Lisbon, 23 October 2023 - The Congress on the rights of migrants in the context of detention, a joint initiative of the International Organisation for Migration and the Portuguese Bar Association, held on 19 and 20 October, focused on highlighting the role of lawyers in protecting the rights of migrants held in immigration detention centres (CITs) and similar spaces (EECITs). The event also promoted a more comprehensive approach to safe, regular and orderly migration, in line with the principles of the Global Compact for Migration.

During the Congress, experts and professionals in the field of migration and human rights came together to discuss how lawyers play a key role in guaranteeing the rights of migrants in Portugal. Several speakers highlighted the crucial role of lawyers in the scrutiny required for placement in immigration detention centres, emphasising the need to ensure that detention due to irregular migration occurs only as a last resort and that non-custodial alternatives are sought, in accordance with human rights principles.

Vasco Malta, IOM Protugal Head of Office, remarked that: "in times of significant challenges and swift changes in migration policies, the role of lawyers becomes even more crucial. It is through their hard work, passion and dedication that we can move towards a world where the human rights of migrants are fully respected."

This Congress, which allowed an intense debate among the participants and the discussion of practical cases, has become a crucial platform for dialogue on the various aspects that must be considered in the context of immigration detention.

This Congress, which enabled an intense debate between the participants and the discussion of practical cases, served as a crucial platform for dialogue on the various aspects that need to be considered in the context of migration detention.

IOM considers such discussions to be useful for preparing Portuguese lawyers whenever faced with a request to intervene in proceedings for the forced removal of migrants detained because of their migratory status. In addition, these types of sessions, equips lawyers with the necessary tools to fulfil Objective 13 of the Global Compact for Migration: Use migration detention only as a measure of last resort and work towards alternatives.

This conference was held as part of the project " Mainstreaming Human Rights Standards in Administrative Detention Centres ", funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Foreigners and Borders Service.