Potsdam calls for solidarity: World Refugee Day demands our action!

Potsdam calls for solidarity: World Refugee Day demands our action!

World Refugee Day on June 20th is just around the corner and brings important issues relating to migration and refugee protection into public discussion. Dr. Amanda Palenberg, the city of Potsdam's Commissioner for Migration and Integration, urgently calls for solidarity with refugees. In her speech, she emphasized the need to actively defend the rights of those seeking protection and to take concrete measures to give people a new perspective without relying on migration policy isolation. Potsdam has proudly declared itself to be a safe haven and focuses on inclusive housing design for disadvantaged groups instead of promoting isolation and rejection. In view of illegal rejections at the EU and German external borders, tangible protest is necessary to improve the situation of refugees and protect their rights, as Potsdam.de reports.

World Refugee Day is now in its 25th year and the commitment is more relevant today than ever. As the Institute for Human Rights emphasizes, this day is a reminder that protection from persecution, violence and disenfranchisement is essential for many people. At a time when individual asylum rights are continually being questioned, it is more important than ever to understand refugee protection as preventive human rights protection. Nele Allenberg, head of the human rights policy department, calls for a commitment to these principles and criticizes the growing tendency in Europe to portray migration as a threat instead of maintaining legal certainty.

Uncertain times for those seeking protection

The migration movements often cannot be clearly separated; many people are fleeing conflict or persecution. As explained in the article by bpb.de, the reasons for migration emerge from a complex interplay of poverty, violence and political upheavals. But reality shows that not all involuntary migration is recognized as requiring protection, which leaves many in a precarious legal dilemma. Courts should interpret the existing legal situation in such a way that the rights of those seeking protection are safeguarded - a required return to constitutional principles is urgently needed.

An event entitled “Kurdistan in Focus – Experiences of a Delegation Trip” is also planned for Potsdam on June 23rd, which will deal with the experiences of deported people. The focus is on the challenge of returns, Germany's responsibility and existing human rights protection. Participation in this event is free and is an important sign of the city's commitment to helping refugees.

The ongoing relevance of refugee law

International refugee law provides the framework within which states must act when it comes to the rights of refugees. In particular, the Geneva Refugee Convention and the principle of non-refoulement show that returns to dangerous situations are illegal. Germany and many other countries are committed to ensuring the protection of refugees, a task that now more than ever requires an active and solidarity-based approach.

In conclusion, the upcoming World Refugee Day presents an opportunity to shine a light on the challenges and rights of refugees. At a time when many people seeking protection are hindered in their right to asylum, the voice of civil society is needed to draw attention to these grievances and bring about sustainable solutions.