PAR is the platform of Portuguese civil society organizations to support refugees.
The Refugee Support Platform was born out of the leadership and initiative of civil society to provide a concerted response to the current global refugee crisis.
In view of the urgency of the intervention, more than 350 Portuguese organizations decided to cooperate to fulfill the needs of refugees inside doors, in Europe and in the countries most affected by this global humanitarian crisis.
Mission-To promote a culture to welcome and integrate refugee families into Portuguese society, based on a strong, well-organized and well-informed Civil Society. It also aims to support the reception and integration of refugees in countries under greater pressure through collaboration with partner institutions to operate on the ground.
The European Parliament has awarded the European Citizens' Prize 2017 to PAR as recognition as an organization promoting European integration and understanding among people.
The Platform created three main lines of action: PAR Families, PAR Front Line and PAR Awareness of Public Opinion. Through its volunteers, PAR demonstrates that Portuguese Civil Society is able to mobilize and respond to the greatest challenges of our time, such as the refugee crisis.
PAR the front line is a volunteering program to support refugees who arrive to Greece. It´s main goal is to support and enhance the reception of refugees, developed by non-governmental organizations present on the ground, through sustainable and qualified volunteers.
There´s so much to do, although a lot of progress was made: in the rescue operations at sea and on land routes and in assistance and integration of refugees. It is urgent to save lives and the priority is to protect, welcome and ensure the reunification of families.
While civil society movement, PAR, apreciates civic citizens who want to volunteer on the various activities that the platform offers.
The program PAR families has considered a new and comprehensive concept of “refugee”, which also include people in search of humanitarian protection, from countries in crisis/war even if they do not have a formal refugee status.
Written by Natália Santos e Patrícia Santos