Germany

Commission presents recommendations for German Government

29/12/2021 – by Maren Suchta-Platzmann, Amédé Schmitz

In brief

Zoom

Presentation of the report of the Commission on the Root Causes of Displacement in May 2021 with chairwomen Bärbel Dieckmann (l.) and Gerda Hasselfeldt as well as the Minister for Development Gerd Müller.

In Germany, an independent commission has studied the issues of displacement and irregular migration. Appointed by the Federal Government 24 scholars and practitioners were asked to make recommendations on how to mitigate root causes of forced displacement and irregular migration as well as to support countries that host displaced people.

The commission presented its report in May 2021. Among the key findings is that the main drivers of displacement are failing states and government institutions, the lack of economic and social prospects as well as conflict and persecution. The commission also pointed out indirect triggers, such as environmental degradation, climate change and population growth.

One recommendation is that Germany’s Federal Government should develop an inter-ministerial strategy to mitigate root causes of displacement more systematically and to support effective national systems in partner countries. These recommendations are in line with the international trend to take an increasingly integrated, inter-sectorial approach to crisis management (see our article on the D+C/E+Z platform).

The commission has strongly emphasised the relevance of adaptive social protection. It suggests promoting the development and significant expansion of adaptive social protection in countries of origin and host countries. Options for doing so include funding and targeted technical assistance.

Complex challenges with mutually reinforcing components require long-term efforts. To mitigate causes of displacement, German development agencies will require patience, perseverance and strategic capability. As the “mother country” of social-protection systems (see interview with Markus Loewe on our D+C/E+Z platform), and as an established international partner for social protection systems’ building, Germany has a strong potential to increase its engagement in the sector. The incoming Federal Government shares this view. Its recently published coalition agreement makes a commitment to the cause.

Literature
Preventing crises, creating prospects, protecting people – summary of the report of the Commission on the Root Causes of Displacement
https://www.fachkommission-fluchtursachen.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdfs/Root_Causes_Displacement_Report-Summary.pdf

Maren Suchta-Platzmann is a political scientist and works as an adviser on social-protection issues for GIZ. Both authors are expressing their personal views here.
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Amédé Schmitz is a social scientist specialised in international migration and forced displacement. He works as an advisor on displacement for GIZ.
[email protected]