When we hear the word “tropical” what usually comes to our mind are things like ice creams, fruits, juices, cocktails and drinks in general. Nevertheless, other things like deforestation, logging, climate change, urbanization and demographic changes should pop into our mind, since these are challenges that the nations of the Tropics are currently facing.
​
But before continuing with the topic, we need to answer the following question: “What are the Tropics?”. According to the United Nations, “the Tropics are a region of the Earth, roughly defined as the area between the tropic of Cancer and the tropic of Capricorn”. We also know that “although topography and other factors contribute to climatic variation, tropical locations are typically warm and experience little seasonal change in day-to-day temperature”. Finally, it’s interesting to remark that “an important feature of the Tropics is the prevalence of rain in the moist inner regions near the equator, and that the seasonality of rainfall increases with the distance from the equator”.

If we want to clarify more about what is this region and what is a tropic, we might check the definition by the State of the Tropics (James Cook University). Here we’re told that “the Tropics is commonly defined as the region of the Earth surrounding the Equator within the latitudes of the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn at +/– 23.5 degrees. With its origins in astronomy, these latitudes are the limit of where the Sun reaches a point directly overhead at least once during the solar year, and are used to define the Tropics in this paper.”

And now, what is the paper they’re talking about? It’s the State of the Tropics Report, released every year (in a focus and short version) since 2014 by different universities and research institutions to raise awareness about the situation and the issues this region faces, and also about its importance for the World’s sustainable development. A major report is published every 5 years. It’s self-defined as a report that “analyses a range of environmental, social and economic indicators to answer this question. The analysis shines a bright light on a variety of key issues and provides a foundation for policymakers, geopolitical analysts and other stakeholders to examine in greater detail the tropics and the major issues affecting it”.

Marking the anniversary of the first report’s release on 29 June 2014, in which 12 leading tropical research institutions collaborated, the United Nations General Assembly adopted in 2016 a resolution, “which declared that 29 June of each year is to be observed as the International Day of the Tropics”.
Some interesting factors about this region noted in the State of the Tropics Report 2022 (which was focused on the impact of COVID-19) are:
-          Major increases in plastic waste from discarded PPE and food containers have reversed many of the plastic recycling gains made in recent years. 
-          Reductions in noise and air pollution during the pandemic have been linked with behavioral changes in some migratory birds. Increases in bird diversity and increased residence times were observed in India and Colombia.
-          There are concerns that the increased production and use of sanitizers and disinfectants are having impacts on the ecology and health of the soil and aquatic biota.
-          Wildlife trafficking and tropical deforestation increased in Brazil, Colombia and Cambodia during the pandemic.
-          CO2 emissions in the Tropics decreased by almost 6% over this period, with emissions in Central America decreasing by 17%. The decrease in CO2 emissions in the rest of the world was lower despite having higher overall emissions.
-          Globally, CO2 emissions decreased by almost 5% between 2019 and 2020 due to economic lockdowns and border closures. However, this reduction was only temporary, with emissions increasing back to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2021.

Also on a global scale, this report highlighted the fact that “the 2020 decreases in CO2 emissions were largely reversed in 2021 with a 4.9% increase (Adler, 2021). Increases in coal consumption by major CO2 emitters, including China, India, the USA and the European Union, were the major contributors to the rebound in emissions in 2021 (Adler, 2021). To achieve net zero by 2050, it is estimated that CO2 emissions need to be reduced by 1,400 million tonnes per year—equivalent to the decrease in emissions in 2020”.

From the previous report, published in 2021, we should mention some significant data such as:
-          The Tropics host nearly 95% of the world’s mangrove forests by area and 99% of mangrove species.
-          The Tropics have just over half of the world’s renewable water resources (54%), yet almost half their population is considered vulnerable to water stress.
-          Biodiversity is greater in the Tropics – however, loss of biodiversity is also greater in the Tropics than in the rest of the world.
In addition, the United Nations reminds us that “by 2050, the region will host most of the world's people and two-thirds of its children”.

With these and more points it is clear the key role of this region in the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, so by helping and taking care of the Tropics we are supporting the whole world and taking care of our common future, that is only possible through proper sustainable development, endorsed by values such as equality and social justice, and key factors like digital transformation and ecological transition.

