Solidarity Summer Revisited Through Pro Asyl's Resurgence
In the past decade, the discourse surrounding migration and asylum in Germany and beyond has undergone a significant shift. Karl Kopp, co-leader of the human rights organization Pro Asyl, has observed a hardening of political migration policy since 2015. He particularly criticises measures such as the halt of family reunification for war refugees as "mean-spirited."
This shift towards stricter asylum laws and a societal climate increasingly influenced by restrictive views on migration and asylum has been evident. The asylum debate has become resentment-laden, with the media and societal discourse focusing heavily on the issue in a negative light.
However, it is important to remember the past. In 2015, Austria and Germany prevented a humanitarian catastrophe in Hungary, Greece, and elsewhere by not closing their borders. This decision allowed refugees to move freely within Europe for a short time without the need for commercial smuggling.
Defending an open refugee and migration society today is not just about upholding the rule of law and judicial independence, but also about preserving human dignity. The organization Pro Asyl acknowledges the strength and life stories of those seeking protection.
Civil society has significantly contributed to compensating for some of the shortcomings of the state. This was evident in the welcoming of Ukrainian refugees in 2022. However, it's crucial to note that there are many "collateral damages" beyond asylum law when judges, lawyers, and civil society are attacked.
The illegal pushbacks of boat refugees in the Aegean were ended in 2015, a significant victory in the fight for human rights. Yet, robust civil sea rescue in the Mediterranean continues, but it's now more dangerous due to state blockades and harassment.
Looking forward, there will be intense competition for new immigrants in the next ten years. Maintaining humanitarianism and upholding human rights will still be crucial in ten years as they're part of an open, democratic society. Quality journalism covering complex issues at a high level still exists, but there's a mainstream that focuses on migration and asylum negatively.
Karl Kopp, co-managing director of Pro Asyl since 2023, emphasises the need to defend these values with all our might in the meantime. He reflects on the "Summer of Solidarity" being told ten years after the "Summer of Migration." The past decade has been a challenging one, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of adversity.
Tragically, nearly 3,800 people died in the Mediterranean in 2015, and over the past decade, more than 30,000 people have lost their lives in these waters. This underscores the urgent need for a humane and compassionate approach to migration and asylum.
As we move forward, it is essential to remember the lessons of the past and strive for a future that upholds the values of human dignity, human rights, and compassion.
