On the occasion of National Refugee Day last Friday, several non-governmental organizations and trade unions as well as numerous artists and committed individuals presented a nationwide appeal in Berlin. This formulates a clear self-image 25 years after reunification: asylum is a human right! Solidarity, compassion and humanity are part of an open, diverse Germany and Europe.
The initiators of the appeal include Amnesty International, Bread for the World, Pro Asyl, the German Trade Union Confederation and the Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband, as well as cultural institutions such as the Berliner Festspiele. Artists and cultural figures such as Die Ärzte, Nina Hoss, Herta Müller, Herbert Grönemeyer and Volker Schlöndorff have also signed. This week, the Humanist Association also joined the initiative and called for support for the appeal by signing it. A statement on the launch of the appeal reads: “In recent weeks, countless volunteers in Germany have shown what a society based on solidarity and humanity can look like: They stand up for refugees, give German courses or provide medical assistance. On the other hand, refugee shelters burn down almost every day. And time and again, refugees and helpers are the victims of racist and xenophobic violence.” The appeal reminds us that the European Community was founded on values such as freedom and justice. However, for many people seeking protection today, this freedom ends in front of barbed wire fences and in shaky boats on the Mediterranean. The German government is also pushing ahead with a tightening of asylum law: asylum seekers are to receive benefits in kind instead of cash benefits in more cases and benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act are to be reduced for certain groups. In addition, the list of “safe countries of origin” is to be expanded. The appeal therefore states: “Even if the willingness of the population to help is impressive, Europe as a whole presents a devastating picture. It is disunited, helpless and small-minded. Our continent is betraying its ideals.” “Refugees must not be forced to risk their lives on the Mediterranean or entrust them to smugglers in order to apply for asylum. Europe must agree on a sustainable asylum policy. This includes legal and safe access routes as well as access to fair asylum procedures. There has been no significant progress in this area so far,” say the initiators. That is why the signatories now want to send out the strongest possible signal for a Europe of humanity: “We are committed to a Europe of humanity. This Europe is not held together by isolation and fear, but by an open, humane and diverse society that gives no place to hate speech and attacks!” The appeal therefore formulates five principles and demands to which the signatories commit themselves: Humanity and solidarity, respect for human rights, safe access routes and fair asylum procedures, protection from hate speech and attacks, and the preservation of an open, humane and diverse society. Erwin Kress, Vice President of the Humanist Association of Germany, commented on the appeal on Thursday: “At a time when hateful sentiment against those seeking protection is gaining ground, particularly in the so-called social networks, and is even degenerating into real violence on the streets, the other voices must also become louder. The citizens of Germany who see the plight of those seeking protection and are prepared to accept these people into our society with dignity must also speak out clearly and audibly.”
Support the initiative!
In addition to several dozen organizations, several thousand individuals have already signed the appeal. You too can set an example of solidarity and humanity towards people seeking protection by signing the appeal and inviting friends and acquaintances to do the same. Join us in setting a pragmatic and committed example of what it means to live in a peaceful, free and just society.
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