Representatives from various national bodies in Cyprus visited Madrid, Spain on 19-20 June 2024, to gain insights and practical knowledge on implementing effective intercultural inclusion policies. This study visit was organised in co-operation with the Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia (OBERAXE).

The visit provided the Cypriot representatives with first-hand experience of Spain's approach to improving inclusion and social cohesion through coordination between national, regional, and local entities, as well as NGOs. It aimed to increase awareness, improve knowledge, and deepen the understanding of Cypriot representatives about the positive impacts of intercultural inclusion policies. In particular, the group learnt about the process of the elaboration and implementation of the Spanish Strategic Framework for Citizenship and Inclusion, against Racism and Xenophobia 2023-27.  Additionally, they gained valuable insights into Spain’s approach to anti-discrimination and diversity training for civil servants.

The delegation was welcomed by Karoline Fernández de la Hoz Zeitler, Director of the Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia (OBERAXE), who is also the Chair of the Council of Europe's Committee of Experts on Intercultural Inclusion. They heard presentations on Spain’s migratory situation and the various policies implemented by the State Secretariat for Migration and María Ramos Charbonnier from the Permanent Immigration Observatory.

The group visited the Vallecas Refugee Reception Centre to learn about Spain's reception system for asylum seekers and refugees, speaking with the centre’s staff and gaining insights into the daily operations and support provided to migrants.

On the second day the delegation met at the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP), where they learnt about INAP's role in training civil servants on diversity, inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination. Presentations were given by Teresa Siles, Director of the Department of Public Innovation, and María Amor, Deputy Director of Learning.

The Cypriot representatives also learnt about the Forum for the Social Integration of Immigrants, whose objective is to promote the participation and integration of immigrants in Spanish society and exchanged with NGOs who participate in the forum such as the Asociación de Mujeres Empresarias Iberoamericanas, Ibn Battuta Foundation and the CEPAIM Foundation.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Council of Europe and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support, in partnership with the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior of Cyprus. The project's ultimate goal is to foster a more inclusive and cohesive society in Cyprus through well-coordinated and effective integration policies.

This activity is part of the joint project "Enhancing Structures and Policies for Intercultural Integration in Cyprus," co-funded by the European Union and implemented by the Council of Europe in co-operation with the European Commission.