Refugee Solidarity

The city of Ghent is facing a growing number of refugees. In Belgium, the number of asylum applications doubled within one year. 60% receive asylum status. As a local government, Ghent believes in a proactive approach, starting the integration process from Day One. The moment asylum-seekers arrive, they are brought into contact with relevant organisations. In this way they can quickly access language courses, volunteer work, leisure activities. This is a two-sided approach speeding up the integration process, and allowing organisations and citizens to get to know newcomers. It also addresses negative stereotypes and prejudices against refugees. To coordinate this, a Refugee Taskforce was set up involving everyone who can play a role in dealing with the growing number of new arrivals. This is a cooperation between the political level, city administration, citizens and civil society. The structure allows clear roles and responsibilities to be set.