National Federation of Polish NGOs: OFOP is part of the European Citizens’ Initiative on welcoming migrants with dignity

29 March 2023 | Members' Corner

by OFOP – National Federation of Polish NGOs

The European Commission has registered a draft European Citizens’ Initiative on a dignified reception of migrants. The National Federation of Polish Non-Governmental Organizations is one of the non-governmental organizations from seven European countries that started the initiative. We have an intense period ahead of us – we need to collect one million signatures of support!

Given that the European Union is defined as an ‘area of freedom, security and justice with respect for fundamental rights’, as European citizens we ask the EU to ensure a dignified reception of migrants upon arrival on the territory of the Union, in accordance with the fundamental rights of every individual recognised by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and international law.

OFOP joined this initiative because, together with other organisations, we see the lack of a coherent EU asylum policy that would put the dignity of refugees first. That is why we call on the EU authorities to show solidarity and guarantee people seeking asylum in Europe with decent living conditions – says Karolina Dreszer-Smalec, President of OFOP.

This is why we propose: 

to introduce a new mechanism for the distribution of asylum seekers in the EU, based on their free will and on effective solidarity between Member States (revise the Dublin Regulation);

to make reception standards binding in the Member States in terms of food, health, housing, education and work, which would guarantee asylum seekers dignified living conditions, comparable throughout the Union.

In the spring, we will start collecting signatures for this initiative and we will inform you about further steps, as well as encourage you to sign!

Read more about our initiative HERE