Caritas: Refugees from Ukraine arriving in Austria need immediate security and support
Landau: “The EU directive must now be implemented immediately in Austrian law.”
Vienna (OTS) – In a first statement, Caritas welcomes the European Council’s decision to activate the directive for temporary protection (TPD) for people who have to flee Ukraine. Michael Landau, President of Caritas Austria: “The most important thing now is to quickly offer security and support to people who have to flee the dangers of the war in Ukraine. Activating the guideline is an important and, above all, very flexible instrument that serves this purpose.”
Specifically, it was decided that those affected would initially receive protection for one year, which could be extended if necessary. This status includes legal residence in Austria, accommodation, medical care, access to employment and training, and securing your livelihood. Family reunification from different member states is also made easier. In principle, this applies to collective citizens as well as persons of other nationalities and stateless persons who have protection status in Ukraine and who fled after the start of hostilities on February 24.
Sub: The bombs in Ukraine do not differ by citizenship
landau: “The bombs in Ukraine do not differ by citizenship. We shouldn’t do that in granting protection to people who have had to flee Ukraine either. My request and my appeal: Those seeking protection from Ukraine should be treated equally. That is why it is now a matter of quickly transposing the EU directive into Austrian law, making use of the opportunity to use the regulations broadly and in line with the reality of the war, while at the same time keeping an eye on Austria’s security.”
Caritas specifically suggests including all people who have stayed in Ukraine and cannot safely return to their original home country. This affects, among other things, asylum seekers who have applied for protection in Ukraine and are now having to flee again. It is also important to record people who left Ukraine before the first hostilities began.
Last but not least, Landau points out that most of the refugees are women and children: “It is now important to respond to the needs of the women and children fleeing the war and to protect their special need for protection. It is also a priority that families are now not separated under any circumstances. In any case, as Caritas, we will continue to do everything in our power to alleviate the suffering of the people in Ukraine and those fleeing.”
Questions & contact:
CaritasAustria
Catherine Haeckel-Schinkinger
Head of Communications and Fundraising
+43 676 33 64 098
katha.haeckel-schinkinger@caritas-austria.at