Dirty deals equals dirty hands?
01 April 2016

Many Member States’ governments, regardless of their political colour, seem temporarily relieved and satisfied with the deal concluded with Turkey which has accepted the return of migrants from Greece. As previously stated: the price is high, much higher than the billions of Euros we are told it will cost. Even though the closing of the borders in South Eastern Europe has reduced the number of migrants arriving in Western Europe, there are plenty of reasons to still feel uncomfortable. This is by no means the result of tackling the root causes of and for migration. The temporary success of Assad’s troops supported by Russia will not pacify the region. This needs a long term strategy which will not show immediate results. And it will need a true peace agenda that includes the “mother of all conflicts”, the conflict between Israel and occupied Palestine.

The parallel development of Turkey turning into an autocratic regime is extremely worrying. Journalists are prosecuted for doing their job: investigating and relating facts on weapon deals with DEASH. Amnesty International presented a report setting out the facts about crimes against refugees, whereas the official European position is to consider Turkey as a “safe third country”. Safe for whom? Turkey is under the threat of terrorism and is leading a war against the Kurds at the same time, so not safe at all.

It is almost laughable that that the German Ambassador in Turkey has been summoned by the Turkish authorities over a German satirical video mocking President Erdogan, who personally demanded for it to be removed. However, there is not much to laugh about when thinking of the treatment a Turkish journalist would get in a similar situation. The TV presenter of the satirical show stated, “If Erdogan would like to hear some critics, he should watch the video, if he doesn’t want to hear any he should better meet the (German) Chancellor.”

Sadly, at this stage the deal concluded with Turkey is far from being clean and is not in line with the much mentioned values of the European Union. As Civil Society, we will continue to support migrants and refugees in Turkey and elsewhere, we will continue to provide support and services. At the same time we will continue to fight for human rights and for these to be indivisible from economic, social and cultural rights. They must become more than a reference point in the European Neighbourhood policy! More for more cannot mean more money for more migrants, but rather – why not – more money for more rights!

SOLIDAR Silver Rose Awards, the Progressive Civil Society Awards – The call for nominations is open

Who should receive this year’s SOLIDAR Silver Rose Awards? Since the year 2000 SOLIDAR has presented the SILVER ROSE AWARDS in the premises of the European Parliament, the symbol of European democracy. The Silver Rose is more than an award, it brings those who are tirelessly defending human and social rights into the spotlight. It is a moment to show those individuals and organisations who are not always in the public eye that their work is not going unnoticed. A moment for Brussels to be inspired by their life changing stories. And a moment to stress that together we can achieve social justice in Europe and worldwide. Therefore we invite you to nominate now the organisation or individual whose outstanding efforts should be publically recognised with a Silver Rose Award in one of the three categories, Together for Social Europe, Building Learning Societies or Organising International Solidarity.

The Silver Rose Nomination form.

Nominations can be submitted till Monday 11 April 2016

Together for Social Europe
Sabir Festival 2016 organised by our member ARCI: working together to build ‘Mediterranean alternatives’
01 April

The current migration and refugee crisis in the European Union and its consequences in terms of integration challenges clearly shows the tight link between migration policies, border management, peace building, social rights and democracy. The changing landscapes of small towns and islands on the border of the European Union such as Lesbos, Lampedusa and Pozzallo illustrate the real consequences of European migration policies and international political, social and economic developments. It is from those remote ‘hotspots’ in the heart of the Mediterranean sea that we must raise our voice to call for alternatives. It is important for civil society, decision makers and citizens from both sides of the Mediterranean to get together to truly understand the link between global policies and their consequences for local realities, to enhance solidarity, promote peace and fight any form of hatred and fundamentalism.

Against this background, SOLIDAR participates in the second edition of the Sabir Festival of Mediterranean Cultures organised by our member ARCI in Pozzallo on 12-15 May 2016.
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Building Learning Societies
SOLIDAR Foundation together with its members support citizenship education as a tool to combat radicalisation and increase social cohesion
01 April 2016

Following the Paris attacks and the arrival of migrants and refugees in Europe, citizenship education has become key to combating radicalisation and fostering social cohesion as well as more active participation by citizens in social and political life in all European countries. In the aftermath of the recent Brussels attacks, citizenship education has become more important than ever before. The development of social, civic and intercultural competences can also be a strategic tool that empowers citizens and can make a substantial contribution to personal development.

The SOLIDAR Foundation works closely with its member to promote citizenship education in European countries. Our recently published thematic background paper on citizenship education for instance points out that comprehensive education strategies that focus on developing active citizenship and tolerant attitudes will lead to a democratic and peaceful society in Europe. To increase its impact and to promote solidarity, social justice and fundamental values in our society, SOLIDAR recommends that Member States promote intercultural dialogue and citizenship education at an early age. Citizenship education as well as intercultural dialogue are a lifelong learning process and should be offered in all forms of education – in formal and non-formal settings.
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Organising International Solidarity
01 April 2016

Decent work and social protection for Africa

From 5 to 11 April the Socialist and Democrats in the European Parliament are organising Africa week. A week filled with a wide variety of events, debates, photo exhibitions and films to draw attention to the EU-Africa partnership. The S&D’s main priorities evolve around the following five topics: conflict minerals, education and sustainable development goals and eradicating poverty, democracy and good governance and fair trade; with the objective of achieving a more mature and contemporary Africa-EU partnership through which global challenges can be tackled.

In the framework of the Africa week, SOLIDAR together with the Global Progressive Forum (GPF) and the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation (FES) is organising a seminar on Decent work and social protection in Africa.
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