The emphasis of PR work is to give testimony about the torture and detention experience of the patients in their homelands, as well as the difficulties they face in their country of exile. After reaching the nominal capital and the convening of the constituent assembly of the board of trustees and directors in February 1999, the foundation started to work officially in July 1999. In the admission interviews, it is determined whether the person should receive treatment at the BZFO or should be referred for treatment elsewhere. The therapeutic staff then together discuss and assess what kind of treatment would be appropriate. This may include medical rehabilitation, psychotherapy, physiotherapy, or all of the above.
Group work continues to be an important part of the treatment.
In 1999, a total of 427 patients came to BZFO, compared to 479 in the previous year. The slight decrease in patients is due to a decrease in therapeutic staff. In 1999, the youngest patient was 16 and the oldest 74 years old. The average age was 37.3 years. Other countries represented are Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kenya, Russian Federation, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, as well as other Eastern European, African, and Asian countries.