Experts discuss migrant integration practices at OSCE/ODIHR workshop in Tbilisi 

Challenges and good practices in the field of integrating migrants were the focus of an expert workshop held by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Tbilisi on 29 November 2018.

Experts from ten OSCE participating States took part in the discussion. The participants – 16 women and nine men – included representatives of national and local authorities, international organizations, academia and civil society organizations active in the field of migrant integration.

The topics discussed included the development of a national strategic plan for integration and ways to measure progress in policy and practice. The participants also explored measures to overcome barriers for the integration of unaccompanied minors, specificities associated with refugee integration and ways to successfully integrate migrants into the local labour market.

“The workshop highlighted the importance of co-ordinated efforts by multiple actors as a key element of result-oriented integration measures,” said Pablo Rojas Coppari, ODIHR’s Migration and Freedom of Movement Adviser. “The experts particularly stressed the need for such measures to combat the marginalization of migrant communities and contribute to political stability in the OSCE region.”

Vasco Malta, Portugal’s Deputy High Commissioner for Migration, said: “The workshop was a great opportunity to exchange good practices on the integration of migrants and to understand how other countries overcome their challenges in specific areas. I was particularly interested to hear how other countries plan and develop the integration of refugees and see what can be transposed at home.”

The workshop will be followed by a meeting report which will include the main recommendations put forward by participants.