For International Family Day
Conflicts, human rights violations, and persecution force people worldwide to flee. Families are often torn apart in the process. While some family members may find refuge in Germany, others remain in conflict zones or along the escape route. Returning home is usually impossible due to the political or humanitarian situation.
This means that family reunification in Germany often remains the only way for families to live together safely again. Restricting it will cause more suffering for those affected and their families, 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 the process more efficient.
Joshua Hofert, board member of Terre des Hommes , says: “Families belong together. This also applies to families who have to flee! The new German government has stipulated in its coalition agreement that it intends to further restrict the possibilities for family reunification – even though many refugee children and young people are already living separated from their families for years. It is undisputed in society how important families are for children's upbringing. Especially for children and young people who have to flee their countries of origin, family support is an enormous help in arriving and integrating. But instead of strengthening families, the new German government now wants to limit legal pathways to reunification. We call on the German government to organize family reunification simply and without bureaucracy, in accordance with the rights of children and young people.”
Together with the International Rescue Committee and Save the Children, Terre des Hommes has published an appeal to the new German government on the occasion of International Family Day, which is supported by 30 children's and human rights organizations. The organizations are jointly calling for a clear commitment to family reunification as a safe pathway to immigration.
The full appeal (PDF download)