Within the framework of its current project, the European Resettlement Network (ERN) continues to support the further development of resettlement in Europe, while focussing on expanding complementary pathways of admission to the EU for those in need of international protection. The ERN coordinating partners IOM, ICMC and UNHCR convened the ERN+ Conference on Complementary Pathways of Admission to Europe for Refugees in Brussels on 12 April 2018.
The conference concluded the ERN+ Project: Developing Innovative European Models for the Protection of Refugees and Providing Support to New Resettlement Countries, which is co-funded by the European Union. At the event, ERN and partners presented feasibility research and policy recommendations with respect to the development of complementary pathways of admission to the EU for refugees. The event programme provided for the opportunity to engage in open and targeted discussions on the three pathways that have been the main focus of this project, namely private/community-based sponsorship, higher education scholarships and humanitarian admission programmes. The conference brought together a wide range of relevant stakeholders from national, regional and local government, international organisations, civil society, think tanks, academia and refugee diaspora.
The conference programme can be viewed here and a full account of the discussions is available in the comprehensive conference report available here.
The following presentations were made at the conference:
ERN+ Project activities and outcomes
Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (GRSI) - an overview
European Commission study on the feasibility and added value of sponsorship schemes
EASO Pilot Project on Private Sponsorship Programmes
The ERN+ studies presented at the conference can be accessed at the following links.
Private Sponsorship
Scoping Paper Private Sponsorship in Europe - Expanding complementary pathways for refugee resettlement
Private Sponsorship Feasibility Study - Towards a Private Sponsorship Model in France
Une version de l'étude en français est aussi disponible: Etude de faisabilité sur le développement du parrainage privé en France
Humanitarian Admission Programmes
Humanitarian Admission Programmes - Expanding and Increasing Pathways to Protection
Higher Education Scholarships
Scoping Paper Student Scholarships for Refugees: Expanding complementary pathways of admission to Europe
Strategic Assessment and Recommendations
Strategic Assessment: Expanding Complementary Pathways of Admission to Europe