Health-promoting and participatory research with refugees in Germany
In the EMPOW project, people with refugee experience, partners from the field and scientists are conducting participatory research into the health situation of refugees in Germany and developing solutions to promote health.
The final conference provided insights into the three-year collaboration at the locations (Berlin, Hanover and Munich). Different refugees were reached through participatory research at the locations.
The event was aimed at a broad audience from science, community and practice.
The participation of Deutsche Aidshilfe in the panel discussion as a member of the advisory board of the EMPOW project by the expert for migration gave the opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss with all participants.
"By participation, we mean individual or collective involvement in decisions that affect one's own lifestyle and one's own social, economic and political situation, and therefore always also one's own health." Rosenbrock, Hartung: Handbook on participation and health, 2012.
The results of the sites provide interesting findings and insights for both science and practice.
The final event also provided the opportunity to discuss sensitive topics in mumble groups and in the panel discussion. For example, the consequences of colonialism, the current research in general, the unequal treatment of migrants and refugees, structural racism, the poor living conditions of refugees in the refugee camps and the lack of a socially responsible approach. Living conditions of refugees in residential accommodation, especially in the so-called camps in Bavaria, etc.
Some questions were up for discussion and exchange such as:
- Why vulnerability and empowerment in the context of Refugees Health in Germany ?
- What role can research play in a structurally racist society?"
- What have we learned from the Ukraine crisis in Germany?
- What role does trust play in research?
- What does Residenzpflicht and re-traumatization mean for refugees in Germany?
"Life in the camps makes you sick" (refugee from the camp, Bavaria)
"Safe spaces", building trust, win-win situation, time, anonymity, mental health, etc. are among other important factors to consider in participatory research with refugees in the health sector.
The EMPOW project is part of the PHLENS research group and is funded by the German Research Foundation.
Thanks to the University of Munich for this great opportunity, especially to Prof. Dr. Hella von Unger and her team for their commitment.
"No one is free until we are all free"
Martin Luther King Jr.
More about the EMPOW project: www.empow-Projekt.de
Omer Idrissa Ouedroago
Specialist for migration