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WHO WE AREThe International Organization for Migration (IOM) is part of the United Nations System as the leading inter-governmental organization promoting since 1951 humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, with 175 member states and a presence in over 100 countries. IOM has had a presence in Lithuania since 1998.
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Our WorkAs the leading inter-governmental organization promoting since 1951 humane and orderly migration, IOM plays a key role to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through different areas of intervention that connect both humanitarian assistance and sustainable development. Across Lithuania, IOM provides return assistance to home countries for migrants in difficult situations and provides return and reintegration assistance to victims of trafficking.
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Strengthening Community Sponsorship: Experiences and Recommendations from Belgium, Italy, and Lithuania
The RISE project, implemented by International Organisation for Migration (IOM Lithuania, IOM Italy, IOM Belgium & Luxemburg) , has published a study developed by Odisee University of Applied Sciences on enhancing migrant integration through community sponsorship programs in Belgium, Italy, and Lithuania. Developed in collaboration with Roma Tre University and the Reception and Integration Agency, the study highlights the potential of the community sponsorship model to address key migration and integration challenges.
Community sponsorship is a collaborative approach where social, practical and emotional support is provided voluntarily by host country residents contributing to the integration of beneficiaries of international protection while complementing integration measures offered by the state. The model, gaining popularity in Europe, promotes sustainable solutions to housing shortages and strengthens social ties. Such programs help to reduce government costs and encourage active public participation to build more inclusive communities. Community sponsorship programs not only increase access to housing but also help migrants to become full members of their communities.
The RISE project explores community sponsorship as an innovative approach to migrant integration. The study highlights the potential of community-based support to promote integration while reducing government costs. Key findings reveal common challenges such as housing shortages and the need for structured integration, with each country offering unique insights: Belgium emphasizes coordination and volunteer training to ensure effective support for beneficiaries of international protection, Italy focuses on intercultural education for both beneficiaries of international protection and host communities, and Lithuania demonstrates rapid local empowerment, with local NGOs and community groups mobilizing resources and volunteers to support newcomers.
The study identifies key challenges and recommendations in each country. In Belgium, for example, despite a housing deficit and an overcrowded asylum system, various programmes to support migrants have been set up, coordinated by organisations such as Caritas International. In Italy, an increasing number of migrants are arriving securely, but the government still faces integration challenges due to differences in political values and housing shortages.
While community sponsorship programmes are already making it impact in Belgium and Italy, in Lithuania, there is still no official community sponsorship programme. The most relevant community sponsorship initiative is the “Stiprūs Kartu“, which effectively assisted Ukrainian newcomers. This initiative highlighted the importance of community mobilization and demonstrated that local citizens can play a crucial role in providing immediate and effective support for newcomers. Resources shortages, especially in housing, strained urban centres like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda. Despite strong societal and governmental support for Ukrainians, the rapid demand for services and accommodations exposed the limitations of existing infrastructure. Major cities now grapple with housing shortages and high living costs, which complicate migrant integration efforts. While Vilnius hosts the largest migrant population due to job opportunities, Kaunas and Klaipėda face similar challenges, particularly in providing adequate support systems for employment and language training.
Each country's experience offers valuable lessons for enhancing community sponsorship programmes. Belgium underscores the importance of stakeholder coordination and volunteer support, Italy highlights the need for intercultural training, and Lithuania showcases the benefits of a rapid citizen mobilization model, demonstrating how quickly local communities can adapt to support newcomers.
About the RISE project: RISE (Reinforcing integration through sponsorship enhancement) aims to develop and improve community sponsorship programmes in Belgium, Italy and Lithuania. The project builds on the EU Action Plan for Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027, aiming to make housing accessibility and integration key elements in supporting migrants.
The RISE project is funded by the European Union's Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (2021-2027).