For the international day of the family
Conflicts, human rights violations and persecution force people worldwide to flee. Families are often torn apart. While part of the family can already find protection in Germany, family members remain in conflict areas or on the escape route. A return is usually impossible due to the political or humanitarian situation.
This means that family reunification to Germany often remains the only way to live together again. To restrict him means more suffering for those affected and relatives, especially children and women. Family is a human right. And children need their parents. Protecting this is our responsibility. Instead of restricting family reunification, the federal government should use the next legislative period to make family reunification more efficient.
Jshua Hofert, board member of Terre des Hommes , says: "Families belong together. This also applies to families who have to flee! The new federal government has decided in its coalition agreement to further restrict the possibilities for family reunification – even though many refugee children and young people have already lived separated from their families, sometimes for years. The great importance of families for children's upbringing is undisputed in society. Especially for children and young people who have to flee their countries of origin, family support helps enormously with their arrival and integration. But instead of strengthening families, the new federal government now wants to limit legal access routes. We call on the federal government to organize family reunification in a simple and unbureaucratic manner in line with the rights of children and young people."
Together with the International Rescue Committee and Save the Children Terre des Hommes , supported by 30 children's and human rights organizations, has issued an appeal to the new German government on the occasion of Family Day. Together, the organizations are calling for a clear commitment to family reunification as a safe access route.
The complete appeal (PDF download)