26/01/2023 Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons
The Migration Committee today expressed concern at the Russian Federation's military attack against Ukraine, leading to the highest numbers of refugees and displaced persons since World War II. In this context, the Committee urged member States to show European solidarity, particularly with Ukrainians fleeing war, conflict, persecution and human rights violations.
The report by Lord Alexander Dundee (United Kingdom, EC/DA), unanimously adopted by the Committee today, underlines the need for “support to humanitarian action in member States in cooperation and coordination with other international actors mandated in this field” by the Council of Europe bodies to ensure that refugees and displaced persons receive the necessary assistance and help.
Therefore, the Committee called on all member States to join the Council of Europe Development Bank. It also invited the Committee of Ministers to emphasise the Organisation’s role in humanitarian aid and closely cooperate with the European Union and the United Nations. “The Parliamentary Assembly should be key in mobilising the political support necessary in order to achieve more European solidarity regarding this major challenge”, Lord Dundee concluded.