Mario Formisano Fernández

Mario is a Spanish volunteer involved in International Day of the Tropics.

Music is a universal language that brings people together, no matter where they´re from. Whether it´s ancient tunes or modern beats, music captures our shared experiences and unique expressions. European Music Day showcases the incredible power of music to unite us all. In this article, we will dive into what music really is and take a look at the history of European Music Day, exploring how it started and why it continues to be such a vibrant celebration of musical diversity across Europe.
​
What is music? Can we define it?
Well, define music is really difficult and its different for everyone, and for that reason I have some definitions to show you, first of all I will start with a general definition, we can say that music is the art of combining and organizing sounds along with other elements in time to create a composition. It incorporates elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and color to create a unique piece. Music also includes other elements like the pitch, which controls the melody and harmony, and the dynamics that affect its texture. It’s one of humanity’s cultural aspects, usually used by humans to express emotions, statuses, events, and stories. There are numerous types and music genres that either focus on or neglect these elements to create a new style with distinctive characteristics. Music is performed using various musical instruments that can be incorporated with multiple vocal techniques. This is a very specific and full definition of music, for me I will say is really difficult to find a meaning or a definition because music is everything, is everywhere, we can create music from anything, music is the combination of sound and silence in every possible way. If you can hear it or feel it, it's music.
 
Regarding this interesting question I also asked some of our volunteers to answer this. Nina said, “Music is an invisible dance that makes you want to join another universe”. Laura said, “Music is something that I cannot touch or see, but that, for some reason, keeps me company, making me feel alone and friendly at the same time”. Olwen said, “Music is something to share with people. It´s art, poetry, party, religion, sharing”. Axel said, “Music is a form of art that uses and organizes sounds in order to create a melody”. And Maya said, “Music is a melody who increases your emotions (joy, sadness, anger, etc..). The music can be with just one instrument or several, it can be with one voice or different ones, you can listen it whenever you want, where you want and with who you want, it’s up to you. You just have to feel it”.
After these definitions I will let you think what is music for you and i want to explain what is the European music day. The European music day also known as The Fête de la Musique, is an annual celebration when citizens and residents are urged to play music outside in their neighborhoods all around Europe. Everything started In October 1981, the French composer and music journalist Maurice Fleuret became Director of Music and Dance at the French Ministry of Culture at Jack Lang's request. He applied his reflections to the musical practice and its evolution: "the music everywhere and the concert nowhere". When he discovered, in a 1982 study on the cultural habits of the French, that five million people, one young person out of two, played a musical instrument, he began to dream of a way to bring people out on the streets. On the 21st of June of the same year, the day of the summer solstice, with the initiative of the politician Jack Lang, Fête de la Musique or Faites de la Musique (Celebrate music, make music party) was celebrated for the first time with the aim of “bringing out onto the streets all musicians”.
 
Next year this initiative brought together 200.000 amateur and professional artists of every kind flooding public spaces, squares, streets, parks, concert halls and all kinds of locations, presenting numerous gigs with the support of local authorities. Events ranged from classical to jazz, hip‐hop, rock, dance to traditional music always free for the public and thanks to the generous supporters and sponsors of Music Day. Music Day soon became an exportable concept and in 1985 it traveled beyond France with the same aim and parameters, the first country after France was Greece, in Athens, on the occasion of the first edition of the Cultural Capital of Europe, first events were held on the 21st of June 1999. Since then, European Music Day has become a national event that takes place simultaneously in 50 cities per year (average) throughout Greece (reaching 70% of the population though). Organization combines the production and coordination of a series of events that vary in size and in character (street music festivals, show cases, recitals or big concerts).

Rodrigo Duarte

Rodrigo is a Portuguese volunteer involved in European Music Day.

Have you ever bought something that isn’t from a big company or brand, that is from a local business in your city ? Well, you have probably discovered by yourself the world of
micro, small, medium enterprises.

On the 6th of April, 2017, united nations assembly decided to create an international day to highlight these small businesses: co-sponsored by 54 members states, representing
over five billion of people. Since that, every 27th of June, is celebrated the international day of micro small and medium enterprises, called « MSMe ». What is important to know,
is that they contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable development goals number one, four, eight, nine, and ten. Moreover, they play an important role to the « leave no one
behind » promises of the 2030 SDG’s.

