The German government is translating the first 20 articles of its constitution into Arabic for the recent influx of the country’s refugees, according to the German newspaper Bild on Sep. 30. The articles briefly explain citizens’ basic rights and freedoms. The government will print 10,000 copies of its constitution in Arabic to help the estimated one million refugees adapt to German society. Many of the country’s refugees are seeking asylum from their war-torn country of Syria.
Sigmar Gabriel, vice-chancellor and the leader of the Social Democratic Party (which is abbreviated in German as SPD), said, “people who come here must not only learn the German language, but also learn the rules of the game of living together,” adding that “the first 20 articles of our constitution are what shape our culture.” Other politicians, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, also called for the need to integrate immigrants without infringing on their rights.
In addition, on Sep. 24, the German government allotted money for the construction of refugee shelters. In the meantime, German private companies were asked by the government and agreed to take part in helping homeless immigrants. For example, Siemens, a world-renowned engineering company, will offer internships to refugees.

Tony Jang
Staff Reporter
(tonyjang@timescore.co.kr)