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The 2016 European Social Innovation Competition focuses on social innovation for refugees and migrants, as the world is facing an unprecedented displacement crisis. More than 65 million people are now forcibly displaced as a result of violent conflicts and natural disasters.

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"The 2016 European Social Innovation Competition focuses on social innovation for refugees and migrants, as the world is facing an unprecedented displacement crisis. More than 65 million people are now forcibly displaced as a result of violent conflicts and natural disasters.

Pew Research states that the number of refugees to Europe surged to a record of 1.3 million in 2015, this “nearly double the previous high water mark of roughly 700,000 that was set in 1992 after the fall of the Iron Curtain and the collapse of the Soviet Union.” While the numbers have shown a decreasing trend in 2016, the UN Refugee Agency states that around 156 000 people reached Europe by June.

Significant numbers arrive in the EU after perilous land or sea journeys and require basic humanitarian assistance, such as provision of clean water, health care, emergency shelter and legal aid. However, many of these refugees and migrants are potential entrepreneurs and innovators. With the right support, their skills could be used and they would become less marginalised.

The dramatic increase in the number of refugees and migrants traveling to Europe is the topic of this year’s European Social Innovation Competition, run by the European Commission (EC), with the support of a consortium of partners including Nesta, Shipyard, Impact Hub, Kennisland and Matter and Co.

“This unprecedented inflow of people, many of whom are vulnerable individuals seeking international protection, presents a challenge across Europe,” states the Commission. “Not only in terms of their immediate reception, but also with regard to their long-term integration into society.”"