In fact, these enterprises are the backbones of societies everywhere.They take part of 90% of all businesses, and 60% of private sector employment. They contribute to the local and national economies, sustain livelihoods, and they represent a huge potential to transform economies, foster job creation and promote equitable economic growth. The problem is, that all these good initiatives can be weakened without a good support. Conflicts, disasters, crises, multiple simultaneous shocks and pandemics can quickly impact supply chains, which means: increasing the costs, making transaction more difficult and make them vulnerable. Mostly, youth, poor, and women are the target group.

Therefore, they need help to overcome the numerous challenges that frequently stifle the growth of their business, confining many of them to informality or necessity entrepreneurships. Women and young people need to be at the forefront to address those challenges, lower and remove barriers, provide an operating environment for their business to grow. Moreover, policy makers, business and development partners - must join forces and collaborate to ensure economically viable, socially and environmental supply chains, foster innovation and create an enabling business space for these enterprises to thrive.

If adequately supported, they can effectively contribute to the structural transformation of economies and drive inclusive, sustained and equitable economic growth, jobs. We need to unlock their full potential trough inspiring innovation, creativity, decent work for all. They have to get trough the current crisis and build up their ability to handle future shocks, in order to create an open, fair, non discriminatory, predictable global trade and business environment that helps and encourages MSME to participate in international trade and business.

Antonio Guterres, the general secretary of the United Nations once said: « We must create environment that support MSME business and drive financial inclusion to provide equal access to markets and finance. We need to help strengthen the ability of these business to withstand hard times. » Let’s reduce inequalities, let’s raise living standards, let’s protect the communities and the environment.

Nina Lemarquand

Nina is a French volunteer involved in Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day.

 On July 2021, the UN General Assembly declared June 18 as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue to face the spread of hate speech.

But what is the meaning of the expression “hate speech”? It is fair to say that there isn’t a universal definition of hate speech under the International Human Rights Law. Hate speech refers to any form of communication, whether spoken, written, or behavioral, that uses derogatory or discriminatory language to attack a person or a group based on their identity.

Hate speech inevitably contributes to the spread of divisive rhetoric and ideologies that reinforce xenophobia, racism, intolerance, violent misogyny, antisemitism, and anti-muslim. This means that the main victims of hate speech are people who belong to minorities and who have been discriminated against and oppressed throughout history based on identity factors. For identity factors, it’s given all those distinctive features shared between a group of people that create a proper identity. Some of these features concern ethnicity, religious belief, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. It must be said that even though this language is
supposed to be neutral, it often hides an implicit meaning. When we talk about ethnicity we mean non-white people, “religious” means “nonchristian”, “sexual orientation” refers to every kind of orientation besides the heterosexual one, and so on.

So why is it so difficult to find a proper definition for this concept? To condemn hate speech becomes difficult because it is hard to find a proper balance between it and the freedom of speech. Freedom of speech allows the possibility to express our opinions, ideas, and values. Countries such as the United States guarantee this freedom in the First Amendment of their Constitution, making the freedom of speech a fundamental value for all citizens.
However, addressing hate speech doesn’t mean limiting or prohibiting freedom of speech. Instead, it means keeping hate speech from escalating into something more dangerous such as incitement to discrimination, hostility, and violence. Also, it is important to highlight that freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences and responsibilities. Don’t be actively engage in hateful rhetoric, does not make you less complicit in it.

European Union recognizes it as a constitutional principle, despite it having the same priorities that other principles might have. Also for this reason, the European Commission and the Council of the European Union are promoting a proper fight against hate speech, spurring the Member States to
consider racist and xenophobic behaviors as crimes that can be prosecutable. This stance brings out another problem: the uncertainty of the categories that belong to hate
speech. Hence, to understand what we mean when we talk about hate speech, we need to establish which kind of hate expression can be exposed to restriction or censorship.
To evaluate the seriousness of hate speech, the European Court of Human Rights takes into consideration specific tools: political and social context, the speaker’s emotional state and reasons, the aim to spur those who listen against a specific group of people, content of the speech, dissemination and the potential for harm.

