What we want to do
We are creating a permanent, supervised shelter in Lithuania for 12 conscientious objectors seeking asylum. The shelter provides housing, food, basic psychological stability, and legal coordination throughout the asylum procedure, which on average lasts at least 18 months. Each person may stay for up to one year.
Why this is needed
- Employment barriers: by law, asylum seekers cannot work for the first 6 months; in practice, even later few employers hire people with short-term status. Many are pushed toward illegal work just to survive.
- Housing gap: Lithuania offers no civilian housing outside closed reception centres (e.g., the Pabradė camp, ~60 km from Vilnius). Reports include abuse and even one confirmed suicide under threat of deportation.
- Psychological risk: many arrive traumatised by repression and forced militarisation. Closed camps without support sharply increase the risk of breakdown and self-harm.
What the shelter changes
- Removes people from closed-camp isolation into a civilian, supervised, protected environment.
- Allows continuous safety monitoring and basic mental-health stability.
- Enables coordinated legal work (documents, hearings, translations).
- Prevents illegal survival strategies; preserves dignity and routine.
This is not about comfort. It is about survival.
Budget goal (monthly)
| Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing for 12 people | €3,200 |
| Utilities, transport, household costs | €650 |
| Food support | €600 |
| Total monthly shelter budget | €4,450 |
≈ €370 per person per month for full basic survival.
If we raise more
- Emergency medical and psychological assistance
- Legal translations and document costs
- Winter clothing and hygiene kits
- Crisis relocation in immediate danger
- Temporary extension of stay for the most vulnerable cases
Why it matters
Conscientious objectors refuse to participate in killing. For this refusal, they lose their countries, legal security and basic protection. European law recognises their right to asylum — but without material survival support, that right is only theoretical. This shelter turns legal protection into real protection. Each monthly contribution keeps 12 people out of closed camps, illegal labour and psychological collapse — and gives them a genuine chance to complete the asylum process with dignity.
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