Our mission is to assist asylum seekers who request asylum in the Czech Republic due to a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, as well as recognized refugees and persons under the temporary protection regime.
To achieve this, OPU employs professional, experienced and friendly staff whose main goal is to provide effective help.

The Organisation for Aid to Refugees (OPU) was established in Prague, Czech Republic, in 1991. It is a non-profit, humanitarian organisation registered by the Ministry of the Interior as a civil association since 28 November 1991. Over the past ten years OPU has gradually gained sound expertise in matters related to the needs of asylum seekers, recognized refugees and migrants in the Czech Republic.

Our Services
We assist our clients by providing specific legal and social aid, information, advice, and assistance in dealing with the Czech authorities and organisations; informing asylum-seekers on their rights and obligations in relation to the asylum - seeking procedures; improving the quality of life of our clients in the camps for asylum-seekers. This is achieved through organisation of various cultural, social and free-time activities; informing both the Czech and the European communities of the plight of asylum-seekers in the Czech Republic, fighting discrimination and promoting racial harmony;

Our professionals are ready to help to our clients every working day in the OPU premises in Prague and Brno (since 2005) during regular office hours. In addition to this we regularly visit asylum centres and special detention centres for aliens in the Czech Republic where we help asylum seekers to solve their problems. Our special attention will always be given to the disadvantaged asylum-seekers with special needs, especially to the disabled, children, unaccompanied minors, women, the elderly, and members of broken families.

OPU also organizes educational programs for university students, the purpose of which is to develop and train future professionals in the field of a legal and social help to refugees and migrants. Activities in the field of education include organization of seminars for various high schools in the Czech Republic.

Our Policies
OPU subscribes to democratic principles based on fairness, openness, transparency, equal rights and responsibilities for all. Internally and externally, OPU promotes and encourages harmony and respect among all people. We publicly stand against undemocratic practices and work together with others to fight xenophobia and racism. Through our long-term community development activities, publicity and education we also aim to promote better understanding and fight prejudice against our clients in the Czech society.

Our Past, Present and Future
Whilst the projects and work of OPU has developed and changed throughout the years, we always were, are, and will remain committed to the improvement of the quality of life for refugees and asylum seekers, advocating a fair, transparent and humane asylum system.