU Member States must establish independent monitoring mechanisms for fundamental rights monitoring under the Screening and Asylum Regulation Procedures Regulations. 

Ahead of the entry into application, ENNHRI jointly hosted an online event that brought together all relevant actors, including NHRIs and National Preventive Mechanisms, to discuss the implementation of the independent monitoring mechanisms.  

This was organised in collaboration with European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the Frontex Fundamental Rights Office and the Council of Europe Division on Migration and Refugees.    

Read our recommendations in more details in our new statement.