Session prefaced with digital remarks on the ongoing war in Ukraine, from H.E. Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration. 

In a society already polarized along political and social lines, the impact of attacks, wars, and the subsequent refuge and movement of people can deepen profound divides and lead to rises in hate crimes. As migration increases, so too must our safeguarding from racist violence and scapegoating, in addition to protection against various forms of human trafficking and exploitation at the borders. How does Europe’s long history continue to mark discrimination within its communities? Why do some humanitarian needs unite a population, whilst some expose clear divides? And, how can effective partnerships across sectors and fields heal divides and build tolerance and acceptance surrounding the movement of people?