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Eurasylum's Press Releases
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This section provides a selection of news and press releases relating to Eurasylum’s recent and on-going activities.
For further information on news items posted in this section, media enquiries about past or current projects, or requests for interviews with company staff, please click here.
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Ü 10 March 2010: New framework contracts with the European Parliament
Eurasylum has been awarded two Framework Contracts by the Directorate-General for Internal Policies of the European Parliament. These focus on:
- The “Provision of external expertise to the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, in the field of Justice and Home Affairs including Impact Assessment studies – Lot 3 (Asylum); and
- The “Provision of external expertise to the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, in the field of Justice and Home Affairs including Impact Assessment studies – Lot 4 (Immigration, Integration and Management of the EU’s External Borders)”.
The two framework contracts, which will run for up to four years, will entail the drafting of briefing notes and reports on behalf of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (the LIBE Committee) of the European Parliament.
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Ü 17 December 2009: New projects at Eurasylum
Eurasylum has been awarded the following new contracts:
- Co-management, with Arup and CKP Ltd, of a project to establish "Custody centres and temporary holding facilities for irregular migrants in Ukraine", on behalf of the European Commission (EuropeAid). This major three-year project aims to conduct a series of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies on pre-identified sites to be converted into Custody Centres and Temporary Holding Facilities for irregular migrants in Ukraine, as well as to draw schemed designs, blueprints and technical specifications for works, supplies and services, in line with humanitarian standards set out by the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the EU acquis, as well as the recommendations of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT). The project, which will run until October 2012, will also supervise all the works and services to be implemented by third parties.
- Co-management, with Ramboll, of a "Study on the feasibility of establishing a mechanism for the relocation of beneficiaries of international protection", on behalf of the European Commission (DG Justice, Freedom and Security). The purpose of this study is to provide the European Commission with detailed information and analysis on the issue of relocation and other options available to better foster solidarity between member states on the management of asylum flows. The study, which will entail fieldwork in most member states, will explore the key financial, political and legal implications of relocation and any other solidarity mechanism proposed. The study will be used by the Commission to assess the feasibility of establishing a new solidarity mechanism in the area of asylum, consisting of the relocation of refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection (and possibly asylum seekers) among member states, in order to alleviate the burden of those member states facing disproportionate pressure on their asylum systems.
- Advice to the Immigration Department of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) on "Legislative and administrative changes to national immigration policies and practices in TCI”, on behalf of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The purpose of this contract is to provide advice, guidance and mentoring to the Governor, the Chief Executive of the Public Service, the Director of Immigration and the Labour Commissioner to ensure professional, effective and efficient delivery of Immigration Department statutory, regulatory and policy functions, responsibilities and requirements. The assignment will entail, in particular, the preparation of a comprehensive review of the role, functions, responsibilities, policies, practices, procedures and organisational structure of the Immigration Department; assisting the Director of Immigration in the production of a five-year Strategic Plan with measurable objectives; and assisting the Director of Immigration and the Labour Commissioner in producing a comprehensive strategy paper on migration (both legal and illegal) in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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Ü 17 December 2009: New IOM/Eurasylum monthly interviews series on the future of migration
Building on Eurasylum’s existing monthly policy interviews, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Eurasylum are launching a special series on the ”The Future of Migration: Building Capacities for Change”. This monthly interview series will run from February to June 2010 and will aim to feed into the World Migration Report 2010, which will be dedicated fully to this policy theme. This special monthly interviews series is designed to collect the views of senior public officials, social partners and reputable academics worldwide about the needs for new capacity building measures in five major policy areas:
- Migration Governance
- Labour Migration
- Climate Change and Migration
- Integration and Rights
- Migration and Development
The interviews will be published in full on Eurasylum’s and possibly IOM’s websites, and excerpts will be reprinted, as text boxes, in the next World Migration Report.
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Ü 3 July 2009: New Eurasylum publications
The two studies prepared by Eurasylum on behalf of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), on ‘’The protection of the rights and special needs of irregular immigrant minors and asylum seeking children’’, and on ‘’The protection of the rights and special needs of trafficked children’’, have just been published by FRA.
