100 years of FES – find out more

A Mission Statement for the Immigration Society

Germany has been an immigration country for a long time. But there is still a ways to go before it becomes a true immigration society. The “Mission Statement for the Immigration Society” is a guideline and driving force for this necessary process.

Why do we need the Mission Statement?

For years, debates on migration, (forced) displacement and integration have asserted that German society needs a Mission Statement in order to achieve successful coexistence in the immigration society. Questions of migration and integration were and are subject to passionate debates. Even more important is society's self-awareness regarding these issues.

“We need this Mission Statement, because our attitudes towards immigration touch upon the way our state and society define themselves. The way we handle diversity and the measure of equal participation are an indicator of our democracy, social peace and security”, says minister of state Aydan Özoğuz, chairperson of a commission composed of 38 people that drafted the Mission Statement for the FES.

The Mission Statement and accompanying agenda containing integration policy demands call for actively framing the concept of immigration in order to use its potential and meet its risks.

 

Central Tenets of Mission statement and Agenda

  • Immigration is the norm. Whether we are in favor or against it, immigration and emigration are part of a globalized world. We need an immigration law that provides clear rules for all forms of migration – regardless of the inviolable basic right to asylum.
  • Germany is an immigration country and diversity is a fact. We must act accordingly. We need a positive commitment to diversity and equal participation. We need to treat diversity like it is the norm, not the exception. Public institutions, particularly educational institutions, serve as a model.
  • A just society is one in which all can participate. We can and must facilitate participation for people with immigration backgrounds. The immigration society needs to provide an easier path to German citizenship and better opportunities for democratic participation to people who are not German citizens.
  • Discrimination prevents integration. Protection against discrimination is one of the fundamental pillars of coexistence, one that should be further strengthened. Developing the General Equal Treatment Act or promoting anonymous application procedures are some potential possibilities.
  • Common ground comes from coexistence. The Basic Law and respect for the liberal and democratic fundamental order are the pillars of the immigration society. Common ground cannot be ordered by the state, but must grow from personal encounters. We need to become more aware of the fact that there is not just one German identity, but that it is possible to become German and fully belong to the society.

 

Download the Mission Statement here. (*The Mission Statement is only available in German at the moment)

 

Contact: Dr. Dietmar Molthagen, Forum Berlin, phone 030/ 269 35-7322


Konstantin Bärwaldt

+49 30 269 35-7501

Konstantin.Baerwaldt(at)fes.de
 

All FES experts on the International Community and Civil Society

Women adapting to climate change in Nepal | DOCUMENTARY

Read more

Fragile dreams: Stories of migrant workers from the Philippines

Read more

The Search for a Sense of Togetherness

Read more
Social Protection Floor Index
Publication

Social Protection Floor Index

For millions of people the Corona virus is both a threat to their health and their job. Now is the moment to push governments towards establishing basic social protection. As an instrument to exert pressure, FES offers a map that identifies gaps in social protection worldwide. more

Spotlight 2030
Publication

Spotlight 2030

How close is the global community to reaching the Sustainability Goals? The annual Spotlight Report focuses on obstacles and contradictions regarding the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. more

back to top