FRSH - Refugee Council Schleswig-Holstein

The FRSH was founded as an incorporated association in 1991. It is an independent umbrella organisation for groups, initiatives, organizations and individuals involved in refugee aid in Schleswig-Holstein. The FRSH gives advice and support to its members, immigrant and refugee initiatives and exile organizations. It is a member of the nationwide PRO ASYL e.V. and part of the network of refugee councils in Germany. For counselling, some projects, and other events, the FRSH cooperates with churches, associations, human rights organizations, political parties, the authorities and political activist groups.

The Refugee Council demands

• The full application of the Geneva Refugee Convention, the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention Against Torture (CAT).
• The abolition of all laws and regulations that discriminate against foreigners or that place them at a disadvantage.
• Abolition of the so-called third state rule (Drittstaatenregelung: a rule limiting asylum to applicants entering the EU from unsafe third states), the official lists containing countries of safe origin and the so-called airport regulation in the German law of asylum.
• The stopping of the deportation of undesired aliens and the abolition of the detention of aliens prior to deportation.
• Full recognition of the reasons for seeking asylum as protection against prosecution on the basis of gender or non-governmental prosecution.
• Full application of the Bundessozialhilfegesetz, concerning public welfare benefits and public health regulations; freedom of movement and unrestricted access to schooling and education, the unrestricted opportunities to seek work.
• The abolition of degrading and inhumane accommodations.
• Practical administrative work that is intercultural and aimed at the integration of refugees and asylum seekers.
• The right to stay in Germany for refugees that have been tolerated to stay on a long-term basis.

Main Topics and Projects

• Network Baltic-Refugee. Net is a Forum that links all countries involved in refugee-aid and bordering on the Baltic Sea.
• EQUAL partnership for education, organizes educational programs for refugees; the aim is to integrate refugees and asylum seekers into the economy who have been denied education and employment.
• Project for unaccompanied minor refugees . Adolescents over 16 years of age are the focal group for this project that is looking for guardians for these minor refugees; it also provides advice and information concerning adolescent refugees.
• Project Brise. This project organizes opportunities for education and training provided by volunteers, who help and give advice to refugees.