Networks and cities' news

Protecting Human Rights in a difficult political climate … 18 Months into the WELDI Network

The URBACT network, WELDI, brings together ten cities committed to using human rights as a benchmark for their migrant reception policies. At the core of our approach is the  idea that human rights are not only legally binding but also crucial for improving cities and their quality of life for everyone.

Regrettably the current political climate presents challenges to these ambitions. The EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum prioritizes migration management over human rights, lowering procedural standards and shifting refugee protection to countries with well-documented human rights abuses. Meanwhile, national governments in the Netherlands, Sweden, and France have curtailed migrant rights, and across the EU, political forces actively spread anti-migrant prejudice, undermining social cohesion.

In this hostile environment, WELDI cities offer a beacon of hope. Leveraging their local autonomy and harnessing the power of local networks, they foster inclusive communities, where migrants and long-term residents thrive together. This article outlines the progress of our work so far.

Keys to Resilient Migrant Reception Models – The WELDI Network Meeting in Timișoara, 20-21 February 2025

Portrait Serie #9 - Reuniting after heartache: The Mykhno family's journey, the true cost of Economic Migration

Introduction 

Migration is often portrayed as a journey to opportunity and prosperity, but for many families, it is fraught with challenges, sacrifices, and emotional turmoil. The Mykhno family, from Ukraine, embodies the resilience and determination of countless migrants seeking a better life. This article delves into their story, highlighting the heart-breaking separation from their young son, the struggles they faced upon relocating to Poland, and the ongoing challenges that test their unity and perseverance. Through their experiences, we gain insight into the harsh realities of economic migration, revealing the profound impact it has on families striving to secure a brighter future. 

Portrait Series #8 - Beyond numbers: Remon Karam’s fight for identity and belonging

Remon Karam's life is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of unimaginable adversity. Born in Egypt, Remon grew up in a country brimming with rich history and culture, but also with significant political and social challenges. The turmoil following the Arab Spring in 2011 marked a turning point in his life.

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.