World Refugee Day: Call for an asylum policy that complies with human rights!

World Refugee Day: Call for an asylum policy that complies with human rights!

Today, World Refugee Day, June 20, 2025, the situation of refugees is once again the focus of discussion. The organization Work and Education e. V. calls for a fundamental change of course in refugee policy. Managing director Kordula Weber emphasizes the urgent need to protect families and ensure participation for refugees. In a statement, she makes it clear that today is a day of solidarity with people on the run, and at the same time the highest number of refugees in the world represents an alarming situation. Millions of children who suffer from the current political conditions are particularly affected. In Hesse, for example, 566 deportations were already recorded between January and March 2025 - this corresponds to an increase of 45% compared to the previous year.

The current asylum policy is being called into question by various measures taken by the federal government, which, according to reports from Institute for Human Rights results in a tightening of asylum laws. This is aimed in particular at the rejection of asylum seekers at the borders, for which there are numerous legal concerns. A ruling by the Berlin Administrative Court has already determined that such rejections are illegal. However, the coalition agreement made it even more difficult for all those seeking protection at the borders and family reunification for those entitled to subsidiary protection, which has a massive impact on integration efforts and the right to a family.

Human rights in focus

The debates about refugee protection point to deeper social challenges. As a state party to the Geneva Refugee Convention, Germany is aware of its responsibility and has committed itself to guaranteeing asylum seekers access to a fair and effective procedure. However, the principles enshrined in our Basic Law and the European Convention on Human Rights must not be sacrificed to the political agenda. A blanket portrayal of those seeking protection as a security risk is not only misleading, but also dangerous Federal Agency for Civic Education observed.

A particularly worrying trend is the discussion about safe third countries, which effectively increase the risk that those seeking protection will be sent to countries where they are at risk of torture or inhumane treatment. Such approaches raise legitimate concerns about the future structure of refugee protection in Germany and are increasingly being criticized because the protection of vulnerable people must not become a bargaining chip in migration policy debates.

Positive approaches and projects

In the midst of these challenges, organizations such as Arbeit und Bildungs ​​e. V. actively works to offer help to refugees with projects such as “EnCourage/MyTurn” and “BLEIB!dabei”. These initiatives particularly support women with migration experience and accompany refugees on their way into the labor market. Important anchor points are set here to strengthen integration and participation.

The demand for an asylum policy that complies with human rights remains essential. Let us work together to improve the situation of refugees, not only in the Marburg-Biedenkopf district, but throughout Germany. Only in this way can the country, which is considered a safe haven for many, live up to its ethical obligations and promote an open, inclusive society.