Is racism really no problem in Germany? The movement of Pegida uses slogans like foreign infiltration, and in this way reaching thousands of people demonstrating. Unfortunately, this is not surprising. A survey called „Deutsche Zustände“ regularly reports racism of the German society. More or less half of the questioned people claimed, too many foreigners live in Germany. Positions of Hogesa, Pegida or the AfD (Alternative for Germany) are no marginal phenomena. These groups are in favour of a command-based society and ostracism of minorties. This is not only reflected in opinions, but also in laws and institutions: Migrated people are categorized according to economic aspects which enhance or reduce the likelihood of migration. Basic rights like free education, access to labour market, freedom of movement and equality before the law are denied to people without a German passport. At the same time violation against immigrants has increased significantly.
For several years the refugee* movement criticizes the aspects mentioned above and undertakes the organization of public protests on streets. But the reaction of media and politics shows again who is being heared in Germany and who is ignored. That is why we want to address the claims of the refugees at this year’s festival contre le racisme another time:
• Complete abolishment of residence restrictions
• Full termination of receiving food by a voucher or in a package because that process dictates the food and consumption mentality of asylum seekers!
• We are for the immediate termination of deportation and hearings in embassies! The latter enables arbitrary ascription of a nationality on the basis of speech analysis, after which the person(s) concerned may be deported to the respective country.
• The right of free choice regarding the area of living – no more camps!
• Free access to universities and colleges! Free access to all educational institutions!
• Fundamental correction of the Dublin lll Agreement which claims that the application for asylum has to be made wherever the migrant arrived first.
• Change the policy of the EU, and hereby Germany, towards the causes of escaping and towards saving of lives.
The demands of the Refugees merely describe aspects that are natural for people with a safe residence permit. Besides laws, also attitudes, opinions, and the interaction, with people have to change in order to guarantee a human policy of migration. Instead the state still insists on austerity and compartmentalization. A balanced budget – so called the black zero – is meant to be more important than a change in economic and social politics. These policies are, sometimes legitimated with racist arguments. De Mazières idea of refugee camps apart oft the European borders strengthens the image of the European fortress. This as well increases racist ressentiments in majority. The festival contre le racisme wants to make a contra point.
The festival contre le racisme is a political festival against racism and discrimination. Since 1993, the festival has had its roots in France, and is organized in Germany by student bodies, the fzs, and the BAS. This year we exclaim the week of action from 8th till 14th of June. A program of action and events such as street theatres, flashmobs, podium discussions, movies, workshops, and much more is going to take place in many university cities and towns. More information is available under the following homepage: www.festival-contre-le-racisme.de. Together for more solidarity!
- Refugees: the self-description of a group of refugees, persons who seek asylum, persons without a passport, and persons who want to move between national borders independently, the so-called transmigrants.