A Vote Against Families: Protest Erupts in Berlin as Germany Moves to Block Reunification Rights

Berlin, 26 June 2025 — Hundreds of people gathered on the lawn in front of the Bundestag in Berlin, carrying placards and portraits of family members separated by war and displacement.

They appealed against the planned suspension of family reunification rights for refugees with “subsidiary protection.”

The protest came just one day before the Bundestag was set to vote on a bill that could prevent tens of thousands of refugees from bringing their close relatives to Germany for the next two years.

Subsidiary protection is granted to people who face serious dangers—such as violence, torture, or persecution—in their home countries but do not qualify as full refugees under international law.

While these individuals receive protection, their rights are more limited, especially when it comes to reuniting with family. At present, more than 388,000 people in Germany live under this status (Source: Reuters, AP, Welt).

Human rights organisations, including PRO ASYL, Jugendliche ohne Grenzen, and the Federal Association for Unaccompanied Minors (BuMF), condemn the proposed suspension as a violation of basic rights.

They argue that separating families causes deep and lasting harm, particularly to children, who can suffer emotional and developmental damage.

The policy also threatens to undermine social integration, as young people grow up without the support of their parents. Furthermore, it risks pushing families into dangerous, irregular migration routes as they seek to reunite.

In response, PRO ASYL has announced plans to challenge the suspension in court, emphasising the urgent need for humane policies that recognise the fundamental importance of family unity.