GERMANY is witnessing continuing racist and neo-Nazi violence and massive anti-racist and anti-fascist protests — including a "human chain" by formed
300,000 people in the Bavarian capital of Munich on December 7, 1992.
However, at the same time as expressing its displeasure over the racist outrages, the German government is pressing ahead with its campaign to restrict the right to asylum currently enshrined in the German constitution.
On December 6 a "compromise" agreement between the government and the opposition Social Democratic Party on the issue was announced. This tightens up the definition of who is entitled to refugee status. For example, refugees from civil wars will be entitled to only a limited stay in Germany and will not be considered for refugee status thereafter, while Poland, the Czech Lands and Slovakia are defined as "safe" countries from which refugees cannot be accepted and to which refugees can be returned if they passed through them before arri ving in Germany.
It will be made easier to summarily throw asylum seekers out of Germany, if their claim is judged invalid. The 400.000 "old cases" of asylum applications will be treated under the new law.
Amnesty International has stated that, whatever Social Democrat leaders may claim, the amendment dismantles the constitutional right to asylum. A representative of the UN High Commission for Refugees has also expressed "scepticism" over the agreements.
While the SPD leadership has not yet formally accepted the agreement there seems no doubt that it will do so. Given the present instability in Europe these new measures will mean mass expulsions and a witch-hunt against immigrants, creating an even more fertile atmosphere in which the fascist groups can flourish.
International protests are urgently necessary. — Manuel Kellner *