Denial of Safeguard
In a controversial move, the suspension of protection promises for former local employees from Afghanistan, who worked for the federal government or organizations supported by Germany, has been deemed unlawful by Pro Asyl and the Partnership Network Local Forces. This decision, which affects sections 22 and 23 of the Residence Act, has sparked outrage and led to a lawsuit against Federal Ministers Wadephul and Dobrindt.
The program in question, primarily used by Afghans who fled after the Taliban took power in 2021, benefited a total of 37,103 people, including Russian dissidents and Belarusian human rights defenders. However, the current coalition has indefinitely suspended the federal government's humanitarian intake programs, a decision that has been criticized for its violation of international and European law in certain cases.
The consequences for the affected individuals are devastating. Many former local employees from Afghanistan, who had worked for democracy and are now stuck in Pakistan, fear imprisonment and deportation back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The experiences in Afghanistan have shown that local forces were crucial for the success of security operations, development projects, humanitarian aid, and economic undertakings.
The suspension of these programs has far-reaching implications beyond the affected individuals. It sends a clear message to Berlin's allies and adversaries, signaling that Berlin is open for cooperation with repressive governments. The consequences of not meeting responsibilities in this matter are severe, both on a human level for those waiting for their departure in Pakistan, and on a political level as Germany risks undermining its credibility as a democratic actor.
The Taliban, an unpleasant partner for Berlin, are signaled that democracy activists and human rights defenders cannot expect protection in Germany. The coalition's hard line on migration has resulted in the ending of programs for vulnerable Afghans, the introduction of pushbacks at the German borders, the temporary suspension of family reunification for people with subsidiary protection status, and the suspension of Germany's participation in the UN refugee resettlement program.
Legal and diplomatic pressure has already forced the coalition to abandon its hard-line stance and partially allow the entry of vulnerable Afghans again, thanks to concerted actions of civil society and strong opposition politics. However, the search results do not provide information about which government members were involved in suspending humanitarian protection promises for former local employees from Afghanistan, nor when this suspension took place.
Germany owes these local forces respect, recognition, loyalty, and necessary protection. The federal government's decision to suspend these programs has consequences not only for the affected people but also for Germany's international integrity and reputation. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial that Germany upholds its commitments and provides the necessary support to those who have risked their lives in the service of democracy and human rights.
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