Description
In order to prepare for arrival of refugees we have to survey needs and integration possibilities. Thus, the project will survey the perception of refugee presence in Poland (preparation of border guard for inflow of numerous migrants, methods of controlling their presence in Poland in the context of public security without abusing powers) and their integration (methods of teaching Polish language in centres for refugees, preparedness of local governments). The survey will result in recommendations for improving functioning of the institutions. Local communities will also be surveyed - their informal leaders and nationalist youth. Analysing their attitudes will allow to prepare relevant information or prevention programs. Most of the surveys are of innovative nature, and the project partners are experts in their respective fields of interest, which guarantees high quality and adequacy of the recommendations.
Summary of project results
"In connection with the migration crisis, the deepening of the level of knowledge on reception and integration system for refugees in Poland is needed. Based on experiences of organisations, in the surveys the following problematic areas in the system were highlighted: crossing border by refugees (including refusals of entrance, the number of which in Poland is the highest in the whole EU), legal and institutional forms of surveillance over refugees (public security and preventive and comprehensive use of invasive forms of surveillance), Polish language learning offer (basic element of integration), preparing local institutions and communities for possible reception of greater numbers of refugees from culturally different countries, attitudes of young Poles towards foreigners (among others, popularity of racist attitudes, readiness to take violent activities against refugees). The long-term aim of the project was to supply data for developing domestic policies related to receiving refugees. As a result of the implementation of the project, 8 thematic reports were prepared, of which one - the most comprehensive, concerning issues related to crossing border by refugees - was translated into English language. Data gathered in our surveys enabled us to present recommendations in the area of the practice of and legal regulations for reception and integration of refugees in our country. The data are presented on the web pages of the project members, in media, during meetings with decision-makers concerning public policies, and under international initiatives. The surveys consisted in analysis of existing data, observation of border crossings (Belarus, Medyka, Okęcie), and conducting individual interviews and focus groups in communities where centres for foreigners are located, as well as in the centres themselves. The project benefited mainly public services and institutions, such as Border Guards, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, and workers of centres for foreigners, as well as refugees themselves who try to cross the Polish border. Our partners, the Institute of Public Affairs, the Polish Migration Forum, and the Panoptykon Foundation, were responsible for surveying selected areas of the system of reception and integration of refugees where they are experts."
Summary of bilateral results