Side Event HRC 59: Protecting Migrants’ Rights at Borders: Independent Monitoring in EU and Global Contexts

Across the world, migrants and asylum seekers continue to face serious human rights risks at external borders—from pushbacks and arbitrary detention to lack of access to protection and due process. In this context, independent human rights monitoring has emerged as a vital safeguard, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with international obligations. As states adopt increasingly complex border management systems, robust monitoring mechanisms are essential to ensure that human rights are not sidelined. The side-event explored how to bridge global and European efforts to push for more humane, transparent, and rights-compliant border management policies, striving to safeguard the rights, dignity, and safety of migrants worldwide.

Panel:

• Mr Gehad Madi, UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants
• H.E. Ms Francisca E. Méndez Escobar, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations Office at Geneva
• Ms Aydan Iyigüngör, Project Manager EU Fundamental Rights Agency and Chair of the FRONTEX Consultative Forum
• Mr Joseph Cripps, UN Advocacy Coordinator, Border Violence Monitoring Network