In an era marked by unprecedented challenges, the European Confederation of Oppressed Immigrants (AVEG-KON) is taking a bold step forward by organizing the International Conference Against Migrant and Refugee Hostility, scheduled for February 22, 2025, in Cologne, Germany. This conference serves as a critical response to the escalating anti-migrant sentiment and policies observed across Europe.
For too long, migrants and refugees have been unjustly targeted as convenient scapegoats in political discourses that fail to address the root causes of issues like economic instability, social unrest, and rising inequality. Political figures and extremist groups have exploited fears surrounding migration, leading to harmful rhetoric and policies that dehumanize vulnerable populations. This hostile environment manifests in the form of increased violence, discriminatory laws, and inhumane conditions in detention and refugee camps.
AVEG-KON recognizes the urgent need to amplify the voices of migrants and refugees, particularly those from oppressed backgrounds, including those fleeing persecution in Turkey and Kurdistan. The conference aims to create a platform for dialogue and solidarity among activists, experts, and community leaders, focusing on shared experiences and collective strategies to combat injustice. By gathering diverse perspectives, we hope to highlight the multifaceted challenges faced by migrants, including systemic discrimination, economic precarity, and legal barriers to asylum.
This conference also emphasizes the importance of solidarity across various social justice movements. The intersectionality of migration and other social issues—such as racism, gender inequality, and LGBTQ+ rights—is crucial in understanding the complexities migrants face. By uniting various activist groups, we can foster a more inclusive approach to advocacy and empowerment, ensuring that all marginalized voices are heard in the fight for justice.
The aim of the conference extends beyond awareness; it seeks to forge actionable solutions that challenge the status quo. Through workshops, discussions, and collaborative sessions, participants will develop strategies to address harmful policies, advocate for the rights of migrants, and call for systemic change. Together, we will assert our collective demand for dignity, safety, and justice for all.
In conclusion, the International Conference Against Migrant and Refugee Hostility is not just a response to the current climate of hostility; it is a necessary step toward solidarity, justice, and systemic change. AVEG-KON invites all individuals and organizations committed to human rights to join us in this vital conversation. Together, we can reshape the narrative around migration and build a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone.
1. Jeremy Corbyn – Former Leader of the Labour Party
2. John McDonnell – Former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
3. Tariq Ali – Writer and Political Activist
4. Stand Up to Racism – Anti-Racism Campaign Group
5. Care 4 Calais – Humanitarian Organization
6. Sea Watch – Search and Rescue NGO
7. Tamil Representatives – Advocacy Group for Tamil Rights
8. Ulla Jelpke – German Politician and Member of the Bundestag
9. Cansu Özdemir – German Politician and Advocate for Migrant Rights
10. Alan Kurdi Representative – Advocacy for Refugee Rights