A/HRC/29/36
needed to promote equal treatment, increase the political participation of migrants, and
mainstream fundamental rights into integration policies at national, regional and local
level.30
European Migration Forum
40.
The first meeting of the European Migration Forum (EMF) took place on the
26/27 January 2015 in Brussels. The EMF addressed issues and challenges in the
management of mixed flows of migrants and asylum seekers across the Mediterranean. The
discussions were structured around four thematic Workshops: First, access to the asylum
procedure at the borders; Second, integration of beneficiaries of international protection;
Third, a comprehensive approach to countering migrant smuggling; and Fourth, providing
adequate information in countries of origin and transit.
41.
Conclusions from the Forum included: to take stock of current migration laws and
policies; to further develop Member States accountability in the implementation of EU
laws, and independent monitoring mechanisms of border controls, surveillance, SAR, visa
and asylum policies; to develop legal and regular channels to Europe for protection and
employment; and to respect rights of undocumented migrants and de-criminalise migration
and humanitarian assistance, including a firewall between immigration control and access
to justice and services.31
30
31
FRA, 2014, “Conference Conclusions”.
Carrera, S & Huddleston, 2015, “European Migration Forum, Conclusions and Policy
Recommendations”.
33