Some of the main challenges refugees face are   access to higher education and the recognition of qualifications. However, the Lisbon Recognition Convention – the main tool for recognition of studies in the European countries – can be used for an easier process. Participants unanimously agreed that refugees’ situations  need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis and that flexibility is required when it comes to situations such as missing diplomas, language, costs or traumatic experiences. More...

As reported, the adopted Bill would allow the automatic detention of all asylum seekers, including families with children and unaccompanied minors from the age of 14, in shipping containers surrounded by high razor wire fence at the border for extended periods of time. More...

The Special Representative also stressed the need to strengthen the protection of refugee and migrant children; called upon the Italian authorities and the EU to expedite the examination of asylum claims and of relocation and family-reunification requests; and pointed to the risk that weaknesses in the system for voluntary and forced removals might be encouraging the arrival of more irregular economic migrants. More...

A new report focusing on the protection of children affected by the refugee crisis from sexual exploitation and abuse was presented today. Non-comprehensive data collection, inadequate reception conditions, problems with age verification and with identification of victims are among the key challenges identified. More...