Thousands of people – men, women and children – are still risking their lives to get to Europe to escape war, persecution and misery in neighbouring countries. Many of them set their sights on Germany.
To help them integrate into their host community, a broad coalition of German civil society actors, including trade unions and employers, religious, cultural and charity organisations, has launched the Alliance of Tolerance, Solidarity, Democracy and Constitutional State – Against Prejudice, Hatred and Violence.
The organisers are united in their concern at the rise of xenophobia, racism and general hostility towards refugees in Germany, as in other parts of Europe. The Alliance has drawn up an appeal for tolerance and solidarity, setting out concrete measures for integration including investment in education, jobs and housing.