The administrative board of the Luxembourg Federation of Social Sector Organisations (FEDAS) has announced the creation of a new “social advocacy” programme, expanding the federation’s mission.
This decision follows the transfer of many Caritas activities to the newly formed association Help on the Ground (HUT), which did not, however, acquire Caritas’s political advocacy teams. This situation has raised concerns among social sector professionals about the potential loss of a significant voice in Luxembourg.
FEDAS’s decision comes amid a sensitive social context, particularly following the Caritas scandal, which underscored the need for a resilient, transparent, and inclusive social sector in Luxembourg, one that is capable of addressing contemporary societal challenges.
By establishing the advocacy programme, FEDAS reaffirms its commitment to the well-being of the most vulnerable populations while maintaining independence from ministerial institutions. The federation believes that this positioning is crucial for ensuring that the voices of associations and foundations in the social sector are heard and valued in political and legislative discussions.
FEDAS clarified that its initiative, named “Plaidoyer Social,” is designed to develop its own advocacy efforts rather than taking over the political activities of the Caritas Foundation. This initiative reflects FEDAS Luxembourg’s intention to adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses cross-cutting issues to ensure a robust social policy grounded in solidarity.
