Networks and cities' news

Portrait Series #7 : Amidst War and Displacement: Mykola's Story and the Vision for Mariupol's Future

Mykola, who lived in Mariupol (Ukraine) his entire life, was the Head of the Investment and Project Management Department for the municipality. His life changed dramatically on 24 February 2022, when Russia invaded the country. Mariupol was a key target due to its strategic location, controlling 80% of Ukraine's coastline on the Sea of Azov and linking occupied territories in Donbas and Crimea.

City cards: a tool to promote rights and belonging for all?

Can European cities follow the example of New York in promoting inclusion and access to rights for all residents by issuing local citizen cards? A transnational exchange hosted by the city of Liège on December 2, 2024 brought together a range of experts and practitioners to discuss the practical aspects of city card projects currenlty underway. City cards are a popular idea. Four of the ten WELDI partners are planning to make city cards a central element of their Action Plans, and many other cities, including Zurich, Bern, Berlin, Hamburg and Lyon, have similar projects. These projects are an expression of local commitment, but also of the growing contradictions local faced by governments as national policies become increasingly restrictive towards residents with a precarious status. 

Human Rights framework meets URBACT - a Masterclass on the Human Rights-Based Approach in local reception and integration policies

In September, WELDI partners attended a Masterclass by Human Rights expert Estel.la Pereja on the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) in the area of migrant reception and integration. Developed by the United Nations, the HRBA is a key methodology for the WELDI network’s objective to protect human rights through local action. The HRBA sees public authorities as duty bearers that have to ensure that human rights are protected for their whole population. While this duty also applies to states or regional authorities, there has been a specific attention to the role of local actors under the label of “localising human rights”, a concept that stresses their importance in translating rights into concrete policies, and thereby re-invigorating human rights through local practice. 

WELDI now publishes a guidance note on applying the HRBA in local integration policies (see end of this article).

Portrait Series #6: Judith Simbaruhije - From Teacher to Advocate for Migrant Women

Judith Simbaruhije’s life is a profound testament to the power of perseverance and unwavering hope. Born and raised in Burundi, she had built a stable life for herself as a primary school teacher and a small business owner. Now living in Belgium, Judith continues to strive for a better future, holding on to her dreams while defending the rights and opportunities of migrant women.

Portrait Series #5: Crossing Seas, Breaking Barriers: Yahya’s Refugee Story

Yahya's journey is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination for those who seek to escape systemic discrimination and violence. Born to parents from Darfurand raised in central Sudan, Yahya faced relentless racism and physical violence, which eventually forced him to flee in search of safety and dignity. His difficult journey to Europe highlights the challenges faced by many refugees. From Egypt to Fundão, through Libya and a dangerous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea, Yahya's story illustrates both the desperate circumstances that drive migration and the enduring hope for a better future. His arrival in Fundão, Portugal, marked not only the end of his physical journey but also the beginning of a new chapter, in which he dedicates himself to helping other migrants. This narrative emphasize Yahya's experiences and his significant role at the Migration Centre of Fundão, offering a poignant insight into the human face of the global refugee crisis.

Adressing Heathcare Migration in Lampedusa, Italy

Lampedusa, a small Italian island situated between Tunisia and Sicily, has become a focal point for migration to the European Union. Despite its modest population of 6,000, the island saw over 100,000 migrants arrive by boat from Tunisia and Libya in 2023. Lampedusa’s identity has been significantly shaped by EU migration policies, which often make these journeys perilous, leading to tragic losses at sea. This situation is largely due to the fact that people arrive in rather dire conditions. Consequently, as part of the WELDI project, the city organized the 6th transnational meeting focused on health-related issues to enhance community well-being.