RIGHTS OF MIGRANTS AND ASYLUM SEEKERS

In particular, Klaus Wolken, head of programs at the International Organization for Migration, told the seminar participants about the readmission procedure between Ukraine and the EU, and provided statistical data on the number of returned persons over the past three years. According to the European expert, statistics show that

in recent years the number of returned persons has hardly increased. 63% of the total number of persons returned under the readmission agreement were citizens of Ukraine.

Expert of the Volyn Prospects NGO Viktor Valchuk made a report on the state of observance of the rights of migrants and asylum seekers during their detention in Ukraine. He noted that almost none of the detained migrants know about their rights, an interpreter and a copy of the court decision on forced deportation are not provided in the absolute majority of cases. Only after entering the Temporary Residence Point for Foreigners (TSPF) can migrants find out the necessary information and receive legal advice.

Judge of the Court of Appeal of Chernihiv Region Oleksandr Demchenko reported to the seminar participants on the problem of torture and ill-treatment

in the context of combating illegal migration. He noted that proven facts of torture of migrants are quite rare, but most likely this is due to the fact that foreigners do not speak the language, do not know their rights and are simply intimidated by traffickers.

A separate event was a visit to the Temporary Residence Point for Foreigners (TSP) “Zhuravichy” in the Volyn region. The participants got acquainted with the conditions and life of detained foreigners, and also talked with the staff of the Point. As one of the experts, the head of the Chernihiv TSP “Roszudiv” Yevhen Saluyan noted, both Migrant Detention Points currently operating in Ukraine have similar problems. Underfunding of institutions, lack of translators, lack of funds for the forced return of foreigners home are the main problems faced by the leadership of the Chernihiv and Volyn TSPs.

All participants of the seminars actively participated in the discussion of the issues raised and noted the importance of further dialogue and cooperation in the field of work with migrants and asylum seekers.

The events were organized by the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights together with the public organization “Volyn Perspectives” within the framework of the project “Conducting advocacy campaigns to protect the rights of illegal migrants and persons undergoing readmission in migrant detention centers in Ukraine”, which is implemented with the support of the Open Society Institute.