The purpose of both studies was to identify, through desk research, interviews and case studies, some of the key policy interventions, legal measures and administrative practices that can best contribute to the protection of the rights and special needs of trafficked children, and irregular immigrant minors and asylum seeking children, in the EU.
- To download the study on “The protection of the rights and special needs of irregular immigrant minors and asylum seeking children”, please click here
- To download the study on “The protection of the rights and special needs of trafficked children”, please click here
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Ü 24 July 2008: New project on land border controls in the UAE
Eurasylum has been appointed by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs of the United Arab Emirates to conduct a study on “Administrative and technical aspects of land border checkpoints in the UAE”. The study, which will involve extensive fieldwork in Abu Dhabi, aims to review and assess the current arrangements for land border checkpoints in the UAE, with a view to simplifying some of the border control procedures while safeguarding key surveillance and security requirements, and facilitating bona fide crossings related to trade and tourism.
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Ü 20 May 2008: New project on Chinese immigration into the EU
Eurasylum has been awarded the following new project:
- Study on “Recent measures taken to address irregular migration in Europe, with a special focus on irregular migration from China’, on behalf of the International Organization for Migration (IOM, Geneva), within the framework of an EC AENEAS project on ‘Capacity Building for Migration Management in China’. The study aims to analyse key policy and administrative arrangements in selected EU member states to address Chinese illegal migration, at pre-entry and post-entry stages. It will feed into the subsequent activities of this AENEAS project, which will consist of a range of capacity building measures in China, and study tours to the EU, for Chinese immigration officials.
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Ü 23 April 2008: IOM-Eurasylum book on evaluation of migration policies
The book by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Eurasylum on ’Assessing the Costs and Impacts of Migration Policy: an International Comparison’ has just been published. The book explores some of the key issues, at a policy and practical level, relating to the design, implementation and outcomes of public evaluation systems in the field of migration policy. It reviews the ways migration policies are evaluated in several EU member states, the USA, Canada, the European Commission, IOM and UNHCR, and provides a range of recommendations for improving the design and implementation of evidence-based and accountable policies in the field of migration and asylum.
ü To download the book, please click here
ü To order the book, please click here
ü To read a short article (published by the Migration Information Source, Washington D.C.) discussing the book’s key findings, please click here
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Ü 20 March 2008: New projects at Eurasylum
Eurasylum has been awarded the following new contracts:
- Evaluation of “The use and effectiveness of automated border entry and exit systems internationally”, on behalf of the UK Home Office (Immigration Research and Statistics – IRS, and Home Office Scientific Development Branch – HOSDB). The project aims to conduct an empirical and comparative assessment of automated passenger border clearance systems in Australia, Canada, Dubai, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the USA.
- Study on ”The United Kingdom’s policies on irregular migrants’’, on behalf of the Council of Europe (European Committee on Migration – CDMG). The study forms part of a Council of Europe programme which aims to evaluate national policies in the field of irregular migration, particularly in relation to the implementation of regularisation/amnesty programmes.
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Ü 27 November 2007: New projects at Eurasylum
Eurasylum has been appointed by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights to conduct two studies on :
- The protection of trafficked children; and
- The protection of irregular immigrant minors and asylum seeking children.
The purpose of both studies is to identify, through desk research, interviews and case studies, policy interventions, legal measures and administrative practices that are best suited to the protection of the rights and special needs of trafficked children, and irregular immigrant minors and asylum seeking children.
Eurasylum was awarded three framework contracts by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights in September 2007, to carry out research and studies on ‘Policies relating to immigration, integration and citizenship’ (Lot 29), ‘Policies relating to social inclusion, equal opportunities and non-discrimination’ (Lot 30) and ‘Policies relating to human/fundamental rights and minority rights’ (Lot 31). These framework contracts will run for a period of four years.
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Ü 8 March 2007: New project on Return Policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Eurasylum, jointly with Charles Kendall and Partners Ltd (CKP), have been appointed by the European Commission (European Agency for Reconstruction), to implement the CARDS project entitled “Follow up of the Functional Review of the Return Sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina”. The project will aim to strengthen the capacity of the BiH authorities to implement adequate policies to assist the return and reintegration of refugees and DPs. It will also devise measures to develop efficient and effective relations between policy-making bodies, e.g. the State Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees (MHRR), financing institutions, e.g. the Return Fund, and local authorities, in line with EU best practice. The project will run until June 2008.
