Racism, migration policy and policing practices: what changes under the new European framework?

On 28 May, NOVACT and Irídia are organising a public event to examine the implications of the upcoming entry into force of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum (PEMA) and the new deportation regulation. Together, these frameworks consolidate a model in which detention, criminalisation and deportations play a central role in migration management.

The event will focus on how this framework translates into concrete practices, from racial profiling to increased police violence and deprivation of liberty in migration contexts.

It also comes at a key moment. The PEMA will enter into force on 12 June, yet there is still little clarity on how it will be implemented in Spain or how the protection of those affected will be ensured. At the same time, an intensification of discriminatory and racist practices is expected, both at the European and local levels.

In this context, the event aims to shed light on what is at stake and to open up space for discussion around a scenario with direct implications for human rights.

Human rights, policing and resistance

The programme is structured in two sessions.

The first will explore the relationship between racism, policing practices and migration policy, with contributions from speakers such as Blanca Garcés (CIDOB), Olivia Sundberg (Amnesty International) and Youssef M. Ouled (Algorace), who will outline the political context and its impact on policing.

The second will focus on detention and deprivation of liberty in maritime arrivals, bringing together experiences and analysis from Sani Ladan, Silvina Gorsky and Sara Trigo, among others, to examine the links between migration control, the penal system and strategies of resistance.

Practical information

The event will take place on 28 May 2026, from 16:00 to 19:30, at La Lleialtat Santsenca (Barcelona).

Prior registration is required via this form.

The full programme and all event details are available here.