The Migration Policy Group is coordinating the first European Citizens’ Initiative on migration to unite the migration sector around a common campaign goal and engage the public to transform EU migration policy. Join us and sign the petition to reclaim our right to help and empower a welcoming Europe!
#WelcomingEurope demands
Offer solidarity to those in need
Did you know you can get punished or fined for helping someone in need? Distributing food, giving a lift, buying a train ticket or rescuing a family from drowning can be enough to get fined or arrested in many European countries. This is allowed because EU law does not clarify the difference between trafficking, smuggling and humanitarian assistance. Since the European Commission refused to act and revise the law, European citizens will.
Offer safety to people fleeing persecution
Many of us are willing to welcome and provide safety to those in need whenever we are given the chance. As European citizens, we are ashamed that those fleeing persecution must risk their lives to be safe on our shores. EU citizens want to save lives and provide legal and safe ways for those fleeing persecution – and they should be able to do so! Through community sponsorship programmes, citizens can act as sponsors so that those in need can arrive to Europe safely and become quickly and easily integrated in communities. While community sponsorship already proved to be successful in many European countries, the EU does not support or have a budget line for it (yet).
Offer justice to victims of exploitation and human rights abuses
We want systems that protect all people. But most non-EU citizens who are targets of trafficking, crimes or human rights abuses do not get justice because the complaints mechanisms under EU law are not effective. We call the European Commission to listen to its citizens who want a working justice system for all and ensure effective implementation in EU member states through efficient monitoring, complaints and redress mechanisms.
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