Denmark

Why we are there

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) works to ensure a dignified life for asylum seekers and refugees in Denmark. Through legal aid activities, DRC has an active role in the Danish asylum procedure to ensure the rights of asylum seekers and refugees.

DRC also contributes to successful reception of newly arrived refugees and integration of the many refugees and persons with minority-ethnic backgrounds who have been in Denmark for a long time 

Based on the experience working with asylum seekers and refugees, DRC advocates for the rights and conditions of refugees related to their arrival and integration in Denmark. 

What we do

In Denmark, Danish Refugee Council (DRC) consists of two divisions, DRC Asylum and DRC Integration, which work across the country to provide counselling, support, and services for asylum applicants, refugees, and migrants in relation to protection and integration. 

DRC Asylum

DRC Asylum provides legal aid and counselling to asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants in Denmark. 

For all asylum seekers 

• Legal advice on the asylum procedure; both for groups and individuals, as well as for unaccompanied minors and detained asylum seekers. 
• DRC is present in more than 30 countries, and DRC Asylum is thus part of an international network of legal advisors.  

For asylum seekers who have recently arrived in Denmark 

• Early counselling for asylum seekers living in reception centers. 
• Legal aid and representation for asylum seekers in the Dublin procedure or for asylum seekers in admissibility procedures due to already having been granted a residence permit as a refugee in another European country. 

For rejected asylum seekers 

• Advice on return, including the possibilities for reintegration assistance in the home country. 
• Legal advice on the individual asylum case, where in some cases we decide to offer legal representation for asylum seekers and help apply to the Refugee Appeals Board for a reopening of the asylum case or apply for other residence permits. 

Counselling on returning home (repatriation) 

• In Denmark, there is a law on repatriation, which allows persons with a residence permit – refugee and other types of residence permit – to return voluntarily to their home country or previous residence with financial assistance from the Danish state. 

Through the counselling activities, DRC Asylum gains knowledge that is used to advocate for improved enforcement of the rights of asylum seekers and refugees. 

Read more about DRC Asylum 

DRC Integration

In Denmark, DRC Integration offers integrations services, counselling, analyses, training, conferences and courses for professionals and volunteers working with refugees and migrants.  

DRC is the leading NGO in Denmark working with integration of refugees and migrants. With 110 employees and 6,000 volunteers, DRC Integration is responsible for professional networks servicing municipalities, regions, ministries, institutions, private companies, and the voluntary sector. 

A dignified life for all is the overall vision for our integration activities. Hence, we support and enable refugees and migrants to be part of a community and to enjoy equal rights and opportunities. We see language proficiency, employment, participation in civil society, and an inclusive society as pivotal for the quality of life, empowerment and future possibilities of refugees and migrants. 

DRC Integration consists of the following sections: 

• Employment and Children & Families provide professional integration services for municipalities, such as employment promoting activities for refugees and psychosocial interventions and support for vulnerable children and families. 
• Volunteer supports more than 6,500 volunteers organised in local volunteer groups all over Denmark and provides counselling for refugees and migrants. The meeting with volunteers facilitates a good start for newcomers in the local community. 
• Projects develop and implement innovative projects and initiatives supporting persons with refugee- and minority-ethnic backgrounds. Such as MindSpring (psychosocial group programs), maternity-groups, support networks for elderly persons, after-care for persons having received treatment for PTSD and play groups as well as inclusion in sports for children and youth.  
• Knowledge & Development organises conferences, seminars, and courses about integration, and works with innovation and development of new methods and approaches. Also provides knowledge and tools for working with refugees via Knowledge Center for Vulnerable Refugees, which produces analyses and evaluations, various publications, and carries out training and counselling targeted professionals. 

Read more about DRC Integration