„…Defending the right to freedom of movement is one, perhaps the central task in the struggle against global authoritarianism…“
Last month, Medico, the medical aid and human rights organization based in Frankfurt, started the promotion for a Freedom of Movement Fund, which is dedicated to support criminalized people on the move. In the opening event on 10th of September 2024 the backlash on asylum and human rights in Europe and the recent wave of racist agitation in Germany was outlined as the background and challenge for the new campaign. Tsafrir Cohen, director of medico, stated in his introductional speech: “Defending the right to freedom of movement is one, perhaps the central task in the fight against global authoritarianism. At its core, it is also about defending a democratic Europe based on the universalism of human rights. The fact that one risks moving on the fringes of legality with such a cause is a sign of these authoritarian times. But we have an obligation to resist, in my opinion. It is a matter of principled solidarity.“ Afterwards several activists from Greece (Legal Centre Lesvos and Free Homayoun campaign) and Italy (Captain Support Network and Maldusa) shared their concrete experiences of solidarity with people on the move, who have been accused and imprisoned…
From the call for the new Freedom of Movement Fund:
“How often is it claimed that the shift to the right in Europe can be stopped if migration is combated and the continent is sealed off? Borders are militarised, laws are tightened and the right to asylum is undermined. The European elections have once again shown that this does not work. Right-wing parties are being strengthened and encouraged. It is time to take a stand against this and support those who are paying the price for this false logic. Europe’s shift to the right began with migration policy. And it must end there too.
At Europe’s external borders, people are not only stopped, pushed back, arrested or demoralised in camps. They are also increasingly being put on trial and imprisoned. Their crime: The search for protection, a life in peace or a new beginning and, in doing so, helping each other. The sentence: often several years in prison – sometimes even for life. The criminalisation of refugees is on the rise across Europe. In Greece, refugees are now the second largest group of prison inmates. They are accused of helping people cross the border. Convictions are also repeatedly handed down in Italy, Spain and along the Balkan route.
Everyone has the right to live in dignity and peace – the right to escape intolerable living conditions and seek protection. If Europe’s governments disregard this right, it is up to us to stand by those seeking protection and assert their rights.
With the Freedom of Movement Fund, we support people who are unlawfully imprisoned or forced to defend themselves on the fringes of Europe. We finance legal costs, provide support in everyday life and raise awareness through public campaigns – because migration is not a crime. This practical solidarity from below has to be expanded and strengthened….”
More about the new campaign
https://www.medico.de/en/freedom-of-movement
