The Implementation of the Istanbul Convention for Queer Refugees in Germany
Channel: Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Date: 27/06/2023

Language: English

Flight, Violence, Trauma: The Implementation of the Istanbul Convention for Queer Refugees in Germany

The Istanbul Convention is the most comprehensive international legal instrument to combat gender-based violence in Europe. The conference offers an in-depth insight into the legal framework and the implementation of the Istanbul Convention to date in relation to migration, flight and trauma in Germany.

In October 2022, the German government officially lifted the previous reservations to the Istanbul Convention with regard to Article 59 on the residence status of women affected by violence. This is a political milestone for Germany in the area of protection against violence and flight. Nevertheless, there is still a great need for action.

On the first panel "The legal implementation of the Istanbul Convention for queer refugees" we will discuss two central questions with experts:

- What form of protection against violence do queer women with a migration and refugee background have a right to?
- Are these rights granted in reality?

In the second panel, "Queer refugees and trauma", we will address the issue of trauma and queer asylum: How trauma-sensitive are the asylum procedures, and what needs to be improved?

Welcome
- Dr. Ines Kappert, Director of the Gunda Werner Institute 
- Danijel Cubelic, Head of the Office for Equal Opportunities Heidelberg
- Dr. Mengia Tschalär, Research Associate, University of Bristol & Brunel University London

Panel #1 "The Legal Implementation of the Istanbul Convention for Queer Refugees"
- Louise Hooper, Human Rights Lawyer, Garden Court Chambers
- Philipp Braun, Member of the Federal Board of the LSVD
- Anne Pertsch, fully qualified lawyer, German Women Lawyers Association/Equal Rights without Borders
- Dr. Nina Held, Lecturer, University of Salford

 Panel #2 "Queer refugees and trauma"
- Margret Göth, LGBTI representative of the city of Mannheim
 - Lilith Raza, Specialist "Queer and Refugees", LSVD
- Ahmad Awadalla, freelance author and sex educator
 - Dr Marie-Luise Löffler, Women's and Equal Opportunities Officer, Office for Equal Opportunities, City of Heidelberg