Mission Statement

The Center ÜBERLEBEN (Zentrum ÜBERLEBEN) is a nationally and internationally active institution that supports victims of violence, refugees and migrants on their path to a humane future. We, the employees of Center ÜBERLEBEN, are committed to this jointly developed mission statement.

Our Vision

Our vision is a world in which the human dignity and human rights of every individual are respected and upheld, regardless of their ethnic origin, religion, social status, political beliefs, sexual orientation or gender identity. Our goal is to prevent violence and reduce its consequences.

Our Task

We see our mission as offering comprehensive professional help and support to people who have been affected and traumatized by torture, war violence, flight, persecution or domestic violence and/or are disadvantaged due to their socio-cultural background. They should be able to lead an independent, dignified, self-determined life (again) and develop prospects for the future.
Our mission is based on the fundamental rights set out in the German Constitution and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Accordingly, we are committed to the inviolability of human dignity, the right to physical integrity, the strict prohibition of inhumane treatment and the right to free development of the personality.
We contribute to safeguarding the right to protection from abuse and sexualized violence and the right to education and non-violent upbringing. We pay particular attention to vulnerable groups such as women, children, young people, the elderly, LGBTQ* people, the educationally disadvantaged and people with disabilities. The aim of our work is also the social integration of refugees and migrants and their participation in society.

Our Path

We offer a wide range of services for victims of torture and other forms of violence, traumatized refugees of all ages and migrants with mental illnesses. It includes culturally sensitive medical, therapeutic and social work services with the inclusion of language and cultural mediation. Other focus areas include strengthening personal resources, counseling, professional orientation, qualification and training as well as language acquisition, further education and training and violence prevention.
Our work is based on tried and tested concepts. Our approach is based on risk-based thinking, i.e. we reflect on the possible consequences of our actions in interaction with the contextual conditions and take these into account when making decisions and plans.
We are politically independent, but not neutral: We take sides with those affected by human rights violations and promote their rehabilitation. We see the realization of their rights as part of our work and support survivors in making their voices heard in society.
To achieve our goals, we work closely with public bodies and non-governmental organizations at a local and regional level and are involved in specialist associations and bodies at a national level. By supporting the establishment of treatment centers and providing expertise in areas where crises have led to human rights violations, we contribute our specialist knowledge and experience worldwide.
Together with international partner organizations, we are committed to tolerance, democratization and a culture of humanity based on non-violence and solidarity. We see education and prevention as well as training and documentation as an active contribution to the prevention of torture and other forms of violence.