On 20 January, the Belgian Association for foreigners’ rights organizes a training on the topic “What protection for seriously ill persons following M’Bodj and Abdida case-law?”.

On the occasion of the European Parliament plenary session of 13 January 2015, Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos spoke on human smuggling in the Mediterranean and the needed reaction of the EU

18 December is the International Migrants Day. On 18 December 2014, the Federal Migration Center organized pedagogical and interactive activities while several labour unions and civil society organizations called for more rights for labour migrants

Syria neighbouring States are increasingly affected by the number of refugees seeking sanctuary within their country. The European Commission is stepping up its assistance to Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon to contribute to address Syrian refugees’ needs.

On 4 December 2014, 22 Syrian refugees landed in Belgium for resettlement. 53 more are expected to arrive by the end of the year. Further resettlements of Syrian refugees are planned in 2015.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has issued a case-law in relation to international protection and protection of human rights in the case of alleged persecutions because of an applicant's sexual orientation.

The proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, amending Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, aims at clarifying Member States’ responsibilities for examining the application for international protection of unaccompanied minors

Since 13 November 2014 and until May 2015, Belgium is chairing the Committee of Ministers, the political decision making organ of the Council of Europe. Under the Belgian Presidency, migration and asylum will be part of the issues tackled.

18 October is EU Anti-Trafficking Day. To mark the Eight EU Anti trafficking Day, the European Commission has published a package on Trafficking in Human Beings and civil society organizations have launched a European campaign against human trafficking and labour exploitation.

William Lacy Swing, Director General IOM, stresses that already in 2014 over 2,200 migrants have died attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. That’s three times 2013’s total!

The consultation, which runs over 12 weeks and closes on 3 July 2014, allows a wide range of stakeholders and organizations to contribute to the development of guidance on integrated child protection systems.

In the light of a recent judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU, the Commission is proposing to clarify which Member State is responsible for examining applications made by unaccompanied minors.

This conference focuses on sharing experiences and promising practices to improve the work of professionals dealing with unaccompanied minors and children on the move, in regards to two key aspects: the needs assessment and family tracing.

The UVCW and El Paso invite actors working with unaccompanied foreign minors in various structures (public centres for social welfare, reception centres etc.) to participate in a multidisciplinary training aimed at providing them with adequate knowledge and skills to assist and enpower this group.

The tragedy in Lampedusa prompted an unprecedented call for action by EU leaders and citizens. On 4 December, the Commission proposed ways to increase solidarity and mutual support in order to prevent migrants' death in the Mediterranean.

On 2 December the European Border Surveillance System becomes operational. EUROSUR will make an important contribution to saving lives and will also equip the EU and its Member States with better tools to prevent cross-border crimes and to detect and provide assistance to migrant boats in distress.

The Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM) together with Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), invite you to join a discussion on how the European Union can ensure the rights of undocumented migrant children and their families.