15 September 2023
The event was held on September 15, 2023 in a remote format through the ClickMeeting platform.
The conference opened with a distinguished panel of experts who shed light on pressing issues related to migration, human trafficking, and the intricate legal frameworks governing them.
First on the agenda was Professor Cristian Mihes, representing the University of Oradea in Romania. He explored the complex topic of the offense of trafficking on human beings as defined by the Penal Code of Romania. His presentation delved into the legal intricacies surrounding human trafficking in Romania, offering valuable insights into the country’s legal approach to combatting this grave issue. Professor Mihes’ work highlights the importance of understanding national legal perspectives to develop effective international counter-trafficking strategies.
Following Professor Mihes, Professor Kateřina Frumarova from Palacký University in Olomouc, Czech Republic, took the stage. She tackled the concept of a safe country of origin within the legal order and practice of the Czech Republic. Her thought-provoking presentation raised questions about the permissibility of exceptions in this context, adding depth to the ongoing discussions surrounding asylum and refugee protection in Europe. Professor Frumarova’s analysis underscores the delicate balance between security concerns and humanitarian obligations in shaping migration policies.
The next speaker was Professor David Sehnálek, representing Masaryk University in the Czech Republic. Professor Sehnálek’s presentation was a critical examination of the migration crisis and the challenges it presents, particularly in the context of complying with laws that may seem impossible to adhere to within the Czech Republic. His insights shed light on the complexities of managing migration flows and upholding the rule of law. Professor Sehnálek’s work highlights the need for innovative and flexible legal responses to address the evolving dynamics of migration crises.
Continuing the discussion, Professor Ľudmila Elbert from Pavol Jozef Šafarik University in Slovakia offered her perspective on migration challenges faced by Slovakia. Her presentation provided valuable context for understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that Slovakia encounters in managing its own migration dynamics. Professor Elbert’s research underscores the importance of tailored migration policies that consider the specific circumstances and needs of each country within the European Union.
Moving across borders, Professor Gregor Maučec from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom took the audience on a journey through the division of competencies and responsibilities shared between EU institutions/agencies and national authorities of Member States. His presentation shed light on the intricate web of roles and responsibilities that shape border management and migration policies within the European Union. Professor Maučec’s insights emphasize the necessity of clear governance structures in managing migration on a supranational level.
The conference then turned its attention to the legal aspects of migration, with Professor Nóra Béres from the University of Miskolc, Hungary, discussing the principle of non-refoulement as it appears in the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). Her presentation offered a comprehensive analysis of this fundamental principle, which plays a pivotal role in protecting the rights of migrants and refugees. Professor Béres’ research underscores the critical role of international human rights law in shaping migration policies and ensuring the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Bringing a unique perspective to the conference, Dr. Erika Váradi-Csema, PhD LLM, from the Ferenc Mádl Institute of Comparative Law in Hungary, delved into contemporary forms of juvenile delinquency. She explored issues such as public violence and radicalization, shedding light on the evolving challenges faced by societies in addressing these complex issues. Dr. Váradi-Csema’s work highlights the need for multidisciplinary approaches to address the social and legal aspects of youth radicalization and violence.
After a series of insightful presentations, the panel concluded with a break, allowing attendees to reflect on the wealth of information and ideas shared during this informative session. The break provided a valuable opportunity for participants to network, exchange ideas, and discuss potential avenues for collaboration in the field of migration studies and law.
The second panel continued the exploration of migration law and its multifaceted implications for Europe. The topics discussed in this panel covered a wide range of legal and social aspects related to migration.
Bartłomiej Oręziak, PhD, from the Institute of Justice in Warsaw, Poland, kicked off the panel by addressing the problem of the EU Principle of Conferral in Migration Law. His presentation delved into the legal intricacies of conferral and its implications for migration policies within the European Union. His research raises important questions about the distribution of powers and responsibilities in the EU’s complex legal framework.
Agata Wróbel, representing Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Poland, followed with a comprehensive examination of illegal migration and human trafficking in the European Union. She highlighted the legal and social challenges posed by these issues, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to address them effectively. Her research emphasizes the urgency of coordinated efforts at both the national and supranational levels to combat illegal migration and human trafficking.
MA Tena Konjević, from the University of Osijek, Croatia, shifted the focus to the concept of freedom of movement for workers within the EU. Her presentation questioned whether this freedom, often seen as a utopian ideal, holds true for central and eastern European workers. This thought-provoking perspective prompted discussions on labor mobility within the EU, highlighting disparities and the need for equitable policies to promote workers’ rights and opportunities.
Continuing the exploration of migration-related challenges, MA Tomasz Bojanowski, also from Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Poland, discussed the vital role of the Border Guard in combating and preventing migration-related crimes. His insights shed light on the practical aspects of managing border security. Bojanowski’s research underscores the significance of effective law enforcement and border management strategies in safeguarding the integrity of borders and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
MA Roland Lindt, from the Ferenc Mádl Institute of Comparative Law in Hungary, brought a unique perspective to the panel by focusing on the religious consequences of migration. He delved into the phenomenon of deviant religious groups and explored potential approaches to addressing cultic activity stemming from migration. His research highlights the multifaceted impact of migration on societies, including its influence on religious dynamics, and calls for inclusive strategies to address emerging challenges.
Julia Starybrat, from Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Poland, rounded off the panel with a discussion of the crime of illegal border crossing from the perspective of Polish criminal law. Her presentation offered valuable insights into the legal measures in place to combat illegal border crossings in Poland. Her research underscores the importance of clear legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms in deterring illegal border crossings and protecting national security.
As the panel discussions came to a close, Agata Wróbel from Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Poland, returned to offer closing remarks, summarizing the key takeaways from the conference. Her concluding remarks highlighted the interconnectedness of the various topics discussed throughout the conference and emphasized the need for continued research, collaboration, and policy development to address the complex challenges posed by migration and human trafficking in Europe.
In conclusion, the conference served as a comprehensive platform for experts and scholars to exchange knowledge, insights, and research findings on critical issues related to migration and human trafficking. It illuminated the legal, social, and practical challenges facing Europe in these domains and provided a foundation for ongoing dialogue and collaboration in addressing these complex issues effectively. The conference’s diverse range of topics and perspectives underscored the multifaceted nature of migration issues and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to finding innovative solutions. The event served as a catalyst for further research and policy development in the field of migration studies and law, emphasizing the shared responsibility of academia, policymakers, and practitioners in addressing these pressing challenges.
