ASTI Calls for Greater Work on Integration and Social Cohesion

During the general assembly of the Association for the Support of Immigrant Workers in Luxembourg (ASTI) yesterday, a resolution was adopted on the need for investment in integration of immigrant worker populations in order to foster social cohesion and counter the rise of identity discourse.

Almost half of Luxembourg’s resident do not have Luxembourgish nationality, making for an unusual demographic. The association notes that the population is approaching 600,000 individuals, and that the challenges of demography must be among the nation’s top priorities in order to maintain a quality of life for all. 

“The challenge of the conditions of reception and integration of those who come to Luxembourg in search of a better life or security must be prioritised by our decision-makers because the social cohesion of our country depends on it”, said the association in a statement. 

“Is it necessary to recall the campaign and the results of the referendum of two years ago on the right of foreigners to vote in parliamentary elections, perceived by foreigners as a lack of confidence?” it goes on to ask. 

On that basis, the association called on the government to devise a national plan for integrating arrivals, inter-ministerial consultation, and the devotion of financial resources towards achieving integration. 

On the basis of observations made, ASTI called on Luxembourg society as a whole to consider immigration as an integral element of Luxembourg, and calls on the population to take this dimension into account at all levels, and in particular with regard to school and social reform, and the revision of the Constitution. 

The group goes on to call for vigilance against the banalisation of hatred, and congratulates the judicial authorities for their work in investigating, prosecuting and convicting perpetrators of incitement to hatred, violence or discrimination.

Among other conditions, the association also welcomed Luxembourg’s “impulse of solidarity” with applicants for international protection.

“It is high time that all those who commit themselves to a worthy reception and a successful integration of foreigners and refugees send a strong signal to the whole of Luxembourg society and to those who govern it. Let us share our commitment, openness and solidarity in the public arena!”, the statement concluded.