Long-term refugee integration policies needed to strengthen our societies, OSCE human rights office says

WARSAW, 20 June 2023 – By making refugee integration a priority as a long-term and sustainable response to forced migration, we support refugees in their journey to rebuild their lives and foster inclusive societies that strengthen the fabric of our communities, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on the occasion of World Refugee Day.

“The journey of a refugee does not end when they arrive in their host country,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “By actively supporting integration, governments provide refugees with the stability they need to move forwards with their lives and at the same time allow their skills and experience to benefit our societies.”

Dialogue is key in promoting mutual respect and understanding between increasingly diverse communities. States and civil society need to both support and take part in public dialogue initiatives that bring together migrants, refugees and host communities, as breaking down stereotypes and learning from each other are vital for successful integration. For this reason, ODIHR has been training civil society in different countries to organize public dialogues on migration and diversity with refugees and other communities.

While migration policy is generally set and coordinated nationally, migrant and refugee integration and inclusion measures often take shape at the regional and local level. Cities therefore play a crucial role in accommodating and integrating refugees, and governments need to increase the capacity of cities to respond effectively to the presence of refugees, including by providing adequate housing, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

ODIHR contributes to these efforts through its training courses for national and local authorities across the OSCE region on good practices in migrant and refugee integration, also focusing on the specific challenges of migrant and refugee integration in cities.

Integration support does not exclude the possibility of refugees returning to their countries and contributing to their rebuilding after military conflict. States therefore also need to ensure that integration programmes help refugees to maintain ties with their home countries and prepare for their eventual return if they so wish and conditions allow.

All OSCE countries have recognized the need for cooperation to ensure refugees receive the support they need. They have also committed to finding long-term solutions to protect and assist all those who have been forced by conflict or persecution to flee their homes. By actively supporting refugee integration and learning from successful models, states and civil society can build inclusive and resilient communities, provide refugees with a dignified life, and promote social cohesion across the OSCE region.