Open Lithuania Foundation is supporting several local NGOs working in the area of migrant rights and inclusion. The focus of funded projects varies from psycho-social support to displaced Ukrainians in Lithuania, lifesaving humanitarian support in border areas, to strategic litigation defending the rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
Organization implemented the “Wounded Warrior week ’23” project, an annual event for and with injured Lithuanian and Ukrainian soldiers to facilitate veterans’ reintegration into society through improving their physical and psycho-emotional state, developing new skills and relationships. 15 Ukrainian veterans joined a week-long rehabilitation program in Birštonas together with Lithuanian comrades.
The project supports strategic litigation on asylum and other migration-related cases aiming to shape asylum and migration processes in Lithuania according to international obligations and human rights standards undertaken by Lithuania. The project tracks systemic deficiencies in asylum and migration procedures and addresses them at the European Court of Human Rights or other regional/international judicial institutions.
Organisation implemented project “Borders safe for all” aims at enhancing the rights of “people on the move” in Lithuania via monitoring and ensuring the fair treatment of foreigners crossing Lithuanian borders and facilitating relevant strategic litigation cases. The Project also raises awareness towards the mainstream society and advocates for relevant policy changes.
VILNIUS CRISIS CENTER FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
Center provides regular mental health services for members of the displaced Ukrainian community and military personnel undergoing rehabilitation in Lithuania. The center fills the gap of support within the Lithuanian system due to communication/language problems, as well as stigma and insufficient outreach into the Ukrainian community. The Center provides psychological counseling and makes a connection with regular mental health care services, when needed.
“Empire” performances illustrated migrants’ experiences when crossing the Belarus-Polish border. Performances focused on a moral support that the nature provided for these people, in contrast with actions of the authorities enforcing criminalization of those trying to help them. Two performances in Visaginas and Vilnius were followed by discussions with the crew and volunteers still currently providing humanitarian relief on the border.
