The European Commission set out a new strategic vision today regarding how its external action can best support refugees and displaced people in long lasting crises.
The aim of this new approach, outlined in the Communication “Lives in Dignity: from Aid–dependence to Self-reliance”, is to prevent refugees and displaced people relying only on emergency humanitarian type assistance. It looks at ways to help them become more self-reliant in the countries where they reside.
EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, said: “Long lasting crises have become the new normal, yet they are often managed in old ways. Refugees and displaced people do not only need our emergency help but also long term perspectives and hope for the future.”
EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica added:“We need to strengthen our synergies between humanitarian and long term development because they complement each other. This can be achieved by encouraging stronger cooperation between host governments, international donors, humanitarian and development actors, local communities, civil society, the diaspora and displaced people themselves.”
EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, said: “The Syrian conflict and its devastating effect on the population has resulted in a displacement of epic proportions. We need to use this experience to adapt our policies, both internal and external, to ensure dignity and hope to those who have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety.”
