Munich wants to prepare as well as possible for thousands of refugees who are likely to arrive in the coming days and weeks. Civil protection and volunteers in the city should work hand in hand. According to an application by the Greens-Rosa List and SPD/Volt on Tuesday, the fire department and the volunteer fire brigade would also have to be included in the emergency planning: In view of the expected high number of refugees, there is a coordination center between volunteers, civil protection and aid organizations “of great urgency”.
In the application package from Grün-Rot, the Munich association Heimatstern should also be explicitly supported. For years, the aid organization has not only taken care of clothing and donations for the homeless in the city, but also regularly organizes transports with aid supplies to crisis areas. However, about two years ago, Heimatstern had to vacate its warehouse provided by the city on the Bayernkaserne site and now has hardly any space to store relief supplies. For this reason, new spaces for the care of refugees should be found as quickly as possible for the association, but also for other aid organizations in Munich.
Proven concept from the refugee autumn 2015 is activated again
An important aspect for the city council coalition is medical care for refugees arriving in Munich. In particular, seriously ill people, such as cancer, and children should have access to special treatments as quickly as possible. “Fast and unbureaucratic health care” for refugees from Ukraine should be ensured.
Psychosocial care and counseling should also be guaranteed. An outpatient clinic at the Munich Clinic could serve as the first point of contact. In this context, a proven concept from the refugee autumn of 2015 could be reactivated. At that time, tens of thousands of people who arrived in Munich at the main train station were helped quickly and unbureaucratically.
In addition, refugees have access to free corona tests, the city announced on Tuesday. Finally, as soon as possible, there should be a central telephone number for refugees that newcomers can contact if they need help. The hotline must be available “day and night”, says Volt City Councilor Felix Sproll.
So far, the situation in Munich is still calm. Many refugees who have arrived in the city stay with relatives or friends. In addition, there are offers from both the city and private individuals for hundreds of people who are currently fleeing Ukraine. However, Munich is considered an important city for many Ukrainians. About 8,000 people from the embattled country live here and try to bring relatives to Munich.