Inclusive Europe

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the vital role of women in shaping a more peaceful world. This week we had the opportunity to attend the International Women’s Day discussion at the European Parliament, focusing on the crucial role of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. This event reinforced the importance of women’s leadership in driving positive change. The discussion featured MEP Lina Gálvez, along with insightful contributions from Petros Fassoulas (European Movement International), Florence Raes (UN Women), Yana Brovdiy (Promote Ukraine), and Jara Henar (Action Aid). Their perspectives highlighted the challenges and opportunities in ensuring women’s voices are heard in conflict resolution and beyond.

??New Report by PICUM: Navigating Disability and Irregular Status in Europe Undocumented migrants with disabilities face unique and urgent challenges across Europe, yet their struggles remain largely invisible in policy and research. PICUM’s latest briefing explores the barriers these individuals encounter when trying to access basic rights and services. Key findings: - Limited access to healthcare & disability support – Many undocumented migrants cannot obtain the medical records needed to prove disability status, blocking access to essential services. - Heightened risks in employment – Undocumented workers with disabilities face unsafe conditions, with little recourse for compensation after workplace injuries. - Harmful impact of immigration detention – Detention policies disproportionately harm migrants with disabilities, worsening their health and vulnerabilities. - Obstacles to regularisation & secure residence – Many legal pathways remain inaccessible due to rigid policies, high costs, and discriminatory practices. ?? Read the full report here: https://buff.ly/3Q61vML #DisabilityRights #Migration #HumanRights #Inclusion #SocialJustice

?? How does social media fuel false narratives about migrants and refugees? The latest episode of the Borders & Belonging podcast explores the role of social media in spreading disinformation about migration and its significant impact on public opinion and immigration policy:

The latest report by @European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) reveals a troubling pattern of fundamental rights violations against migrants and refugees at the EU’s land and sea borders from 2020 to 2023. Despite serious, recurrent abuses—including loss of life and ill-treatment—very few national investigations have been initiated. The FRA report outlines 10 critical steps to promote effective, transparent, and prompt investigations into incidents of abuse at borders. These recommendations aim to ensure justice for victims and to strengthen oversight mechanisms within member states. Read the full report:

What shaped migration in Europe in 2024? From record arrivals in the Canary Islands to the EU’s asylum reform, and from Germany’s citizenship rules to Italy’s stalled Albania deal, 2024 was a year of significant developments in migration policy and trends. @InfoMigrants provides a comprehensive recap of the key events and policies that defined this transformative year: https://buff.ly/41TqUAh #Migration #Europe #Policy #Asylum #GlobalTrends

? Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Inclusive Europe! As we reflect on a year of fostering inclusion and integration, we look forward to continuing our work in 2025—striving for a more united and thriving Europe for all.

This week, we had the honor of attending the #SakharovPrize award ceremony in Strasbourg. The Sakharov Prize stands as a powerful symbol of the European Parliament’s commitment to #HumanRights and freedom. This year, the Prize was awarded to Venezuela’s Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado, in recognition of their courageous fight for freedom and democracy.

?? New Report from @Mixed_Migration This report compares the housing experiences of people with a migratory background in Turin (Italy), Thessaloniki (Greece), and Malta, three EU entry points for migrants from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Key highlights: - The housing obstacles migrants face - Strategies they use to navigate and overcome systemic challenges Based on 800 surveys, focus groups, and interviews conducted between September and December 2023, this report provides a comprehensive look at housing justice for migrants in Europe. ?? Read the full report here:

?? Upcoming Webinar Alert! Join us at the next #SmidgeWebinar, organized by @KCSSQKSS: “Extremist Narratives in Play: Gaming and Digital Spaces as Radicalization Arenas.” Did you know that gaming and online platforms are increasingly used to spread extremist content? This session will explore the cultural, psychological, and technical dynamics that make these digital spaces fertile ground for radicalization, especially among users aged 45-65. ?? Register here: https://buff.ly/4hw7sz1

?? On this #WorldMentalHealthDay, we must recognize the mental health challenges faced by undocumented individuals. The instability of their residency often results in profound poverty and social isolation. PICUM - the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants' newest paper explores the correlation between unstable residential status and mental health issues. Read more here: https://buff.ly/3Y0PLhV