Potsdam as a model: Rights of refugees in the focus of urban politics!

Potsdam as a model: Rights of refugees in the focus of urban politics!

Potsdam, Deutschland - The World Refugee Day on June 20 is just around the corner and first of all brings the voice of Amanda Palenberg, Potsdam's representative for migration and integration. It urges solidarity with refugee people, especially in times when migration policy measures are increasingly being forced. "It is time to defend the rights of those seeking protection," said Palenberg. Potsdam officially became known for a safe port in 2018, and that goes far beyond mere symbolism. Tagesspiegel reports that Palenberg demands specific measures and the rights of refugees protect.

Currently there is a strong increase in people in Potsdam who are looking for refuge. In 2023, 183 refugees were recorded, while the city planned a total of 600 recordings for 2025. However, the figures could increase because the state government asks for the creation of 1000 additional accommodation. Mayor Mike Schubert and deputy Brigitte Meier made it clear in a recent announcement that the influx of geopolitical locations remains high.

new accommodation options

The city administration is currently working together with social providers on temporary solutions for the accommodation of refugees. Several new locations are being planned:

• house 2 on campus: 152 places from June 2023 for one year.
• nedlitzer wood on the Jungfernsee campus: space for about 480 people, with commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2023, term up to 3 years.
• Marquardter Chaussee: extension to 80 places, with a term of up to 4 years.

The existing accommodations in Potsdam are almost exhausted, and the mediation in your own apartments is extremely difficult. In addition to the already mentioned figures, a total of 2700 refugees celebrated their arrival in Potsdam last year, which represents an annoyance compared to 2021. Locations will also have sanitary facilities and common rooms to offer the refugees a certain level of quality of life.

claims and human rights

The challenges with which refugees are faced with are enormous. Palenberg sharply criticizes the hollowing out of asylum law at the borders of the EU and Germany. The Institute for Human Rights underlines that rejections at German border crossings violate human rights requirements and Union law. It is crucial that asylum seekers have access to a fair process and are not exposed to torture -like conditions.

The fact that there are illegal rejections and stricter deportations puts general human rights under pressure. "Returns to internal limits are not permitted," warns the institute. In theory, the situation could even lead to asylum seekers to Austria, which is not necessarily responsible. The institute therefore calls for an individual examination of the human rights situation for every asylum.