HELP is a German non-governmental relief organization, founded in 1981 by the members of German Parliament. HELP started its work by providing humanitarian assistance for Afghan refugees that have fled to Pakistan. Today, HELP is engaged in emergency assistance, as well as in rehabilitation and development projects worldwide.

HELP has been operating in Serbia since 1999, providing socio-economic support for vulnerable individuals – refugees, IDPs, local social cases and Roma population. HELP has been implementing a large number of humanitarian projects in Serbia: socio-economic support programmes and micro-enterprise development through income generation assistance; support to the closure of collective centres by providing alternative housing solutions; trainings and support for start-up businesses; construction and rehabilitation projects; humanitarian relief projects such as distribution of food, hygienic items and firewood, etc, thus supporting implementation of several National Strategies.

Praxis and HELP signed the Memorandum of Understanding, thus establishing close cooperation with the aim to contribute to recognition of displaced persons and members of ethnic minorities before the law and their enjoyment of individual rights on an equal and non-discriminatory basis. The organizations also agreed to share information, experience and knowledge related to issues of relevance for the displaced population and, when it is of mutual interest, undertake joint advocacy initiatives for removal of barriers the displaced face in accessing their rights.

HELP is currently implementing the Project “Housing and Income Generating Support to Refugees and IDPs in Serbia”, with the overall objective to support the implementation of the National Strategy for Resolving the Problems of Refugees and IDPs of the Republic of Serbia through facilitating the closure of collective centres and contributing to the overall living standard enhancement in the target areas. Within the MoU, Praxis agreed to assist HELP in obtaining documents for the displaced, needed for successful implementation of this project.

You can obtain additional information on the activities of HELP in Serbia at www.help-serbia.org.rs.