DEFENDING
DEMOCRACY IN EXILE
Policy Responses to
Transnational Repression
CASE STUDY
Germany
G
ermany hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world and at least a dozen
governments target their nationals residing in Germany, including the most prolific offenders
like Turkey and China. The government has demonstrated some awareness of and resilience to the
phenomenon. However, a more robust German response is hampered by the security apparatus’
focus on extremism and inconsistencies in protection schemes for refugees and asylum seekers,
including policies that identify them as a potential source of threats to Germany rather than as
potential victims of foreign repression. Incorporating the risk of transnational repression into
Germany’s national security framework, prioritizing human rights in foreign policy, and small,
practical changes to the migration bureaucracy would position Germany as a leader in responding
to transnational repression.
Best practices in Germany’s response to transnational repression:
•
Intelligence and law enforcement bodies coordinate to warn and protect targeted individuals.
•
Expulsion of diplomats following incidents of transnational repression creates accountability.
•
Foreign assistance requests, including for extradition and arrest, require oversight and
consultation among multiple government ministries.
•
The government invests resources into a migration system that grants legal protection to
refugees, including political exiles.
On November 28, 2021,
lights are set up in front
of the Reichtag building
during a promigration
protest. Photo credit:
Markus Schreiber/AP via
Shutterstock.