As a former war refugee in the eighties, I know exactly how the refugees feel today. I also know what a difficult and challenging journey they have ahead. Once they arrive in their host country, rejection and indignity are just the beginning of a lifelong battle dealing with bureaucracy, discrimination and isolation.

As we all know, the issue of refugees and immigration has taken on urgency in the previous years. Not a day goes by that this delicate and “annoying” topic isn’t covered by the international media.

It is horrifying and heartbreaking to witness the governments incapable of finding a solution that is beneficial for everyone. Why is this issue causing headaches for these highly educated and overpaid people in the governments, non-profit organizations and charities? Why is it so difficult to find a simple and helpful solution that ends this broken integration system once and for all? Why are these helpless people treated like dirt? Instead of taking care of these innocent people, they are sent to abandon buildings outside of the city centers. They are treated as if they are terrorists with a disease and who should be removed from society, punished and sentenced for life like prisoners.

Most refugees struggle for decades to get a permanent permission, like we did. Others struggle to find work despite having legal refugee status, which leads to difficulty finding a decent home and build a normal life and independent future. So, it is no surprise that young refugees see no solution other than to end up being homeless and doing criminal activities, such as prostitution and drug dealing.

Of course, the best solution to avoid the immigrants and refugees is to STOP creating war. But we know this won’t happen as long as there are power-hungry countries that benefit from this business and make a fortune by selling weapons!

But as I always say, there is a solution to every problem. If plan A isn’t working, try out plan B. After 30 years of struggling with the asylum/refugee/foreigner system in a narrow-minded and prejudice country like Switzerland, its finally time for me to speak out and be the Voice for the Voiceless.

Decades ago my mother and I experienced this failing system; first as asylum seekers, then as “tolerated” refugees with NO legal status or rights, and later as rejected adult foreigners.

But the solution is simple. Treat everyone the way you like to be treated, especially in times of need and desperation. Every human being should have the right to a life in dignity regardless of nationality, skin color, gender identity, religion and level of education. Every human being should be treated with respect and kindness. Every human being has their strengths and talents. Focus and nurture them instead of looking down on people and judging them by their life story, weakness and insecurity.

People are like the fingers on your hand. Each one is different and individual and yet they are connected and need each other to function. Do not stop people from further education in their field of interest and strength. Do not force people to do your dirty and low-income jobs. If someone is already down, you don’t have to kick them too. Instead, help them up.

According to the latest news and numbers in the Swiss media, only every fourth refugee in Switzerland is able to work and earn money. All others are forced to survive with social welfare. More than half of 93,000 refugees are under thirty. Around 50 percent of the refugees have only a simple school degree from their home country. Not allowing these refugees to integrate from day one is counter-productive for everyone. The longer these people are ignored the longer the governments have to support them financially.

According to the latest news and numbers in the Italian media, of the 154,000 people migrated to Italy in 2017 and 84,000 applied for asylum. The Italian government placed less than 20,000 of those into integration programs where they learn the Italian language and get assistance for job placements.

Our motto is: Education means independence and independence means liberty. Helping one person might not change the whole world or solve the refugee crises, but it could change the world and future for one talented and devoted person! Don’t forget that Albert Einstein was also a refugee!

TIMELINE 2005 - 2023

In 2005, when I self-published my memoir the first time in English and in German, I’ve contacted several people worldwide to bring awareness about the refugee issues when it comes to education and employment but no one cared to support my project.

2015: A decade later refugees have become a global responsibility, and it is our duty to find an international and humanitarian solution. It is our duty to give them stability, security and a future with possibilities and opportunities.

2020/2021: I was planning an online petition in 2020, when Covid19 changed everything! So I have decided to support international charities in this field instead. Therefore LILY4REFUGEES is no longer on FB and Twitter. Follow @Lily4Refugees and @Lily.Amis on Instagram.

August 2021: I have decided that it is time for CHANGE. And despite my reservation about starting a petition in this challenging times that everyone is facing everywhere, I've started HUMANITY BEFORE NATIONALITY. Please visit my petition page to support the refugees! The petition is available in English, German, Italian, French and Spanish and will be extended until August 2022!

November 2021: For people living in Switzerland, I have published my petition #HumanityB4Nationality on the Swiss petition platform COMPAX.ORGas well. Please sign and support, if you care about human rights and dignity. Thank you for your love & support! Dankeschön. Merci. Grazie.

February 2022: Six months have passed ever since I have started my online petition #HumanityB4Nationality. Unfortunately only 40 people have signed it to this date. So now Im hoping that the miracle of music and the power of lyrics will make people understand the refugees misery. After writing song lyrics for over a decade, I have finally released my first music project.

The following press release was sent out to 500+ news websites, TV & Radio, Trade/Industry, national and International News sites to bring awarness about my online petition #HumanityB4Nationality as well as to the song and its message to the world!

My song "80 Million People!" is dedicated to all the voiceless refugees worldwide!

