Free University of Berlin defends itself against the planned refugee container village

Free University of Berlin defends itself against the planned refugee container village

The property on Thielallee 63 in Berlin-Dahlem, which is currently still being used as a parking space, is to be converted into a container village for 260 refugees. However, these plans triggered great resentment in the Free University (FU), since the university actually wants to build a building for teaching and research purposes. The FU Chancellor and the President feel that the Senate ignored and emphasize that the area is urgently needed for its own construction projects and that short-term support for refugees has already been provided.

The university points out that 92 buildings are empty on the neighboring Thielallee location that could be used as an alternative. The spokesman for the FU emphasizes that the university is fundamentally willing to support refugee people, but are not available to other areas due to construction projects and renovation needs. The topic ensures discussions of how the accommodation of refugees and at the same time the needs of the university can best be agreed.

The Senate also decided at the end of March to set up 16 other container villages in Berlin in order to counter the acute lack of apartments for refugees. The planned locations, especially in the city's eastern districts, have already led to discussions, since the imbalance increases in the distribution of refugees in the districts. Despite the efforts of the Senate, those responsible emphasized that further container villages will be necessary.

The resistance of some residents and institutions against the accommodation of refugees in certain districts, such as in Steglitz-Zehlendorf and at the FU, ensures controversial discussions. Critics point out that institutions such as the FU Berlin, who see themselves as cosmopolitan and tolerant, should also take a role model in refugee accommodation. This debate shows the challenges in front of which the urban society is in relation to the accommodation of refugees.