Assessment indicates Limited Aggression Toward Refugees
Since 2024, there has been a documented increase in unreported crimes against asylum seekers and refugees in Germany. The rise is attributed to several interrelated causes, including underreporting due to fear and mistrust, discrimination, and insufficient support services.
Underreporting and Fear
Refugees and asylum seekers often hesitate to report crimes due to fear of authorities, potential repercussions on their asylum claims, language barriers, and cultural differences. Suspended or delayed asylum procedures, reflected in data showing many applications remaining unresolved or suspended as of 2024, exacerbate their vulnerable status.
Discrimination and Exclusion
Continued xenophobia and discrimination contribute to a lack of trust in law enforcement and societal institutions, leading victims to avoid reporting incidents.
Insufficient Support Services
The capacity and responsiveness of support structures for asylum seekers, including police training and accessible victim services, have not fully adapted to their specific needs, contributing to underreporting.
A Downward Trend in 2025
In a positive development, preliminary police evaluations indicate fewer crimes targeting asylum seekers or recognized refugees in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. However, reports from NGOs and ombudspersons suggest that the actual extent of these crimes may still be understated.
Governmental and International Response
Governmental and international bodies are enhancing strategies for combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations. These efforts emphasize empowerment, prevention, and prosecution frameworks, but challenges remain in fully capturing the scope of unreported crimes.
Impacts on Refugees and Society
The persistent exposure to violence, coupled with unreported status, erodes refugees’ mental health and social integration prospects. Low reporting rates impede effective law enforcement responses, perpetuating cycles of abuse within asylum seeker communities.
Political Debates and Demonstrations
Asylum issues were controversially discussed in the Bundestag in the first half of 2024 and again in the first half of 2025. Several demonstrations, some carried out or dominated by right-wing extremists, were held nationwide, particularly in connection with the topic of immigration or asylum.
The Role of the AfD
Two of these demonstrations were allegedly organized by the AfD, which is currently being observed as a suspected right-wing extremist case by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
Decrease in Asylum Applications
The number of first-time asylum applications in Germany in the first half of 2025 is approximately 50% less than the same period in 2024. This decrease may be attributed to gradually introduced stationary controls at all German land borders, measures by Balkan countries to reduce irregular migration, and the changed situation in Syria.
Continued Harassment and Attacks
Clara Bünger, interior policy spokeswoman for The Left, states that racist harassment, threats, and physical attacks are still part of daily life for people seeking protection in Germany. Despite a reported decrease in participants at demonstrations organized by neo-Nazi groups, incidents involving property damage, insults, and incitement to hatred persist.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2]
Read also:
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Proposed Standardization of Food Labeling Laws Among Member States by the Commission
- Experimenting with Merz's Germany has stretched into an extended period of time, resembling a numerous three-month duration.