Although the European Court of Human Rights does not have a single, definitive definition for hate speech, it is essential to understand that hate speech stems from a lack of respect for a specific social group, resulting in the humiliation and stigmatization of its members. The underlying message of hate speech is that some individuals are deemed more important than others, relegating them to live in a world defined by unyielding stereotypes.

Laura Savoini

Laura is an Italian volunteer involved in International Day for Countering Hate Speech.

 Art has long been a powerful catalyst for social change, from the civil rights movement to anti-war protests. Today, in the face of the climate crisis, art and artists are once again at the forefront, using their unique ability to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and inspire action. By translating complex and often abstract issues of climate change into accessible and impactful visuals, narratives, and performances, artists engage and mobilise the public in ways that traditional scientific communication often cannot.

Art has historically played a crucial role in influencing social and political movements. For instance, Francisco Goya's paintings and etchings vividly depicted the horrors of war, shaping public opinion about the brutality of conflict. Similarly, the Dada movement arose as a reaction to World War I, criticising nationalist and capitalist values through provocative art that challenged societal norms.
In the 1960s, music became a powerful tool for the civil rights movement in the United States. Songs like Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" and Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" became anthems of hope and resistance, galvanizing support and inspiring action. Visual art also played a significant role; the photographs of Gordon Parks and Charles Moore captured pivotal moments of the civil rights struggle, bringing the harsh realities of racial segregation to the forefront of public consciousness.

One of the most significant impacts of art in the fight against climate change is its ability to emotionally engage people. For example, Olafur Eliasson's installation “Ice Watch” involved placing large blocks of glacial ice in public spaces, where they slowly melted, symbolizing the rapid loss of ice due to global warming. This tangible representation of climate change allowed viewers to experience the crisis firsthand, creating a powerful emotional response. Similarly, Sebastião Salgado’s photography project "Genesis" showcases untouched landscapes and communities living in harmony with nature. By highlighting the beauty of the natural world, Salgado’s work fosters a deep appreciation for the environment and underscores the importance of its preservation.
​
Art also serves as a rallying point for climate activism. Music, literature, and performances can inspire individuals and communities to take action. Joni Mitchell's song "Big Yellow Taxi," with its poignant lyrics about urbanisation and the destruction of nature, has resonated across generations as an anthem for environmental preservation. Public art installations often serve as focal points for climate activism. The Climate March in New York City in 2014 featured a massive art piece titled “The People’s Climate March Mural,” which allowed participants to contribute their own art, transforming the march into a collaborative artistic expression of environmental concern.

Artists frequently challenge societal norms and provoke critical thinking about environmental issues. The works of Banksy, for instance, often include environmental themes, critiquing industrialisation and consumerism through provocative street art. These pieces challenge viewers to reconsider their own behaviours and the broader societal impacts on the environment. Art exhibitions and performances can also spark public discourse. The exhibition “Climate Changed” at the Science Gallery in Dublin featured interactive installations exploring various aspects of climate science and policy. By engaging viewers in a multi-sensory experience, the exhibition facilitated conversations about the complexities of climate change.

Artists approach problems with creativity and innovation, often proposing unconventional solutions. Eco-artist John Sabraw creates pigments from toxic sludge collected from polluted rivers, turning environmental waste into beautiful artwork. This innovative approach not only cleans the rivers but also raises awareness about pollution and the potential for sustainable practices.
Speculative design projects, such as Kate Crawford and Vladan Joler’s “Anatomy of an AI System,” dissect the environmental impact of artificial intelligence. By mapping out the life cycle of an Amazon Echo, the project highlights the hidden ecological costs of technology, prompting viewers to consider more sustainable tech development.
​
Art projects often engage communities directly, fostering collaboration and collective action. HA Schult’s “Trash People” sculptures, made entirely from garbage, have been displayed in cities worldwide, drawing attention to waste and encouraging local communities to consider their consumption and recycling habits.
​Moreover, art can amplify the voices of those most affected by climate change. Indigenous artists like Christi Belcourt use their work to highlight the relationship between indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship. Belcourt’s paintings, rich with natural motifs and traditional techniques, emphasize the importance of preserving both cultural and natural heritage.

