Halle (Saale)
Successful anti-racist activism despite political pressure
Key Takeaways
- 1
The story of Halle shows how a city can organise and institutionalise civic anti-racist projects under difficult circumstances, since the number of racist acts of violence in Saxony-Anhalt is alarming.
- 2
Halle is a good example of how civil society welcome schemes, which were set up during the “Summer of Migration" in 2015, can become permanent, undertaking long-lasting local solidarity work that has continued even since the decline in new arrivals.
What is unique about the city?
Steadfast anti-racist activism: Under difficult circumstances and despite high pressure from right-wing groups, the local anti-racism scene has worked to improve the lives of refugees at the municipal and state level for more than two decades. Over the years, its network of welcome initiatives has not only had a local impact, but also ensured that the city of Halle has consistently demanded improvements from the state government. Halle has adopted some progressive measures that have significantly improved access to individual housing for refugees.
What is the focus of local migration policies?
Committing to long-lasting local solidarity work: Local movements have focused both on targeting inhumane migration policies, as well as on building alternative structures in the absence of municipal action. From the protest against deportation from Leipzig-Halle airport, to the abolition of the paternalistic voucher system for refugees, to the citizen-run welcome centre, Halle is home to a wide range of headstrong citizens’ solidarity actions.
What are the greatest achievements so far?
A meeting café for newcomers and long-time residents: Keeping up the “welcome culture” of 2015 in a comparatively hostile environment is itself an impressive feat of the tireless activism in Halle. In terms of individual projects, the “Welcome-Treff” stands out. When Halle’s administration refused to open an integration centre that had been proposed by the city council, a civic initiative took over and opened a meeting café for refugees and locals. It has become a popular meeting spot, and it continues to offer different support services, from learning and speaking German, to filling out official paperwork and applying for jobs.
Political activities and advocacy beyond the city level
Months before the Seebrücke movement emerged in the summer of 2018, an initiative involving activist groups, institutions, individuals and city administration employees had already formed in Halle. Thanks to their relentless activism, the city council decided that Halle should join the “Cities of Safe Harbours” alliance and would sign the Potsdam declaration.
Member of the following networks
Download the full city report
The city report contains more information about the city’s migration and inclusion policies and selected local approaches. Report from 2021, updated in 2023.
Inspiring Approaches
“Welcome Treff” – Support and social interaction for refugees and locals
Counselling and guidance
- •
Welcoming and social inclusion
“Integration flats” – A model for housing integration
Housing
- •
Welcoming and social inclusion
Service Centre for Integration and Democracy
Social Rights
- •
Welcoming and social inclusion
- •
Counselling and guidance