SPD's Eichwede: Persistent Refusal of Asylum Applicants Could Remain Unlawful
Unlawful rejections of asylum seekers persist, asserted SPD faction deputy Eichwede. - EU Parliamentarians Advocate for Enhancing Europe's Diplomatic Ties with Central and Eastern European Nations via Commission Intervention
Regardless of the border control enhancements announced by Alexander Dobrindt, the legality of denying asylum seekers entry into Germany remains questionable, according to SPD MP Sonja Eichwede. Previously serving as a judge, Eichwede points out that Dobrindt hasn't given an explicit command to the federal police to enact this policy. "I reckon that the officers at the borders will continue to observe the law," states Eichwede, adding that "unless there's a change, I anticipate no legal proceedings will ensue."
In a Wednesday address, Dobrindt proposed stricter border controls to decrease the influx of refugees. This plan suggests dispatching additional federal police to boost border security and turning away asylum seekers. However, exceptions will be made for expectant mothers and minors.
- Sonja Eichwede
- Asylum Seekers
- SPD
- Rejection
- Federal Police
- Germany
- Alexander Dobrindt
- Germany Radio
- CSU
- Bundestag
A Closer Look:
The German Constitution and international law ensure the right of individuals to seek asylum (Article 16a(1), Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the 1951 Refugee Convention). The refusal of asylum on a mass scale could potentially infringe upon these rights, as the European Court of Human Rights has pointed out, if it does not account for individual assessments of each case.
Germany's current policy, under the supervision of Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, aims to reject asylum seekers at the border, with exemptions for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children[1][4]. The legality and effectiveness of this strategy are uncertain, as it might contradict the aforementioned legal protections if it overlooks individual evaluations.
Within the German government, there has been internal discord regarding the legality of these measures, with additional SPD members voicing concerns about their legality and feasibility[5]. The coalition agreement does include plans to collaborate with European partners in handling asylum seekers[1][5], but resistance from within the government and legal disputes could impede the successful implementation of such measures.
- Despite Alexander Dobrindt's announcement of stricter border controls, Sonja Eichwede, an SPD MP and former judge, expressed doubts about the legality of denying asylum to seekers in Germany.
- Eichwede expects the federal police to continue following the law, implying that the persistent rejection of asylum applicants could remain unlawful unless there's a change in policy.
- Asylum seekers, particularly those not falling under the exemptions for pregnant women and children, may face potential infringements on their rights under German and international law if mass rejection occurs without individual assessments.
- Internal discord in the German government, including concerns raised by SPD members, suggests resistance to the implementation of border control measures that may infringe upon asylum seekers' rights and could lead to legal disputes.
