Networks and cities' news

The Anti-Rumour Strategies as a tool to foster coexistence and reduce discrimination

Seine-Saint-Denis Hosts URBACT Local Group Meeting on Early Childhood and Migrants' Rights

On March 27, WELDI partner Seine-Saint-Denis held its 8th URBACT Local Group (ULG) meeting on services for early childhood. A good opportunity to get to know a particular systematic approach to working with the ULG.

WELDI Journal Number 4 (03-2025)

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.