Balkan Refuge Network (Coalition for Enhancing Social Cohesion and for Inclusion of Foreigners in the Balkan area) was founded by Asylum Protection Center- APC (Serbia), Centre for Peace Studies – CPS (Croatia), and Legis (North Macedonia), three civil society grassroots, committed in enhancing rights and wellbeing of exiles seeking protection in Balkan and EU respective countries and beyond.
BRN members are striving to protect and support various groups of foreigners in receiving societies. Many are fleeing discrimination, political turmoil, armed conflicts, general violence, including environmental or manmade disasters, others are labour legal workers, returnees, foreign students, etc.
The Coalition’s overall scope is to contribute in building inclusive, tolerant and democratic local societies, where locals and temporary/permanently residing migrants/foreigners enjoy their rights, respect existing laws, able to find their peace and protection and contribute to diversity and prosperity of receiving local communities.
INTRODUCTION
In the past three decades, the social fabric of the Western Balkans (WB) has been woven with the threads of traumatic and intertwined events:
- Wars in 1992-1995 and 1999.
- Ethnical fragmentation and turmoil within the former Yugoslavian territory leading to massive relocation of people across WB countries. Ethnic fragmentation ensued as a result of the gradual dissolution of the former Yugoslavian states, leading to further tension, discord (Croatia and Montenegro border dispute), and open hostility at local level (ongoing Serbia-Kosovo and 2021 North Macedonia ethnic disputes).
- A significant increase of diaspora in OECD countries, resulting in a 10% depopulation in WB and causing a critical shortage of labor force (commonly referred as brain drain).
- Emergence of the Balkan migration route since 2015.
- Inflow of workers from non-European countries (mostly from Asia).
- Inflows of refugees from Ukraine and of displaced individuals from the Russian Federation.
- Returns of former WB citizens from European Union countries.
These events have cast a shadow over the social fabric, shaking the already torn identity, traditions, and economic outlook of the WB countries.
The local populations, disoriented by the changes, grapple with a pervasive climate of fear and suspicion towards foreigners-strangers that is poisoning the social relations, thus exacerbating tensions among ethnic, religious, language and other social groups within local communities in WB area.
Especially, asylum seekers and refugees, but also other communities of “foreigners” such as labor migrants and returnees, have been embodying the perfect scapegoat to explain all the negative perceptions of the disillusioned WB societies. Amid the narrative that often labels asylum seekers and refugees as mere “passers-by,” it is crucial to recognize that they are integral parts of the local social fabric and the local social landscapes. Whether they stay temporarily or eventually leave local communities, their presence shapes the WB territories. Moreover, on course of months or even years spent in searching for a way to move forward, many foreigners are facing hostile behaviors from locals, fearing from forced relocations, pushbacks or deportations by the state authorities.
On the other side, giving up/ignoring presence of foreigners is not an option, as their physical presence alone can generate discomfort, anxiety, and insecurity in local communities, the emotions often exploited by unscrupulous political leaders for promoting further antagonism and prejudices. Sadly, foreigners are becoming the castaways, the weakest, and the forgotten ones, despite their resilient attitudes and eventually positive contribution to the local society.
Caring for the foreigners, thus, could become the long-term investment in the well-being of the entire community.
Therefore, our network has the purpose to enhance social cohesion and inclusion of foreigners (migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, or individuals from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds), particularly those perceived as outsiders or newcomers, in the WB societies, fostering a sense of unity and strengthening the integration within diverse WB communities.
By creating an inclusive and tolerant environment, where locals and refugees can coexist and prosper, a shared narrative of resilience and mutual understanding can spread and strive as a hope for the future.
WHAT WE DO
We strive to involve civil society in various initiatives, programs, or activities aimed at building connections, understanding, and cooperation among different social groups in the WB region.
MISSION
To foster a harmonious, inclusive, and tolerant Balkan society by cultivating collaboration, understanding, and shared prosperity among diverse communities. The Network is dedicated to building more tolerant and diverse local communities by creating an environment where foreigners are welcomed, valued, and integrated, promoting social cohesion that transcends cultural, ethnic, and social barriers.
VISION
A Balkan region where every individual, regardless of background, feels a sense of belonging and actively contributes to a cohesive and thriving community. The Network envisions a future where social inclusion is embedded in the fabric of society, strangers are embraced as integral members, and diversity is celebrated as a source of strength. Through collaborative efforts, we aspire to build bridges that connect hearts and minds, fostering a resilient and interconnected Balkan community for generations to come.
The Balkan Refugee Network commit to work with:
a) Network members in
- Implementing joint initiatives (e.g. anti-discrimination campaigns, raising awareness and advocacy initiatives, etc.) at local, national, and international level, for the improvement of existing local/national legislation and practices regarding the foreigners’ rights and wellbeing in Balkan area.
- Exchanging and developing tools for the support of foreigners in every stage of their integration process in local communities (including legal status, accommodation, welfare and healthcare access, social/education/employment inclusion, prevention of exploitation/abuse/discrimination, etc.), as well as tools for strengthening tolerance and inclusiveness of local communities.
- Organizing public events, workshops, round tables, seminars, conferences, trainings, study visits and other local/national/regional or international actions, on critical issues for the foreigners’ wellbeing, inter-community dialogue and foreigners’ inclusion in local communities (including asylum procedures, guaranteed rights, anti-discrimination, healthcare, social welfare, education, employment, integration, youth participation, social engagement, cultural mediation, volunteering, etc.)
- Carrying out fundraising activities for the functioning of the Network and for the Network’s programs.
- Standing up against threats to the independent acting and freedom of expression of each of Coalition members.
b) Local Communities in
- Meeting local communities’ distress towards the presence of foreigners and related perceived concerns, helping to cope with the challenges posed by a globalized and diverse environment, thus reducing the acrimonies towards asylum seekers, labor migrants and other foreigners, mistakenly considered as main responsible for the economic, political, and social miseries experienced especially in peripherical environments.
- Supporting local welfare and other reception related agencies in adapting/improving their approach to foreigners.
- Stimulating inter-cultural, inter-religious, inter-community and state-civil society-grassroots dialogue to mediate the presence of foreigners and ease the inclusion of newcomers in the community.
c) Media in
- Sharing objective, impartial, and truthful information with local, national, regional, international media and public on:
- Challenges regarding presence, reception, integration, acceptance, and inclusion of foreigners,
- Incidents and practices of violence, abuse, discrimination, exploitation of various categories of foreigners, including illegal pushbacks, smuggling, human trafficking, etc.,
- Research and surveys investigating issues of asylum, reception, integration, discrimination, exploitation, system functioning, inter-community dialogue, inclusion and other challenges regarding foreigners that are also affecting local communities and their perspectives.
KEY PARTNERS
Civil Society Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, (Inter)Governmental Educational and Social Agencies, Local Authorities, Universities, Teachers, Private firms and their Associations.