The PEARL project was developed in response to clear evidence at national and European level that young migrants and refugees face major obstacles to political and civic participation. They are often excluded by legal constraints (no voting rights, no access to political parties), a lack of tailored education to develop civic and democratic competences, and widespread discrimination and negative media/political discourse that undermines their role in society.

PEARL starts from the conviction that young migrants and refugees are key actors for the future social cohesion of European societies. They can act as agents of change, both by supporting the integration of their families and by challenging stereotypes in their local communities. The project therefore set out to remove barriers and create favourable conditions for their meaningful participation in democratic life.

PEARL aims to promote the participation of young migrants and refugees in decision-making processes and democratic life in European societies. To achieve this, the project:

• Develops and applies new educational resources and approaches that strengthen the democratic participation of young migrants and refugees, filling the gap in non-formal education programmes in this field.
• Equips young migrants with digital democracy skills, enabling them to use new online tools for participation and to make their voices heard in debates and decision-making.
• Improves soft skills (communication, public speaking, cooperation, confidence) so that young migrants feel able to take part in structured and formal events and procedures.
• Builds the capacity of youth workers, public authority staff and CSO practitioners to promote and support the participation of young migrants in decision-making and democratic life.
• Engages and empowers young migrants and refugees by offering a youth-led participatory space, where they can shape and disseminate their positions on key policies and on their own future.