SEE Project

STRENGTHENING THE REGIONAL ADVOCACY VOICE AND POLICY IMPACT OF CIVIL SOCIETY ON BEHALF OF VULNERABLE GROUPS IN WESTERN BALKANS

The SEE project running from December 2005 to February 2008 was funded by the European Commission CARDS programme and by the Dutch Council for Refugees. The overall aim of the project was to further develop the skills and the capacity of refugee assisting NGOs in the areas of advocacy, media communications and policy analysis. Furthermore the project has also aspired to develop organisational sustainability and to strengthen the overall effectiveness of national, regional and ECRE networks in above areas.

ECRE calls for solving the problems of displaced people in the Western Balkans (December 2007). ECRE and local NGOs believe that an urgent resolution of the key concerns identified in the SEE project reports is crucial for political, economic and social progress in the Western Balkans. Link to the press release>>

Launch of the project publications (December 2007). ECRE, in cooperation with the partner NGOs published two policy papers and a comprehensive regional report focusing on issues of sustainable return within the region and from the EU, the development of regional asylum systems and border monitoring. The papers were written by the regional partners with support from the expert consultants, based on the research conducted during the project. They give clear recommendations to the relevant stakeholders, as well as an overview of the current situation. Link to publications page>>

Regional Conference (3/4 December 2007 in Dubrovnik). The conference entitled Sustainable return, asylum systems and border management in the Western Balkans was the final event of the SEE project. The aim of this two-day regional meeting was to bring together representatives from various key sectors in the CARDS region, specifically key stakeholders who contribute or overview the development of policies in the region. The discussion has focused on the asylum and return issues identified during the project and the policy positions developed by the regional network of partner organisations. The issues were considered in light of the impact of EU policies on asylum and migration systems in the region. The conference also offered an opportunity to relate the policy issues examined in the project to the EU enlargement process. Read more >>

Brussels advocacy visit (June 2007 in Brussels) to meet key officials (European Commission, UNHCR, IOM, European Parliament and European Council) culminating into an international conference focusing on South East Europe policy issues.

Media communications training (April 2007 in Sarajevo) to develop media and public relations skills and agree on media strategies for the network as related to their advocacy plans.

European-level NGO meeting (February 2007 in Skopje) bringing together ECRE members, NGOs from Western Europe involved in return projects, external stakeholders (EC delegation in FYROM, an MEP, and representatives from MARRI, UNHCR and UNDP) and project partners to discuss key policy concerns from their region and present their key research findings and policy recommendations. In addition partners have devised an advocacy strategy to be implemented during the project.

ECRE member agency consultancies (November 2006 in Belgrade) to participating NGOs in connection with research activities, policy development, and advocacy network development, organisational development (strategic planning and financial sustainability).

Regional policy and advocacy assessment meeting (May 2006 in Zagreb) to identify and define policy and advocacy issues of concern and strategies for addressing them with relevant authorities, media and policy makers.