Impressions on the Work of the Medical Aid for Refugees in Berlin
- by Rhoda Viajar -The networking system devised and maintained by the organization as a way to provide for the medical needs of illegal migrants appears to be working efficiently and effectively. The organization is mindful of the security risks of the migrants and the doctors: ensuring anonymity and full confidentiality. As illegal migration is apparently criminalized by the State, there seems to be no other way to deal with the real problems confronted by the migrants who for various reasons have found themselves living inconspicuously in another country.
The phenomenon of migration is complex. It is tightly entangled with the processes and policies of neoliberal globalization and deeply linked with national and international historical contexts. The issue must be addressed at the international, national and local levels.
Given this situation, the work of the Medical Aid for Refugees clearly has natural limitations. It is therefore noteworthy that the organization not only addresses the specific need of migrants for medical care, it also consciously pursues political advocacy through its network organizations. This approach, I think, is crucial for all organizations responding to the problems of migration as a consequence of neoliberalisation.
For me, it is clear that the Medical Aid Group does not want to substitute what it perceives to be the obligation of the State. Given current conditions however, it recognizes that immediate needs of the migrants must be addressed by actors outside the State. Since the organization does not receive financial aid from government, it is thus able to avoid the dangers of full cooptation. However, I think that it could also explore other possible actions so they are not confined in the service work that they do.
How can the medical group encourage the anonymous migrants and the doctors to be part of campaigns and other collective political actions? How can the organization contribute to the political education of the clients (migrants) and service-providers
(doctors)?
Considering the location of its office, I understand that the group also faces security threats and is under the watchful eye of authorities. If the Medical Aid Group is restricted in doing direct political education, there maybe some ways by which it can make accessible materials and information on campaign and other political initiatives on migration. Linkages with other organizations may be further strengthened to open up deeper collaborative relations. Direct and open political engagements could continue to be undertaken by other organized groups. Meanwhile, the Medical Aid Group broadens its facilitative role.
Beyond linking migrant patients with doctors. the organization can act as an “invisible link” between migrants and/or doctors and other political groups. It can broaden its network and facilitate the coming together of individuals and groups for deeper education and other collective endeavors concerning migration.
