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Segregation of Refugees?

Posted on 3rd October 2015

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Not surprisingly, the assimilation of large numbers of refugees into Germany is not without problems, as described in this BBC story.

Germany is busy doing the right thing regarding the refugees: allowing them in, members of the public welcoming them as the trains bearing migrants arrive, creating temporary camps and processing centres, finding long-term accommodation for the newcomers, organising collections of second-hand clothes and shoes (winter is coming, and already it is colder here than most of them will have experienced), finding additional funds for welfare and training, and finding them work.

The story above describes a "mass brawl" at a migrant camp, which took a lot of time and effort to bring under control. My reaction to this outbreak of violence is that it demonstrates a lack of gratitude and respect for their hosts. Some German politicians however, seem to think that it is somehow Germany's fault, and that we should segregate the different ethic and religious groups to prevent further unrest.

No, no, no! These refugees have come to Germany, and to other countries, with the intention of living here. That means that they are expected to integrate into German culture. In German society there will be an even more diverse ethnic and religious mix, including exactly those same groups as in the camps. This inter-cultural intolerance and violence is their (the refugees) problem, and it should not become our problem. If they can't demonstrate that they can live in peace with other refugees, then I guess that they are not going to fit in here, and should look for another home. I don't tolerate fighting between guests in my apartment, and I don't see why we should tolerate it between guests in our countries.

It is not that I do not welcome the refugees; I do, but I expect them to behave as responsible guests once they are here.