Protest against living conditions: refrigerators against social cold

Protest against living conditions: refrigerators against social cold

The situation for refugees in the Neu Tramm accommodation in the Lüchow-Dannenberg district is causing more and more dissatisfaction. On Saturday, August 30th, a protest will take place under the motto “Refrigerators against the social cold”, where affected refugees and supporters want to draw attention to the unsustainable living conditions. Not only are there protests in front of the accommodation, but practical help in the form of refrigerators and cool bags is also handed out to improve hygienic conditions. As the taz reported, the critical voices are unmistakable, especially with regard to the inadequate food supply and the lack of cooking facilities.

There are currently 82 refugees living in the accommodation who want to cook independently in order to experience more freedom and independence. But you won't find refrigerators, which means food is often stored on window sills and creates unhygienic conditions. Supporters such as the “Grandmas against the Right Wendland” initiative and the DGB do not consider this situation to be acceptable and are urgently calling for changes. An open letter was sent to the administration in April 2024 to point out the grievances. This one from the NDR Documented demands also include better cooking facilities and the creation of sufficiently protected shower areas for women.

grievances and demands

The property continues to lack basic hygiene requirements. The shower facilities for women cannot be locked, and the social and medical care also leaves a lot to be desired. This means that refugees have to report twice a week and visitors have to be announced in advance. There is also the problem of heating in winter and clogged drain pipes. This fact has the taz highlighted in their report and clarified the negative impact of the existing conditions on the already vulnerable group.

Criticism of accommodation is not new. In 2017, an admission ban for refugees in Neu Tramm was imposed, which brought with it as many challenges as possible related to social and health care. The Lüchow-Dannenberg district acquired the former barracks cheaply and is planning extensive renovations, which will, however, cost more than 16 million euros. The district council is divided: supporters and opponents are fighting for solutions that take into account the needs of refugees and do not overstretch the district's financial possibilities. The original idea was to promote the socio-cultural integration of refugees in order to create something positive from the history of the barracks and their takeover during the British occupation.

Outlook and support

The state government has tried to improve accommodation, especially from the perspective of integration. The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs has developed minimum standards for the protection of refugees, which should also apply in these accommodations. Compliance with such standards is particularly important for many residents in order to feel safe and respected.

The upcoming protest offers a forum to draw attention to these grievances and increase the pressure on the administration and politicians. The events surrounding the accommodation in Neu Tramm are an example of the challenges that numerous refugees have to experience in Germany. And it remains to be seen whether those responsible will implement the urgent improvements in time.