Interview with Koen De Mesmaeker, EU Networks on Integration of Refugees, Belgium

Koen is the Coordinator of the EU Networks on Integration. When questioned about the recommendations he responded that the revised NGOs draft recommendations have covered all their concerns. Important of those are the Labour rights, Education and, Gender and juvenile rights. They have been adequately emphasised. "I believe that nothing much will change after the conference, however what is of importance is that the NGOs fighting for this cause are gathering here. This is a source of power to find solutions to this problem. More effort is needed now so that the NGOs can achieve better success after the conference."

Mister De Mesmaeker stated that the refugees and asylum seekers are very much connected to the issue of racism, as they are the most vulnerable group to be attacked with racism and xenophobia related crimes. As per the Geneva Conventions, the governments have the right to question the claim of an individual seeking asylum and this does not lead to any racism. However, he agrees that government Officials who handle migrants should be trained to conduct themselves in order that no basic Human rights are violated as this might develop to racist related crimes. If an asylum seeker is rejected by the government that cannot constitute act of racism according to him.

He also added that he appreciates very much that the ongoing discussion of this topic on Internet .He thinks it should create better possibilities for NGOs to come together. He mentionned that ECRE sent a simple appeal to ask the government to insure the protection of the refugees and that COE wants broad group of NGOs to support this concern. Things like this can be a first step in building common thinking between the government and the NGOs.
"I personally believe that the NGOs should actively participate in these campaigns". He closed the discussion bysaying that he looks forward to the outcome of the Ministerial Conference.