The central contact point opened yesterday, Wednesday, March 23, and almost 30 Ukrainian war displaced persons were already being looked after yesterday.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for the Ukrainian citizens to "arrive" and offer a comprehensive all-round service in a safe place, because the times that lie behind them were drastic and turbulent enough," says Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel. "In a very short space of time, we made all the organizational preparations to end the makeshift initial reception in the atrium of the town hall. Health screening, registration, advice and, if necessary, the provision of living space and temporary accommodation are now being carried out in an appropriate manner, in separate rooms, in order to guarantee arrivals a minimum level of confidentiality."

The Central Contact Point is open from Monday to Friday from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Under these difficult conditions, the initial arrival has now been optimally organized. However, initial care and accommodation are not enough; participation in all areas of life must also be made possible. " I don't know how many more people will seek protection, nor do I know how long they will stay, but I do know for sure that there is a need for coordinated and targeted European management and a fair distribution of refugees in Europe and Germany. 2015/2016 must not be repeated. Individual cities must not be left alone and overwhelmed; the infrastructure must also actually enable the arriving people to participate, this is the only way to maintain social peace! And that is in everyone's interest and applies equally to those who are there and those who are arriving," said Klingebiel.

And it is particularly important to react appropriately, Klingebiel continues, citing an example. "Instead of introducing formal compulsory education for Ukrainian children in the already overburdened school system, we should create low-threshold learning and care spaces. And, above all, make use of the educational and social skills of those who are now seeking refuge with us. As part of the initial reception process, we also ask about the qualifications of those arriving, as we currently need "every helping hand".