The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development, Prof. Dr Surya Deva, was on his official visit to Germany from November 10–19, 2025, engaging with policymakers, government bodies, civil society, and migrant communities to assess Germany’s role in advancing rights-based development.
The visit began on November 10, 2025, with a meeting at Rathaus Tiergarten, hosted by Mr Martin Vahemäe-Zierold, Commissioner for antidiscrimination in Berlin-Mitte. In the meeting, AFRIW presented the pressing challenges faced by international migrants, particularly Indian nationals arriving under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.
On November 11, 2025, the Deutsches Institut für Menschenrechte hosted civil society consultations with Prof. Deva and Ms. Antoanela Pavlova of the OHCHR. Representatives from NGOs, migrant organisations and advocacy networks shared perspectives on Germany’s responsibilities in promoting inclusive development. Concerns highlighted included a considerable cut in development aid, reduced social spending, restrictions on refugee family reunification, and structural racism.
Prof. Deva echoed these calls, stressing that migrants and refugees must be recognised as assets to Germany’s economy and society, and that responsible business conduct should be a prerequisite for economic activity. The consultations underscored the importance of participatory dialogue in shaping the Rapporteur’s recommendations and advancing sustainable, rights-centred development.
AFRIW’s advocacy on migrant workers was further reflected in Prof. Deva’s speech at the Bundestag, where he urged that migrants contributing to Germany’s economy must be guaranteed a working life with dignity (https://lnkd.in/duqYSTVg).
In his official press release concluding the visit, Prof. Deva emphasised:
“The Government must ensure that migrants and refugees have a dignified life and enjoy all human rights in line with international law and the German Basic Law.” (https://lnkd.in/d38cCX2g)
AFRIW is pleased to inform that the preliminary report submitted by the Special Rapporteur noted issues related to unethical recruitment practices affecting the skilled workforce arriving in Germany under the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement (MMPA). Additionally, he highlighted the financial burden of €11,000, which aspiring students must pay to secure a student visa, and which is held in a blocked account.
This visit marked a significant step in amplifying civil society voices and reinforcing Germany’s responsibility to uphold human rights in its migration and development policies.
AFRIW remains committed to advocating for rights-based, development-sensitive migration governance.
