1. 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

2. 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

3. 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?

4. Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees 1. Social Rights and Benefits*  basic needs of asylum seekers  the EU Council Directive 2003/9/EC on social benefits *Under the ICF lead agency of OPU Czech Republic

5. Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees 2. Social Benefits – on Minimum Standard  housing  food, clothes and cash benefits,  other provisions: health, information,  benefits for persons with special needs

6. Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees 3.Specific Topics and Identified Problems  A: problems of centralised housing and provisions  B: food, clothes & cash benefits  C: other provisions and services  D: provisions for vulnerable persons

7. Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees 4. Good Practice Example  Integrationshaus.at

8. Cross-border cooperation is our way to take responsibility for refugees 5. Recommendations  access to labour is better then benefits  housing should support social integration  own choice of food and cooking gives dignity and avoids disrespect of habits  own choice of clothing respects the individual  cash benefits must cover the basic needs  needs of vulnerable persons must be acknowledged

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