Remarks by Christina Meinecke, Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to the European Union

23 March 2026, UN House in Brussels, Belgium

Dear colleagues, dear partners and friends,

Thank you from OHCHR as well for joining us today, and for your continued commitment to advancing the human rights of people on the move across the European Union.

This consultation, and the global process it feeds into, takes place at an important moment here in Brussels.

As you know, efforts are ongoing to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, while discussions are advancing rapidly to complement this framework with additional regulations, “innovative” partnerships with countries of origin and transit, and new investments. These efforts mark a new phase of EU migration governance—one that will shape practice for years to come.

However, EU migration governance cannot be seen in isolation. It must be situated within the broader global framework of obligations, commitments, and cooperation guiding migration governance worldwide.

Among these, the Global Compact for Migration provides a comprehensive framework grounded in international law. At its core is a clear commitment: to place human rights at the centre of migration governance at all stages.

Today’s discussion is an opportunity to take stock in the EU context and to identify concrete human rights priorities for the next phase of implementation.

Let me highlight five priority areas where OHCHR believes focused attention is needed.

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1. First, ensuring rights-based border governance

Serious allegations of human rights violations continue to be reported at EU borders, including refoulement, pushbacks, lack of access to asylum, insufficient safeguards, and violent practices.

The new border screening system and digitalisation efforts may present opportunities or risks, depending on implementation.

Key priorities include ensuring that:

• Border surveillance, including the use of technology, is human rights compliant
• Search and rescue operations fully comply with international law
• All procedures include individual assessments without discrimination
• The principle of non-refoulement is fully respected and access to asylum is effective
• Vulnerable persons are promptly identified and protected
• Independent monitoring mechanisms are operational, resourced, and independent

The Global Compact is clear: border management must fully respect human rights. We welcome your views on current gaps and urgently needed safeguards.

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2. Second, limiting immigration detention and promoting alternatives

Despite international standards, migrants in the EU—including children—continue to be detained.

New screening and border procedures risk leading to systematic or prolonged confinement, while discussions on the reform of the EU return framework point toward expanded detention.

From a human rights perspective, detention must always be a last resort, necessary, proportionate, time-bound, subject to judicial oversight, and prohibited for children.

Key priorities are to:

• Expand community-based alternatives
• End child detention for migration purposes
• Improve conditions and safeguards where detention is used

Practical solutions exist but require political will and investment. We are particularly interested in identifying effective alternatives and how to scale them.

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3. Third, guaranteeing access to rights and services, regardless of status

The Global Compact reaffirms that all migrants are rights holders, yet access to essential services often depends on migration status. Barriers persist in healthcare, housing, education, fair labour conditions, and access to justice.

A human rights-based approach requires non-discriminatory access. Priority actions include:

• Removing legal and practical barriers
• Ensuring firewalls between services and immigration enforcement
• Strengthening labour protections, especially for those in precarious situations

We welcome your input on the most acute gaps and effective practices that can be expanded.

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4. Fourth, ensuring a human rights-based approach to cooperation with countries of origin and transit

The Pact and related initiatives aim to scale up cooperation with third countries, often prioritising border control and returns.

We continue to urge a human rights-based approach—one that does not undermine international obligations or shift responsibilities in ways that weaken protections.

Key safeguards include:

• Human rights risk assessments
• Enforceable safeguards and suspension mechanisms
• Transparency and independent monitoring
• Accessible complaint and remedy mechanisms

More broadly, this requires greater investment in protection-focused initiatives, including safe and regular pathways and sustainable development. Your insights are critical to strengthening safeguards and accountability.

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5. And last but not least, combating discrimination, racism, and xenophobia

Migrants continue to face racism, xenophobia, and stigmatization, often amplified in public discourse and reflected in cooperation frameworks.

The Global Compact calls for a whole-of-society effort to promote inclusion. Priorities include:

• Awareness raising and community-based initiatives
• Stronger anti-discrimination frameworks and enforcement
• Promoting accurate and inclusive narratives

Civil society plays a leading role in advocacy, monitoring, and shaping public understanding. We welcome your recommendations on advancing inclusion in practice.

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Let me also lastly emphasize a cross-cutting priority: participation and accountability.

Meaningful civil society participation in implementation is essential. Today’s consultation contributes to that effort, informing:

• Regional and global GCM review processes
• UN agencies’ priorities, including OHCHR
• Continued engagement with EU institutions and Member States

Besides the Global Compact, other UN mechanisms, for example the UPR or Treaty Bodies reviews, as well as country visits by UN Special Procedures, like the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, ensure continuous monitoring of adherence to international human rights standards and help hold States to account. This wide toolbox of oversight mechanisms should be evoked and used by all of us.

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The Global Compact sets out a shared vision, but its credibility depends on real improvements in people’s lives.

This review process offers an opportunity for frank, evidence-based discussion on where progress is being made—and where it is not.

We count on today’s exchange to build on your expertise and perspectives in identifying challenges and shaping solutions.

Thank you.