The real “stronger together”: achieving it for everyone in our societies
Reflecting on Refugees’ Week which has just passed, we have come to the realisation of how quickly and easily we use the expression “stronger together” when relevant causes are discussed. It seems as if using the concept was actually bringing us closer to the reality of achieving it. Nonetheless, according to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR), over 80 million refugees have been forced to flee their countries of origin due to war, conflicts, and persecution. And a very relevant percentage of them are still struggling to successfully integrate in their host societies.
This is the reality of why World Refugee Day is commemorated every year on 20th June. Though we can indeed spend it (and we should!) celebrating the strength and courage of these refugees and displaced persons who have undergone the ultimate plight, realising everything that is left to be done and actually doing something about it are not tasks for one particular day — but a challenge to be undertaken throughout years.
Astonishing contributions by migrants to the societies in which they integrate are happening every day — and refugees are originators and leaders in many of them. The encouragement of such contributions, whilst embracing an understanding of the dire circumstances faced by these individuals is the real concept of “stronger together”.
The integration of refugees (and of migrants in general) is a dynamic and two-way process which requires tremendous efforts, highlighting the most basic concept: integration is not equivalent to assimilation or homogenization, but the acceptance by the host society of the own cultural identity of those who are being welcomed. Cultural integration is complex and gradual, comprising things as varied as language learning, labour market integration and access to education, amongst many others.
There are multiple ways in which the process of integration can be eased up and strengthened, out of which we would like to mention the following.
Advocacy
#Welcomingrefugees is an important stand that we can all take to show support to those who are seeking safety and refuge. Individuals and groups can share with their local political influencers and representatives that we care about refugees and welcome them within our communities. Political choices, demonstrations and pacific civil society campaigning are efficient ways to show support.
For example, over 500 global organizations supported the #standwithrefugees campaign, which assures the promotion of tolerance and respect for people forced to flee persecution from their countries of origin. Advocating for the rights and protection of others creates a platform for change as a first step.
Community Awareness & Sponsorship
Community awareness and sponsorship plans are part of various regions’ refugees resettlement programs. This type of action allows local charities, faith-based organizations, individuals, and businesses to sponsor refugee families, support their arrival and their integration process. Some examples of support are (though it is not limited to) providing a welcome meal upon their arrival, escorting them to their appointments either in person or through guidance and generally assisting and enlightening them on the cultural aspects of their new home region.
There are a plethora of similar opportunities for communities and individuals to get involved and to make refugees feel at home and welcomed. Furthermore, this is also a great opportunity for the host individuals to approach diversity and integration through a non-threatening and non-legal framework — loosely defined by each person’s understanding of their culture and traditions through a lens of equality and respect of cultural differences.
Supporting global migration also means creating meaningful change through collaboration and common purpose. In this process, integration is a continuum in which we must all participate to embrace the full meaning of “stronger together”. Through advocacy, cultural awareness and sponsorship we can find a few of the many important ways to support and welcome refugees.
This article was prepared and submitted by Scherezade Maestre and Lynn Mackenzie in their personal capacities. All opinions and views expressed in this article are the authors’ own and do not represent the opinions of the paradiGM community. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any ethnic group, gender identity, organization, company or individual.
