Experts discuss civic and political participation of migrants at OSCE/ODIHR meeting in Brussels

The civic and political participation of migrants was the focus of an expert roundtable meeting held by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) for 40 participants from 14 OSCE participating States in Brussels on 14 and 15 November 2017.

The participants included representatives of national and local authorities, international organizations, the academic community and civil society organizations active in the debate concerning the civic and political participation of migrants.

“Participation in civic and political activities is an important aspect of migrant integration, bringing multiple benefits for both migrants and host societies,” said Christine Hirst, Deputy Head of ODIHR’s Democratization Department. “Pluralist democratic systems are those that provide opportunities for all groups to express their views and participate in decision-making processes, contributing to inclusive policies, which build stronger societies.”

Thomas Huddleston, Programme Director for Migration and Integration at the Migration Policy Group think tank, said: “This year's general elections across the OSCE repeatedly raised migration as a political issue. However, according to research conducted for the Migration Integration Policy Index (MIPEX), access to citizenship and the political participation of migrants continue to be areas of weakness in integration policies across most OSCE participating States. Equitable political participation is a hallmark of advanced democracies so closing this democratic deficit should be a top priority for both governments and civil society.” 

Participants exchanged knowledge and experience on how migrants can effectively become involved in the civic and political life of their host countries, including by participating in civil society organizations, taking part in consultative processes and exercising their right to vote. Participants also discussed how active civic and political participation among migrants can serve to increase their integration in host societies and contribute to political stability in OSCE participating States.