site.bta Vice President Iotova: Integration of Refugees Not Only an Administrative Challenge but Also Human Responsibility
Integrating refugees is not only an administrative challenge, but also a human responsibility, and it begins from the first day and the first contact with the new society, and from the first sign of respect and dignity, Vice President Iliana Iotova said here Monday. She addressed the opening of the round table "Effective social inclusion of refugees and migrants in host societies – highlights, challenges, perspectives" hosted by the St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia.
She emphasized that this process involves ensuring security and a sense of belonging, providing opportunities for education and employment, and protecting people's dignity. The Vice President also said that integration does not mean assimilation or forcing people to renounce their identity, but rather interaction between refugees and the host society. When done correctly, society is enriched with new skills, cultures and perspectives, and is strengthened socially, economically and democratically.
She stated that the main problems in Bulgaria are the isolation of communities, insufficiently effective cross-sectoral coordination, and the lack of support for unaccompanied children. She emphasized the importance of working with vulnerable groups on an individual basis, considering differences in origin, education, and professional training.
Iotova also emphasized the importance of non-governmental organizations and the academic community, who actively support integration. She called for clear national policies and sustainable mechanisms to make Bulgaria a model for the humane and effective inclusion of refugees.
She dwelled on the importance of Bulgarian language training, recognition of qualifications, and access to the labour market as key elements for successful integration. She believes that, without effective cooperation between state institutions, local authorities and the civil sector, integration measures will remain ineffective and fail to reach those refugees who are most in need of support. The Vice President called for the establishment of a sustainable national coordination mechanism to unify the efforts of all stakeholders and ensure equal access to social, educational and health services.
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