Migration is a natural behaviour of human beings and has contributed to social and cultural progress of our societies over the past centuries. The Europe of today has been built by people from all parts of Europe and even abroad, who travelled throughout Europe for work, trade, culture and personal reasons. Enlightenment, democracy and human rights are products of this societal progress.
Migrants who establish themselves in another country can contribute to this progress and thereby become part of the social fabric of their host society. In fact, it is beneficial and even essential that migrants do not live in parallel societies in a country.
The Council of Europe reaffirmed this approach in its White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue “Living together as equals in dignity” of 2008. Nearly two decades later, we must admit that “living together” is still a challenge which divides our societies.
The Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly should, therefore, strengthen the work of diasporas in overcoming fears, ignorance and divisions in our societies. Diasporas and migrants can and should be a facilitator and engine of social cohesion and progress.