Joint statement from the federal association NeMO eV and DaMigra eV: On the current social situation following the “deportation plans” of right-wing extremist circles and parties

The Federal Association of Migrant Networksinternal organizations – BV NeMO- (www.bvnemo. de) is an association of 21 local, cross-origin, secular and democratic associations more than 800 member associations nationwide. As an interest group, the Federal Association NeMO is a mouthpiece for (post-)migrant interests, a partner in projects critical of discrimination and a consultant for actorsfrom politics, civil society, media and business. The focus is on strengthening local commitment and promoting equal rights for people with migration skills - especially for vulnerable groups who are repeatedly marginalized.

The Umbrella association of migrant organizations – DaMigra – (www.damigra.de) has been acting as a nationwide, origin-independent and women-specific umbrella organization of migrant organizations since 2014. DaMigra is politically, ideologically and religiously independent. DaMigra sees itself as the mouthpiece and representative of more than 70 migrant organizations and advocates for their interests in politics, the public, the media and business nationwide. DaMigra focuses on the complex discrimination and intersectionality of the experiences of migrant and refugee women. DaMigra pursues a feminist and anti-racist self-image.

Our two associations are united by, among other things, the will and determination to address the living conditions of migrantsto help shape the interior in a positive and future-oriented way, to enable their participation and co-determination on equal terms, and to combat racism and other forms of discrimination there, where we are at home: Here in Germany and Europe!

We start with a few critical questions:

- How do you explain the supposed surprise that the political mood is becoming increasingly right-wing and radical, while the “new right” and racist opinion makers from the middle of society have been tolerated for decades? We share with many other actorsInterior for years towards this development.
– How can it be that instead of one positive image of the immigration society Germany is the current discussion dominated by deportation?
– How can there be one in political discourse? contradictory dichotomy on the topic of migration which, on the one hand, promotes the migration of skilled workers and, on the other hand, aims at more and faster deportations?
– How can it be that, despite a shortage of skilled workers, many people who migrate and/or flee here Access to the training and labor market is structurally more difficult and they are discriminated against there?

Could it be because the message that Germany is a country of immigration, which has benefited and been shaped by various cultural influences for decades, has still not really sunk in? The migration society is one of the central characteristics of our country. In connection with this, migration represents a cross-sectional task for all policy areas. Migration is a strength and a right; No problem, as it is constantly discussed in politics and the public!

With many of our friendsinside, relatives and colleaguesInsecurity and fear are growing inside, but above all, fear is growing Disappointment with a country that, based on its own history and its basic law, stands for liberal democracy, human dignity and cosmopolitanism. Or should we say: confessed?

We would like to emphasize again: If living together, accepting diverse identities, and respecting each other succeeds, then this is one of the most effective antidotes to the constant right-wing radical and racist attempt to label us people with immigration and refugee histories as “foreigners”.

Ultimately, the current debate about the deportation plans of right-wing extremist and racist circles and parties is about the core question: What kind of Germany do we want in the 21st century?

Against this background, we would like to share our concerns with everyone:

I. Increasing right-wing extremism, racism: A political atmosphere that promotes and spreads hatred and incitement leads to an increase in racist threats, attacks, discrimination and prejudice against migrantsinside and refugees. Organizations affected by this are increasingly being called upon to take measures against hatred and incitement as well as discrimination in order to raise awareness of the dangers faced by certain groups and individuals.

II. Increasingly anti-feminist sentiment: Right-wing extremism, racism and anti-feminism are inextricably linked. Women with refugee and refugee status are particularly affected Migration biographies. Right-wing extremist ideologies not only involve rejection based on supposed ethnic or religious origins, but are often accompanied by sexist beliefs and practices. Migrants and refugee women are therefore often not only exposed to racist attacks, but also to anti-feminist and sexual violence and need special protection due to the current debates.

III. Difficult collaboration: A political atmosphere characterized by racism makes cooperation between migrants difficultinternal organizations, state institutions and other actorsInside. Mistrust and tensions arise.

IV. Stricter legislation: A more restrictive migration policy has a negative impact on the rights of migrantsinside out. MigrantInternal organizations must increasingly fight against laws that disadvantage or discriminate against their target groups/community. V. Restrictions on funding: MigrantInternal organizations may have difficulty obtaining financial support and funding if policymakers take a more restrictive stance on migration and integration issues.

VI. Decline in public support: Migrant organizations may face a decline in public support when the political mood is one of prejudice. The commitment and solidarity of the population could decrease.

What can politicians do?

1. Strengthening, stabilizing and securing the constitutional bodies against any kind of abuse (e.g. political influence or disempowerment by right-wing extremist circles, etc.).
2. Take precautions to ensure that right-wing extremist circles do not have access to migrant personal datadomestic or migrant citizensattain within.
3. Realpolitik consequences for parties involved: Parties involved in the scandal must undergo a thorough and independent investigation. The results of these investigations should be made transparent and those responsible must be held accountable.
4. Loss of funding: Parties that do not clearly distance themselves from right-wing extremist activities or take measures to remove right-wing extremist elements should face the loss of government funding.
5. Take precautions in the administration through regulations so that people with right-wing radical views do not have access to the Central Register of Foreigners (AZR).
6. Strengthening resilience against right-wing extremism in the ranks of law enforcement and security bodies. Draw merciless consequences for violations. The state gives its civil servants a certain amount of power. Therefore, the duty of control lies with the state.
7. Early identification and prevention of extremism in schools and communities through programs that educate youth about radicalization.
8. Incorporate the professional expertise of those affected so that they can design and carry out educational and political education projects as experts.
9. Promotion of projects that aim to create an information campaign with positive examples. This also includes the long-overdue passage of the Democracy Promotion Act.
10. Promote project work with the above-mentioned goals by foregoing the contribution of civil society's own funds.
11. More support and funding opportunities for migrant organizations (MO) and creation of more efficient support structures for victims of racism, discrimination and extremism.
12. Strengthening the human rights of refugees and migrants, especially those of women and vulnerable groups. This also includes the consistent implementation of the Istanbul Convention, which calls for comprehensive protection from violence for all women and girls in the EU - including those seeking asylum and those without a right of residence.
13. Training people in media literacy to improve their ability to deal critically with information and recognize fake news or ideological propaganda.
14. Strengthen legal tools to combat hate crimes and extremist activities. (Democracy Promotion Act and Participation Act)
15. Emphasize the positive sides of migration and immigration more strongly and appropriately, support them with an information campaign on the subject of migration and refrain from any stigmatization.

With the above-mentioned concerns and the 15-point catalogue, we address politics, society, business, the media and associations so that WE can shape the future and our social cohesion TOGETHER.