Civic education and active citizenship for young refugees outside of school settings

Civic Education focuses on helping young refugees learn about:

● Democracy and decision-making, and how the governments and institutions in their host country work and Europe

● Their rights and responsibilities as refugees, in their host country and in Europe

● Laws and policies, especially those affecting young people, refugees and marginalized groups

● Social issues like climate change, migration, discrimination, gender equality

Active Citizenship focuses on encouraging and supporting young refugees to:

● Get involved in their communities, with volunteering, community projects

● Speak up about issues that matter to them

● Participate in civic life, even if they can't vote

● Join or create youth groups or social initiatives

● Collaborate across cultures and backgrounds to promote inclusion and solidarity

Actors that run these activities

As member states of the European Union, European countries are all obliged to comply with European and international refugee laws, including:

● the Convention-Geneva Convention of July 28, 1951 relating to the status of refugees and the attached New York Protocol of January 31, 1967 (Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, 1951, Geneva) ;

● the 1990 amendments to the Dublin Convention (in 2003-Dublin II and in 2014-Dublin III) ; other legislative pacts on asylum and migration management (New Pact on Migration and Asylum of the EU).

These laws regulate the reception, accommodation and integration of refugees in the European Union, including provisions to support young refugees.

The legal framework for the support provided to young refugees is established by the government of the country concerned.

The implementation of the support, and especially the support related to civic education and active citizenship, is mainly the responsibility of :

● local government units

● humanitarian organisations

● NGOs

● municipal units

Aims of these activities

The following aims of theses activities organised for young refugees broadly support them in finding their way in their new social, economic and political situation:

● Support young refugees in acquiring basic language skills in the host country’s language, enabling them to communicate effectively and participate more fully in their new community.

● Provides young refugees with vocational support, through vocational training programs designed to prepare participants for employment in targeted sectors, and through career counseling and job placement services that further facilitate their entry into the labor market and promote long-term socio-economic integration.

● Empower young refugees with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to explore and pursue entrepreneurship. This includes understanding business development, legal and tax obligations, and basic accounting principles. Through mentorship programs and networking opportunities with experienced entrepreneurs, participants are supported in setting up and managing their own businesses, fostering economic independence and self-reliance.

● Provide young refugees with access to psychological and psycho-educational support services aimed at addressing trauma, emotional challenges, and mental health needs resulting from displacement and migration experiences. The goal is to build emotional resilience, enhance coping mechanisms, and promote overall psychological well-being, enabling participants to engage more fully in educational, social, and vocational opportunities.

● Increase young refugees’ understanding of and access to legal rights and procedures related to residency, refugee status, asylum, diploma recognition, anti-discrimination policies, and continuation of education. Participants will receive guidance on legal formalities and, where applicable, participate in mandatory training programs (e.g., on host country culture and values), thereby enhancing their legal literacy and ability to navigate formal systems independently and confidently.

● Foster social integration and intercultural understanding by engaging young refugees in cultural exchange activities, artistic expression, and sports. These initiatives aim to create a shared space for local and refugee youth to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. By encouraging the exploration of personal interests and cultural identities, the program promotes a sense of belonging, reduces feelings of isolation, and supports the emotional and social adaptation of young refugees within their new communities.

● Promote active citizenship and community engagement among young refugees through participation in volunteering opportunities and intercultural initiatives. By contributing to their communities, participants gain practical experience, develop leadership skills, and build meaningful social connections. These activities also help foster empowerment, civic responsibility, and integration, while encouraging young refugees to become active agents of positive social change.