On the occasion of World Refugee Day (20 June), the Council of Europe in co-operation with the UNHCR and the City of Strasbourg has launched a video "Everyone can make a difference - Every action counts" featuring the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR).
The video presents the stories of three refugees who live in Strasbourg and are helping their local community during the current COVID-19 crisis.
In the video, the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR) is presented as a tool that enables refugees to contribute to their host societies.
"The European Qualifications Passport for Refugees has really helped me to get into the Strasbourg Faculty of Dental Surgery" highlighted Majed, a EQPR holder, who graduated from the Faculty of Dental Surgery in Syria and was working as a dentist before fleeing his country. "As soon as I have passed the conversion exam, I will immediately look for a job as a dentist" he added.
Refugees have seen their lives changed for the better as a result of their holding of a EQPR. At the same time, host societies were able to benefit from refugees' professional experiences and qualifications.
"With the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees, the Council of Europe is creating opportunities and opening doors" emphasised Sjur Bergan, Head of the Council of Europe Education Department, in the video.
The EQPR enables refugees to have their qualifications assessed even in the absence of a full documentation. The EQPR, as a document, can be used by refugees when they wish to enter further studies or when they seek employment.
Watch the video here:
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