First World Refugee Day in Eichstätt: Encounters that touch!

First World Refugee Day in Eichstätt: Encounters that touch!

On July 1, 2025, the first World Refugee Day took place in Eichstätt, which served as a platform for exchange and information. This event offered refugees from the region the opportunity to share their stories and raise awareness of their challenges. Under the motto “I bring potential”, visitors heard interesting interviews with refugees, which were available on their cell phones. These stories highlighted the often painful experiences that many of them had in Germany, such as bureaucratic hurdles, misunderstandings and the expectations placed on them. The diocese of Eichstätt reports that several refugees shared their personal stories and challenges.

A remarkable story came from Olena Belbas, a 47-year-old woman from Ukraine who fled to Eichstätt with her 14-year-old son in April 2022. Before her escape, she worked as a psychologist and has now integrated herself intensively into German society by attending German courses and now working as a social worker at the Eichstätt vocational school. Naimat Shinwari, a 24-year-old refugee from Afghanistan, also reported on his trip. He has lived in Germany for four years and finds hope in his new friendships. Naimat plans to start training as a painter in order to finally gain a foothold.

Challenges and integration

The stories of refugees illustrate the challenges that come with arriving in a foreign country. Many refugees not only have to get used to new processes and behaviors, but are also often faced with the challenge of learning the language. Unaccompanied minor refugees in particular often feel alone and need special support. The UN refugee agency emphasizes that the mood and attitude of the population in the host country are crucial for the integration process.

An exhibition entitled “Of Hope and Strength” also took place as part of World Refugee Day, in which the perspectives of refugees from Eichstätt were presented. Stories from Mexican immigrants who have to overcome their own challenges were also shown here. Leticia Pintor from Mexico reported on her new beginning in Germany and the difficulties that came with it, even though she did not have to flee due to war.

Social reactions and skepticism

However, the social reception of refugees and immigrants is ambivalent. A survey by Spiegel shows that Around two thirds of those surveyed, both with and without a migration history, expect refugees to have a positive impact on the economy and culture. But skepticism is growing - especially among people without a migration background, who increasingly perceive refugees as a threat to prosperity. The integration index has fallen to 66.3 points, indicating increasing uncertainty within society.

The stories and perspectives of those who fled show that integration can be successful despite all the challenges and skepticism. Promoting participation and access to information are essential so that both newcomers and the host society can learn from each other and social cohesion is strengthened.