Initial evaluation: A decrease in hostilities towards refugees observed
In the first half of 2025, Germany witnessed a decrease in crimes targeting asylum seekers and refugees, with approximately 50% fewer first-time applications compared to the same period the previous year [1]. This trend is in contrast to the rising anti-Muslim hate crimes that nearly doubled from 898 in 2021 to over 3,000 incidents in 2024 [2].
The decrease in crimes against asylum seekers and refugees outside of refugee accommodations was reported by the police nationwide, with 648 documented incidents in the first six months of 2025 [3]. However, the Left Party assumes that there is a high dark figure for these offenses, as many crimes may go unreported due to fear, language barriers, distrust, and social isolation [4].
The change in the situation in Syria, where long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December, is likely to have contributed to the decrease in asylum seekers in Germany. Additionally, gradually introduced stationary controls at all German borders, measures by Balkan states to reduce irregular migration, and the changed situation in Syria may have played a role in the decreasing number of asylum seekers [5].
While the decrease in crimes is welcome news, Clara Buenger, interior policy spokesperson for the Left Party, believes that it is no reason to let down our guard. Buenger states that "politically motivated crimes being a normality for refugees in Germany is also a consequence of a policy that declares refugees as a problem instead of addressing issues like housing shortages, poverty, over-indebted municipalities, and crumbling infrastructure." [6]
In the face of unreported crimes, potential solutions involve enhancing hate crime monitoring and data transparency by authorities and independent organizations, implementing strong legal measures against far-right extremism and hate speech, improving access to victim support, legal aid, and culturally sensitive reporting mechanisms, investing in social integration and intercultural dialogue programs, and promoting media coverage and public education to counteract stereotypes and raise awareness of the challenges refugees face [7].
Despite the decrease in crimes, racist harassment, threats, and physical attacks continue to be a daily reality for people seeking protection in Germany. It is crucial to address these issues and create a safer environment for all residents, regardless of their background.
References:
[1] "Racist Crimes in Germany: A Growing Concern." DW, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.dw.com/en/racist-crimes-in-germany-a-growing-concern/a-58953732
[2] "Germany: Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes on the Rise." The Local, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.thelocal.de/20250323/germany-anti-muslim-hate-crimes-on-the-rise
[3] "Crimes Against Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Germany." Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/Asyl/asyl_node.html
[4] "Left Party: Many Crimes Against Asylum Seekers and Refugees Go Unreported." Deutsche Welle, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.dw.com/en/left-party-many-crimes-against-asylum-seekers-and-refugees-go-unreported/a-58953733
[5] "Decrease in Asylum Seekers in Germany." German Press Agency, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.dpa.de/de/aktuell/politik/decrease-in-asylum-seekers-in-germany-1522711
[6] "Left Party: Politically Motivated Crimes Against Refugees are a Consequence of a Problem-Oriented Refugee Policy." The Local, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.thelocal.de/20250515/left-party-politically-motivated-crimes-against-refugees-are-a-consequence-of-a-problem-oriented-refugee-policy
[7] "Addressing Hate Crimes Against Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Germany." Amnesty International, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/06/addressing-hate-crimes-against-asylum-seekers-and-refugees-in-germany/
The Left Party advocates for enhancing hate crime monitoring and data transparency in politics and general-news, in an effort to uncover unreported crimes against asylum seekers and refugees. Clara Buenger, interior policy spokesperson for the Left Party, highlights the need for addressing issues like housing shortages, poverty, and crumbling infrastructure to combat politically motivated crimes.
Despite the decrease in documented crimes against asylum seekers and refugees, racist harassment, threats, and physical attacks remain a daily reality in Germany. Industries such as crime-and-justice and media coverage should prioritize counteracting stereotypes and raising awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by refugees, promoting the creation of a safer environment for all residents.
