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Description
Asylum seekers, refugees and migrants are often vulnerable and discriminated in Bulgaria, despite the fact that Bulgaria has ratified major international and European legal instruments for their protection. The project aims at building further on the experience and results achieved during the first stage of the project titled Efficient Legal Aid for Refugees and Migrants in Bulgaria, financed by the Active Citizens Fund under the Financial Mechanism of the EEA 2014-2021. The project aims at providing legal aid (consultations, representation in administrative and court proceedings) to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. The project includes advocacy before civil servants and judges for the pursue of an individual and non-discriminatory approach in the assessment of the situation of refugees and migrants, ensuring access to judiciary, respect of the principle for the best interests of the child, etc. Center for Legal Aid Voice in Bulgaria and Foundation for access to rights are of the few NGOs in Bulgaria providing legal aid to refugees and migrants. The second partner, Mission Wings, has experience in providing psychological consultations to refugees and migrants and other vulnerable people, which is extremely important in view of the holistic method of legal aid and the need for specific means of evidence in court proceedings.
Summary of project results
The project aims to achieve both individual human rights outcomes and broader systemic change in institutional and judicial practices and legislation by providing legal aid to asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants, as well as through advocacy efforts targeting professionals working with them and judges.
A holistic and comprehensive approach to legal protection is adopted, ensuring collaborative partnerships in both legal expertise and psychosocial support:
- The lead beneficiary and the first project partner bring established experience in legal work and expertise, ensuring effective case representation and legal advocacy.
- The second project partner provides specialized expertise in psychological assessment, particularly for vulnerable cases, ensuring a multidimensional approach to protection and support.
By combining legal aid, institutional engagement, and psychological expertise, the project seeks to strengthen access to justice, improve judicial and administrative practices, and contribute to a more rights-based approach in migration and asylum policies.
Key Project Activities and Achievements
1. Holistic Legal Aid Supported by Psychological Expertise
- Legal consultations provided in the offices of the three partner organizations in Sofia and across the country.
- Psychological and social support from Mission Wings experts, ensuring a comprehensive approach to vulnerable cases.
- Accompaniment during interviews at State Agency for Refugees (SAR) centers.
- Consultations in immigration detention centers and assistance with migration procedures.
- Administrative and procedural representation before national and European courts and institutions, advocating for the rights of asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants.
2. Advocacy Through Traditional and Innovative Approaches
With a strong legacy of legal expertise, the project produced 19 policy recommendations covering critical topics, including:
- Substantive and procedural aspects of the international protection process.
- First-time activation of temporary protection and its specific challenges.
- Access to territory and regularization of migrants'' legal status.
- Children’s rights and protection of unaccompanied minors.
- Immigration detention and expulsion procedures.
- The intersection of climate change and refugee protection.
3. Communication and Awareness-Raising Activities
To promote project results and engage wider audiences, the project implemented diverse communication activities, including:
- Storytelling initiatives featuring first-hand accounts from individuals in key countries of origin.
- Interviews with people from refugee and migrant communities, shedding light on their experiences.
- A creative Virtual Reality (VR) event, designed to raise awareness on safe access to protection, offering an immersive experience to engage stakeholders and the public.
By integrating legal aid, advocacy, and innovative communication, the project strengthened access to justice, promoted policy change, and fostered dialogue on refugee and migrant rights in Bulgaria.
The project provided comprehensive legal aid to asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants, ensuring access to justice, protection, and fair procedures. The legal assistance included:
- Legal consultations at the offices of the three partner organizations in Sofia and across the country.
- Accompaniment during interviews at State Agency for Refugees (SAR) centers to ensure fair treatment and procedural safeguards.
- Consultations in immigration detention centers, offering legal guidance and procedural support for detainees.
- Assistance in migration procedures, including regularization, asylum applications, and appeals.
- Administrative and procedural representation before national and European courts and institutions, advocating for the rights of individuals facing deportation, detention, or denial of protection.
- Psychological and social support, provided in partnership with Mission Wings experts, ensuring a holistic approach for vulnerable cases.
Through these efforts, the project enhanced access to legal protection, improved asylum and migration procedures, and empowered beneficiaries to navigate their legal rights effectively.