COFACE Families Europe: Building inclusive societies – Time for respect of human rights!
COFACE members in several EU countries are in action when it comes to creating inclusive societies. They organise support, ensure knowledge and protection of rights, and break down barriers to inclusion. Driven by community solidarity and anti-discrimination, they offer professional training and support services needed to ensure that all children and families have equal opportunity to lead safe and fruitful lives. These actions of civil society and family organisations help address some of the gaps between family, education and migration policy.
COFACE Families Europe’s new position paper “Building Inclusive Societies – First steps to bridging the gaps between family, education and migration policies” describes the role of the COFACE network in the migration debate, as well as the role of education in building inclusive societies. COFACE considers that education is crucial and the position paper addresses educational challenges for migrant children and families, followed by recommendations of actions needed. In the paper, COFACE also highlights some key European actions from the European Commission’s Directorate-Generals that deal with human rights, social inclusion, home affairs and education.
Annemie Drieskens, President of COFACE Families Europe: “We advocate for the mainstreaming of the family dimension in the field of migration policies and we believe that all families should be supported without discrimination – children rights and their well-being is a priority for COFACE. In the field of education we are convinced that a systematic two-generation approach is essential, providing coordinated services and education to both children and parents.”
COFACE urges EU decision-makers to support its actions and to address the existing gaps between family, education and migration policies on a structural level, with a view to building a more inclusive, sustainable and welcoming Europe.
COFACE urges all families to speak out through their vote this week in the European Elections, for candidates who are willing to help us build inclusive societies through real policy measures founded on human rights, not on fear.
COFACE encourages you to use its ten principles as a compass for voting. Choose candidates and parties who fulfill all values because this is the only way to continue building a social, inclusive and democratic Europe.
