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Resolution 2124 (2016)
Educational and cultural networks of migrant and diaspora communities
1. The Parliamentary Assembly considers
that communities living abroad ought to be seen as vital bridges between
Europe’s cultures and as an asset for the countries of residence
and of origin. However, the integration of diaspora communities
and migrants represents a major challenge for European societies
today.
2. Problems of marginalisation and exclusion are increasing across
Europe. Weak identification both with the country of residence and
of origin can create a sense of alienation, particularly among second
and third generations of young people searching for identity and
belonging. Many feel they are not perceived as equal citizens and
can fall prey to fundamentalism, extremism and racism. Such anxieties
can further deepen the divide between communities along linguistic,
cultural or religious lines.
3. The Assembly believes that the role of educational and cultural
networks of communities living abroad is crucial to building cohesive
societies by strengthening pluralism and democracy in European societies. These
networks play a key role in providing support, solidarity and mutual
assistance; they provide a link to the culture of origin and an
openness to multiple cultural affiliations; they nurture multilingualism;
and they provide cultural and educational support to children and
young people of the second and third generation. Furthermore, they
can play an important role as mediators between diaspora communities
and public authorities.
4. The Assembly nevertheless considers that their role is not
sufficiently understood and recognised, and that associations and
networks are not sufficiently mobilised, particularly in the context
of developing national and local strategies that aim to improve
social cohesion and the spirit of “living together”. Moreover, there
is very little research at national and European level to assess
the cultural and social impact of diaspora communities on local
societies.
5. The Assembly therefore recommends that the governments and
parliaments of the member and observer States of the Council of
Europe, as well as the States whose parliaments enjoy observer or
partner for democracy status with the Assembly:
5.1. when they are the countries
of residence of diaspora communities:
5.1.1. involve diaspora
associations in the framing and implementation of policies concerning different
aspects of the integration process, including educational, cultural
and social integration;
5.1.2. consider setting up national platforms to allow the different
ministries and specialised institutions to work transversally, and
to facilitate the drafting and implementation of national integration
strategies through a permanent dialogue with organisations that
reflect the interests and opinions of different diaspora communities
in the country of residence; encourage the establishment of similar
platforms at local level;
5.1.3. provide adequate financial support programmes for diaspora
associations to help them to professionalise their activities, develop
and consolidate their networks and conduct joint initiatives, including
on social media platforms, as already recommended in Assembly Resolution 2043 (2015) on
democratic participation for migrant diasporas;
5.1.4. encourage the media to convey the positive role of educational
and cultural networks of communities living abroad;
5.2. when they are the countries of origin of diaspora communities:
5.2.1. develop stronger partnerships between the relevant public
bodies – in particular schools and universities, embassies and cultural
and linguistic centres – and diaspora organisations, seeking to
encourage their action through knowledge sharing and concrete support
(provision of teachers, educational materials and adequate premises)
for language tuition and its recognition within the formal education
system;
5.2.2. if it is not already the case, consider establishing a
high-level office (possibly at government level) responsible for
diaspora issues and/or the election of representatives of diaspora
communities to national and, where appropriate, regional parliaments;
5.3. in co-operation with the Council of Europe and the European
Union, seek partnerships to:
5.3.1. set up a European parliamentary
network on diaspora policies;
5.3.2. support the establishment by the diaspora communities
of a European platform to collect data and assess the cultural and
social impact of diaspora communities on European societies, to
promote the exchange of best practices and to develop joint projects.
6. The Assembly, welcoming the Council of Europe Action Plan
on Building Inclusive Societies (2016-2019), calls on the Secretary
General of the Council of Europe to include therein concrete initiatives
in the sphere of culture and education which involve diaspora communities.