Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees Reception Conditions for Asylum Seekers in Europe materials for a better practice The Information and Cooperation Forum (ICF) Presents: Cross-border asylum network

Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees ICF: NGOs from Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia Targets:  improvement of reception conditions in the Member States of the European Union  cooperation, qualification, lobbying Issues:  accommodation  social benefits (including withdrawal and Dublin II cases)  medical care  access to labour and education / training  social work and social counselling  freedom of movement  participation of refugees

Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees The EU Council Directive 2003/9/EC of 27 January 2003 on Minimum Standards of Reception Conditons for Asylum Seekers  the implementation: harmonisation or downgrading?  why improvement of reception conditions?

Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees 1. Why Participation?*  participation as taking part  participation as empowerment  positive effects of participation –for asylum seekers –for society *Under the ICF lead agency of asylkoordination Austria

Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees 2.The Reception Directive on Participation „ Member States may involve applicants in managing the material resources and non- material aspects of life in the centre through an advisory board or council representing residents.“ Council Directive 2003/9/EG 27. Jan. 2003, Chap. 2 Art. 14 cf. 6

Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees 3. Options for Participation in Central Europe  general conditions  forms of minor occupations  lacking representatives

Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees 4. Participation in Austria  the basic care agreement from May 2004  occupation  codetermination and representatives

Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees 5. Good Practice – Examples for Participation  Haus Abraham, Vorarlberg  Bruno Kreisky Haus Expositur  Culture House, Danish Red Cross

Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees 6. Promotion of Participation  basics  approaches  goals

Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees 7. Participation in the Context of Asylum Policy  taking part instead of the loss of perspectives  democratic principle  gain of orientation and self-confidence  strengthening the competences  adjusting structures  encourage participation beyond living area  include reasoning in the wording of the directive

Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees THANK YOU! For further information please contact