Representation of interests
The Liechtenstein Refugee Aid Association was founded in 1998 by Caritas Liechtenstein, the Association for an Open Church, the Justitia et Pax Foundation and individuals from various aid organizations. This was triggered by the admission of large numbers of asylum seekers in the 1990s and the need for professional coordination of accommodation and care.
Flüchtlingshilfe is a non-profit organization that is responsible for the care of asylum seekers, temporarily admitted persons and persons in need of protection in Liechtenstein on behalf of the state. The support includes accommodation, care, advice and assistance as well as support with integration, job search and preparation for return. According to its statutes, the association is also committed to the protection of refugees, the preservation of human dignity and compliance with the Geneva Refugee Convention. It represents the interests of asylum seekers vis-à-vis the authorities and the public and promotes the solidarity of the population with people on the run. Finally, it can cooperate with other recognized organizations and carry out refugee projects in Switzerland and abroad.
Refugee Aid is thus faced with the challenge of fulfilling a state mandate as a government contractor on the one hand and, as a private association, independently representing the interests of asylum seekers and refugees and guaranteeing their legal protection on the other. The compatibility of these tasks is viewed critically by the VMR. A revision of the refugee aid service agreement with the government, which has been planned for several years and also covers this issue, could once again not be concluded in the reporting year.
Quickly conclude a new service agreement between the government and Refugee Aid, which also clarifies the issue of independent representation of the association's interests.
