The Croatian Red Cross, the National Red Cross Society of the Republic of Croatia, in accordance with its humanitarian mandate and fundamental principles, carries out aid and protection programs for international protection seekers and persons under international and temporary protection and migrants in need. The basis for the work of the Red Cross with international protection seekers, refugees and migrants in need is laid down by the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the Migration Policy of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. As a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Croatian Red Cross emphasises the importance of providing access and humanitarian aid to all vulnerable groups of migrants, regardless of their status, respecting their dignity and right to diversity, and fostering their social inclusion and integration into society. The Croatian Red Cross started working in the field of migration and asylum in 2003 when the first reception centre for international protection seekers was established in Šašna Greda. In cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, work with international protection seekers continues even after the relocation of the centre to Kutina and Zagreb.
For the improvement of the applicants' psychosocial well-being, empowerment and active participation in the initial integration into the new social environment, the Reception Centre offers numerous social activities that they can partake in order to spend time as well as possible.
In addition to activities aimed at international protection seekers, support is provided from time to time to persons under temporary and international protection.
Pursuant to an agreement with the Ministry of the Interior, the Croatian Red Cross also carries out activities intended for migrants in reception and transit centres for foreigners. The activities relate to the provision of psychosocial support and the restoration of family links.
Supporting international protection seekers
The main areas of work of the Croatian Red Cross at the reception centres for international protection seekers in Zagreb and Kutina are as follows: organisation of daily life and practical assistance, individual and group psychosocial support, organisation of social, educational and sports activities, special care for the needs of vulnerable groups (children, unaccompanied minors, single women, people with health and mental health problems, people who have survived torture and trauma), advocacy with the aim of improving the services linked to reception and care for international protection seekers based on long-standing practical experience, especially in the field of care for vulnerable groups.
In addition to direct work with international protection seekers, special attention is paid to activities with the local community aimed at preventing xenophobia, sensitisation and interconnection between international protection seekers and the local population, which generally contributes to better coexistence, safety and successful integration.
Activities at the Reception Centre for International Protection Seekers in Kutina have been carried out since the beginning of 2006. The Reception Centre is intended for reception of vulnerable groups. Vulnerable groups may include families with children, single women, the elderly, unaccompanied children, people with disabilities, and people with mental disabilities.
After an increase in the number of international protection seekers, the Reception Centre for International Protection Seekers in Zagreb started operating in 2012. From day one, the Croatian Red Cross, as the main partner of the Ministry of the Interior, which is in charge of the Reception Centre, takes care of international protection seekers and strives to provide them with everything necessary for a dignified life.
For any additional information, you can contact us via the email: azil-migracije@hck.hr
Human trafficking
Human trafficking is defined as a criminal offense that exploits the most vulnerable individuals in society, violating a number of fundamental human rights, such as the right to life, the right to work and education, the right to freedom of choice, the right to freedom of movement, the right to dignity, the right to security, the right to equality, the right to health, etc.
Anyone can become a victim. Nevertheless, certain groups are at increased risk of trafficking, for example unemployed people or people who are unable to find work in accordance with their level of education, foreign workers, refugees, unaccompanied children.
The Croatian Red Cross activities include raising citizens' awareness of the risks of human trafficking, conducting educational activities for various target groups, advocating for the rights of victims and improving the identification system, as well as providing support to adult victims.
Who to contact in case of suspected trafficking?
If you or someone you know have experienced human trafficking, need advice, help, or suspect trafficking, you can contact us via the email: trafficking@hck.hr
If you wish to report human trafficking, please call 192 or the toll free line 0800 77 99.
