Between the state and clients - Non-governmental organisations working with refugees and migrants in the Czech Republic

This article focuses on the rarely discussed problematic aspects of the relationship between non-governmental organisations, the state and the clients/foreigners. Its aim is to initiate a critical discussion concerning the role of NGOs in the current system of migration control. Is there a risk of NGOs becoming an extended arm of the state? What consequences are there for the protection of rights of migrants and refugees? How do NGOs’ clients themselves perceive the assistance they receive and what are the alternatives? *** This text deals with the rarely discussed problematic aspects of the relationship between nongovernmental organisations (hereinafter referred to as NGOs), the state and the clients/foreigners. Such aspects include both the services NGOs provide and the way they present their services in the public space. Its aim is to begin a critical discussion about the role of NGOs in the current system of migration control. Is there a risk of NGOs becoming an extended arm of the state? What does it mean for the protection of rights of migrants and refugees? How do NGOs’ clients themselves perceive the assistance they receive, and what are the alternatives?