21/10/2015 President
Speaking in a debate on “Refugee and migrant crisis: what is the role of local and regional authorities” before the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Strasbourg today, PACE President Anne Brasseur made a plea for solidarity to tackle “Europe’s number 1 challenge: the refugee and migratory crisis.”
“If ever there was a need for solidarity, it is now and it is our responsibility to turn the word ‘solidarity’ into action,” she said.
“Solidarity with refugees who flee war, conflict and poverty. Solidarity with the front-line states, the countries of transit and the destination states. Solidarity with the countries of Europe’s neighbourhood which are also struggling as countries of transit and destination. Solidarity within our countries, within our regions, between cities, towns, villages which is why your work in the Congress is so important,” she stressed.
“A prerequisite is unquestionably a fair distribution of refugees amongst and within member states. Regions and municipalities should be ready to take their share in helping to respond to this extraordinary situation. Too hot to handle is not an option at state level, nor is it an acceptable excuse at local and regional level. Refusing to reach out, as some cities have done, risks stoking dangerous fires, both within the settled immigrant community but also with the new arrivals, whether they be migrants or refugees,” the PACE President warned.
“As local and regional elected representatives, you have real concrete power to change the world for better. You can bring solidarity back at the local level, where it actually starts; you can combat hatred and intolerance at its roots; you can raise awareness at schools, you can encourage better understanding and interaction between communities. No doubt that you are better placed than anyone else to understand the true nature of the crisis on the ground. Your discussion with Mayors from front-line cities promises to be of utmost importance and interest,” she concluded.