On October 9, the Bundestag held its first plenary discussion on the implementation of the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) in Germany (first reading). Among other things, the plan is to increase restrictions on the freedom and deprivation of liberty for refugees. Under certain circumstances, children could also be detained or housed in detention-like conditions.

Terre des Hommes , PRO ASYL, and other organizations protested in front of the Brandenburg Gate. With a larger-than-life teddy bear standing behind a fence, the organizations called on members of the German Bundestag to respect children's and human rights when implementing the CEAS reform.

"It's clear to us: refugee children must be protected and not locked away," says Annika Schlingheider, refugee and migration officer at Terre des Hommes . "Refugee children need a safe and child-friendly environment for their development and health, opportunities to play, access to school, and age-appropriate support. This isn't possible in remote, partially closed facilities or even in detention." 

"The implementation of the CEAS reform threatens a massive expansion of detention for people seeking protection in Germany – even children could be imprisoned. New closed centers could also become a reality if members of parliament do not intervene to correct this. We urgently appeal to the members of parliament: Do not simply wave through the CEAS amendment law, but ensure that the reform in Germany is compliant with human rights," demands Wiebke Judith, legal policy spokesperson for PRO ASYL.