PLEASE NOTE, DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATION THE ASYLUM CONFERENCE IS ON HOLD!
We regret having to take this step and remain committed to holding the conference at a future date. Whilst we cannot at this stage confirm when that will be, we can say with certainty that the conference will not proceed in May. Once the situation becomes clearer, we will let you have further information. Please register here if not having done yet to stay in touch.
The European Conference on Asylum which has been held for over 15 years now in different places by church based organisations in Europe will take place this year in Italy (Palermo and Rome).
Addressees of the conference are multipliers in the field of assisting refugees and asylum seekers, from counselling and social work to advocacy work on different levels in church based and other organisations from European countries. The event is organised by the Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) with support of the Federazione delle Chiesa Evangeliche in Italia (FCEI) and Diakonie Deutschland. The Conference language will be English/Italian.
The first part of the conference will take place in Palermo. The stay in Palermo will focus on the situation at the external border of the EU, in North Africa/Libya and the Central Mediterranean including Search and Rescue operations and other legal pathways to the EU, such as humanitarian corridors.
In Rome, we expect to talk to Italian asylum authorities, refugee organisations, NGOs and church actors. Information will be given on current challenges within the Italian asylum system, protection quotas, the situation of Dublin returnees, detention, procedures, and will include visits to local facilities. We shall discuss the current reform of the Common European Asylum System, with its controversial extension of the safe country concepts and proposals for reform of the Dublin System. The excursions are intended to illustrate the refugee work of local churches and NGOs. There will also be room for exchange and understanding the positioning of different churches and organisations within the circle of participants. The agenda will be sent out soon.
As always, the end of the conference will produce a press release with common demands and suggestions from the participants from all over Europe.
Feel free to register and a warm welcome to Italy in May!
