Defense of Pro-Asyl's Advocacy for Somali Refugees Following Rejected Allegations
**Somali Asylum Seekers Win Court Battle Against Deportation, but Legal Challenges Persist**
Three Somali asylum seekers have successfully challenged their deportation from Germany, following a court ruling on September 13, 2022. The Administrative Court of Berlin (VG Berlin) determined that the German government had illegally refused entry to the asylum seekers at the German-Polish border.
The case, which took place at the German border, saw the individuals facing deportation after attempting entry into Germany for a third time. They had sued Pro Asyl, a human rights organization advocating for the rights of asylum seekers in Germany, but the court dismissed any claims that Pro Asyl had control over their actions.
The court ruling was based on the premise that asylum seekers must not be immediately turned away at the border, and instead, the procedure to determine which EU member state is responsible for processing their asylum application must be conducted according to the Dublin III Regulation.
However, the German government has appealed the ruling and continues to push for stricter border controls and the return of asylum seekers to their first country of entry in the EU. Legal experts argue that this must be done after processing the cases and determining which country is responsible.
In a statement to the Tagesspiegel (Saturday edition), Pro Asyl director Karl Kopp defended the organization's actions in the case. He emphasized that Pro Asyl advocates for the adherence to EU asylum laws and the Dublin III Regulation, ensuring that asylum seekers are given fair treatment and the right to seek asylum in the EU country of their choice, if eligible.
The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has also weighed in on the matter, stating that the German government's appeal of the court ruling is not likely to succeed. This support from the European Court further strengthens the Somali asylum seekers' position in their legal battle.
Despite the court victory, the broader policy environment remains challenging for asylum seekers in Germany. Pro Asyl continues to play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring that they are treated fairly and in accordance with EU law.
The court victory of three Somali asylum seekers against their deportation from Germany signifies a small win in the larger context of politics surrounding general-news of immigrant rights. Despite the court ruling, the German government's persistent push for stricter border controls and immediate return of asylum seekers to their first country of entry in the EU creates legal challenges that persist.
