Deportation of refugees at the borders – The Refugee Council criticizes the shift in German policies
The Refugee Council in Lower Saxony expressed its deep concern over the decline of what it described as the culture of welcome that characterized Germany's treatment of refugees. Executive Director Kai Weber stated that the country's asylum policy has undergone a radical shift, from openness and compassion to an approach focused on preventing the entry of refugees. He added, "We are now witnessing a policy that attempts to repel refugees at the borders and completely prevent them from entering the country."
In collaboration with the Union of Independent Social Welfare Organizations, the Refugee Council sharply criticized the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). According to the two organizations, the office intends to stop funding for asylum projects that were previously supported by the "Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund" (AMIF). Weber described the decision as "short-sighted," warning that withdrawing support for refugee programs will increase their suffering and complicate their situations further.
The two organizations warned that reducing funding would lead to the collapse of established and effective support structures that refugees rely on, especially the most vulnerable groups such as women and individuals persecuted due to their sexual orientation. The organizations called on the government of Lower Saxony to compensate for part of the lost federal funding and to seek a review of this decision at the European level.
Refugee activists confirmed that this shift in policy sends the wrong message to those fleeing wars and persecution. Weber said: "We need to show people that they are still welcome here. If we don't send this message, then who will?"
The Refugee Council and its partners believe that the absence of financial and political support will undermine years of efforts made to build a humane and effective system to support refugees, warning that Germany may lose the characteristic that previously distinguished it — empathy and humanity in dealing with asylum seekers.