In conclusion, the historical impact of art on social movements underscores its necessity in the fight against climate change. Art’s ability to connect with people emotionally, raise awareness, inspire action, and envision sustainable futures makes it a powerful tool in addressing this global challenge. As we face the escalating impacts of climate change, the creative and expressive power of art will continue to be essential in mobilizing society towards meaningful and lasting environmental action. Through their work, artists can drive the cultural and behavioral shifts necessary to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Axel Benaben

Axel is a French volunteer involved in World Environment Day.

Since the mid-2010s, the EU society has started to hear of the term ‘refugee-crises’’ especially in the political narratives.
 
In Europe irregular migration goes back to the introduction of visa requirements for North Africans by Italy and Spain in the early 1990s initiating the phenomenon of ‘boat migration’. Successively, this climate of migration control has been reinforced in 2011 with the Arab Spring that caused a rise of emigration from Tunisia to Italy and from there elsewhere in the EU, provoking a political crisis inside the Schengen area. In the same year, conflict broke out in Libya and consequently, at that time, Italian Interior Minister Maroni warned of an invasion to keep under control[1]. The Mediterranean region has become a backdrop for dramatic social changes which have challenged the EU societies[2] by the arrivals and settlements of large groups of migrants. Hence, the politicization of migration in the Schengen area of the EU reached its peak during the ‘refugee crisis’ in the mid-2010s, with the rise of populist, anti-immigration and anti-EU parties[3]. This has reinforced narratives of humanitarian crisis, victimization and xenophobic scenarios of ‘invasion’ through the use of media representation[4].  Indeed, migration has always played a role in the history of European Union integration, but currently this situation has brought to a rise of xenophobia inside this superstate. Consequently, migration, when referring to the destination societies, is part of the political discourse and in this case the political salience of the EU. This trend only increased when the fear of mass migration came to a boiling point in 2015 and 2016[5].
The discrepancy between, on one hand, the undocumented migrants’ heterogenous migratory
trajectory and, on the other, the European border regime and European state powers is the origin of
the intractable ‘crisis’ of migration in the EU[6].  Indeed, the fear, of a big part of European and member state politicians for the arrival of migrants, has been increasingly projected on the European Unions’ southern borders. However, irregular migration is not limited to the EU continent: it is a global phenomenon. There is a common perspective on how governments manage this issue and how Western citizens perceive it.

Key facts and figures.[7]
 
It is estimated that one in every 74 people on Earth has been forced to flee. By the end of 2022, 108.4 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and events seriously disturbing public order. This number likely increased recently due to conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine, and Sudan, among others. These displaced individuals include refugees, asylum-seekers, other people in need of international protection and internally displaced people, making an increase of 19 million people compared to the end of 2021.[8] But, who are these people referred to as refugees?
 
The terminology refugee refers to someone who fled his or her home and country owing to “a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion”, according to the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention. Many refugees are in exile to escape the effects of natural or human-made disasters[9]. The refugee status is granted by a state or international organization, and recognized in international law, prior to the arrival in another country or after a certain period of seeking asylum in the new country. The main international convention that governs who will and who will not receive refugee protection is the United Nations 1951 “Convention related to the Status of Refugees’’ which was modified in 1967 by the Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, often called “New York’’ Protocol. The cornerstone of the 1951 Convention is the principle of non-refoulement[10] .

’According to this principle, a refugee should not be returned to a country where he or she faces serious  threats to his or her life or freedom. This protection may not be claimed by refugees who are reasonably regarded as a danger to the security of the country, or having been convicted of a particularly serious crime, are considered a danger to the community”[11].
 
