European and Mediterranean countries are facing refugee flows from war-torn countries such Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia which have a deep social and economic impact on their societies as the majority of the working-age refugees are not currently involved in legal employment nor attending school or higher education. A shared public-private social responsibility, especially in high-income countries, can ensure an effective and long lasting response to the migration "crisis". Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Italia (RKK) is offering to provide mentoring and support to current or future initiatives with the aim of raising additional funding and enhancing the project networks and impact.

The strategy is to engage with the business community (with a focus on social responsibility) and support efficient public-private partnerships to defend human rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and support their integration in the host countries. A portfolio of 10 project proposals will be presented to the Steering Committee for the final evaluation. The selected projects will be presented during a Flagship Event in Milan in June 2017 to public leaders and CEOs to raise funds, enhance networks or receive mentoring. All selected projects will be supported by a follow up activity carried out by the RFK promoters.

Eligibility

Successful projects should be focused on the following issues: social inclusion, international cooperation and capacity building, though the transfer of:

• technical solutions useful to improve people’s daily living conditions, with the aim of preventing and facing the triggering of migration flows;
• know-how from professionals/experts to migrants/refugees/asylum seekers;
• technical solutions and know-how to social workers, operators working with migrants/refugees/asylum seekers.

The projects can be (or aim to be) funded by both public or private funds, should be characterised by innovation and sustainability, and implemented in the Mediterranean and/or in Africa. Italy has to be one of the countries where activities will be implemented or a partner country.

How to apply

Application can be filled out both in English and Italian. They are to be sent to rfkflagship@rfkhumanrights.org until 30 April 2017, 12:00 CET. Online form