site.btaCouncil of Europe Presents Report on Migration Dedicated to Bulgaria

Brussels/Strasbourg, April 23 (BTA Correspondent Nikolay Jeliazkov) - The Council of Europe Monday published a report on migrants and refugees dedicated to Bulgaria. The document recognises the efforts made by Bulgaria to cope with the challenges of a high number of arrivals of migrants and refugees, but highlights concerns about difficulties they face in entering into Bulgarian territory, notably at the border with Turkey, and in accessing international protection.

The report reads that Bulgaria has made significant progress in enrolling refugee children in schools; however, the social inclusion of migrants and refugees in local communities is slow due to the fact that municipalities' responsibilities are not mandatory, as well as a generally negative public attitude towards migrants and refugees.

The report recommends addressing issues such as the lack of information available to asylum-seekers about their rights, the lack of interpretation and legal aid during the status determination procedures.

The Special Representative of the Council of Europe carried out the fact-finding mission from November 13 to 17 last year, visiting reception centres for migrants and refugees and meeting representatives of the relevant Bulgarian authorities and NGOs.