Peer learning #3
November 2023
Local Responses to Address Discrimination and Foster Participation for Migrants and Refugees
Local and regional governments (LRGs) play a crucial role in tackling discrimination and fostering the participation of migrants and refugees in their territories. By promoting universal access to services and space, as well as by addressing diverse sources of discrimination, they create welcoming environments that not only uphold human rights but also enhance social cohesion and economic vitality. Engaging migrants and refugees in local decision-making processes not only enriches diverse perspectives but also empowers these individuals to contribute to their communities, fostering mutual understanding, local innovation and a sense of belonging.
Cities in very different contexts are working on processes to integrate migrants and address discrimination with participatory mechanisms. These go from Buenos Aires’ (Argentina) automatic registration of foreign residents to participate in local elections after two years of residency, to initiatives that give migrants the possibility to be actors in political life despite not having the recognised right to citizenship and suffrage, like specific councils for migrants or process like the Participatory Budgeting for Migrant Workers in Taoyuan (Taiwan). There are also experiences in which the whole population is mobilised, generating citizenship, a sense of belonging, and exchanges among different groups, such as Tunja’s (Colombia) “A city with rights” approach, or Rennes’ (France) European Citizens' Initiative.
Organized by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) as part of the Call to Local Action for Migrants and Refugees, this peer learning event built on the discussions taking place during the 22nd IOPD Conference “Participatory Democracy for Diverse, Inclusive and Transparent Cities” (6-8 November) and the “Building territories of citizenship” event (9-10 November) by the Brazilian National Network of Welcoming Cities (Rede Nacional de Cidades Acolhedoras), and will inform the report presented by the LRG constituency at the Global Refugee Forum (13-15 December).
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