Asylum and migration is a key collective priority for European National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), given the reality that migrants – including refugees and people seeking asylum – are disproportionately exposed to discrimination and difficulties in accessing their rights in practice. We facilitate collaboration among NHRIs in this area, particularly through our Asylum & Migration Working Group.

The legal mandate and functions of NHRIs means they are well placed to safeguard the rights of migrants. This includes monitoring their rights at the national level, advising and making recommendations to governments on the national implementation of international human rights standards, and acting as a bridge between states and international bodies. 

Beyond this, European NHRIs conduct research on asylum and migration and raise awareness of the rights of migrants. Some also regularly monitor and report on immigration detention facilities and reception centres, while alongside this they may investigate complaints. 

The legal mandate and functions of NHRIs means they are well placed to safeguard the rights of migrants. This includes monitoring their rights at the national level, advising and making recommendations to governments on the national implementation of international human rights standards, and acting as a bridge between states and international bodies. 

Beyond this, European NHRIs conduct research on asylum and migration and raise awareness of the rights of migrants. Some also regularly monitor and report on immigration detention facilities and reception centres, while alongside this they may investigate complaints. 

Visit our project webpage on “Human rights and accountability at borders. Practices of National Human Rights Institutions in Europe”

The effective and efficient provision of information to migrants is decisive for their access to procedures, international protection and remedies, as well as for their future integration. In 2017, 12 European NHRIs joined forces to monitor and improve migrants’ access to information about their rights. 

This research shows that migrants face substantial problems in accessing information on their rights. There is lack of good quality of interpretation and translation; a lack of effective understanding of the information provided; and problems with identifying and providing information on the particular needs of vulnerable individuals. In addition, staff in reception centres can lack the necessary training and specialist knowledge.   

Download: Migrants’ access to information on their rights Recommendations to bridge theory and practice