Lithuanian NGOs and the Catholic Church have considerable experience in helping refugees. The Vilnius archbishopric Caritas has been carrying out an integration program for foreigners for 15 years now, since 2002, and 400 refugees have been integrated in Vilnius county alone.
"We have beautiful examples of how Lithuanians helped to save people of different nationalities fleeing from war, terror and persecution. Lithuania understands very well those who are forced to leave their country, their loved ones and home. We can help them to build a secure and free life here – which is what they need the most," the President said.
The President underlined that Lithuania was ready to accept refugees. An inter-ministerial working group – coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior – will be set up to ensure a smooth integration of such people in our country. It is also necessary to actively involve NGOs and Christian organizations that have long experience of working with refugees in the integration process, the President said. The Vilnius Caritas intends to establish a community center to advice on integration, training and professional qualifications, cultural education, and pastoral care.
The Iraqi families who live in Vilnius are already studying the Lithuanian language and history; their children go to a Lithuanian school. Parish communities, volunteers and business people help refugees to adjust to new living conditions and get to know Lithuanian culture. These families have submitted asylum applications in Lithuania and are now actively interested in prospects for retraining and entering the labor market. Among the people who have arrived are teachers, civil servants, construction workers, electricians, and IT students.
The Iraqis say that they felt safe and free as soon as they arrived in Lithuania. They were persecuted for their Christian faith in their home country. 496 persons applied for asylum in Lithuania in 2014 and 112 – during the first half of this year.
