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16 European organisations mobilise to support the democratic transition in Northern Africa

At the SOLIDAR meeting (26-27 April) in Madrid which addressed the recent political and social changes in Northern Africa, all participants recalled that the humanitarian emergency situation caused by the displacement of refugees from neighbouring countries in the South, cannot be used as a pretext to question the Schengen agreement nor the coordination of European integration policies.

Instead of reinforcing fear, racism and xenophobia, it is necessary to enhance cohesion and solidarity, two essential concepts for the future of societies on either shore of the Mediterranean Sea.

In addition, the following priority areas of action were identified:

1. Ensure that social protection, international cooperation and education are promoted and that all European policies are based on the principles of justice and solidarity, values that are crucial to SOLIDAR and its members;

2. Give active support to the ongoing social, economic and political transformation processes in the southern Mediterranean countries and ensure coordination with local civil society organizations that are in the lead of these processes;

3. Increase efforts to educate and raise awareness among EU citizens in order to promote a model of coexistence between cultures that encourages the respect for human rights.

Read the full media statement (in Spanish) here.