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Organizace pro pomoc uprchlíkům

OPU

The Organization for Aid to Refugees (OPU) is the oldest and largest non-governmental, non-profit humanitarian organization helping refugees and migrants in Czechia.

Lobbying Activity

Response to EU Civil Society Strategy

5 Sept 2025

We welcome the EUs initiative to strengthen civil society and protect civic space, which is essential in the evolving political context of the EU. In light of the upcoming implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, we urge the Commission to address the role of civil society organisations in providing free legal aid to refugees and asylum seekers. The Pact introduces significant procedural reforms, including shortened timelines and broader judicial review obligations. These changes will increase the complexity and urgency of asylum proceedings, making early access to quality legal assistance essential. There is a real risk that, under the Pacts implementation, NGOs may be excluded from providing legal assistance at the early stages of the asylum procedure. Such limitations could lead to increased pressure on judicial systems and a higher likelihood of procedural errors. To safeguard the right to asylum and ensure fair and efficient procedures, it is essential that all refugees and asylum seekers are able to access quality legal assistance from the start of the asylum process, including at the borders, in transit zones and in detentions. This is not only crucial for the fairness of administrative procedures, but also for enabling accurate decision-making and effective judicial review. We are concerned by attempts to curtail funding for NGOs working with migrants, particularly in the context of unexpected reductions in UN funding; it is therefore essential to ensure that NGOs have secured resources from the EU budget to continue providing legal assistance to refugees and asylum seekers. We are also alarmed by central/eastern EU efforts to discredit NGOs, particularly those working with migrants, within national political disputes, as some politicians are fueling hostility against civil society. This not only threatens funding but also increases verbal and other attacks against NGOs that go unpunished. We call on the EU to provide stronger protection for NGOs working with migrants, and to be a more vocal advocate for their professional and essential work, ensuring that staff and clients feel safe and supported.
Read full response

Meeting with Ylva Johansson (Commissioner) and

20 Feb 2020 · Duscussions on the New Pact on Migration

Meeting with Ylva Johansson (Commissioner) and

20 Feb 2020 · Consultations on the New Pact on Migrations

Meeting with Ylva Johansson (Commissioner) and

20 Feb 2020 · Consultation on the New Pact on Migrations