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Ü 7 December 2006: New projects at Eurasylum
Eurasylum is pleased to announce the following new projects:
- Member of the team led by Egeval II entrusted with the "Evaluation of the EC Country Strategy in the Republic of Moldova (2000-2006)”, on behalf of the European Commission (EuropeAid). Eurasylum will conduct the evaluation of the EC measures in the field of justice and home affairs (migration, asylum, border management, customs, trafficking in human beings and drugs, money laundering and crime prevention).
- Co-management, with the International Organization for Migration (IOM, Geneva), of a research project on “Public evaluation policies and practices in the field of migration”. The project, which is financed by IOM, aims to take stock of current evaluation practices within different types of public agency involved in the design and implementation of migration policies. It will facilitate a better understanding of the use, benefits and challenges of evaluation as a means to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of public interventions on migration, and as a key input into the formation of new policy and legislative initiatives. The project will benefit from the participation of national, EC and international public officials, as well as academics.
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Ü 13-11-2006: Moderation of the EU Migration and Governance Roundtable
Eurasylum is pleased to announce that it has been appointed as the moderator of the ‘Migration and Governance Roundtable’, to be held during the first edition of the European Development Days, organised by the European Commission on 15-17 November 2006, in Brussels. The conference and exhibition, which will be attended by the President of the European Commission, several EU Commissioners and member states’ Ministers, 21 African Heads of State, top UN officials, and NGOs, will aim to enhance public awareness of development cooperation issues, and to strengthen the effectiveness of EU development assistance within the framework of the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.
The ‘Migration and Governance Roundtable’, to be moderated by Eurasylum, will be organised around a panel that will bring together the EC Director General for Justice, Freedom and Security, IOM’s Deputy-Director General, a former GCIM Commissioner, the Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the Central African Republic, the Chairman of the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD), and the Coordinator of the First African Social Forum. The purpose of this event will be to address ways and means to improve the governance of international migration, through its better coordination with European development policies. In particular, the Roundtable will aim to discuss the strong linkages between international migration, development, trade, aid, state security and human rights. For more information please visit the Conference’s Agenda, or the
European Development Days’ website. |
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Ü 28 September 2006: New Associate Director of Research
Eurasylum is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Joanne van Selm as Associate Director of Research. Dr. Van Selm, a reputable expert on international migration and asylum affairs, was until June 2006 a senior policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute (MPI, Washington). She is a regular adviser to national governments, the European Commission and international organizations and has published extensively on international refugee and migration policy. She is the co-editor of the Journal of Refugee Studies (Oxford University Press) and was President of the International Association for the Study of Forced Migration from 2003 to 2005.
A more detailed biography of Joanne van Selm is provided in the About Us section.
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Ü 29 August 2006: New Eurasylum Director
Eurasylum is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Director and company shareholder: Mr. Don Ingham, as Director for UK Consultancy Services.
Don Ingham is a former senior official at the UK Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND), ending his career in 2006 as Director, Managed Migration Directorate. He spent over 30 years in Government Service, holding various key positions entailing the development, enforcement and evaluation of major immigration policies and legislation.
Within Eurasylum, Don Ingham will take responsibility for all government assignments in the United Kingdom, and will contribute to relevant EU projects, particularly on issues of migration management.
A more detailed biography of Don Ingham is provided in the About Us section.
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Ü 7 August 2006: New Eurasylum initiative
Eurasylum has recently produced a short project outline to discuss the key rationale and main contours of a possible international standardisation/validation system in the field of refugee status determination procedures. The proposal suggests that consideration should be given to the development of a detailed, universal, set of criteria and benchmarks (along the lines of ISO International Standards, which currently cover over 15,000 professional activities in a wide range of sectors), on the basis of which the professional standards of national asylum authorities would be assessed/evaluated. The set of criteria would relate to compliance with key international/regional conventions and their corresponding guidelines and good practice recommendations. It would cover the whole range of actions in the asylum field, from the initial identification of asylum seekers, to the determination of claims for asylum (including on appeal) and to detention and removal policies, practices and procedures. Eurasylum’s project outline is currently being considered by a range of qualified professionals, in the governmental, intergovernmental and academic fields. Should you be interested in receiving and commenting on the proposal, please contact us.
