On October 3rd, 2019, Kina Sabeva – Chairperson of the Bulgarian Council on Refugees and Migrants participated in a public discussion organized by the Balkan Institute of Labor and Social Policy on the initiative “Make October 3 the European Day of Memory and Welcome”. October 3rd is a symbolic date reminiscent of the day in which 368 people, including children, women and men, lost their lives off the coast of Lampedusa in 2013.
Issues related to the history and life experience of Bulgarians over the past 100 years were discussed with respect to people arriving in our country, driven by wars and disasters. The influence of the attitude of the contemporary Bulgarian society towards people coming from places of military conflict or simply seeking a better life for their children was discussed. Questions were raised on what should be done to support the local Bulgarian communities to receive and welcome people in need.
October 3 is a day to remember the past, to correct the present and to give a vision for our European future of solidarity and respect for all human lives
