It is a symbolic gesture: about one hundred refugee helpers from Schleswig-Holstein have returned their honorary needles. In 2016, they received the award from former Prime Minister Torsten Albig (SPD). Seven of them met on behalf of the group with Schleswig-Holstein's State Secretary Torsten Geerdts (CDU) on Thursday to discuss the decision and their frustration.
They also handed him two petitions: The refugee aid Wankendorf and Preetz had collected a total of about 1900 signatures, among other things for a permanent right of residence and against so-called anchor centers.
Among the helpers who have returned their badge of honor, is also Jens Iwersen. He is involved since 2014 together with his wife in the refugee aid in Selent, about 25 kilometers east of Kiel. He also deals with the topic professionally. The 53-year-old is the head of the local social welfare office.
SPIEGEL ONLINE: Mr. Iwersen, why did you return your badge of honor?
Jens Iwersen: The intention of the award was the recognition of our honorary commitment. But now the policy is geared to deport as quickly as possible instead of integrating. We can not support that, because we experience the fates of each individual up close. In addition, we do not feel properly recognized. Without volunteer work, the situation in Germany would be devastating. We catch so many things an agency can not afford.
SPIEGEL ONLINE: Was there a specific reason for your decision?
Iwersen: That has evolved over time. But of course, individual fates were added. For example, an Albanian family was deported, which was wonderfully integrated. They worked, the daughter graduated. And then they were taken out of the apartment by six police cars on their mother's birthday like felons. They are now in Albania before nowhere. I just find that appalling, I just can not tolerate that.
SPIEGEL ONLINE: What has changed in your opinion in recent years?
Iwersen: There was a turnaround - we can not fix that on individual politicians, but it's significant that we now have a Home Office. Many parties are doing everything to avoid losing more voters to the AfD. There is a naked panic action and a populism that deals with voices. The rights of the refugees are not dealt with anymore.
SPIEGEL ONLINE: Do you experience this with you in Schleswig-Holstein?
Iwersen: Our Prime Minister Günther wants to enter for the lane change, but the refugee helpers do not notice. For example, the New Year's reception for volunteers will no longer take place under the current government. We do not want to be able to pick a chop, but we need a platform where we can speak out.
SPIEGEL ONLINE: What was the reaction of State Secretary Torsten Geerdts at your meeting?
Iwersen: Actually positive, he partially agreed with us. But in other ways we were completely contrary. Money that is supposedly not there always plays a role. We need more financial resources, for example for education - we have to create additional jobs in schools. Although Geerdts acknowledges that this is important, he has named programs for which the country already provides funding. But that's not enough. The return of the badge of honor should therefore also be a statement that we are absolutely not satisfied with the situation.
SPIEGEL ONLINE: What would have happened, so that you would accept such an award again?
Iwersen: She should be honest. And we would have to be offered a platform to draw attention to grievances. If we say now that we do not like something, nobody cares.
SPIEGEL ONLINE: Do you continue to work despite these disappointments?
Iwersen: Of course. The commitment is not affected by the return of honorary needles. We only say with the gesture: We do not need a tribute that is not meant to be honest. It is important to us to take the people well here.