Europe

Europe is dealing with the consequences of the Pact on Migration and Asylum (the Pact), which has led to endless bureaucratic obstacles for people in need of protection, an over-reliance on “safe third countries,” and the perpetuation of outdated colonialist practices. Legal and safe pathways for those seeking refuge remain virtually non-existent. EU-funded initiatives aimed at reducing migration have resulted in human rights violations, both within Europe and in non-EU countries such as Tunisia, Egypt, and Lebanon. Over the past decades, Europe has militarized its borders and subjected migrants to daily brutality, consistently violating their fundamental rights. The EU's racist, xenophobic, and hostile policies toward people fleeing persecution emphasized the urgent need for strategic, anti-colonialist litigation.

The Europe network was founded following the Council’s regional consultation held in Warsaw, Poland in 2023 with co-hosts International Detention Coalition. Through convening members at a regional level, the aim of the network is to be able to identify the key issues facing refugees and migrants in the Europe region with the practitioners working there. We work alongside these experts to tackle these issues collectively, centring those affected. We support a growing community of over X members based in the region with their community and strategy development, litigation and advocacy, and training needs.

As a member of the network, you can connect and collaborate with other members in the region via a dedicated listserv and whatsapp group. Through these platforms you can share real-time updates and questions, identify opportunities for support and collaboration, and distribute important news and events.