Caritas demands protection status for all refugees

This Friday marks the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The war brings unspeakable suffering – tens of thousands of Ukrainians had to flee and lost their belongings.

Switzerland is also home to 75,000 Ukrainian war refugees. In contrast to other refugees from war and crisis areas, they have been granted protection status S here. This means that they do not have to apply for asylum, but immediately receive protection, social assistance and a work permit.

Caritas calls for reform of refugee protection

This approach has proven its worth for the Catholic aid organization Caritas. So much so that in the future not only Ukrainians will get this unbureaucratic kind of right of residence, but everyone who lives in the Switzerland protection what they are looking for – regardless of the war or violent situation they have fled from.

In addition, Caritas advocates the abolition of social assistance for asylum seekers. The aid organization believes that this is so deep that a dignified life in Switzerland is not possible. Instead, asylum seekers should also be able to benefit from regular social assistance.

Thirdly, Caritas wants people with protection status S to automatically receive a residence permit after two years. This makes good professional and social integration possible.

Help along the war front

On Wednesday, Caritas also gave an overview of its commitment to the war in Ukraine. In total, the aid organization has invested approximately 20 million Swiss francs from donations in more than 60 projects at home and abroad.

In Ukraine, Caritas focuses on protecting and helping those most in need – especially in southern and eastern Ukraine along the combat zone. Houses are repaired, psychological care is provided, but also simple survival aid.

«Quick and comprehensive help»

In Switzerland, Caritas and its regional organizations carried out more than 50 projects for Ukrainian refugees last year, for example by placing nearly 2,000 host families, distributing clothing and food stamps and in some cases even registering the refugees in asylum seekers’ centers. “We were able to help quickly, comprehensively and easily,” says director Peter Lack.

This year, the organization wants to invest another two million Swiss francs in 50 projects in Switzerland. This ranges from handing over clothes to coaching and language courses to help you find a job. In addition, Caritas wants to operate two more collective accommodations in the canton of Schwyz. Already in the coming weeks they want to open an accommodation in Brunnen SZ, a little later another one in Altendorf SZ. (shq)

Source:Blick