From Object to Actor? Building Partnerships with Migrant Organisations: The Case of Germany

Abstract

The existing problem of integration of migrants coming to Germany is far from being resolved due to a long-lasting lack of a specific integration policy. However, at present, a growing number of German political institutions encourage cooperation with migrant self-organizations (MSOs) believing that this is a successful policy tool to involve migrants to the integration process in Germany. The paper scrutinizes the interaction between political bodies and MSOs at a conceptual and an operative level. It will highlight to what extent MSOs have been consulted and included on matters of policy formulation. Furthermore, their role as project executing organization will be addressed. It will demonstrate the importance assigned to them and what achievements were made to include representatives of migrants into the integration process. In an attempt to tackle problems of cooperation between organization and the state, policy recommendations will be provided.

Keywords

• Migrant-Self Organizations
• Germany
• Migrants
• Cooperation