International human rights law and European Union law require that migration detention is applied only as an exceptional measure of last resort after an individual assessment of necessity and proportionality. However, the application of these standards is lagging behind and migration detention systems have become deeply rooted in legislation and practice across the continent. As a result, alternatives to migration detention remain largely unused. The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, under which an increase in the detention of asylum seekers is to be expected, may exacerbate this situation.

‘Advancing Alternatives to Migration Detention’ ultimately aims to strengthen alternatives to migration detention that can better protect the dignity and rights of people on the move. The project is implemented by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights (LBI-GMR) in cooperation with the International Detention Coalition (IDC).