The Refugee Advisory Board Germany was established to ensure that national and international decision-making is informed by the perspective and expertise of forcibly displaced people who provide critical feedback on international refugee issues and programmes. As the first national board of its kind in Europe, board members work together to contribute their insights to national and international dialogues and to participate meaningfully in policymaking.
Policy Briefs
View allPolicy Brief: Conditions Shaping Syrians’ Futures and Prospects for Return
by Majdi Laktinah
Conditions Shaping Syrians’ Futures and Prospects for Return
Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, discussions on the return of Syrian refugees intensified across diaspora communities, inside Syria and among host countries. The approximately 948,000 Syrians living in Germany have been debating the issue in several respects. Many have built lives in Germany through education, employment and civic participation, with a growing number obtaining permanent residency or citizenship. Public discussions on return gained momentum during the parliamentary elections in 2025, when migration and refugee policy featured prominently.
Policy Brief: Mehr als nur Überleben: Psychische Gesundheit und Zugehörigkeit Geflüchteter in Deutschland
by Zohra Wandaa
Mehr als nur Überleben: Psychische Gesundheit und Zugehörigkeit Geflüchteter in Deutschland
Bestehende psychosoziale Angebote sind fragmentiert, unterfinanziert und oft nicht zugänglich. Zu den Hürden zählen Stigmatisierung, Sprachbarrieren, Angst im Umgang mit Behörden und ein Mangel an qualifiziertem Fachpersonal. In vielen Aufnahmeeinrich tungen sind psychologische Dienste allenfalls für akute Fälle verfügbar, oft ohne Dolmet scher:innen und ohne ausreichende Kapazitäten. Die meisten Angebote bleiben projekt basiert und kurzfristig angelegt, was die Kontinuität der Betreuung und Vertrauensaufbau untergräbt. Rechtliche Anerkennung und Erwerbstätigkeit sind wichtige Meilensteine, gewährleisten jedoch keine psychosoziale Stabilität. Geflüchteten fehlen oft die Möglichkeiten, ihre Identität, Handlungsfähigkeit und das Gefühl von Zugehörigkeit wiederaufzubauen.
Policy Brief: Beyond Survival: Refugee Mental Health and Belonging in Germany
by Zohra Wandaa
Beyond Survival: Refugee Mental Health and Belonging in Germany
Existing psychosocial services are fragmented, underfunded and often inaccessible. Barriers include stigma, language gaps, fear of authorities and a shortage of trained professionals. In many reception centres, psychological services are available only for acute cases, often without interpreters, and are insufficient for the population size. Most services remain project-based and short-term, undermining continuity of care and trust.
Policy Brief: Bilateral Labour Recruitment Agreement: Germany – Syria
by Jamil Alyou
A Policy Framework to Address Germany’s Skilled Labour Shortages and Syria’s Reconstruction Needs
Germany faces a critical labour shortage due to an ageing population and years of strong economic demand. At the same time, Syria is emerging from over a decade of conflict that devastated its economy. While Syria’s domestic economy struggles to absorb workers, many Syrian nationals (including refugees abroad) have acquired education and skills that could be utilised more efficiently. This situation presents an opportunity for a mutually beneficial labour mobility partnership.
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Disclaimer
The Refugee Advisory Board Germany does not provide humanitarian aid, support, legal assistance, or representation to individuals or groups. We are not authorised to mediate or intervene in personal humanitarian or asylum cases. If you need help, please contact qualified legal service providers, recognised counselling organisations, or the relevant government authorities.
Contact
bicc – Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies supported the establishment of the Refugee Advisory Board Germany in cooperation with R-SEAT in 2024, with funding by the Robert Bosch Foundation. bicc acts as the Secretariat of the RAB.
