24 June 2025 – In Strasbourg, the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a report presented by Hon. Petri Honkonen (Finland), underscoring that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in migration management must strike a careful balance between efficiency gains and the protection of human rights “at all stages of the migration journey”.

The report advocates for robust safeguards to prevent discrimination, ensure human oversight, and uphold the dignity of migrants throughout all phases of migration. It further highlights the increasing application of AI in areas such as border control, visa processing, biometric identification, and integration support.

The Committee emphasizes that AI must not be employed in ways that circumvent international obligations, in particular those arising under the Refugee Convention and the principle of non-refoulement.

The Council of Europe called upon Member states to sign and ratify Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. The report is due to be debated during the PACE Autumn Session (29 September – 3 October).

PAM reiterates its advocacy for stronger international collaboration to identify and reinforce existing global regulations of AI. Through its Centre for Global Studies (CGS), PAM is actively engaged in promoting the responsible, ethical, inclusive, and safe use of artificial intelligence. The CGS Weekly Digest on AI and Innovative Technologies monitors and analyzes regularly significant trends and developments in this field.

Furthermore, PAM is managing its own Campaign Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, which has gained the support of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNOCD) Blue Heart Campaign and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), and has the objective of promoting effective legislative frameworks, enhancing international cooperation, and ensuring the protection of victims.

Learn more: https://pace.coe.int/en/news/9966/ensuring-respect-for-human-rights-in-the-use-of-ai-in-migration-management