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This policy brief highlights how cities are in a unique position to foster a safe and supportive environment for young refugees and migrants by enacting tailored policies that emphasise social inclusion over immigration status. As integration is a two-way process that involves both newcomers and host communities, using dialogical approaches is crucial for fostering positive attitudes towards migrants and making them feel like valued members of the community. The mutual learning and exploration of differences that emerge through dialogue methods are critical in providing the necessary emotional infrastructure that fosters social cohesion at community level. This process helps both the host community and migrants develop a sense of belonging. Building strong partnerships between religious and secular actors in urban areas is crucial for leveraging the transformative power of interreligious dialogue. This approach aims to welcome and embrace the ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity of young refugees and migrants. Drawing on experiences from across European cities, this policy brief introduces the concept of a ‘Europe of Sanctuary Cities’, where policies and emotional attitudes work together to transform local communities into hubs of social cohesion, shared prosperity and common values.

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