Chris Mommers
@chrismommers.bsky.social
Advisor to Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights; mainly asylum/migration, also other human rights issues in UK, Netherlands and Slovakia.
Academic interest in 'voluntary' return: https://hdl.handle.net/1887/3264310 (open access).
Views my own.
Academic interest in 'voluntary' return: https://hdl.handle.net/1887/3264310 (open access).
Views my own.
Reposted by Chris Mommers
“Practices labelled ‘extreme’ in 2019 are now so entrenched they'd scarcely be remarkable enough to feature in this year’s review.”
@bramfrouws.bsky.social & Chris Horwood show how 'acceptable' migration policy shifted & what it means for people on the move.
https://f.mtr.cool/lkjogjvnne #MMR2025
@bramfrouws.bsky.social & Chris Horwood show how 'acceptable' migration policy shifted & what it means for people on the move.
https://f.mtr.cool/lkjogjvnne #MMR2025
When the extreme is normalised: shifting boundaries in 'acceptable' migration policy - Mixed Migration Centre
What once seemed unthinkable in migration policy has become increasingly accepted, reflecting a major shift in political and social norms. This “normalisation of the extreme” illustrates how ideas once outside the mainstream can enter the realm of political acceptability. An essay by Chris Horwood and Bram Frouws.
f.mtr.cool
December 2, 2025 at 5:20 AM
“Practices labelled ‘extreme’ in 2019 are now so entrenched they'd scarcely be remarkable enough to feature in this year’s review.”
@bramfrouws.bsky.social & Chris Horwood show how 'acceptable' migration policy shifted & what it means for people on the move.
https://f.mtr.cool/lkjogjvnne #MMR2025
@bramfrouws.bsky.social & Chris Horwood show how 'acceptable' migration policy shifted & what it means for people on the move.
https://f.mtr.cool/lkjogjvnne #MMR2025
Rapporteur @pace.coe.int raises concerns over proposed changes to whistle-blower protections in #Slovakia
pace.coe.int/en/news/1012...
pace.coe.int/en/news/1012...
PACE rapporteur raises concerns over proposed changes to whistle-blower protections in the Slovak Republic
“I am concerned by the legislative proposals that are currently being considered under an expedited procedure in the Slovakian parliament, which would affect the protection of whistle-blowers,” said A...
pace.coe.int
December 1, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Rapporteur @pace.coe.int raises concerns over proposed changes to whistle-blower protections in #Slovakia
pace.coe.int/en/news/1012...
pace.coe.int/en/news/1012...
Reposted by Chris Mommers
PR: the EU's reform of its people smuggling legislation must end the criminalisation of people defending human rights. The European Parliament should seize the opportunity to defend the EU's founding ideals: srdefenders.org/european-uni...
@fabiennekeller.bsky.social @birgitsippel.bsky.social
@fabiennekeller.bsky.social @birgitsippel.bsky.social
European Union: UN experts alarmed by risk of humanitarian assistance criminalisation (press release) - UN SR Human Rights Defenders
UN experts* today expressed alarm at EU discussions about proposed legislation on the smuggling of migrants and its compatibility with international human rights law – particularly the potential absen...
srdefenders.org
December 1, 2025 at 10:35 AM
PR: the EU's reform of its people smuggling legislation must end the criminalisation of people defending human rights. The European Parliament should seize the opportunity to defend the EU's founding ideals: srdefenders.org/european-uni...
@fabiennekeller.bsky.social @birgitsippel.bsky.social
@fabiennekeller.bsky.social @birgitsippel.bsky.social
UN experts: “Without a clearly defined mandatory humanitarian exemption [in the revised EU Facilitation Directive], there is a serious risk of criminalisation of life-saving action"
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
European Union: UN experts alarmed by risk of humanitarian assistance criminalisation
GENEVA – UN experts* today expressed alarm at EU discussions about proposed legislation on the smuggling of migrants and its compatibility with international human rights law – particularly the potent...
www.ohchr.org
December 1, 2025 at 1:47 PM
UN experts: “Without a clearly defined mandatory humanitarian exemption [in the revised EU Facilitation Directive], there is a serious risk of criminalisation of life-saving action"
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Reposted by Chris Mommers
We have a new mapping study out w/C. Warin geared for practice & commissioned by @coe.int Division on Migration and Refugees on identifying & responding to vulnerability in an asylum and migration context. Free access! www.coe.int/en/web/migra... @nsitaropoulos.bsky.social @stevepeers.bsky.social
December 1, 2025 at 10:08 AM
We have a new mapping study out w/C. Warin geared for practice & commissioned by @coe.int Division on Migration and Refugees on identifying & responding to vulnerability in an asylum and migration context. Free access! www.coe.int/en/web/migra... @nsitaropoulos.bsky.social @stevepeers.bsky.social
Reposted by Chris Mommers
Opinie: Het Vluchtelingenverdrag heeft geen modernisering nodig
Opinie: Het Vluchtelingenverdrag heeft geen modernisering nodig
Aanpassing van het Vluchtelingenverdrag is geen middel om grip te krijgen op (asiel)migratie. Daar gaat het verdrag niet over, zegt Frank Candel van Vluchtelingenwerk.
