Red Cross Centre for asylum seekers - Fraipont

The centre for asylum seekers in Fraipont is one of the reception centres managed by the Red Cross in Belgium. Asylum seekers come from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Balkans and other parts of the world. They left their country for different reasons such as forced marriage, war, persecution due to religion, sexual orientation or political opinion. Many of them were separated from their family, and they found themselves without any resource or shelter. The Red Cross is mandated by the government for the reception of asylum seekers, and its work in this area adheres to its principles of humanity, independence and neutrality. The centres provide the following services : • accommodation and food • necessary hygienic means • support and monitoring on the asylum procedure and social support • medical support • compulsory education for minors • cultural and sports activities The centre “Le Merisier” can host up to 305 residents. It hosts different kind of family situations: families, childless couples but mostly isolated persons and 50 unaccompanied minors. The infrastructure of the centre enables it to have, besides the usual accommodation facilities, some convivial areas such as a cinema, a refectory, a games library, a fitness room, a football and volley-ball field... The centre is surrounded by a wood easily accessible.