60 million displaced in the world, 20 million of them on the move – if they were all together in one spot, that would make the 25th largest nation
What is the future of migration and our social responsibility? How can we achieve successful integration in the long-term? A conference held in Munich on 16th September, run jointly by the Order of Malta in Germany and the Václav-Havel foundation ‘Forum 2000’, brought together academics, politicians, members of international organisations and local practitioners to debate the crisis and discuss proposals for the way forward.
It was agreed that there is no simple collective solution to the present crisis, but a recognition of the scale of the problem and some practical steps to manage it were proposed. The President of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Germany, Argentina Szabados, said: ‘Migration is necessary and desirable and cannot be avoided – if it is well managed.’ Chairman of the German Parliamentary Committee for Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid, Michael Brand, emphasised: ‘We need to be human but we also need a clear, structured procedure.’ The Sovereign Order of Malta’s Grand Chancellor, Albrecht Boeselager concurred: ‘There is a wave of readiness to help. I don’t see danger but rather a challenge to create structures that facilitate and enable us to manage the problem.’
‘Our volunteers in Munich are exhausted: we need more support’
The magnitude of the problem – in Munich alone, 19,000 refugees arrived at the central railway station last weekend, a further 13,000 two days ago and they continue to come – means quick decisions must be taken to speed up processing procedures, organise accommodation, qualified personnel to help them, assimilation, jobs. Sebastian Schilgen, in charge of managing the Order of Malta’s emergency centres in Germany, stressed that the response to the crisis must be long-term, and called for the creation of an infrastructure across organisations on the ground.
‘I feared for my life fleeing Damascus, there are check points, militias – you cannot guarantee your safety’
A Syrian refugee living in Germany described his journey across the Mediterranean. When asked about his life in Europe: “I study German for five hours a day. I wish to complete my studies and become a mechanical engineer.”
If societies are to continue to develop and prosper, they need to adjust, incorporate and move forward. Adaptability and resilience are key. And inclusiveness. A small child in a German town was asked last week: ‘In your kindergarten do you have foreigners?’ The reply came back at once: ‘In my kindergarten we have only children.’
Order of Malta support for refugees in Germany
In Germany over 30 facilities provide medical and legal assistance to asylum seekers. In 2014, about half the refugees in Germany were assisted by special structures managed by the Order of Malta. Following the latest wave of arrivals the Order has stepped up its commitment and there are now 70 operational emergency shelters that can house up to 50,000 refugees. 1,600 volunteers are distributing basic necessities, tents and blankets. The Order’s volunteer doctors and nurses are helping the refugees arriving in the main railways stations from Berlin to Munich.
In Munich, the Order of Malta was requested by the federal government to set up, together with its local humanitarian partners and the civil defence, a screening and communication centre to coordinate first aid, reception and accommodation for refugees.
‘Future of Migration’ conference speakers
Steve Killelea, Founder and CEO, Institute for Economics and Peace, Sydney
Jonathan Benthall, Expert for Development Cooperation in Islamic countries, University College, London
Michael Brand, Chairman German Parliamentary Committee for Human Rights & Humanitarian Aid
Argentina Szabados, Head, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Germany
Albrecht Boeselager, Grand Chancellor, Sovereign Order of Malta
Moderator:
Peter Frey, Chief Editor, ZDF (Zweiten Deutschen Fernsehens)
