Grassroots migration NGOs discuss the future of the Welcoming Europe Alliance
Participants of the Welcoming Europe Alliance gathered today — and yesterday — for two breakfast sessions. The participants, all representatives of grassroots NGOs active in the field of migration on a local level in their own respective EU member state, convened to discuss three important issues:
1. The criminalisation of solidarity
Guest speakers Dr. Carmine Conte (Legal Policy Analyst, MPG) and Maeva Binimelis (human rights lawyer from France) spoke about the recent changes in the law surrounding the criminalisation of humanitarian assistance, as well as the particulars of prominent cases in the media. The presentation was followed by an interactive discussion between the participants and the presenters.
2. Human rights violations at EU borders
Guest speaker Mariana Gkliati (Assistant Professor at Radboud University) presented the most recent developments surrounding Frontex, EU member states and human rights violations at EU borders.
3. The future of the Welcoming Europe Alliance
Facilitated by the Migration Policy Group, participants were encouraged to communicate their organisations’ needs and how WEA can help to meet these needs. The initial feedback provided will serve as the basis for a questionnaire to collect the input of other participants who were unable to attend the session. Following the results of the questionnaire, a decision will then be made regarding the updated priorities of the alliance.
About the Migration Policy Group (MPG)
MPG is an independent think-and-do-tank based in Brussels. MPG’s purpose is rooted in its ability to inspire networks to provide evidence-based projects, research and campaigns in the areas of integration, migration and anti-discrimination.