CAUX-IofC brings together key migration and integration actors

In a canton where 41% of residents are foreign (source: OCSTAT) including expatriates, refugees, asylum seekers and international civil servants, there are numerous actors working in the field of integration and migration in Geneva. Since the 2015 migrant crisis, reception and integration needs have been continuously increasing. Every organization, association and institution working in Geneva within the field of migration, regardless of their focus (welcome and accommodation, legal support and defence of the right to asylum, or social and professional integration) plays an important role and offers broad expertise to tackle the needs and challenges posed by integration.

With the goal of identifying and connecting the various roles and resources, on 16 November 2017, the CAUX-Initiatives of Change (CAUX-IofC) Foundation, the General Hospice (l’Hospice Général) and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) jointly organized a speed meeting. About 70 people from 40 different organizations and associations attended the meeting “Migration and Integration in Geneva: Who does what?”

Although many working in the asylum and migration network know each other well and have been collaborating for a long time, opportunities to bring together local, national and international actors are rare. In small groups, the representatives considered three issues: meeting migrants’ needs, available resources and skills, and next steps. The general conclusion was the same for many participants: resources do exist, thanks to the network of associations and social institutions. Nevertheless, everyone asked for greater coordination and sharing of skills and knowledge.

With the goal of identifying and connecting the various roles and resources, on 16 November 2017, the CAUX-Initiatives of Change (CAUX-IofC) Foundation, the General Hospice (l’Hospice Général) and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) jointly organized a speed meeting. About 70 people from 40 different organizations and associations attended the meeting “Migration and Integration in Geneva: Who does what?”

Although many working in the asylum and migration network know each other well and have been collaborating for a long time, opportunities to bring together local, national and international actors are rare. In small groups, the representatives considered three issues: meeting migrants’ needs, available resources and skills, and next steps. The general conclusion was the same for many participants: resources do exist, thanks to the network of associations and social institutions. Nevertheless, everyone asked for greater coordination and sharing of skills and knowledge.