Statement against closure: 250 initiatives call for a humane asylum policy

More than 250 organizations have issued a joint statement calling for a more humane approach to asylum policy in Germany, as the country prepares to observe World Refugee Day on Saturday. The appeal comes amid growing concerns over recent changes to the European Union’s asylum system, known as GEAS, and the tightening policies under the current federal government led by the coalition of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens. The signatories include major institutions such as the Evangelical Church, Pro Asyl, the Arbeitswohlfahrt, and the Diakonie, all of which emphasize that refugee protection must be based on fundamental human rights rather than political expediency.

The statement highlights a sharp contrast between the current situation and the principles outlined in the Geneva Convention on Refugees, which turns 75 this year. According to the signatories, access to asylum has been systematically restricted, and refugees are increasingly criminalized and pressured into leaving the country. At Europe's external borders, the policy of containment has escalated into open violence by border police, according to the memorandum. This has prompted the call for five specific demands aimed at creating a more just and protective framework for those seeking refuge.

Among these demands is the need for global protection grounded in the consistent application of the Geneva Convention. A new international fund is proposed to provide immediate assistance to refugees, along with a fair distribution of responsibilities among nations. Countries that take in fewer refugees should contribute financially to support those who do. Additionally, borders should no longer be sites of violence and danger but instead places where state-led rescue operations and trained personnel ensure safe passage. Once arrived, refugees should be granted fair asylum procedures, clear prospects for staying, and opportunities to integrate into their host societies while maintaining autonomy over their lives.

The current situation starkly contrasts with these ideals. Wealthier and safer countries around the world are increasingly isolating themselves from refugees. Exceptions like Spain do not negate the broader trend within the EU, which seeks to keep refugees as far away as possible. The recently implemented GEAS reform includes provisions for detention centers at external borders, and Germany has gone even further by proposing special facilities for already arrived refugees if another EU member state is deemed responsible for them.

In response to these developments, some voices within the political sphere have expressed strong criticism. One notable example is Dr. Markus Dröge, a prominent figure in German politics, who accused Interior Minister Nancy Faucherre (Dobrindt) of showing “disrespect for the judiciary” regarding her asylum policies. This critique underscores the deepening divide between humanitarian advocates and policymakers who prioritize stricter immigration controls.

The debate surrounding asylum policy reflects broader tensions within German society and beyond. While some argue that strict measures are necessary to manage migration flows and protect national security, others stress the moral imperative to uphold international obligations and human dignity. These differing perspectives shape public discourse and influence legislative decisions, making the future direction of asylum policy uncertain.

Looking ahead, the pressure on the government to reconsider its stance appears to be increasing. With the anniversary of the Geneva Convention approaching and World Refugee Day on the horizon, the call for change is likely to grow louder. Whether the current administration will respond to these appeals remains to be seen, but the momentum behind the demand for a more humane asylum policy continues to build.