Refugee assaults are lessening, but hostilities persist are prevalent
Refugees in Germany continue to face significant daily challenges, despite a decrease in asylum applications in the first half of the current year. These challenges include racist harassment, underreporting of crimes, and threats from right-wing groups, which contribute to a sense of insecurity and social exclusion.
Racist harassment remains a prevalent issue for immigrants and refugees in Germany. Discrimination and xenophobic attitudes create an unsafe environment, particularly with the rise of populist and far-right groups. These groups have been implicated in hate crimes and fostering social rejection, further marginalizing refugees and their communities.
Underreporting of crimes against refugees is a major issue. Many victims choose not to report racist or xenophobic attacks due to fear of retaliation, distrust of authorities, or concerns about not being taken seriously. This underreporting leads to less visibility of the problem and hampers effective law enforcement measures to protect refugees.
The role of right-wing groups in Germany is significant in this context. Their increased activity and influence have contributed to an atmosphere of fear and polarization. They often oppose immigration and refugee policies, sometimes inciting or perpetrating racist harassment. This dynamic undermines social cohesion and complicates the refugees’ efforts to integrate and live safely in Germany.
These factors are compounded by structural issues such as discrimination in the job market, where refugees and immigrants — even those with qualifications — often find themselves in low-wage, non-specialized jobs, reinforcing feelings of social rejection and wasted potential. This environment drives some immigrants to consider leaving Germany, posing challenges for integration policies and the country's economy, which depends on immigrant labor.
The federal government has not commented on the specific decrease in attacks on refugees in the first half of the current year. Clara Bünger, interior politician of the Left Party, states that the decrease in attacks is not a reason to let down our guard. The impact of the law of the traffic light government that expanded the possibilities for detention and immigration detention, which came into force in February 2024, on the current decrease in asylum applications is unclear.
The discussion about asylum issues remains controversial in the German Bundestag. Another factor contributing to the decrease in asylum applications is the changed situation in Syria, where long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December.
During the second quarter of the current year, there were seven demonstrations across Germany that were carried out or dominated by right-wing extremists in connection with the issue of immigration or asylum. Two of these demonstrations were reportedly organized by the AfD, a party currently being monitored by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution as a suspected far-right case.
In the first half of the current year, the number of first-time asylum applications in Germany decreased by almost 50% compared to the same period in the previous year, totaling 61,336 applications, according to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf). The number of attacks on refugees decreased compared to the same period in 2024, according to a preliminary police evaluation. However, it is important to note that underreporting or the motive becoming clear later could influence these numbers.
Despite these decreases, it is crucial to remain vigilant and address the ongoing challenges faced by refugees in Germany. The government, civil society, and the public must continue to work towards creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all immigrants and refugees.
The ongoing challenges faced by refugees in Germany, such as underreported hate crimes and xenophobic attacks, highlight the need for vigilance and continued efforts to combat discrimination and ensure a safe and inclusive environment. (community policy, politics, general-news)
The decrease in asylum applications does not diminish the importance of addressing issues like employment discrimination and social exclusion, which drive some refugees to consider leaving Germany. (employment policy, crime-and-justice)
