They are calling for a peaceful demonstration “against war” in Berlin on October 3rd. What motivated you to do this?
Since our founding in 2005, we have been committed to peace as the Migrant Women’s Federation. The current global situation is worrying. It is characterized by armed conflict, violent extremism, and serious human rights violations. By 2024, there will be more armed conflicts than at any time since World War II. The death toll is at an all-time high. Industrialized countries are arming themselves and provoking escalations that could lead to another world war. Nuclear threats are becoming increasingly invasive. Civilians, especially women and children, are the most affected. The upgrades continue, and it seems there will be no end.
The war in Gaza and the West Bank has claimed more than 42,000 lives so far. Gaza has been destroyed by more than 70%. Normal life there will be impossible for decades. Armed conflict continues, and the suffering and misery of the people are increasing by the day.
What does this mean to you?
We cannot ignore this and pretend that nothing is happening, especially since our government continues to fuel these wars through arms supply. We demand an end to this arms policy and the escalation of conflict and war! The focus must be on peace.
Politics and public debates against migrants and refugees are becoming increasingly aggressive. What does this have to do with militarization?
First, it can be said that the propaganda of war promoted through politics and the media is not convincing everyone. The voices calling for an end are growing louder. But the money for rearmament has to come from somewhere. This is mainly through cuts in the social sector, spending on integration and migration policies. As discontent among the population grows, migrants and refugees are becoming the focus of political debate. They are blamed for the social inequalities of the country and are called “parasites.” We cannot fund migrants and refugees, they say, because we are not doing well anyway. Second, the fear of terrorists and violent criminals justifies militarization and the expansion of the police state.
Your association is also represented in the German Women’s Council. What special risks do women face?
For women and girls, war always means high levels of sexual and gender-based violence. War particularly worsens the living conditions of women and LGBTQIA+ people, who are increasingly exposed to discrimination and oppression. War deepens gender inequality and rolls back hard-won rights for years. Gender-based violence is on the rise, and rape is often used as a weapon of war.
As of the end of 2023, there were approximately 118 million refugees worldwide. Around half are women and girls who are exposed to many risks on their escape routes. Once they reach a foreign country to seek protection, they face racism, discrimination and violence in refugee accommodation. Reforming the European asylum system will only serve to further escalate violence at the EU’s external borders, undermining the human rights of refugees, especially women, mothers, girls and children seeking asylum.
As an association, how do you work for regional peace?
We call for a clear position on publications and for participation in peace events. Through events, seminars and workshops, we invite you to participate in the global political situation and understand its complexity and historical context. Local associations strive for peaceful coexistence in diversity and solidarity. We also try to provide concrete bureaucratic and social support to refugee women so that they can master their daily lives.
