Integration Forum – platform for an open dialogue about migration and integration of foreigners

Since 1st of March 2013, Human Rights League has been running a project „Integration Forum – platform for an open dialogue about migration and integration of foreigners“. The goal of the project is the establishment and development of an open platform which would enable mutual information and experience exchange on the national and international level. The platform would involve experts from various areas of migration and integration in Slovakia.

Specific goals:

1. Endorsement of open dialogue and transmission of available, up to date and quality information on a regular basis at national level: Realization of the project presupposes regular meetings of experts in the area of migration and integration at all levels (representatives of state bodies, representatives of NGOs, experts, communities of foreigners and so on). This will create an opportunity for a regular professional dialogue between experts from various fields and of a different status who are dedicated to the subject matter. At the same time, project will support mutual exchange of quality information and experience which would be available and accessible to a wide range of entities.
2. Improving the exchange and access to information from abroad: As a part of its activities, the project directly engages platforms of experts from abroad who mediate their expertise and experience which were identified as crucial for further development in the area of migration and integration in Slovakia. Since there is a preparation of a new integration policy being planned (which will replace the current Integration Conception of Slovak republic) the project directly responds to the needs which evolve from this activity. It also foresees participation of foreign experts whose experience will have a direct impact on the quality of the document being prepared.
3. Development of communication strategy and communication tools in the area of migration and integration: one of the project goals is to research the possibilities of the development of communication strategy and communication tools in the area of migration and integration in Slovakia. It is an ambitious goal, because it is an issue little developed in Slovakia and till nowadays it has not been given a wider attention. In order to achieve a successful integration it is inevitable for the general public – majority to understand its benefits. Hence, the goal of the project is also the development in this area. It is an added value and an innovative element of the project.
4. Increasing public interest and its engagement in the issue of migration and integration: It is a goal that directly follows up on the previous specific goal. The intention of the project is also development of the existing communication tools, their endorsement and quality improvement with an aim to increase public interest about this issue and increase the quality of information accessible to public. Execution of these activities will thus have a direct impact on the improvement of integration process of the target group through engaging majority of society.

Project is financed by European Union from the European fund for integration of third-country nationals and solidarity and Management of Migration Flow