Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally address an incident that occurred at approximately 13:30 on October 1st, 2024, in Exhibition Hall 9 Laatzen, Hanover, Lower Saxony. While attempting to fill my personal water bottle with hot water, I was stopped by a female staff member, approximately 60 years old. She informed me that hot water could only be consumed on-site using a disposable paper cup, and it was prohibited to fill a bottle with hot water, even if needed later during the night.
I find this restriction unreasonable and lacking in both legal and regulatory grounds. This practice not only reflects a disregard for the everyday needs of refugees but also, in my opinion, infringes upon basic human rights.
I sought asylum in Germany because I trust in the rule of law and the high moral standards of the German people. However, this incident has led me to feel disappointed.
Filling my water bottle with hot water is simply a matter of convenience. It allows refugees to avoid frequent trips to the dining hall and helps reduce congestion in the area, improving living conditions for everyone. Yet, for reasons unknown to me, this rational and considerate practice has been prohibited.
Germany is a country governed by the rule of law. Does this restriction on using personal water bottles for hot water have any legal basis or regulatory support? If such rules exist, could they be communicated via a written notice or posted near the water station? However, there is no visible signage indicating this policy.
While I am a refugee, I believe refugees are entitled to basic dignity and rights. Before fleeing persecution, I was a software engineer and founded my own company in China. I later studied law and became an advocate for human rights. Despite being persecuted by the Chinese government, I have never wavered in my commitment to justice and human rights. Now, in Germany, I find myself facing a similar infringement on rights, albeit on a smaller scale, but I will not retreat in my efforts to protect human dignity.
When I attempted to report this issue to the camp management, my concerns were dismissed.
Although this issue may seem trivial, it directly affects the daily lives of many refugees. Therefore, its significance should not be underestimated. As a human rights advocate, I feel compelled to speak out on this matter.
I respectfully request your investigation into this policy and consideration for a more humane approach to such restrictions in refugee camps. I will also be sharing this incident with the public via online media in both English and German, and I plan to write to the Federal Chancellery, state government officials, and members of parliament to bring attention to this issue.
I hope for a satisfactory resolution to this problem, leading to positive changes for the future living conditions of refugees in Germany.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
