Third regional multi-stakeholder cooperation platform for migrant and refugee integration in Karditsa
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 Karditsa, 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 7 October 2021, Karditsa Development Agency (AN.KA.), with the support of ICMC Europe (lead of the Share Network), organised the third roundtable of the regional multi-stakeholder cooperation platform for migrant and refugee integration in the Karditsa Prefectural Unit, Greece.
This was the first time that a Share SIRA Regional Roundtable was held offline. 20 stakeholders joined the event including regional and local authorities, service providers, NGOs, migrant-led organisations as well as individual refugees and migrants.
The event started with the presentation of the 10-month pilot action implemented by the Karditsa Cooperative Bank. This was followed by a presentation of the available EU funds for the integration of refugees and migrants. Moreover, the participants learned about the key points of the draft EU Rural Pact expected to be launched at the end of 2021.
Other topics discussed were:
The participation of refugees and migrants in the implementation of integration actions. AN.KA. summarised the key principles governing participation and introduced the Share Network’s ladder of participation.
The role of volunteers in the implementation of integration actions and possible ways of engaging volunteers in the implementation of actions targeting newcomers. Participants reflected on their current engagement with volunteers.
Additionally, Intersos Hellas and the Greek Forum of Refugees presented some of their main integration activities over the years and Apostolos Kapsalis, Researcher at Panteion University on migrant fieldworkers, expressed his concern about the annulment of a legal provision which was enabling third-country nationals not holding legal documentation to obtain legal residence as long as they were working in the fields of a farmer who has declared their recruitment to the competent official authorities.
Moreover, there was a discussion on best integration practices. Participants agreed to record good integration practices which they have implemented themselves, they are planning to implement, or they have seen being implemented by other actors and which could serve as a guide for the future.
The following practices were listed:
Vaccination campaign of refugees and migrants not holding legal documentation ran by Intersos Hellas, the Greek Forum of Refugees and the Greek Forum of Migrants.
Informative newsletter disseminated to refugees by DRC with important info amidst COVID-19.
Preparation of refugee children of pre-school age in order to enter public education by an organization in Thessaloniki with of a kindergarten in the morning and recreational activities in the afternoon.
Training for refugees interested in being recruited in the agricultural sector by AN.KA.
Creation of a football team with refugee players led by the Greek Forum of Refugees.
The stakeholders involved in the regional platforms will gather on one more occasion in 2022. You can find more information on the activities in Karditsa on the regional webpage.