March 2022: I cant believe that only two days after my song release "80 Million People!" a new war (probably the third war war in Europe) has started! My second song "Blood is always red!" was not suppose to be released until May 2022, but the lyrics are powerful and my way of showing my support with the innocent people in war zone!

However this is a global song because unfortunately war, discrimination and racism are ruling our world! The offical press release in German went out on 2.3.22!

God is my witness, I have tried everything in my power to make my online petition #HumanityB4Nationality successful, but it has been very challenging to get signatures. Not necessarily because people don’t care about the right of refugees, but mainly because they have lost their trust in our governments. Most people that I have contacted or spoken to, have a negative view of online petitions because of our world leaders, lawmakers, governments, and co.

Releasing my book “Lilys Ambassadors”, in German “Lilys Botschafter” is my final initiative before the petition ends in July 2022.

Lilys nine Ambassadors are Lucky, Lovely, Lucie, Lemon, Leonardo, Laila, Ludwig, Louise, and Lennon. The adorable story tellers were born during and after the lockdown in 2020 and 2021. Everything began with Lucky. Meanwhile, eight more enchanting characters are sharing their amusing and inspiring life stories with important messages. Integration, Acceptance, Tolerance as well as anti-discrimination, anti-racism, anti-bullying, friendship, humanity, empathy, and education are the most powerful topics in this entertaining book for children from eight to adult readers.

GET YOUR COPY IN ENGLISH      GET YOUR COPY IN GERMAN

August 2022: On August 4th, I have released my third song project THE STOLEN YEARS, Lily Amis featuring Thir13een. "THE STOLEN YEARS" is inspired by my memoir THE STOLEN YEARS IN ZURICH, also known as DESTINATION FREEDOM.

It is a reminder for everyone that we should never ever allow others - in our case the awful refugee law - to take control over our life and life choices. Life is short and precious, and we should be aware of that every single day! Remind yourself, every single day, that life is precious. Remind yourself, every single day, that time is priceless. Don’t take anything or anyone in life for granted. Stay truthful and loyal to your own needs and desires. Don’t allow anyone to take control of your life and life choices!

November 2022: On November 22th I have released my fourth song project THE THREE OF US, Lily Amis featuring Thir13een. THE THREE OF US is the follow up story of my previous song THE STOLEN YEARS and inspired by my memoir THE STOLEN YEARS IN ZURICH, also known as DESTINATION FREEDOM.

THE THREE OF US is a reminder that regardless of how helpless and lonely we feel, we are never alone. God is always there. He is watching over us. He is protecting us! And even when we can’t see or feel his presence, we should thank him every single day and never lose our faith!

I believe many people will relate to the lyrics, even though it is our story.

November 2022: A special christmas gift for my German readers!

In May 2022 we have released LILYS AMBASSADORS, in German LILYS BOTSCHAFTER. ONE book with nine inspiring stories about integration, education, acceptance and tolerance.

Now three of our adorable ambassadors are available as Audibook / Hörbuch, thanks to an incredible GERMAN narrator DIRK JACOBS, has given my little Lily4Refugees Ambassadors LUDWIG, LENNON AND LEONARDO his beautiful voice.

January 2023:

In May 2022 we have released LILYS AMBASSADORS. ONE book with nine inspiring stories about integration, education, acceptance and tolerance.

Now three of our adorable ambassadors are available as Audibook, thanks to a lovely American Narrator. Sharda Laskowski has given my little Lily4Refugees Ambassadors LOVELY, LUCIE AND LAILA her beautiful voice.

January 2023:

In July 2020 we have released LUCKY - FROM ZERO TO HERO. And in September 2020 LUCKY - VON NIEMAND ZUM HELDEN.

Lucky was our first Lily4Refugees Ambassador and is very precious to us. Thats why I have decided to do the storytelling in English and German myself. The two audiobooks are available in all audiobook shops. I hope you enjoy the fun story.

February 2023: YoYo & Chess is my fifth song project with british singer and producer Thir13een.

For centuries, the universal key to ultimate happiness and success is liberty. Therefore, anyone, and I literary mean anyone can relate to my song YOYO & CHESS. From Royalties and refugees to ordinary and celebrities.

We all are part of a game, ruled by Godless rulers (evils) who make our life a living hell. They stop us from improving and growing and if we don’t fight back and stand up for our beliefs and goals, we will never be able to live a life of liberty.

May 2023: Check out my brand new project Lily4Humanity Creativity Contest!

LILY4REFUGEES IS SUPPORTING:

ARTFOREFUGEES.COM

Currently Art for Refugees donates 50% of all profits to Choose Love: Help Refugees, one of the UK’s leading charities providing support for refugees and displaced communities, and 50% to Action Foundation, an award-winning charity based in Newcastle upon Tyne who support refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants to integrate successfully into the community and lead more independent and resilient lives.

You can choose my three art works “The Chopped Tree”, "Protecting Planet Earth” and “Shadow" and make a difference with your purchase! Thank you for your love and support.