Coercion, physical assault, incitement: Asylum seekers in Germany are frequently targeted in attacks. The police recorded over 500 incidents across Germany in the first half of the year.
The police reported 519 attacks on refugees and asylum seekers throughout Germany in the first half of 2024. This information comes from a response by the federal government to a minor inquiry from the Left Party group in the Bundestag, which was made available to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” (NOZ).
Specifically, the reported crimes include incitement to hatred, coercion, and serious bodily harm. In these incidents, which occurred outside of refugee accommodations, 46 individuals were injured, including six children, as stated in the response that was also provided to the German Press Agency. The majority of the attacks—456 in total—are attributed by the police to the right-wing scene. Furthermore, statistics show there were 69 attacks on refugee shelters.
Saxony and Thuringia in Focus
In the first half of 2023, investigators noted 1,155 attacks on refugees, with a total of 2,450 throughout the last year. As reported by NOZ, the regional hotspots for these crimes are in Saxony and Thuringia, where state elections are scheduled for September 1. Of the 286 attacks on refugees nationwide in the second quarter of 2024, the most were reported in Saxony (41) and Thuringia (35), followed by Bavaria (31), Lower Saxony (30), and Brandenburg (29).
“It has long been understood that there is a strong connection between the racist rhetoric of politicians and the subsequent racist mobilization and attacks on the streets,” stated Left Party Bundestag member Clara Bünger to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung.”
“When right-wing politicians in parliament advocate for ‘remigration’ and when even government members attribute various social issues to refugees, announce large-scale deportations, or describe asylum seekers as invaders, as seen in Great Britain, it emboldens racists to hunt individuals down and terrorize refugees.”
Coercion, physical assault, incitement: Asylum seekers in Germany are repeatedly the target of attacks. The police registered more than 500 attacks across Germany in the first half of the year.
According to a recent report, the police in Germany registered 519 attacks on refugees and asylum seekers during the first half of 2024. This alarming statistic was revealed in a response from the federal government to a minor inquiry from the Left Party group in the Bundestag, as shared with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” (NOZ).
Nature of the Attacks
These attacks encompass a range of crimes, including incitement to hatred, coercion, and dangerous bodily harm. Notably, outside of refugee accommodations, these incidents have resulted in injuries to 46 individuals, comprising six children. The statistics reflect a worrying trend, with the right-wing scene attributed to the majority of these assaults—456 incidents in total. Furthermore, the data includes 69 attacks specifically targeting refugee accommodations.
Regional Breakdown: Saxony and Thuringia in Focus
Analyzing the data from previous years, the first half of 2023 saw 1,155 attacks on refugees, while the total for the entire year reached 2,450. The focus of these attacks has predominantly been in Saxony and Thuringia, particularly as both states prepare for elections on September 1. In the second quarter of 2024 alone, a significant number of attacks were reported: 41 in Saxony and 35 in Thuringia, followed closely by 31 in Bavaria, 30 in Lower Saxony, and 29 in Brandenburg.
The Impact of Political Rhetoric
As highlighted by Left Party Bundestag member Clara Bünger, there is a discernible relationship between racist rhetoric from politicians and the subsequent rise in racist mobilizations and attacks. Bünger elaborated, stating, “It has long been known that there is a close connection between racist slogans issued by politicians and racist mobilizations and attacks on the streets.”
The Role of Media and Fear Tactics
Bünger further criticized politicians who call for ‘remigration’ and those who blame refugees for a variety of societal issues. She emphasized that language used by politicians creates an environment where racists feel justified to target refugees. This discourse not only influences public sentiment but also directly impacts the behavior of individuals on the ground, ultimately leading to an increase in violence against marginalized communities.
Statistics Overview
| Region | Attacks in Q2 2024 |
|---|---|
| Saxony | 41 |
| Thuringia | 35 |
| Bavaria | 31 |
| Lower Saxony | 30 |
| Brandenburg | 29 |
Summary of Current Incidents
The situation for asylum seekers in Germany remains precarious. The recorded incidents highlight a systemic issue regarding the treatment of refugees and the need for more robust protective measures. Victims of these attacks are often left not just physically injured, but also facing psychological trauma as a result of their experiences.
Community Support and Resources
Various organizations are working tirelessly to support refugees and asylum seekers in Germany. Community support plays a crucial role in helping victims navigate the complexities of their challenges and ensuring they have access to necessary resources. These may include:
- Legal aid and counseling
- Mental health support
- Housing assistance
- Language and integration courses
- Community solidarity initiatives
Conclusion
The fight for the rights and safety of asylum seekers in Germany must continue, and it is essential that communities, governments, and NGOs come together to address these pressing issues. Empowerment through solidarity and advocacy is crucial for creating a safer environment for all individuals seeking refuge.