www.trouw.nl
November 30, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Opinie: Het Vluchtelingenverdrag heeft geen modernisering nodig
Reposted by Chris Mommers
Meet Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s @commissionerhr.coe.int
As we mark 75 years of the European Convention on #HumanRights, find out what the #ECHR means to him, both personally and professionally?
As we mark 75 years of the European Convention on #HumanRights, find out what the #ECHR means to him, both personally and professionally?
December 1, 2025 at 4:56 AM
Meet Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s @commissionerhr.coe.int
As we mark 75 years of the European Convention on #HumanRights, find out what the #ECHR means to him, both personally and professionally?
As we mark 75 years of the European Convention on #HumanRights, find out what the #ECHR means to him, both personally and professionally?
Reposted by Chris Mommers
Three important secondment vacancies @coe.int on social rights — all with imminent application deadlines.
talents.coe.int/en_GB/career...
talents.coe.int/en_GB/career...
November 29, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Three important secondment vacancies @coe.int on social rights — all with imminent application deadlines.
talents.coe.int/en_GB/career...
talents.coe.int/en_GB/career...
Reposted by Chris Mommers
#Postdoc Researcher on #Externalization and #Rightlessness
Join our team in #Vienna to research externalization arrangements worldwide, the foundations of international refugee law, and theoretical perspectives inspired by Arendt's work.
shorturl.at/W0swQ
@rli-sas.bsky.social @lbg.ac.at
Join our team in #Vienna to research externalization arrangements worldwide, the foundations of international refugee law, and theoretical perspectives inspired by Arendt's work.
shorturl.at/W0swQ
@rli-sas.bsky.social @lbg.ac.at
We are hiring: POSTDOC/SENIOR RESEARCHER (m/f/d) – LBI für Grund- und Menschenrechte
Das Ludwig Boltzmann Institut für Grund- und Menschenrechte (LBI-GMR) ist das führende Menschenrechtsinstitut in Österreich.
gmr.lbg.ac.at
November 29, 2025 at 1:37 PM
#Postdoc Researcher on #Externalization and #Rightlessness
Join our team in #Vienna to research externalization arrangements worldwide, the foundations of international refugee law, and theoretical perspectives inspired by Arendt's work.
shorturl.at/W0swQ
@rli-sas.bsky.social @lbg.ac.at
Join our team in #Vienna to research externalization arrangements worldwide, the foundations of international refugee law, and theoretical perspectives inspired by Arendt's work.
shorturl.at/W0swQ
@rli-sas.bsky.social @lbg.ac.at
Reposted by Chris Mommers
France to begin at-sea interceptions of migrant boats in the Channel
France to begin at-sea interceptions of migrant boats in the Channel
A leaked document shows Paris preparing a policy shift long deemed too dangerous, with new teams set to patrol the coast
dlvr.it
November 28, 2025 at 12:38 PM
France to begin at-sea interceptions of migrant boats in the Channel
Reposted by Chris Mommers
Very interesting and fruitful meeting with the Scottish government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Minister for Equalities on human rights-based approaches to tackling child poverty, the incorporation of international HR treaties, and the future of the European Convention on Human Rights
November 27, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Very interesting and fruitful meeting with the Scottish government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Minister for Equalities on human rights-based approaches to tackling child poverty, the incorporation of international HR treaties, and the future of the European Convention on Human Rights
Important developments in the UK on combating child poverty 👇
Excellent news from the UK government: the two-child limit on welfare benefits will be scrapped.
As noted during my recent visit, this is one of the most effective, urgent actions to protect #ChildRights and lift them out of poverty.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
As noted during my recent visit, this is one of the most effective, urgent actions to protect #ChildRights and lift them out of poverty.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
United Kingdom: tackling poverty is crucial to protect children’s human rights; a number of other areas also call for attention - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Strasbourg 08/07/2025
www.coe.int
November 26, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Important developments in the UK on combating child poverty 👇
Reposted by Chris Mommers
With @coe.int Steering Cttee on #HumanRights, I raised concern over contagion of attacks on independence & effectiveness of some Europe's #NHRIs & Ombuds institutions. As pillars of democratic architecture, they protect human well-being, often in brave & innovative ways.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Member states should protect and strengthen NHRIs Ombuds institutions - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Strasbourg 26/11/2025
www.coe.int
November 26, 2025 at 4:10 PM
With @coe.int Steering Cttee on #HumanRights, I raised concern over contagion of attacks on independence & effectiveness of some Europe's #NHRIs & Ombuds institutions. As pillars of democratic architecture, they protect human well-being, often in brave & innovative ways.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Reposted by Chris Mommers
My quick-fire take for @prospectmagazine.co.uk on why we should celebrate the scrapping of the two-child limit
Draws on research for @nuffieldfoundation.org & ongoing work with the amazing @changingrealities.bsky.social
Draws on research for @nuffieldfoundation.org & ongoing work with the amazing @changingrealities.bsky.social
The government should be applauded for scrapping the cruel two-child benefit cap in the budget. But tackling poverty requires more, writes @ruthpatrick0.bsky.social.