However, the problem consists in the fact that the determination of the ‘’refugee status’’ or some other status is in part defined by how state parties interpret both the Geneva Convention and the 1967 protocol.  Indeed ‘’people on the move’’ usually are those who enter or (over)stay in a country irregularly
and that is why it is common to hear the terms “irregular”, “undocumented” or even “illegal” migrants. However, a clear distinction between the different terminologies need to be made.  It is common to distinguished between two types of forced migration: the migration of asylum seekers and refugees, as recognized by international conventions, and those people who are forced to leave their own countries for economic reasons.  Asylum seekers are individuals who are seeking asylum or refugee status in another country. They can claim asylum when entering a country or they may ask it after some time living in the destination country. However, they may or may not be granted asylum or refugee status by the state. If the decision is positive asylum seekers are recognized either refugee status or beneficiary status of subsidiary protection by the EU member state[12]. As already mentioned, refugee status is granted when the individual has the proper credentials as defined in the Geneva Convention. Recognized refugee status entitling the individual to a member state refugee passport. Conversely, subsidiary protection is not recognized under the five categories of the art. 1 of the Geneva Convention, but if the person goes back to his/her country, he/she faces death penalty, persecution, torture, punishment, serious individual threats. Beneficiary of subsidiary protection are allowed to retain their original passport (if available, otherwise requiring a visit to their embassy in the destination country). Individuals granted subsidiary protection may appeal if they believe they are entitled to refugee status. Both recognized refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection receive residence permits, renewable annually for the latter and every three years for the former. However, these statuses can be revoked or not renewed[13]. To summarize, the difference between the terms refugees and asylum seekers is that while asylum seekers may enter a country irregularly but later claim asylum in that same country; refugees are those people that seek asylum and afterwards receive protection as a refugees or have been directly resettle after having been recognized as refugees by the government or the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees) prior to their arrival in the country[14]. It is common that refugees are initially asylum seekers.
It is important to mention also that in the recent decades, IDPs (internally displaced persons) has gained recognition as a group of “internal refugees’’ in need of protection. The United Nations Guiding the Principles of Internal Displacement defined IDPs as:
 
“persons or groups of persons who have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes or places of habitual residence, in particular as a result of or in order to avoid the effect of armed conflict, situations of generalized violence, violations of human rights or natural or human-made disasters, and who have not crossed an internationally recognized state border”[15].
Whereas, stateless persons are those individuals who do not have a recognized nationality and do not belong to any country. Statelessness situations are usually caused by discrimination against certain groups. The consequences of a lack of identification, such as the citizenship certificate, can exclude them from access to important government services, including health care, education or employment[16].
Lately, it is also common to hear of climate refugees as a consequence of climate change. However, researchers argues that migration is driven by many factors and can rarely be reduced to the effects of just one form of change. Nevertheless, it is possible to make direct link between climate change, environmental stress and large-scale migration. To conclude, under the category of undocumented migration, there are also economic migrants usually associated with voluntary reasons for leaving their countries. However, ‘’voluntary’’ is an imprecise and relative term since there are various degrees of voluntarism. Indeed, economic migration could be another form of forced migration. People may be looking ways to escape from poverty or unemployment, malnutrition, etc... A significant question then is how Western countries (destination countries) can distinguished between those suffering from political persecution and those suffering from severe economic hardship[17]?

In order to honour the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution, each year on the 20 June, the world celebrates the World Refugee Day through a variety of events in many countries around the globe. This day was designed by the United Nations to shine a light on the rights, need and dreams of those forced to flee[19].  World Refugee Day was held globally for the first time on 20 June 2001 in order to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention. It was known as Africa Refugee Day, until the United Nations General Assembly officially designed it as an international day in December 2000[20]. This year, World Refugee Day focuses on solidarity with refugees, which means keeping our door open, celebrating their strengths and achievements, and reflecting on the challenges they face. Solidarity with refugees means also to find proper solutions to their difficulties such as ending conflicts so they can return home in safety, ensuring they can reach equal opportunities such as the communities they live with, and providing countries with the resources they need to include and support refugees[21].
 
