On October 9, the German Bundestag debated the implementation of the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) in Germany for the first time in plenary session (first reading). Among other things, the plans include stricter restrictions on freedom and deprivation of liberty for refugees. Under certain conditions, children could also be detained or placed in conditions similar to those of detention.

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.

“For us, it’s clear: Refugee children must be protected and not locked away,” says Annika Schlingheider, advisor for refugees and migration 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 is not possible in remote, partially closed facilities or even in detention.” 

“The implementation of the CEAS reform threatens a massive expansion of detention for asylum seekers 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 rubber-stamp the CEAS adaptation law, but ensure that the reform is implemented in Germany in a way that complies with human rights,” demands Wiebke Judith, legal policy spokesperson for PRO ASYL.