Summer has already entered its second half, so we would like to briefly tell you about the work “I Want to Help Refugees” has already done this year and what is planned in the near future to help beneficiaries of international protection and facilitate their systemic integration in Latvia. Many thanks to everyone who supports us and is involved in the movement – together we have achieved a lot!
Over the past seven months, we have continued to maintain and update a number of platforms that provide basic information about starting life and opportunities in Latvia for both Ukrainian refugees and those residents of Latvia who wish to help them, such as www.palidziukrainai.lv, www.palidzibaskarte.lv, www.podiyi.lv, and we are also actively communicating in the Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/www.gribupalidzetbegliem.lv. We are proud that www.palidzibaskarte.lv is now available in six languages to help reach as many people as possible.
We are also continuing the work of the NGO Information Point at the Support Centre for Ukrainian Civilians in Riga, 4 Amatu Street (if you would like to volunteer at the Information Point, please contact Danilo at 24 789 670 or danilo@gribupalidzetbegliem.lv).
Since February last year, we have been maintaining communication with more than 25 NGOs, representing their views in various meetings, working groups and other gatherings to ensure continuity of assistance to the Ukrainian civilian population in Latvia. Currently, the issue of integration of Ukrainian children into Latvian educational institutions is particularly topical, and we have repeatedly addressed the Minister of Education Anda Čakša and other officials on this issue.
We also continue to support Ukrainian refugees with informal Latvian language clubs both online and in person. In June, 27 Ukrainian civilians completed our Latvian language courses at A1 level and 25 at A2 level, while 7 participants will soon complete the B1 course. If you would like to help Ukrainian refugees learn Latvian in informal clubs, apply to become a volunteer Latvian language teacher by filling in the form here.
Together with the Riga Active Seniors Alliance, we continue to organise activities for Ukrainian seniors in Latvia. The events offer seniors the chance to spend time with fellow residents, for example playing board games and taking part in excursions. If you would like to join the activities, please let Ira know by phone 28813184 or email irina@gribupalidzetbegliem.lv.
People continue to arrive at Latvia’s border with Belarus, trying to cross the border to seek asylum. In light of the recent amendments to the State Border Guard Law and the State Border Law of the Republic of Latvia, we have continued to work to inform the public about international treaties that prevent asylum seekers from being turned away from the border, as well as to provide direct support to asylum seekers who have been victims of discrimination and human rights violations. In June, ” Protecting the Humanity Frontier” by Anna Griķe, border monitoring expert at “I Want to Help Refugees”, was published on the situation on the Latvian-Belarusian border. Here you can also find a summary of frequently asked questions and answers about the situation on the Latvian-Belarusian border.
In June this year, we also launched weekly activities for children, young people and adults at the Accommodation Centres for Foreigners in Daugavpils and Mucenieki, where people awaiting identity checks and assessment of national security conditions are held. Together with the detainees, we draw, play sports, board games, laugh, talk. During the activities, we listen to people’s needs and try to help as much as we can. We have restocked the libraries and nurseries of both centres, purchased household goods that are not provided to detainees, such as underwear, slippers or nappies for children over 2 years old, and helped with clothing. We reiterate that minors should not be detained in closed institutions, and the length of detention should be proportionate for all persons.
This summer we have launched the “I Want to Help Refugees” community garden in Lucavsala, which is open to all people in Latvia. The garden is a place for integration, for meeting new friends and for sharing ideas. The first picnic in the garden of Lucavsala in July was attended by 37 participants from 3 countries. Garden events are free of charge, if you want to join, fill in the form here.
After filling in the form, we will add you to our WhatsApp group where we will keep you updated about what’s new in the Lucavsala garden.
We have also participated and organised events in Riga, Cesis and Daugavpils. This year, for the first time, a conference on migration, cultural diversity and topical human rights issues cultural and artistic festival “Diversity” . Free events in Riga and Daugavpils offered the opportunity to watch award-winning films, take part in discussions, lectures, poetry readings and creative workshops. We also opened an experimental visual art exhibition “Seeking Asylum”, featuring works created by asylum seekers in workshops with artist Vika Eksta.
In early June, I Want to Help Refugees took part in the LAMPA Festival of Conversations, where we organised discussions on the reception and long-term integration of the Ukrainian population, as well as on the situation on the Latvian-Belarusian border. Recordings of the discussions are available here. During the festival, we invited newcomers to Latvia to share their traditional dishes at the “Tastes across borders – dishes and stories” event. We gathered recipes so that everyone could try their hand at folding samosas, rolling dolmas and exploring the world through their stomachs.
We also continue to strengthen the involvement of volunteers in the Society’s activities. In May, we had a meeting with the volunteers of “I Want to Help Refugees” at the Ukrainian Refugee Support Centre “Heart of Riga”, where we ate borscht and discussed the work we have done and our plans for the future. We have summarised the ways in which you can get involved in the work of the association through volunteering.
Thanks to donors, this year we have been able to provide immediate assistance to several hundred asylum seekers and refugees in Latvia, for example with the processing of documents, medical expenses, food and hygiene products. If you are considering making a donation, here is information on how you can make a donation to “I want to help refugees”.
Thank you very much for being with us!
This article has been prepared with the support of the Society Integration Fund from the Latvian state budget allocated by the Ministry of Culture. The content of this article is the responsibility of “I Want to Help Refugees”.
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