Luxembourg's refugee collective, the Lëtzebuerger Flüchtlingsrot (LFR), has raised concerns about the situation of refugees following recent Caritas financial mismanagement revelations.
On Friday 19 July 2024, it emerged that Caritas Luxembourg had filed a complaint three days earlier for the misappropriation of more than €60 million. In the days that followed, the non-profit organisation sought to reassure its staff and noted that an investigation was underway. The Luxembourg government condemned the misappropriation of funds. Prime Minister Luc Frieden later cited a loss of trust in Caritas' current structure, noting that the government would not step in to offer additional financial assistance until the situation is clarified.
The LFR, of which Caritas Luxembourg is a member, was among those to react to the news. In a press release issued on Monday 29 July 2024, the LFR stressed that the "quality supervision of refugees must be ensured". The refugee collective clarified that it was its belief that "the interest of providing support to refugees, in accordance with Luxembourg's international commitments, must take precedence over any financial consideration."
The LFR argued that the government's statements about not wishing to continue financially supporting Caritas at this time "must not result in a deterioration of [missions]", namely regarding the reception and integration of refugees. "These missions that the State has entrusted to organisations such as Caritas were and remain essential given the lack of state resources necessary to ensure this important work and the lack of efficiency on the part of the State in ensuring it on the ground," it continued.
The refugee collective gave the recent example of refusing accommodation to certain asylum seekers despite their legal rights on the grounds of a "saturation" of the network, which "demonstrates that, even with NGOs, the State is struggling to fulfil its obligations".
The LFR warned that the situation at Caritas "risks aggravating this situation despite promises not to 'let down' refugees".
The LFR went on to "express its solidarity with the employees and volunteers of Caritas for whom the consequences of the affair can be terrible", adding that "their skills in the areas of support and integration of refugees are essential and must be maintained in the service of this vulnerable population".
The LFR also stressed that "any change in management or financial support in this area must consider the best interests of the people requesting or obtaining protection in Luxembourg". It added that the work of the volunteers and employees of its member associations active in this field should continue in "good" or even "improved" conditions.
The LFR concluded by assuring it would "remain vigilant in the transposition of international agreements in order to guarantee their rights and the best possible integration of these populations."
