More avenues should be explored through which migrants could reach the EU legally, a conference on fundamental rights concluded yesterday.

This could be done by building on previous experiences, such as the humanitarian evacuation programmes developed during the Kosovo crisis.

EU member states should make more pledges for the resettlement and humanitarian admission of migrants, with financial support from the EU.

The conference conclusions also spoke of putting in place an effective search and rescue mechanism in the Mediterranean, based on solidarity. It has been estimated that 3,000 people have died while trying to cross the Mediterranean this year.

Member states need to confront misinformation and negative stereotypes

The conference was organised by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) together with the Italian Presidency.

It brought together over 300 EU and national decision makers. Speakers included the EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos.

The conclusions included a suggestion for a system to monitor how deaths at sea are recorded.

The conference also proposed better monitoring of EU funding for activities in third countries, such as the management of migratory flows, and their impact on fundamental rights.

Throughout the conference, the need was stressed for a comprehensive and sustainable migration policy. It was pointed out that many areas of the economy could face an increasing shortage of labour in the coming years.

The EU was urged to promote equal treatment of immigrants and their participation in social and political life.

Seventeen member states had granted migrants the right to vote in local elections, it was noted.

“This example could be followed by others, as political and social participation of migrants and their descendants is key to successful integration.

“This is particularly important for young people who are descendants of migrants, but were born and raised in an EU member state.”

To improve the inclusion and participation of migrants in society, it was agreed that the negative images of migrants and migration needed to be changed by highlighting their contribution to the host countries. Member states needed to confront misinformation and negative stereotypes.