Motion for a resolution | Doc. 14589 | 26 June 2018
Integration of migrants and refugees: from a humane obligation to mutual benefits
Migration is a constant phenomenon in Europe, from the forced displacements due to armed conflicts to the migration of workers that have grown beyond exchanges of workforce of the East and West of Europe and has grown in proportion and scope.
In order to avoid social injustice in our societies and the social exclusion of individuals or groups, migrants and refugees must have the possibility to integrate in their new host societies. Through successful integration, migrants are able to contribute to the economic wellbeing and social progress of their host countries.
While member States have pursued various policies in this respect over the past decades, it causes great concern that populism has been focusing on this subject, thus causing a polarisation and further division of our societies.
Since its creation in 1949, the Council of Europe works also for social cohesion and pluralist societies. This work is particularly important today with regard to the current discussions about migration policies in Europe.
Therefore, the Parliamentary Assembly should look at national policies for the integration of migrants and refugees and recommend, on the basis of our shared values and standards, ways forward for regarding migration as an opportunity rather than a threat.