Why are only refugees celebrated, while other categories of migrants are not? Celebrating and honouring only those who receive refugee status perpetuates a logic that excludes a significant portion of migrants who are not eligible for this status, thereby accentuating the division between political/economic and forced/voluntary migrants. This distinction fails to account for the intersecting dynamics of migration and leads to overly simplistic categorizations that are inadequate [22]. Moreover, this distinction, highlighted by this International Day, is comparable to forms of discrimination based on place of birth, stemming from the ‘visa border.’ The visa requirement system culminated in the common Schengen list of visa-required countries introduced in 2001. This list includes a 'white' part, representing countries whose citizens do not need a visa to visit or transit through Schengen countries[23], and a 'black' part, consisting of 132 countries [24] whose citizens must apply for a visa, which is often denied, before traveling to the EU. These institutions implement inconsistent policies: refugees are legally welcome, yet they can only reach the Schengen area of the EU through illegal channels [25]. The distinction made by visa policies between those who can travel safely and those who cannot, coupled with the differentiation between various categories of migrants, accentuates forms of discrimination.
Secondly,  it is hypocritical that the same institutions that implement securitization techniques, rather than creating a system that addresses the needs and vulnerabilities of ‘’people on the move’’, to celebrate this day. Currently, the political tendencies towards the arrival of undocumented people is to deny their access to the territories where they wish to claim asylum through cross-border movement control, securitization and attempts to prevent humanitarian organization from assisting of saving undocumented migrants[26]. One method used to deny access to undocumented migrants in  Western countries is the politics of externalization. Institutions such as the EU and governments have created bilateral agreements with unsafe neighbouring countries, such as Libya, to stop migrants from reaching the EU in change of money[27]. Another method is through push-back operations by land and sea. For example, asylum seekers aiming to reach the EU through Greece, such as via the perilous Evros region, face the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) which conducts pushbacks against those attempting irregular entry into Greece[28]. States try to avoid newcomers’ arrivals on their national territories, through violating treaties, such as the international human rights law of the United Nations Refugees Convention which protects the right of asylum seekers once they enter the Schengen area of the EU [29].
 
Besides these argumentations, it is important to celebrate the World Refugee Day, especially considering that there are countries such as Libya where refugee status is not recognized. In this North African country, most undocumented migrants lack legal status, making them vulnerable to exploitation and limiting their job opportunities to the informal service sector, such as domestic work, construction, and agriculture[30]. Another reason to celebrate this day is the current politic climate dominated by right-wing parties, as demonstrated by the results of last the EU Parliament elections. It is essential to support humanitarian entities that assist undocumented migrants and to distance ourselves from anti-migration rhetoric which portrays ‘’people on the move’’ as a threat to security and order[31]. This network organizations works to address the institutional neglect of governments[32] prioritizing resistance and solidarity for vulnerable and marginalized people. This network of resistance aims to find meeting points, mediation, and the possibility of coexisting among all members of society through action and reflection.[33] The World Refugee Day exposes and challenges the hostile environment created by the criminalization of migrants and proposes a narrative that distances itself from contemporary discourses which cast undocumented migrants into narrow categories of either victims or threats. The goal is to empowers undocumented migrants and gives them the possibility to represent themselves and their rights. It is important to remember that ‘’people on the move’’  should not be seen merely as passive and vulnerable victims; they are also agents of resistance and creator of social relations while crossing the borders[34]. They organize networks, speak out, use technology to raise awareness, and collaborate with activists[35].

Sandra Diaferia

Sandra is an Italian volunteer involved in World Refugee Day.

​Sometimes I feel like if I live in a dystopia book. And things become worse and worse every day. Crisis in the past (sanitary, economic, social) show to us each time that the first victims of this are already vulnerable and discriminate. Indeed, we talk about minority, women, and kids. History also shows us that the less educated the people of a country are, the less they can demand their rights and the more the government and lobbies can abuse people who are already in a precarious situation. Educate people can make the difference about this struggle. How? Let’s see together!
 
One, and mostly currently, it to avoid fake news. On social media but also on the TV, during news or whatever have only a single source of information is not enough. You have to compare your source and your knowledge with another resources. What's more, beyond the fake news, there are always several points of view behind a reality. It helps develop a critical mind. And it’s easier to fight propaganda and fake news.  Then, this critical mind allows creating solutions together about important topic for a peaceful and pacifist world. Because ignorance leads to obscurantism and fear. And some governments and companies take advantage of this fear. Which explains child labour in factories, for example. Indeed, if the parents themselves worked when they were younger and did not have access to education, they are unaware of their rights and the solutions that exist to escape this poverty.
 
It’s why we have to fight, even if it’s hard, so that every child in the world can have access to quality education. Education brings people together.

Olwen Delsart

Olwen is a French volunteer involved in World Day against Child Labour.

Maya Audras

Maya is a French volunteer involved in World Bicycle Day.

