Inclusion of Foreigners in WB – Access to Social and Economic Rights (FOSTER)
Project Description
'Inclusion of Foreigners in WB – Access to Social and Economic Rights (FOSTER)' is a regional project aimed at improving access to social and economic rights for vulnerable migrants and foreigners across the Western Balkans. Implemented by a network of civil society organisations within the Balkan Refugee and Migration Council (BRMC), in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), the project addresses challenges related to migration, labour market inclusion, and protection from discrimination and exploitation.
The action strengthens the capacities of civil society organisations and independent human rights institutions through training, networking, re-granting schemes, and policy advocacy. It also supports field monitoring, legal and policy analysis, and the development of national and regional recommendations aligned with EU human rights standards. Through national platforms, regional cooperation, and public awareness activities, the project promotes inclusive policies and evidence-based decision-making. By fostering cooperation among institutions, civil society, and local stakeholders, FOSTER contributes to stronger regional coordination and improved protection and inclusion of foreigners in the Western Balkans.
Specific Objective
• To strengthen the capacities of civil society organisations and independent human rights institutions to monitor, report, and advocate for the protection of the fundamental rights of foreigners.
• To improve evidence-based policymaking through monitoring practices and the development of national and regional legal and policy analyses.
• To enhance regional cooperation and coordination among civil society, public institutions, and human rights bodies on migration and inclusion policies.
• To support grassroots organisations in delivering services, advocacy activities, and innovative solutions for improving access to social and economic rights of vulnerable foreigners.
• To promote inclusive narratives and increase public awareness and stakeholder engagement through advocacy campaigns, dialogue, and outreach activities.
Expected Results
• Strengthened capacities of civil society and independent human rights institutions through regional and national training, networking, and cooperation mechanisms.
• Improved access to knowledge and coordination through the establishment of an online resource centre and strengthened national platforms in all Western Balkan countries involved in the project.
• Enhanced support to grassroots initiatives through implementation of national and regional sub-granting projects focused on improving access to rights for vulnerable foreigners.
• Increased availability of evidence-based data and analyses through monitoring reports, legal assessments, and regional comparative studies supporting alignment with EU standards.
• Strengthened advocacy, policy dialogue, and public engagement through regional campaigns, stakeholder events, and cooperation with media and public institutions.
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Advancing Inclusion and Rights: FOSTER Training in Belgrade
PROJECT DETAILS
Severna Makedonija
Priority Area:
Demokratija, dobro upravljanje, osnovna ljudska prava Subsector:
Vladavina prava, bezbednost i migracije Topic:
Građansko društvo, Prekogranična saradnja, Ljudska prava, Migracije Project Status:
У току Start Date:
01.03.2023 End Date:
31.08.2026 EU Project Number:
441-425 



