Pathways to Protection Consortium launches five-year initiative to support migrants along Mediterranean routes

The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), the Danish Red Cross, and International Detention Coalition (IDC) announced today the launch of the Pathways to Protection (P2P) Consortium, an initiative designed to address irregular migration challenges along the East, Central, and West Mediterranean migratory routes. Funding for the programme is expected to amount to 355 million DKK over the next five years.

The P2P Consortium is a direct response to the complex challenges faced by migrants on these perilous routes, including exploitation, abuse, and detention. By combining the strengths of its partners, the consortium will deliver rights-based, people-centred, and evidence-informed solutions that empower migrants and local communities while advancing policies that promote safe and regular migration pathways.

Over the next five years, the P2P Consortium will:

• Deliver timely, accurate information to migrants about protection risks and available services
• Provide essential services, including healthcare, psychosocial support, and legal aid, via Humanitarian Service Points and mobile teams
• Build the capacity of local actors and empower community-based responses
• Advocate for safer migration pathways and alternatives to detention

The programme aligns with the objectives of the Global Compact for Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees, as well as Denmark’s The World We Share development cooperation strategy, emphasizing localization, protection, and gender-sensitive approaches to migration governance.

H.E. Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs, said “It is essential that we work to protect people on the move and aim to prevent people from embarking on such unsafe and irregular migration routes. We must help ensure they have access to protection services and accurate information of the risks associated with the different migratory routes to Europe. We work holistically and closely with other countries to provide information about the potential risks and ensure sustainable alternatives to the illegal routes. This is why we are supporting Pathways to Protection.”

Anders Ladekarl, Secretary General of the Danish Red Cross said, “The Danish Red Cross is proud to be a part of this exciting new cooperation. Together we’ll work to ensure continued support to those that needs it the most, regardless of where they come from.”

Carolina Gottardo, Executive Director of IDC, said: "IDC is delighted to work on constructive advocacy and solutions-based approaches with this dynamic consortium, and on the development of durable solutions and pathways across regions. We look forward to working with DRC, the Danish Red Cross and other local partners as part of the consortium."

For more information please contact:

Alexandra Reis, Head of Global Communications, [email protected], +45 28 11 67 27

Mary Cruse, IDC Chief Communications Officer: [email protected] / (+44)7792 664460

Red Cross media hotline, +45 3529 9699