Advisory Council for Migrants in Brussels City portal of the

Advisory Council for Migrants in Brussels City portal of the state capital Graz City of Graz

Reaffirm the founding values ​​of the EU by involving migrants in defining policies and measures that affect them

Within the framework of the EU project EMVI (Empowering Migrant Voices on Integration and Inclusion Policies), the Migrant Advisory Board of the city of Graz, represented by President Dr. Irina Karamarković and Managing Director Godswill Eyawo, is currently in Brussels. The final conference and a round table with MEPs, as well as an exchange with European institutions and civil society organizations will take place from 14 to 16 November 2023.

The conference, organized by Südwind, brings together partners from Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy and Slovenia, including 13 NGOs and communities, all committed to the well-being of societies and the effective functioning of democratic systems. The Migrant Advisory Council of the city of Graz serves as an example of good practice for the political participation of migrants without the right to vote in local elections. It is crucial to involve all members of the political community, including migrants and their descendants, in defining policies and measures.

Many international treaties recognize participation in political and cultural life as a fundamental human right. In line with EMVI’s objectives, the focus of the three-day trip is on a joint reflection that aims to find tools and solutions that allow for greater and active inclusion of people with a migrant background in the design of policies. The aim is to define these measures as inclusive and participatory.

During the three-day study trip, visits and networking meetings with representatives of European institutions and civil society organizations are planned. These include the Legal Pathways and Integration Unit (part of the Department of Migration and Asylum), ECRE – the European Council for Refugees and Exiles, Lene Vranken, BON – the Brussels reception office for integration participants, and FOYER VZW, an initiative self-organizing to strengthen migrants’ resilience: Inside.

The European Parliament Round Table “Empowering Migrant Voices” took place on November 15th. During the meeting, after the opening statement by MEPs (Members of the European Parliament), the Guide to Good Practices on Migrant Participation was presented. Furthermore, demands were presented for better participation of clubs and organizations that were involved in the training activities of the EMVI project.

Press release Reaffirming the founding values ​​of the EU by making migrants protagonists of EMVI