At last: a budget that ends the two-child limit
The government should be applauded for scrapping the cruel policy, but tackling poverty requires more
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 4:45 PM
My quick-fire take for @prospectmagazine.co.uk on why we should celebrate the scrapping of the two-child limit
Draws on research for @nuffieldfoundation.org & ongoing work with the amazing @changingrealities.bsky.social
Draws on research for @nuffieldfoundation.org & ongoing work with the amazing @changingrealities.bsky.social
Reposted by Chris Mommers
Important discussions with members of the European Parliament on:
• people-centred pathways to peace for #Ukraine
• #HumanRights safeguards in proposed EU migrant return legislation
• pressures on civil society & #NHRIs
• the digital omnibus proposal on #AI
@europarl.europa.eu
• people-centred pathways to peace for #Ukraine
• #HumanRights safeguards in proposed EU migrant return legislation
• pressures on civil society & #NHRIs
• the digital omnibus proposal on #AI
@europarl.europa.eu
November 26, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Important discussions with members of the European Parliament on:
• people-centred pathways to peace for #Ukraine
• #HumanRights safeguards in proposed EU migrant return legislation
• pressures on civil society & #NHRIs
• the digital omnibus proposal on #AI
@europarl.europa.eu
• people-centred pathways to peace for #Ukraine
• #HumanRights safeguards in proposed EU migrant return legislation
• pressures on civil society & #NHRIs
• the digital omnibus proposal on #AI
@europarl.europa.eu
Reposted by Chris Mommers
Excellent news from the UK government: the two-child limit on welfare benefits will be scrapped.
As noted during my recent visit, this is one of the most effective, urgent actions to protect #ChildRights and lift them out of poverty.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
As noted during my recent visit, this is one of the most effective, urgent actions to protect #ChildRights and lift them out of poverty.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
United Kingdom: tackling poverty is crucial to protect children’s human rights; a number of other areas also call for attention - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Strasbourg 08/07/2025
www.coe.int
November 26, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Excellent news from the UK government: the two-child limit on welfare benefits will be scrapped.
As noted during my recent visit, this is one of the most effective, urgent actions to protect #ChildRights and lift them out of poverty.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
As noted during my recent visit, this is one of the most effective, urgent actions to protect #ChildRights and lift them out of poverty.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Reposted by Chris Mommers
Scrapping the two-child limit will be transformational for children.
This is a much-needed fresh start in our country’s efforts to eradicate child poverty and while there is more to do it gives us strong foundations to build on.
1/2
This is a much-needed fresh start in our country’s efforts to eradicate child poverty and while there is more to do it gives us strong foundations to build on.
1/2
November 26, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Scrapping the two-child limit will be transformational for children.
This is a much-needed fresh start in our country’s efforts to eradicate child poverty and while there is more to do it gives us strong foundations to build on.
1/2
This is a much-needed fresh start in our country’s efforts to eradicate child poverty and while there is more to do it gives us strong foundations to build on.
1/2
Reposted by Chris Mommers
'Sudanese kinderen betalen de prijs voor eenzijdige focus EU op grensbewaking'
'Sudanese kinderen betalen de prijs voor eenzijdige focus EU op grensbewaking'
Dat zegt kinderrechtenorganisatie Save The Children. Onderzoekers spraken 66 Sudanese minderjarigen die voor de oorlog vluchtten naar Egypte, Libië en de EU.
nos.nl
November 26, 2025 at 5:46 AM
'Sudanese kinderen betalen de prijs voor eenzijdige focus EU op grensbewaking'
Reposted by Chris Mommers
We’re expecting the Child Poverty Strategy any day.
We asked children what they’d like to say to the PM about their hopes and concerns.
Robyn said: 'I’m writing to you since some families are going through something called poverty, which is not okay!'
We asked children what they’d like to say to the PM about their hopes and concerns.
Robyn said: 'I’m writing to you since some families are going through something called poverty, which is not okay!'
November 25, 2025 at 12:33 PM
We’re expecting the Child Poverty Strategy any day.
We asked children what they’d like to say to the PM about their hopes and concerns.
