Iliana Yotova: Integrating Refugees is a Human Responsibility

The integration of refugees is not just an administrative challenge, but a human responsibility. It starts from the first day, from the first contact with the new society, from the first sign of respect and dignity. This was stated by Vice President Iliana Yotova at the opening of the round table "Effective social inclusion of refugees and migrants in host societies - highlights, challenges, perspectives".

She pointed out that this process includes ensuring security, a sense of belonging, the opportunity for education and work, as well as the protection of people's dignity.

The Vice President also said that integration does not mean assimilation or compulsion to renounce identity, but interaction between refugees and the host society. When it happens correctly, society is enriched with new skills, cultures and perspectives and is strengthened socially, economically and democratically, Yotova added.

According to her, the main problems in our country remain the encapsulation of communities, the lack of sufficiently effective intersectoral coordination and insufficient support for unaccompanied children. In her words, it is especially important to work with vulnerable groups individually, taking into account their differences in origin, education and professional training.

Iliana Yotova also noted the importance of non-governmental organizations and the academic community, which actively support integration. She called for a clear national policy and sustainable mechanisms to turn Bulgaria into a model for the humane and effective inclusion of refugees.

Yotova also emphasized the importance of Bulgarian language training, the recognition of qualifications and access to the labor market as key elements for successful integration. She also believes that without effective cooperation between state institutions, local authorities and the civil sector, integration measures remain conditional and do not reach the refugees who need support the most.

The Vice President appealed for the creation of a sustainable national coordination mechanism that would unite the efforts of all interested parties and ensure equal access to social, educational and health services. "Integration is a process that requires patience, consistency and humanity - both on the part of the refugees and on the part of the society that accepts them," Yotova said.