The advisor on refugees and state governor Kaiser talked to asylum seekers and the centre manager in Alt Stein – a human rights advisory body is to be put in action, and training courses for centre mangers are envisaged. A regrettable incident in the asylum centre refugee camp wine cellar in Alt Stein made the advisor on refugees state governor Peter Kaiser personally decide to carry out a visit today, Friday. Together with Barbara Payer who is responsible for refugees in the state, he got into conversation both with asylum seekers with a translator present, as well as with the woman in charge of accommodation.

As the permanent advisor on refugees he sees it as his obligation to do some fieldwork himself, to get an idea of what’s going on and to appreciate the importance and meaning of the new policy on refugees. “Reconciling cultures and values is certainly not easy. However, the new state policy on refugees is aimed at respectful interaction between asylum seekers, those responsible for accommodation and citizens of the community. It is an important contribution to an amicable cooperation. In Carinthia a more humane way of doing things is to be introduced in future. When we consider humanity and respect it should follow that a person’s dignity has to be seen from more than one angle and always take Centre stage” stressed Kaiser. Improvements in care for refugees as well as the needs of the Centre manager and also the asylum seekers need to be considered. “But there must also be rules which both sides have to abide by“ stated Kaiser.

The state governor can also envisage the further development of a human rights advisory body serving as a drop-in Centre for questions on refugee policy, which is something that has been called for for years. He is also contemplating the granting of appropriate training for the job of centre manager. Moreover, Carinthia will agree to and take part in the arranging of a conference for advice on refugees for all federal states in a very different way to in the past.

At the same time Kaiser made it clear that he intends to visit all asylum centres in Carinthia at various intervals. “The ultimate aim is to calm down the situation and reduce tension” said Kaiser.

The state governor also had long conversations with the 47 refugees and listened to their criticisms. “I take every single comment seriously, and where improvements can be made we’ll do our best to address them together.” The first measure being contemplated is the start of a German course in Stein at the beginning of June twice a week. “I expect you to go and count on you to take part in it regularly” said Kaiser. With regard to the board, cafeteria and food storage, some changes also need to be made. At the same time the state governor told them that he would visit the centre again in the next six months and would brief himself on the situation to get an idea of what was going on.

Photograph: State governor Peter Kaiser visiting the asylum seekers’ centre in Stein in the Jaun valley with Ajmal Akbar (left) and Salem Nayebkhel.