Regional multi-stakeholder cooperation platform for migrant and refugee integration launched in Teruel
The regional platform is set up in the framework of the Share SIRA project, our European project co-funded by the European Union’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, which aims at strengthening and expanding the social orientation and overall integration of newcomers in rural territories in Europe. Besides the Province of Teruel, regional multi-stakeholder cooperation platforms have also been set up in 9 other rural regions in Europe. Click here to find out more about these regions!
“It is very important to generate spaces for collaboration like this. Networking is fundamental to support the integration and inclusion of the migrant population in our rural areas”
Mora de Rubielos, Teruel - Courtesy of Fundación Cepaim
On 23 March 2021, IOM Spain, in cooperation with Fundación CEPAIM and ICMC Europe (lead of the Share Network) organized the first roundtable of the regional multi-stakeholder cooperation platform for migrant and refugee integration in the Province of Teruel, located in the Spanish Autonomous Region of Aragon.
The two-hour event took place online and gathered 24 stakeholders active in the reception and integration of refugees and migrants in the region. This included representatives from regional authorities and agencies, local authorities, civil society organisations, volunteer groups, educational centers and labor unions.
Adopting a multi-stakeholder approach, the regional platform aims at fostering cooperation, coordination and knowledge sharing between stakeholders involved in refugee and migrant integration in the region, as well as pilot innovative inclusive territorial approaches for social orientation and integration to foster social cohesion.
During the first roundtable, participants exchanged on the notion of « inclusive territories » and its meaning, on migrant and refugee integration frameworks in the region and on best practices implemented locally. The discussions brought forward the need to work closely with migrants and the local population to offer real opportunities for people to stay and evolve within a community that accepts and welcomes them. Participants also acknowledged the need to identify initiatives for cooperation and to adopt a participatory methodology in order to ensure the sustainability of the actions; they stressed that it is necessary to prepare the territory for the arrival of the migrant population; the local population has to be welcoming and their involvement is essential for a successful reception; identify initiatives and participatory methodology to ensure sustainability; when newcomers arrive in the territory, it is crucial not only to work with the migrant but also with the local population that will live and coexist with them; These conclusions contributed to creating a strong evidence-base on social orientation and integration in the region, which will help shape upcoming activities.
The stakeholders involved in the regional platforms will gather on three more occasions over the course of 2021/2022. You can find more information on the activities in Teruel on the regional webpage.