COMMIT

The COMMIT project recognizes that successful integration of resettled refugees depends on fostering the mutual exchange between refugees and host communities, as well as enabling structural conditions.

Based on these assumptions, the COMMIT project aims at maximizing the integration outcomes of resettled refugees in Croatia, Italy, Spain and Portugal by:

• Enhancing pre-departure orientation, including putting in touch refugees and reception community members since the pre-departure phase and through the development of targeted pre-departure orientation training material. Why COMMIT works on that?
  

  Resettled refugees have similar migratory experiences, yet extremely diverse needs. Their needs are determined by individual conditions, which consider gender, age, disability, medical condition and traumas, among other factors. It is crucial to identify and address individual needs prior to the departure to address situations of vulnerability.

  In this respect, the COMMIT project sets up tailored pre departure activities to address concerns and provide helpful information. In this way, COMMIT aims at helping refugees to create realistic expectations and increase awareness of the new contexts they will live in.

• Strengthening community support, including activating mentorship schemes in receiving communities to support vulnerable groups. Why COMMIT works on that?
  

  Integration largely depends on public representations of migrant/refugee groups and on how these individuals perceive their social acceptance. Such representations and perceptions can be shaped through personal experience, by enhancing intercultural understanding and mutual acceptance, respect and solidarity.

  Thus, religious leaders, the media and each citizen have a role to play to enhance refugees’ integration. To support them, the COMMIT project organizes visits and public events to foster direct contact, empathy, sharing of experiences and mutual respect.

• Fostering transnational exchange between newer and more experienced resettlement countries to identify and disseminate lessons learnt and best practices beyond the project’s geographical scope. Why COMMIT works on that?
  

  Nonetheless, the role of these individuals relies on the structures established by local authorities and service providers. Different approaches to reception and integration are adopted in the four countries where the COMMIT project is implemented, but they share common features to respond to similar context.

  In particular, Italy and Spain set up reception systems to respond to the needs of mixed migrant groups spontaneously arriving at their shores. The COMMIT project thus supports the exchange of best practices among the stakeholders in countries of resettlement and beyond.