Each European citizen is central to the EU’s democratic process, having both the right and duty to
vote in the European elections. By making their voices heard, European citizens influence not only
their own countries through national elections but also the broader direction of the EU. Since 1979,
every five years, European Union citizens have elected their representatives as Members of the
European Parliament (MEPs) through direct universal suffrage. This year, 720 MEPs will be elected,
15 more than in the previous elections. These representatives advocate for the interests of the 450
million people living in the EU. MEPs, together with representatives of the governments of EU
countries, shape and decide on new laws that impact all aspects of life across the EU. They are
grouped by political affinity rather than nationality, forming political groups based on shared ideas.
Each group must have at least 23 MEPs from at least a quarter of EU countries. Currently, there are
seven such groups in the Parliament 2 . MEPs divide their time between their constituencies,
Strasbourg, where 12 plenary sittings are held each year, and Brussels, where they attend additional
plenary sittings, committee meetings, and political group meetings 3 .
It is possible to vote in your country of origin, from abroad, or in the EU country where you reside 4 .
However, for more information about where and how to vote, you should check the specific
requirements imposed by the member state where you have citizenship or a resident permit.
What happens after the MEPs are elected? The elected MEPs form political groups. During its first
plenary session, where all MEPs meet, the new Parliament elects a President. Subsequently, in a
later session, Parliament will elect the new President of the European Commission and later examine
and approve the entire College of Commissioners5.


____________________________________________________________

1 EU. European elections 2024. EU. Retrieved from https://european-union.europa.eu/index_en
2 #Use Your Vote. European elections 6-9 June 2024. #Use Your Vote. Retrieved from https://elections.europa.eu/en/
3 MEPs European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament. MEPs European Parliament. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/home
4 #Use Your Vote. European elections 6-9 June 2024. #Use Your Vote. Retrieved from https://elections.europa.eu/en/
5 “”

European Parliament configured as in the last parliamentary session of the ongoing legislature 6 .

“The functioning of the EU is founded on representative democracy. A European citizen automatically
enjoys political rights. Every adult EU citizen has the right to stand as a candidate and to vote in
elections to the European Parliament. EU citizens have the right to stand as a candidate and to vote
in their country of residence, or in their country of origin” (European Union) 7 .
“Use your vote or others will decide for you" is the motto of the campaign promoted by the EU. For
new generations, democracy seems obvious today, but this has not always been the case. For
example, our grandparents lived through times when they could not vote or even speak freely. We
need to thank the previous generations who fought for this right because, without their
commitment, we would not have this great opportunity to represent ourselves through voting 8 .
''As a woman, I will go to vote because my gender had to fight hard to earn the right to vote''
(volunteer at Praxis).

It must always be remembered that democracy is a privilege and a collective achievement passed
down from previous generations. But what precisely does the term "democracy" mean?
Democracy means, literally, rule by the people. The term is derived from the Greek dēmokratia,
which was coined from dēmos (“people”) and kratos (“rule”) in the middle of the 5th century BCE to
denote the political systems then existing in some Greek city-states, such as Athens 9 .
We must never take democracy for granted. We need to support, protect, and pass it on to future
generations. The most effective way to do so is by voting 10 . Voting stands for democracy, one of the
most important values of the EU. By voting for the EU Parliament, we not only contribute to shaping
the future of the EU as an institution but also affect the lives of each European citizen and everyone
living on EU soil. The outcome of the European elections has a significant impact on daily life, as the
European Parliament adopts laws that affect everyone locally and globally 11 . If you want to stand up
for your rights and beliefs and have a say in shaping your future, the way to do so is by voting this
weekend. For Greek citizens, the call to vote is on Sunday, June 9th.


____________________________________________________________

​6 #Use Your Vote. European elections 6-9 June 2024. #Use Your Vote. Retrieved from https://results.elections.europa.eu/
7 EU. Aims and Values. EU. Retrieved from https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/principles-and-values/aims-and-values_en
8 #Use Your Vote. Use your vote or others will decide for you. #Use Your Vote. Retrieved from https://elections.europa.eu/video/en
9 Dahl R. A. and Froomkin D. (2024). Democracy. Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/democracy
10 #Use Your Vote. Use your vote or others will decide for you. #Use Your Vote. Retrieved from https://elections.europa.eu/video/en
11 #Use Your Vote. Why voting matters. #Use Your Vote. Retrieved from https://elections.europa.eu/en/why-vote/

​Remember that your vote can also help others who still live under dictatorships, whose lives are in
extreme danger due to wars, conflicts, or climate catastrophes, or who belong to marginalized
groups. Voting is synonymous with standing up for humanity!

Sandra Diaferia