People fleeing war, conflict, or persecution – residing in or transiting through Bulgaria – need accessible and reliable information so they have limitless access to their rights. From September 2022, the Foundation to Access to Rights – FAR is implementing an agreement with the International Rescue Committee, within which FAR contributes to Bulgaria becoming a part of the international network for easily accessible information for refugees. Migrants need reliable, accurate and verified information regarding their rights and opportunities for receiving legal aid, social welfare, healthcare and psychological support, education, and safe, immediate, and long-term opportunities for accommodation.
FAR has solid expert knowledge and experience in providing legal information and a one-on-one legal aid to those seeking refuge. Our platform Migrantlife.bg is proven mechanism of the online information provision on key legal matters, as well as provision of valuable advice on everyday challenges which displaced people face, such as: social welfare, employment, education, healthcare, cultural integration, etc.
The project “Bulgaria as part of an Accessible Information Network”, implemented with the support of the International Rescue Committee, further develops FAR’s experience on several levels:
- FAR’s legal team is expanding its geographical scope to provide in-person information to people in need in residential areas where there is a higher number of people lacking reliable information and services.
- By expanding the functions of Migrantlife.bg and through new communication channels which allow a two-way online stream of communication, our team will be able to reach a broader circle of people in need.
- A telephone hotline service will have the same purpose.
- Within the framework of the project, FAR will continue its advocacy work for guaranteeing refugees’ best interest.