Debates on social integration in Europe

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The members of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, adopted two resolutions during their 19th session in Strasbourg (France) on 28 October 2010, urging local and regional authorities to take specific measures for the integration of Muslim women and the integration of young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Speakers at the debate

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Amy Koopmanschap (Netherlands, SOC)
The raporteur Amy Koopmanschap introduced the debate on “Cultural integration of Muslim women in European cities”. The report on this subject, together with the resolution adopted, underline the difficulties facing Muslim migrant women, particularly the phenomenon of double cultural disaffiliation whereby they are often disconnected from their culture of origin and unable to identify with the dominant culture of the host country. The resolution stresses the role of local and regional authorities, calling upon them to implement specific policies on education, language instruction, raising awareness of municipal employees about integration issues, establishing places whey they can meet and discuss including local media initiatives, and participation in sports activities.

Naima Azough, former member of the lower house of the Netherlands Parliament
Speaking in the debate, Naima Azough stressed the need for integration through education and work. “The more educated and economically independent women are, the better able they are to participate fully as citizens of your countries,” she said. She also pointed out that it was important not to “Islamise” the debate, and to encourage mutual dialogue in order to curb a growing hostility towards each other and combat Islamophobia.
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Eunice Campbell-Clark (United Kingdom)
On the same day, the Congress held a debate on the integration of young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The report presented by the rapporteur Eunice Campbell-Clark raises the question of the “youth divide” which lands young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods in situations of social exclusion. The resolution adopted calls upon European local and regional authorities to develop programmes for their inclusion: creating youth services; introducing assessment procedures; involving young people in decision-making processes; and setting up mentoring systems. This also depends on the development of education, training, guidance services, and better access to new information technology. Furthermore, the resolution asks local and regional elected representatives to be guided by the European Charter for the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life and to guarantee its application.
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