Second regional multi-stakeholder cooperation platform for migrant and refugee integration 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!
On 3 June 2021, IOM Spain, in cooperation with Fundación CEPAIM and ICMC Europe (lead of the SHARE Network) organized the second roundtable of the regional multi-stakeholder cooperation platform for migrant and refugee integration in the Province of Teruel, Spain.
16 stakeholders joined the two-hour event online to continue the conversation started by the first roundtable, explore further the experiences previously shared and cover additional relevant topics for the local actors.
For instance, participants exchanged about the priorities of EU policies and joint initiatives for integration and rural territories for 2021-2027, comparing the needs and challenges faced by newcomers in Teruel with those presented within the European Public Consultation carried out by the European Commission.
Some of the challenges identified in Teruel included:
Limited mobility due to the scarcity of public transportation and difficult access to private vehicles, which in turn affects the ability to find employment;
Need for accompaniment to basic services, administrative services and housing;
Access to adequate and affordable housing.
Common challenges faced by both people living in rural areas and newcomers were also discussed and are summarized in the table above.
The information provided by participants fed into the discussion on the pilot actions for the inclusion and integration of migrants in the territory to be launched in the fall. Stakeholders thus brainstormed about possible interventions and shared some proposals for upcoming activities, which included:
Creation of a bikes and mopeds sharing system at the provincial level, as well as of a “solidarity seats” platform to share the car with people going to the same destination;
Establishment of volunteer programmes/internships to provide support with public services and guidance in everyday life;
Launch of projects involving both migrants and the local population to improve public spaces (squares, green areas, local landscapes and natural heritage, for example);
Creation of spaces to foster exchange and organise activities, such as sport competitions, gastronomic events, "human libraries” and intergenerational exchange.
The stakeholders involved in the regional platforms will gather on two more occasions over the course of 2021/2022. You can find more information on the activities in Teruel on the regional webpage.