Large-Scale Refugee Protest Resumes at Oranienplatz in March

Tuesday, March 4

Activists Set Up Refugee Protest Camp on Oranienplatz Once More, Speaking Out Against Germany's Immigration Policies

Early Saturday morning, tents popped up at Oranienplatz, a centerpiece in Kreuzberg, as protesters rallied against deportations and rigid immigration laws. The Berlin Administrative Court has granted authorization for this demonstration, which will extend through March under the slogan: "O-Platz lives! Stand united - for refugee, migrant rights, and climate justice."

Oranienplatz carries a remarkable past as a haven for refugee resistance. In 2012, a similar camp emerged following the suicide of Iranian refugee Muhammed Rahsapar in a Würzburg refugee shelter. Arrayed protesters traversed 600 km across Germany, halting at various refugee camps before reaching Berlin. Their occupation of Oranienplatz persisted until 2014, when law enforcement cleared the site during a comprehensive operation.

Organizers of the current movement argue that Germany has stagnated, with migrants in perilous situations becoming more repressed. Their objective is to provide refugees with knowledge, aid, and backing.

The official demands of the camp, listed on their website, are:

The shuttering of all refugee camps in Germany, replaced with better housing arrangements and upheld human rights.
An immediate halt to deportations.
Dissolution of the residency requirement.
Abolishment of the refugee payment card.
No gains for the welfare of refugees at the cost of exploitation.
Acknowledgment of asylum claims in light of the climate catastrophe.

antecedent of resistance and unity among refugees, Oranienplatz carries immense historical significance. Dubbed the Oplatz movement, this crusade began in 2012 as a refugee and migrant-led protest, urging for improved living conditions and rights. This movement was born from the necessity for migrants to unite in response to the cruel conditions imposed upon them, such as detention and expulsion threats[2].

Key Events and Demands
Establishment of the Protest Camp: The onset of the Oplatz movement transpired with the creation of a refugee protest camp on Oranienplatz in 2012. A coalition of refugees and supporters banded together, demanding more compassionate treatment and an end to deportations.
Protests and Demands: Throughout its run, the movement organized rallies and protests, voicing concerns about the plight of migrants. Central demands encompassed stopping deportations, enhancing living conditions, and granting the right to reside in Germany.
Eviction and Legacy: Ultimately, the camp was dismantled in 2014, but the movement's impact lingers, shaping refugee activism in Berlin. The Oplatz movement underscored the potency of collective action by migrants and their supporters in advocating for rights.
Current 2023 Protest Demands in Berlin

In recent times, demonstrations in Berlin have continued to focus on migration-related issues and refugee rights. Alterations in protest demands for 2023 at Oranienplatz may occur, but they frequently involve:

Strengthening Refugee Rights: Pushing for better treatment and rights for refugees, ensuring access to education, employment, and the right to remain.
Opposition to Deportations: Propagating the fight against deportations, which were a central concern during the Oplatz movement.
Solidarity with Global Movements: Advocating for solidarity with other migrant groups internationally, such as those in Libya and elsewhere.
Recent Protests and Events

Recent demonstrations, as announced on social media, point to ongoing activism at Oranienplatz. For example, a public call to action in May 2025 urged people to "let our voices ring loud and clear," indicating that the location continues to serve as a platform for airing demands related to migrant rights and broader social issues[3].

Oranienplatz remains a potent symbol of resistance and solidarity for refugees in Berlin, reflecting broader struggles for human rights and dignity.

The 2023 protests at Oranienplatz, similar to the Oplatz movement of 2012, demand an end to Germany's rigid immigration policies and strive for climate justice, owing to their concern for migrants in precarious situations.
The ongoing refugee protest at Oranienplatz in 2023 not only stands against deportations and harsh immigration laws but also advocates for the recognition of asylum claims due to the global climate catastrophe, aligning with the broader focus of environmental science.
In the realm of politics, the current protest movement at Oranienplatz seeks to address war and conflicts by supporting migrants and providing them with knowledge, aid, and backing, coalescing with general news discussions about the impact of war on migration patterns worldwide.