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.
