EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Continuing and improving integration in Utrecht

Continuing and improving integration in Utrecht

Introduction

In 1997 the Utrecht MIX began the interculturalisation policy. This policy has been evaluated in order to determine what shape the policy should take in the future. The evaluation indicated the importance of proceeding with the Utrecht policy and to optimise it with respect to a number of aspects. To accomplish this three points of action have been established, these being; a more unambiguous policy, more focus on results and better positioning.

Description

Utrecht opts for an unambiguous integration policy focusing on bringing together the indigenous population and the immigrant population, social and cultural rejuvenation and combating disadvantages. Bilateralism is key here; both the indigenous and the immigrant population must make efforts towards achieving successful integration. This bilateral integration policy is based upon three interventions, the three Ts: Toerusting, Toegankelijkheid and Toenadering (Equipping, Accessibility and Rapprochement).

The individual migrant is ‘equipped’ to be able to function fully and independently in society. Utrecht creates the conditions to enable the newcomers to complete the integration course. By ‘accessibility’, Utrecht refers to what was originally meant by interculturalisation. Dutch organisations must make efforts to deliver goods and services that are also geared towards new groups of citizens. In addition, they must give them an equal place among their own workforce. ‘Rapprochement’ means exchange, dialogue and meeting between the various cultures which make up our society. It encompasses the social and cultural rejuvenation of the Dutch culture.

Conclusions

It is important to improve the steering and evaluation of the integration policy. Objectives must therefore be highlighted, clear-cut agreements must be made, monitoring improved and accountability accentuated. In addition the positioning of the integration policy should be firmly anchored. The integration policy requires an integrated approach and will begin with the City Council. There could also be more effective cooperation within the official programme organisations. Social organisations such as the MIU (Multicultural Institute Utrecht), Saluti and migrants' self-help organisations participate in policy development and are partners in the implementation of the policy. This ensures broadly based support within the policy.

Contact info

City of Utrecht, Social Development Section
M. el Filali, tel. +31 30 2862883

Publication date

01/11/2004

Researcher

City of Utrecht, Social Development Section

Links

City of Utrecht

Continuing and improving integration in Utrecht. Policy aimed at Equipping, Accessibility and Rapprochement (PDF, Dutch, 54KB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Keywords

Citizens' participation