Germany
Young protection seekers in initial reception and follow-up accommodations
Each third asylum application in 2024 came from a child or adolescent - in the previous year there were even more. They flee from war, violence and poverty and they need protection. But in Germany they often expect lack of prospects: cramped accommodations, everyday life full of uncertainty and lack of funding. Clays of the asylum laws aggravate the location.
The upcoming implementation of the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) threatens further, far-reaching tightening of the rules, including the risk of detention or detention-like conditions, even for children. This must be prevented at all costs.
Studies show that the inadequate reception system hinders integration and violates children's rights. Terre des Hommes highlights the perspectives of children and young people and, together with partner organizations, supports them in achieving improvements.
Information material
Demands
For child -friendly care and accommodation children and adolescents seeking protection!
Children and adolescents have the right to protection, education and privacy. Accommodation in initial reception facilities and anchor centers systematically violates them.
Terre des Hommes is calling for families with children to be required to stay in these facilities for a maximum of four weeks. This requires a change to the federal asylum law – until then, the federal states should use their flexibility to act!
Living in confined spaces in shared accommodation places a psychological and physical strain on children and young people. Terre des Hommes demands that families seeking protection be accommodated decentrally and in their own apartments – regardless of their country of origin or residency status. The requirements for living in shared accommodation must be abolished, and access to child-friendly housing must be ensured. This also requires the promotion of a social housing policy!
The rights of children and adolescents seeking protection cannot be preserved without legal protection and other child law procedural guarantees.
Terre des Hommes advocates for legal protection for minors at all stages of the process. This requires trained professionals, guardianship, and legal representation from the outset, as well as consideration of the principle of "in case of doubt, in favor of the minor." Terre des Hommes rejects medical methods of age assessment, which violate child rights and are unreliable.
The Asylum Seekers Authority (AsylumBlG) is massively restricting the autonomy and participation of children and adolescents that are looking for protection.
Terre des Hommes calls for the abolition of the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (AsylbLG) and equal access to social security, participation, and healthcare for all, in accordance with the standard benefits of the Social Security Code. Youth welfare services must be strengthened, and better access for refugee children and families must be created. Stigmatizing payment cards must be abolished.
Every child should have the opportunity to develop their own potential in the best possible way. A child cannot help in which family and in which society it is born - and whether it has to flee from war, crises and poverty.
Terre des Hommes , together with partner organizations in more than 40 countries, is committed to ensuring good conditions for children's upbringing and development and is calling on governments worldwide to strengthen disadvantaged children in particular – even in wealthy countries like Germany.
Get involved
Terre des Hommes is offering a new banner exhibition, "No Place for Children." Twelve roll-up banners inform about the situation of young asylum seekers in initial reception and follow-up accommodation. The exhibition can be borrowed free of charge. Organize a local exhibition now. We would be happy to support you with tips on possible dates and locations, as well as posters for public relations work and expert speakers for larger events.
Interested? Then send us a message:
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