Since 1998 the Association for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (Bundesfachverband unbegleitete minderjährige Flüchtlinge: BumF) advocates for the rights of displaced children, adolescents and young adults in Germany. As a non-profit and non-governmental association we are able to campaign independently for young refugees and the systems of support centred around them. Thus, we offer assistance not only to the young displaced but also to the legal guardians, social workers, voluntary activists and other involved actors. It is our aim, that young refugees grow up without fear, marginalization or discrimination and enjoy the same rights as any other young person. This page provides an introduction to our organisation in English, for further information please visit our german website.

Goals
Help in individual cases: Not leaving young refugees alone

We offer counselling to help find solutions for each individual case. We provide important information on practical topics such as how to secure protection through asylum or other ways, how to begin or continue an education or the search for accommodation that is in the best interest of the child; everything that is needed in order to help young refugees to build a more secure future.

Empowerment and participation: Letting the voices of young refugees be heard

The participation of youth is not merely an empty concept. We support young refugees to stand up for their concerns and raise their voices in expert conferences, rallies, youth conferences or by participating in our projects.

Networks and Trainings: Transferring knowledge and strengthening rights

Trainings and opportunities for exchange are essential to qualify those continuously working with young refugees. Therefore, we organise expert conferences and seminars. These events help to set up a network where employees from the youth welfare sector, institutions working with refugees, politically interested and actively engaged individuals, children rights organizations as well as municipal actors come together.

Analysis and working aids: recommendations for daily practice

Apart from publishing documents with recommendations on how to deal with concrete and common problems that face young refugees and expert contributions, we offer a monthly newsletter to interested individuals and organizations. When we identify a problem and need for action, we document and address this publicly.

Lobbying: A strong voice for young refugees

In the political arena and other public spaces, we are a strong voice for young refugees. Whenever the future prospects or rights of young refugees are threatened, we stand by their side. We are also involved in the law-making procedures paying close attention to the consequences for and concerns of young refugees by offering solutions and pointing out grievances.

Facts

The BumF is the principal network for many actors in Germany who support unaccompanied refugee minors. More than 400 youth welfare associations as well as individuals working with unaccompanied refugee minors are members of the BumF. With the head office based in Berlin, several voluntary coordinators represent the BumF in the 16 federal states of Germany.

Contact

Unfortunately we can’t offer contacts to young refugees for art projects, interviews or alike nor assist in interview requests for university projects.

E-mail: info@b-umf.de

Phone: +49 (0)30 82 09 743 – 0
Fax:      +49 (0)30 82 09 743 – 9

Our counselling services for individual cases are offered over the phone and take place on the following days and hours:
Thursdays 10 – 12 am und 2 – 4 pm

For general questions or requests you can reach us:
Mondays 10 – 12 am
Tuesdays  10 – 12 am

Address:
Bundesfachverband Unbegleitete Minderjährige Flüchtlinge e.V.
Paulsenstraße 55-56, 12163 Berlin, Germany