Migration

During the communist era, Czechs had limited contact with different cultures. As a result, the recent arrival of refugees and economic migrants has caught Czech society off-guard and unprepared. For this reason, Open Society Fund Prague has long focused on the subject of migration, supporting organizations that promote the observation of immigrant rights and are engaged in informing the Czech public about the reasons for migration and immigrants' contributions to Czech society.

In 2002, OSF initiated and supported a large-scale project by three non-profit organizations. People in Need helped to increase journalists' interest in migration and worked with journalists to help counter many of the stereotypes of and prejudices towards the largest groups of immigrants living in the Czech Republic. The Counselling Centre for Citizenship, Civil and Human Rights studied Czech laws related to foreigners and proposed numerous improvements to Czech legislation regarding immigrants. Another successful project outcome was the launch of the Migrace-online.cz website, which is administered by the Multicultural Center Prague. The website has became a forum for critical debate on migration, and continues to keep track of research, legislative developments, immigration and asylum policy, and the activities of governmental and non-governmental organizations in the Czech Republic and in central Europe.

One current issue is the status of immigrants on the Czech labor market. Immigrants' low level of protection and a lack of interest on the part of the government – coupled with the excessive influence of employment agencies – have led to many cases that border on the exploitation of foreign workers. For these reasons, OSF provided funding for the creation of analyses that describe the influence and role of employment agencies, labor offices, and Czech embassies and consulates abroad. This support led to professional public debate and pressure on politicians to address this issue.

OSF currently supports the activities of the Consortium of Migrant-Assisting Organisations in the Czech Republic. This umbrella organization brings together eight non-governmental organizations involved in strengthening the protection of foreigners in the Czech Republic and working to achieve systemic and legislative changes that will guarantee the observation of immigrant rights. OSF supports member organizations in preparing joint projects and a uniform media strategy, and helps them defend migrant workers against government institutions. This support helps to increase member organizations' ability to respond quickly to current events and emergency situations, strengthens their access to key political debate, and increases their ability to influence the opinions of the media and the general public. The functional and sustainable existence of this organization is a key factor in improving the situation of migrants in the Czech Republic.

 

Contact person:

Zdenka Almerová

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