Germany’s integration commissioner, Natalie Pawlik of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has cautioned against labeling entire groups after recent unrest. She said describing the perpetrators as “troublemakers from the migrant milieu” was too broad, while stressing that police investigations into the group involved should continue.
Pawlik argued that discussion should focus on what leads young people to commit acts of violence. She pointed to factors including lack of prospects, poverty and social environments, and said prevention efforts needed to reach young people more effectively. “Nobody is born violent,” she said.
She said that focusing on perpetrators’ migration backgrounds rather than the specific causes of violence would not address the problem. Pawlik also acknowledged integration challenges in parts of society and called for debate about young people’s upbringing, their prospects and access to education, as well as the role of social media in shaping them.
Those responsible for violent acts should be punished under the rule of law, she said. Alongside that, she called for action on the difficulties young people face, including fair access to education and work, better neighborhood policies, and targeted youth and prevention programs online and offline.
Pawlik also said some young men grow up with ideas about masculinity that can make violence seem like a means to an end. She argued that society should work to reach these young people and address patriarchal structures, including those shaped within families, rather than give up on their capacity or willingness to integrate.
As part of her government role, Pawlik said she aims to promote a clear integration policy that considers education, employment, housing and security. She also called for young people to be supported in completing school and moving into vocational training, citing a youth detention center in Rockenberg where residents can earn school qualifications or train for a job.
Sources: FAZ.