Multilateral project on Migration
The Congress is committed to the full realisation of human rights at local and regional levels, one of its thematic priorities, including for refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and internally displaced persons.
The increasing number of migrants throughout Europe constitutes a critical challenge for all levels of government, calling for adapted and effective measures in Council of Europe member States.
Local and regional authorities are key actors in migration management as they are at the forefront in the provision of services, including healthcare, education and integration, striving to raise citizens’ awareness to create cohesive and inclusive communities.
Strengthening resilience in local and regional authorities facing migration challenges
Project summary
The Congress, with the support of Germany, is contributing to the Council of Europe Action Plan on protecting vulnerable persons in the context of migration and asylum in Europe (2021-2025) by providing support to local and regional authorities and their national associations in Poland, the Republic of Moldova, and Romania, who are facing a new and unprecedented wave of migration since February 2022, arising from the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine.
Local and regional authorities supported by the Congress project will be better equipped to uphold human rights of migrants, especially those of women and children, thereby contributing to building strong local democracy and inclusive, resilient and sustainable societies.
The main partners of the project are the Association of Polish Cities (APC), the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova (CALM), and the Association of Communes of Romania (ACoR). Their involvement in multi-level advocacy, identifying needs, and providing capacity development and support to their members, will be key in the sustainability of the action.
The overall aim of the project is to strengthen resilience in local and regional authorities facing migration challenges so that they can provide viable and democratic solutions to residents and migrants.
Outcomes
- Improved dialogue and co-ordination between local/regional authorities, and their national associations, on migration related issues with central authorities and counterparts from other European countries.
- Development and/or application of policies and practices to protect migrants, in line with human rights standards and taking into account the specific needs of vulnerable groups by local/regional authorities and their national associations.
Expected results
- Local/regional authorities and their national associations strengthen their capacities to respond to migration challenges at local level.
- Local/regional authorities and their associations co-operate within a transnational community of practice on migration issues.
- Local/regional authorities and their associations identify good practices of protection and inclusion of migrants.
- Local/regional authorities set up local alliances and participatory processes to implement policies adapted to migrant specificities and needs of vulnerable groups.
Methodology
This project builds on previous co-operation activities of the Congress, on good practices and on European and international standards and practices and responds to demands for co-operation voiced by the national associations.
Capacity development activities will be proposed to local authorities across the targeted countries with a view to strengthening resilience at local level in the field of migration and fostering collaborative dialogue between local and national governments.
Local and international expertise and support in the field of good governance and democracy with regard to migration management will be provided.
A peer-to-peer approach, including with members of the Congress, will be used for exchanges and sharing of knowledge, know-how and practices across Europe. This support will be provided directly to local authorities and in close co-operation with the associations of local authorities. They will actively participate and contribute to the co-creation and implementation of project activities and outputs, together will the engagement of stakeholders at local level, ranging from the general public to interest groups, NGOs, academia and local authorities.
Partners and beneficiaries
Partners:
- Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova (CALM)
- Association of Communes of Romania (ACoR)
- Association of Polish Cities (APC)
- National authorities
Beneficiaries:
- Local authorities and their elected representatives
- Refugees and host communities, in particular women, youth and other vulnerable groups
- Civil society and media
The project “Strengthening resilience in local and regional authorities facing migration challenges” contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Congress Secretariat in Strasbourg
Marité MORAS
Head of the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance
marite.moras@coe.int
Denis DURMISH
Project Manager
denis.durmish@coe.int