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Ü 28 June 2006: Minister Rajamäki guest of Eurasylum’s Policy Interviews
Mr. Kari Rajamäki, Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Finland, is this month’s guest of Eurasylum’s Monthly Policy Interviews series. Mr. Rajamäki discusses the key priorities of Finland's Presidency of the European Union (July-December 2006) in the field of immigration and asylum.
Please click here to access the
full text of the interview.
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Ü 26 June 2006: MoU with the International Relations and Security Network (ISN)
Eurasylum has signed today a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Relations and Security Network (ISN). The ISN, which is funded jointly by the Swiss government and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, and which is run by the Center for Security Studies (CSS), is a lead provider of a wide range of research, information and educational products aimed at promoting a better understanding of the strategic challenges of current international security developments. The Affiliated Partner MoU aims to strengthen and formalise relations between the ISN and Eurasylum, through contribution to the development of each partner’s activities and resources.
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Ü 3 February 2006: New project on IDPs and refugees in Montenegro
Eurasylum, jointly with Charles Kendall and Partners Ltd (CKP), have been appointed by the European Commission (European Agency for Reconstruction), to implement the CARDS project entitled "Institutional building support to the Commissariat for Displaced Persons in Montenegro”. The project will aim to build the management and institutional capacity of the Commissariat to address issues of refugees/IDPs along EU/international standards. It will also facilitate coordination between international donors and the Montenegrin government and will develop support networks and awareness-raising campaigns, at municipal and central government levels, on issues of displacement in Montenegro and in the region. The project will run until March 2007.
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Ü 2 January 2006: Minister McNulty guest of Eurasylum’s Policy Interviews
Tony McNulty MP, Minister of State for Immigration, Citizenship and
Nationality of the United Kingdom, is this month’s guest of Eurasylum’s Monthly Policy Interviews series. Mr. McNulty discusses in detail the key outcomes of the UK Presidency of the EU in the field of immigration and asylum, including as regards issues of cooperation between the EU and Africa; the adoption of new EU readmission agreements and the appointment of a Special Representative for Readmission Policies; the new EU Action Plan on human trafficking; the Regional Protection Programmes; and the new EU External Relations Strategy on justice and home affairs, adopted in December 2005.
Please click here to access the
full text of the interview.
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Ü 30 January 2006: New project on illegal migration from Africa
Eurasylum has been appointed to conduct a fact-finding and needs assessment project on “Control of illegal migration and countering of document fraud in Ghana”, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands (Asylum and Migration Section, Directorate for People Trafficking and Transportation). The project, which will entail extensive fieldwork in Accra, will aim to determine the exact nature and scale of document fraud in Ghana and in the region. It will also aim to design, in cooperation with the Ghanaian Ministry of the Interior, and the governments of eight EU Member States, the contours of a possible EU-supported action programme to address these policy areas in the region.
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Ü 29 November 2005: Minister Prokop guest of Eurasylum’s Policy Interviews
Ms. Liese Prokop, Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Austria, is this month’s guest of Eurasylum’s Monthly Policy Interviews series. Ms. Prokop discusses the key priorities of Austria's Presidency of the European Union (January-June 2006) in the field of immigration and asylum.
Please click here to access the
full text of the interview.
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Ü 6 October 2005: Commissioner Frattini guest of Eurasylum’s Policy Interviews
Mr. Franco Frattini, EU Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security, is this month’s guest of Eurasylum’s Monthly Policy Interviews series. Mr. Frattini discusses in detail several unfolding developments on EU asylum and immigration policy, including the five-year Action Plan on Freedom, Justice and Security; the Commission’s proposals for the establishment of an EU framework on legal migration; and the EU’s newly established pilot Regional Protection Programmes.
Please click here to access the
full text of the interview.
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