Robyn said: 'I’m writing to you since some families are going through something called poverty, which is not okay!'
We asked children what they’d like to say to the PM about their hopes and concerns.
Robyn said: 'I’m writing to you since some families are going through something called poverty, which is not okay!'
Reposted by Chris Mommers
Join us in Nürnberg for a full-time, 3 year Postdoctoral position within an ambitious, interdisciplinary, and international human rights project🔥
💼 Call for Applications: Up to 5 Postdoc Positions for Cluster of Excellence „Transforming Human Rights“
↗️Apply now: www.humanrights.fau.eu/2025/11/17/s...
@fau.de @dfg.de #exc #fau #humanrights #HumanRightsFAU
↗️Apply now: www.humanrights.fau.eu/2025/11/17/s...
@fau.de @dfg.de #exc #fau #humanrights #HumanRightsFAU
November 25, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Join us in Nürnberg for a full-time, 3 year Postdoctoral position within an ambitious, interdisciplinary, and international human rights project🔥
Reposted by Chris Mommers
Just had warm meeting with EU Commissioner @magnusbrunner.bsky.social. I look forward to further engaging on sensitive issues such as #migration. We must work to uphold human rights and ensure that asylum remains always accessible in the #EU.
November 20, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Just had warm meeting with EU Commissioner @magnusbrunner.bsky.social. I look forward to further engaging on sensitive issues such as #migration. We must work to uphold human rights and ensure that asylum remains always accessible in the #EU.
Reposted by Chris Mommers
Peace for #Ukraine must be anchored in human rights
Core issues to address:
🔹Accountability & reparations
🔹Protection of affected persons
🔹Reconstruction & recovery
🔹Inclusion
#HumanRights is the only universally agreed and the most reliable framework for #peace.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Core issues to address:
🔹Accountability & reparations
🔹Protection of affected persons
🔹Reconstruction & recovery
🔹Inclusion
#HumanRights is the only universally agreed and the most reliable framework for #peace.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Peace for Ukraine should be anchored in human rights - Commissioner for Human Rights - www.coe.int
Strasbourg 24/11/2025
www.coe.int
November 24, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Peace for #Ukraine must be anchored in human rights
Core issues to address:
🔹Accountability & reparations
🔹Protection of affected persons
🔹Reconstruction & recovery
🔹Inclusion
#HumanRights is the only universally agreed and the most reliable framework for #peace.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Core issues to address:
🔹Accountability & reparations
🔹Protection of affected persons
🔹Reconstruction & recovery
🔹Inclusion
#HumanRights is the only universally agreed and the most reliable framework for #peace.
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Raad van Europa: bij vrede ook oog voor mensenrechten Oekraïne
nieuws.nl/buitenland/r...
nieuws.nl/buitenland/r...
Raad van Europa: bij vrede ook oog voor mensenrechten Oekraïne
STRAATSBURG (ANP) - Een "alomvattende, rechtvaardige en duurzame vrede" in Oekraïne kan "alleen worden bereikt als deze verankerd is in het internationale mensenrechtenkader", stelt commissaris voor d...
nieuws.nl
November 24, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Raad van Europa: bij vrede ook oog voor mensenrechten Oekraïne
nieuws.nl/buitenland/r...
nieuws.nl/buitenland/r...
Reposted by Chris Mommers
Yes! @thetimes.com reporting the two child limit will go in full.
Every child should get a good start in life & families should have support to fall back on in tough times.
The result is lower child poverty and brighter futures.
Most of the kids benefitting (6 in 10) are in working families.
Every child should get a good start in life & families should have support to fall back on in tough times.
The result is lower child poverty and brighter futures.
Most of the kids benefitting (6 in 10) are in working families.
November 23, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Yes! @thetimes.com reporting the two child limit will go in full.
Every child should get a good start in life & families should have support to fall back on in tough times.
The result is lower child poverty and brighter futures.
Most of the kids benefitting (6 in 10) are in working families.
Every child should get a good start in life & families should have support to fall back on in tough times.
The result is lower child poverty and brighter futures.
Most of the kids benefitting (6 in 10) are in working families.
Reposted by Chris Mommers
New post
The legal and constitutional implications of the asylum white paper: Some initial thoughts
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/17/t...
The legal and constitutional implications of the asylum white paper: Some initial thoughts
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/17/t...
The legal and constitutional implications of the asylum white paper: Some initial thoughts
Proposals for radical reform of the UK’s asylum system raise a number of legal and constitutional issues, with respect both to the European Convention on Human Rights and the domestic principle of …
publiclawforeveryone.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:43 PM
New post
The legal and constitutional implications of the asylum white paper: Some initial thoughts
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/17/t...
The legal and constitutional implications of the asylum white paper: Some initial thoughts
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/17/t...