dw.com
Germany Resumes Afghan Refugee Admissions After Months-Long Freeze
Germany has ended a months-long halt on admitting vulnerable Afghans who had been promised entry, many of whom have been living in fear in Pakistan awaiting their visas.
- What are the underlying causes of the months-long delay in admitting these refugees?
- The delay stemmed from the new German government's implementation of individual security checks for all applicants, even those with prior approval, effectively halting admissions. This policy was challenged in court, leading to the resumption of the process.
- What is the immediate impact of Germany's decision to resume admitting Afghan refugees?
- The immediate impact is that over 2,000 Afghans in Pakistan, who had previously been approved for German visas but were stuck due to the freeze, can now begin arriving in Germany. This decision follows court orders and pressure from human rights groups.
- What are the potential long-term implications of this situation for both the affected Afghans and German policy?
- For the Afghans, the resumption offers a chance to escape persecution and rebuild their lives. For Germany, this situation highlights the challenges of balancing security concerns with humanitarian obligations and upholding prior commitments to refugees, potentially leading to policy changes in the future.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the situation, highlighting both the plight of the Afghan refugees and the German government's perspective. While it focuses on the human cost of the delay, it also includes the government's explanation for the slow processing of applications. The headline, if there was one, would likely influence the framing, but without the headline, the article's framing is relatively neutral.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Words like "agonizingly long time" and "tremendous strain" evoke empathy but do not overtly demonize any party. The quotes from Sharif and his wife are presented without editorial comment, maintaining objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including additional perspectives. For instance, it would be helpful to hear from representatives of the Pakistani government on their deportation policies, and possibly include more detailed information about the security checks being conducted by the German government, and the reasons for the delays. However, given the length of the piece and its focus on one family's experience, some omissions are understandable.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the German government's resumption of admitting vulnerable Afghan refugees who had been promised entry, fulfilling its commitment and preventing potential human rights violations. This directly relates to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The German government's actions demonstrate a commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from persecution and upholding international legal obligations.