ESC: Planet Search volunteer

Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen is a nongovernmental organisation that defends the rights and interests of refugees and asylum seekers. We are an umbrella of 30 member organisations and rely on the support of many enthusiastic volunteers in Flanders and Brussels. The Refugee Convention, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights are our guiding principles. Our work is based on the following pillars: 1. Widen the social support base and influence public opinion Together with members and partner associations, we influence the knowledge, opinions and attitudes of the public related to refugees. 2. Put pressure on policymakers We defend the rights of refugees through regular contacts with policymakers at the Belgian national, Flemish and local levels, and at the European level by our participation in European networks and actions. We monitor governmental policies and formulate recommendations for policy change. 3. Give support to professionals and volunteers We offer expert information and training and have a helpdesk for those who, professionally or voluntarily, assists asylum seekers/refugees. With our outreach service -Startpunt- we inform asylum seekers when they apply for international protection in Belgium. 4. Movement building We mobilize organisations and individuals working with and for refugees in a solidarity movement and stimulate networking to get more impact and visibility and to improve the quality of the support offered.