Lives in Dignity: from Aid-dependence to Self-reliance

EESC opinion: Lives in Dignity: from Aid-dependence to Self-reliance

Composition of the Study Group

Administrator in charge Rafael Bellón Gómez, Assistant María Dolores Carmona González

 

Key points:

 

Development responses to forced displacement should be tailored for each geographic region, whilst ensuring joined-up action across the European Commission and other institutions. While a development-led approach can produce considerable results with the current budget, the need for extra resources should not be ruled out.

Civil society, end users, development partners and NGOs should be involved in the delivery and in making the Commission's Communication operational. Social and civil dialogue structures and processes should be enhanced and improved in partner and host countries to assist with its delivery.

Entrepreneurship in the affected regions should be supported and developed as a viable development path for many forcibly displaced people.

Education and training responses should be based on a lifelong learning approach. The possibility of making EU programmes available to forcibly displaced people should be considered.

Dedicated approaches to key issues for women and young people should be developed. These groups must be consulted and involved in any delivery. Particular attention should also be paid to mental health conditions in forcibly displaced people.

The highest standards of accountability and transparency should be applied in moving towards a development approach.