"Experiencing a prison-like atmosphere": Insights into Berlin's disputed Refugee Centre at Tegel
In the Northwestern outskirts of Berlin, the former Flughafen Tegel serves as a temporary home for thousands of refugees and asylum seekers. The Ukraine Arrival Center TXL, located within the repurposed airport, is a crucial reception and accommodation hub for those fleeing conflict, including Ukrainians.
In 2024, the center accommodated over 10,000 Ukrainian arrivals, marking a slight decrease compared to previous years. The reduction indicates easing pressure on the facility, which functions as an arrival and emergency accommodation center, offering temporary shelter with essential services aimed at initial reception, processing, and onward relocation or integration support.
However, the living conditions within the center have been a subject of controversy. Kurdish journalist and human rights activist, Zana Aksu, describes her time at Tegel as "living hell" and accuses the camp of discrimination and racist attacks. Allegations of inadequate psychological support, a severe lack of protection for children, women, and queer people, and intentional isolation from society have been raised by various advocacy groups and residents.
One such group, Moabit Hilft e.V., has been in close contact with angered, disheartened, and increasingly tired residents since the opening of the camp. Christiane Beckmann, the managing director of the organization, has expressed concern over the conditions at Tegel, stating that refugees and asylum seekers are intentionally cut off from society and find it harder to integrate.
The Senate has decided to keep the Tegel camp open until at least the end of 2025, with plans to expand the camp to potentially house up to 8,000 people. Wir Helfen Berlin, another local refugee support agency, emphasizes the necessity of strict security measures to ensure resident safety and protect women and children. They also reject claims about inadequate psychological support, stating that Tegel does provide social and psychological counselling services.
Despite the controversy, the city government rarely comments on the conditions in Tegel. Instead, public debate revolves around ideas for the future repurposing of the area. In November 2023, video footage emerged showing a mass brawl at Tegel, which was a targeted, unprovoked attack on Kurdish residents, according to an investigation by taz.
Recent events have led to calls for the closure of Tegel and other refugee camps, and the strengthening of integration policies. Zana Aksu and others have co-founded an initiative demanding such changes, aiming to improve the living conditions and integration prospects for refugees and asylum seekers in Berlin.
Amidst the ongoing discussions regarding the conditions at the Ukraine Arrival Center TXL in Berlin, concerns about mental health and general well-being have arisen. Advocacy groups and affected individuals have raised concerns about the provision of psychological support, protection for vulnerable groups, and adequate integration opportunities, among other issues.
In light of the ongoing controversy surrounding the living conditions at the Tegel camp, debates about politics and policies pertaining to refugee welfare and integration have intensified. Some, like Zana Aksu and her initiative, call for immediate improvements in living conditions, mental health support, and integration policies for refugees and asylum seekers in Berlin.
