Previously on Human Rights Café in Braga. Discussing Populism and Migration Debates in European Democracies.

2024 Edition of the Human Rights Café, Complexo Pedagògico 2, Gualtar Campus, Braga

At a time when democratic societies are facing increasingly complex challenges, having spaces where people can talk openly and exchange ideas feels more important than ever.

The latest edition of the Human Rights Café in Braga brought together students and participants from different backgrounds to reflect on two big topics that are shaping today’s political debate, populism and migration, but what emerged was a broader conversation about how these topics are framed, understood, and debated in everyday political life.

One of the starting points was populism, and in particular its growing presence across Europe. Participants were invited to reflect on whether today’s populist movements resemble the extremist ideologies of the twentieth century. While some similarities were acknowledged, many students pointed out that the current context is different.

Contemporary populist actors tend to operate within democratic systems and rely on new strategies, often shaped by media and communication dynamics, to gain support.

A recurring theme in the discussion was how populist narratives tend to gain traction during moments of economic or social uncertainty. In these situations, complex issues are often reduced to simple explanations, which can be easier to communicate and more appealing to wider audiences. Within this dynamic, blaming specific groups or presenting certain communities as responsible for broader societal problems was identified as a common pattern.

At the same time, participants highlighted that modern populist movements do not necessarily position themselves outside democratic systems. On the contrary, they often work through existing institutions. This can make their impact less immediately visible, as changes may occur gradually, for example through legal reforms or shifts in institutional practices, rather than through abrupt or openly authoritarian actions.

Examples such as Poland and Hungary were brought into the conversation, particularly in relation to concerns about the weakening of institutional independence. These cases prompted a broader reflection: democratic systems do not only depend on formal structures, but also on how actively they are protected.

For this reason, education and political awareness were seen as key. Understanding historical developments and being able to recognize early warning signs can make a difference in how societies respond.

From there, the discussion moved to migration, which, as many participants noted, often sits at the center of political debate in Europe. One of the first points raised was that migration itself is not a new or exceptional phenomenon.

People have always moved for different reasons, economic opportunities, conflict, personal choices, but the way migration is talked about today often presents it as a constant emergency.

Participants emphasized how important it is to distinguish between different categories, such as labour migrants, refugees, or asylum seekers. These distinctions matter, especially in legal and political contexts, yet public narratives tend to simplify them or overlook them entirely. This simplification can contribute to confusion and, in some cases, to the spread of misconceptions.

A significant part of the discussion focused on perception. Prejudice toward migrants was often linked to limited interaction and misunderstanding between communities. When groups remain socially distant, stereotypes can become more entrenched. In this sense, participants stressed the importance of dialogue, everyday contact, and cultural awareness in addressing these divisions.

Portugal’s own migration history offered an interesting perspective. Several students pointed out that many immigrant communities who arrived decades ago are now fully integrated into society. Looking at this history raised questions about why migration is sometimes framed as a threat today, despite being a long-standing part of social change.

Differences in how various groups of migrants are perceived also emerged as a key issue. Highly skilled migrants, often described as “digital nomads,” are generally welcomed, while others, particularly economic migrants or refugeesm may face greater suspicion.

This contrast highlights how economic and social factors influence public attitudes, and how not all forms of mobility are treated in the same way.

Across these discussions, education came up repeatedly as an important factor. Participants suggested that a better understanding of history, migration processes, and cultural diversity could help counter misinformation and reduce fear. At the same time, they acknowledged that democratic societies are constantly navigating a balance between openness, social cohesion, and the protection of fundamental rights.

In the end, the Human Rights Café was less about finding clear-cut answers and more about creating space for reflection. What stood out was how interconnected these topics are.

Populism and migration do not exist in isolation: they shape and reinforce each other in complex ways.

For many students, the takeaway was the importance of questioning simplified narratives and engaging more critically with information. This means going beyond headlines, discussing different perspectives, and forming more informed views. Spaces like the Human Rights Café play a role in this process by encouraging dialogue and helping to make sense of issues that often appear overwhelming.

At the same time, these conversations do not end with the event itself. They continue in how participants engage with the world around them: in what they read, what they question, and how they discuss these issues with others.

Written by Shahnawaz Bhutto - MA in Human Rights and Multilevel Governance

Edited by Sofia Tamagni - MA in Human Rights and Multilevel Governance