Andorra minister backs tough action on smuggling while defending migrants' rights at CoE meeting

The Secretary of State for Justice and Interior, Joan León, took part in an informal Council of Europe conference of justice ministers on migration management under the European Convention on Human Rights. In his intervention, he called for a firm response to migrant smuggling and human trafficking while warning against treating irregular migration as a criminal category.

León welcomed the conference’s final conclusions for their emphasis on protecting victims and applying tough penalties to those who exploit vulnerable people. The meeting was convened at the initiative of the Council of Europe secretary general to ensure migration is debated within the institution whose core mission is the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, after some states sought to discuss the issue outside usual institutional frameworks.

He reiterated Andorra’s commitment to the Convention system, the separation of powers and the rule of law. León defended the independence, impartiality and authority of the European Court of Human Rights and stressed the unconditional obligation of states to comply with its judgments.

León also underlined that states’ duty to protect national security and borders must not obscure that migrants are rights‑holders entitled to protection without discrimination. He said Andorra will continue to seek a balanced, inclusive approach that respects human dignity in responses to migration challenges.

By participating in the conference, Andorra reaffirmed its role as a reliable partner within the Council of Europe and its contribution to building consensus on measures that reinforce democracy, the rule of law and the protection of the most vulnerable.