In April 2014, Migrant Solidarity joined a six-day conference in Greece, organized by UNITED Against Racism. UNITED for International Action is a European network against nationalism, racism and fascism that supports immigrants and refugees. This umbrella organization not only provides network and pitches conferences and workshops, but also effectively lobbies at Council of Europe, European Commission, and OSCE. Because they believe that the only way to combat European conservatism is through unity and solidarity, every year they invite different actors, activist groups and NGOs to join UNITED conferences in a European city.
This year the conference was organized in Athens, Greece and Migszol had the opportunity to be present. It was a fruitful occasion that spread knowledge and linked groups together. OSCE lawyers, ombudsman institute representative, Greek NGOs, Hope not Hate (England), public educators, and event organizers shared their experience, struggles and hopes with us. Albeit the emphasis of this year’s conference was on the importance of European Elections, connecting NGOs to lawmakers, and migration policies, presenters had a special attention towards education, local connections, labor unions, and deconstruction of history.
This year the conference was organized in Athens, Greece and Migszol had the opportunity to be present. It was a fruitful occasion that spread knowledge and linked groups together. OSCE lawyers, ombudsman institute representative, Greek NGOs, Hope not Hate (England), public educators, and event organizers shared their experience, struggles and hopes with us. Albeit the emphasis of this year’s conference was on the importance of European Elections, connecting NGOs to lawmakers, and migration policies, presenters had a special attention towards education, local connections, labor unions, and deconstruction of history.
More important than the event itself is the friendships made during the conference. Migszol is happy to be friends with the following: Action for Equality (Nicosia, Cyprus), Athens Labor Union (Athens, Greece), Babel, mental health center for immigrants, (Athens, Greece), Center for Peace Studies (Zagreb, Croatia), Commission for Filipino Migrant Workers (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Finnish Youth Co-Operation Alliance, (Helsinki, Finland), Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (Bruxelles, Belgium), GONG, civil society organization promoting civil and human rights (Zagreb, Croatia), Greek Council for Refugees (Athens, Greece), Hellenic League for Human Rights (Athens, Greece), Minority Rights Group International (London, UK, Tbilisi, Georgia), Moldova Without Nazism (Chisinau, Moldova), Mülteci-Der, Association For Solidarity with Refugees (Izmir, Turkey), No Hate Speech Movement (Nicosia, Cyprus), Popular Action Against Impunity (Valencia, Spain) and One World Association (Poznan, Poland).
Here is photo of Migszol member Babak together with some participants, overseeing the Acropolis.
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