In order to plan further work of the Intersectoral Dialogue Platform, a monthly meeting will take place on 29 August at 15.00 in the premises of the Information Centre for Newcomers (Lāčplēša Street 75 - 1B). The Head of the Platform Sigita Zankovska-Odina (Sigita Zankovska Odiņa) informs, that it is scheduled on the agenda of the meeting to discuss topicalities of organizations involved in the Platform, issues that would be important to raise in the future will be identified, and also the Platform members will consider together, whether any joint action or involvement is necessary at the moment (for example, in a project or policy development implemented by any organization).
The aim of the Intersectoral Dialogue Platform is to promote practical cooperation and discussions among institutions and organizations that operate in the field of newcomers integration in Latvia. Since January 2018 a total of 51 participant has been involved in the Dialogue platform, including 26 non-governmental organisations and societies, 12 national and 9 local government authorities, along with 4 private organisations.
“The Intersectoral Dialogue Platform is a place not only for discussing topical issues in the field of newcomers integration, but also for coordination of joint action to change something and promote positive changes,” emphasizes the Head of the Platform Sigita Zankovska-Odina. “Therefore, we are always focused on cooperation, open for ideas and new members of the Platform!” If you also wish to get involved in the Intersectoral Dialogue Platform – you are welcome to contact us by sending a message to: ici.riga@integration.lv
S. Zankovska-Odina indicates, that over the course of one and a half years the Platform members have raised such topics as public attitude to newcomers and the role and influence of media in the formation of such attitude, employment and support system of newcomers in Latvia, and also have gained an insight into the movement “Dažādībā ir spēks!” (“In Diversity Lies Our Strength!”) and the meaning of Ramadan in Muslims` life. The Platform`s member organizations also had a chance to become acquainted with the work of ICI regional contact points and activities planned by other NGOs in the field of integration of newcomers. To emphasise the main challenges and problem issues in the field of newcomers integration, the Platform`s member organizations have prepared a joint letter to the Saeima.
ICN began its work as a one-stop-agency on 18 May 2016. ICN Riga office operates as a coordinating centre in Latvia. It provides assistance in dealing with problems of a particular customer and supports the ICN focal points/branches in the regions (in Cesis, Jelgava, Liepaja and Daugavpils) with regard to provision of services, ensures professional support to service providers in all municipalities in Latvia, coordinates awareness and availability of services to various groups of immigrants. The centre has provided support to 3832 foreigners from 92 countries during the time of its existence, and provided 5585 consultations in total.
The activity of the Information Centre for Newcomers within the framework of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund is ensured and developed by the NGO “Shelter “Safe House””. The centre is co-funded by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/12/2017/2/01.
Information prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@integration.lv