CROIX ROUGE DE BELGIQUE

The asylum-seeker center “Bellevue” (Belgian Red Cross) is located in Eupen in the German speaking community of Belgium, near the border with Germany. Bellevue House accommodates up to 105 inhabitants of different cultures, nationalities and religions while asking for asylum. The center is managed by the Belgian Red Cross, all over the world well-known for its humanitarian commitment. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peace amongst all people. The 7 fundamental principles of the Red Cross are: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary service, Unity and Universality. Since 1st December 1989 the Belgian Red-Cross has been commissioned by the federal state to take an active part in asylum-seekers reception. The Red Cross tasks consist in the administration of the house as well as welcoming and accompaniment of refugees in their difficult life situation. The main aim is to offer a safe residence to the inhabitants during their asylum procedure and giving answers to theirs daily questions. About 20 employees take care of several daily services attending the inhabitants’ accompaniment, among others: social, medical and formation service, animation, unaccompanied minors support, individual accompaniment of adults and families. About 20 different nations are represented in our center. It is an objective of the Belgian Red Cross in general and of our center to reduce prejudices and fights against racism. The appreciation for tolerance and the understanding of differences are the necessary foundation for working in an arrival center for asylum-seekers, which is in accordance to European values.