CAPAZ Working Paper (3-2021): asylum dynamics for Colombians in Germany

Although Germany has received only a small proportion of the total number of Colombian migrants in the world, the numbers have risen steadily since the 1960s. In recent years, the number of Colombian asylum seekers has also increased and it is likely that more migrants than we think have arrived in Germany for reasons related to the armed conflict in Colombia. Based on qualitative interviews, this study examines the role played by the armed conflict and violence in the decision of Colombians living in Germany to emigrate from their country of origin. It also explores the ways in which they have sought protection in Germany, how they have lived in German society and what kind of relations they have maintained with Colombia. The experiences of these interviewees show that exile is much more than an experience of geographical displacement; it also involves social and political displacement. 

Asylum; exile; Germany; Colombian diaspora; forced migration; armed conflict.

Author/researcher

Nora-Christine Braun. Anthropology from the University of Tübingen, Germany, where she also teaches in the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology. She is also a freelance lecturer in global and intercultural learning. Her research interests are: conflict and peace in Colombia, forced migration and asylum, integration of migrants in German society, social movements of migrants, and education in multicultural societies. Contact: nora.braun@posteo.de