About Us

PICUM - the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that aims to promote respect for the human rights of undocumented migrants within Europe. PICUM also seeks dialogue with organisations and networks with similar concerns in other parts of the world.

PICUM provides a direct link between the grassroots level, where undocumented migrants' experience is most visible, and the European level, where policies relating to them are deliberated. PICUM reports on issues regarding undocumented migrants through its members’ experiences and simultaneously monitors developments within the European institutions. This approach mainstreams undocumented migrants' concerns into key policy debates, ensures PICUM’s network is well informed of the EU agenda and develops their capacity to engage in the realisation of just and fair strategies for undocumented migrants.  

PICUM’s monthly newsletter on issues concerning the human rights of undocumented migrants is produced in seven languages and circulates to PICUM’s network of more than 2,400 civil society organizations, individuals, and beyond.

History

The initiative to establish PICUM was taken by several grassroots organisations from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany who provided assistance to undocumented migrants in the area of housing, healthcare, labour rights and education. With the development of the European Union's Common Integration Programme, initiated following the 1999 Tempere Agreement, these organisations found a real vacuum at European policy level regarding the humanitarian concerns of undocumented migrants. PICUM was established to ensure that E.U. policies aimed at immigration managment conformed with member states' obligations under regional and international human rights standards.

PICUM's network has significantly expanded since its creation in 2001, and the organisation has played a key role in raising the profile of undocumented migrants in Europe. PICUM now leads an independent network of over 100 member organisations and 105 individual members providing humanitarian support and assistance to undocumented migrants in 25 countries across Europe and in other global regions.

Organisational Structure

PICUM has a three layer structure consisting of a Secretariat, Executive Committee and General Assembly. 

  • The Secretariat

PICUM’s daily business is run by its director and staff in the Brussels Secretariat. The Secretariat is supported by a network of volunteers throughout Europe who contribute to PICUM’s activities by collecting information, doing translation work, and organising national and local events.

To view a list of PICUM’s current staff, click here.

  • The Executive Committee

The Executive Committee (Excom) functions as the governing body of the Secretariat. The Excom has responsibility for steering the mission, goals, planning objectives, and supporting the Secretariat.

To view a list of PICUM's current Excom, click here.

  • The General Assembly

PICUM is a network of individuals and organisations supporting undocumented migrants in Europe. As such PICUM’s membership has a double structure: Ordinary Members (individuals) and Affiliated Members (organisations). PICUM's Annual General Assembly provides a forum in which ordinary members vote on important issues concerning the operation and future planning of the organisation.

For further information on PICUM’s members, click here.