20 October 2015
Protecting and Welcoming Refugees in Europe
A joint statement issued by ICMC Europe on behalf of the SHARE Network, on the occasion of the SHARE Network Conference (Brussels, October 20th, 2015)
Since March 2012, the SHARE Network has engaged with actors at the European, national and – crucially – local level in 20 European countries. Involving cities, municipalities, civil society organisations, volunteers and refugee/migrant associations has ensured concerted action to enable many refugees to settle, integrate and move toward independence in their new societies in a dignified and supported manner.
This statement and the recommendations and conclusions that follow respond to the multiple actions and initiatives undertaken by thousands of organisations and citizens across Europe.1 It focuses primarily on the local aspects of reception and integration for newcomers in Europe, and on actions and approaches by actors at all levels that can positively impact outcomes in this area. We hope it will provoke constructive discussions that ensure refugees coming to Europe can successfully build their lives in their new communities.
Read the full statement here.
Signatories
European networks:
- European Council on Refugees & Exiles (ECRE)
- Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe
International organisations
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)