Indian diaspora in Germany, girds up for ‘Return Ariha campaign’ from Saturday

Berlin/Frankfurt: The  clarion call for return of 2-year old Ariha Shah is picking momentum in Germany. The child is an Indian national and she was placed in the custody of Germany’s Child care services (Jugendamt) on Sept 23rd, 2021 on account of some lapse of the family, when she was just 7 months old. She has now been in foster care for more than 21 months.
The parents and Indian diaspora here says, “Our efforts have been guided by the best interest of the child which we believe can be fully realized only when she is in her home country, in her roots, where her socio-cultural rights can be safeguarded accordingly. Our concern is that the child belongs to the native surroundings and should be in her linguistic, religious, cultural, and social environment. This is her unalienable right.’
“Our demands are aligned with the Ministry of External Affairs (MoE), India, and the Embassy of India, Berlin who have been persistently requesting and advocating for the return of Ariha Shah to India. However, our demands have not been met yet.
“Recently, we were dismayed to learn that the child was abruptly shifted to a new foster care system which is a matter of apprehension. We strongly believe that Ariha’s continued placement in German foster care is a matter of anguish as it can have severe consequences for her emotional and mental development.
“We also want to include that India has a robust child welfare and protection system which can cater to all the needs of the child. In this regard, Indian Embassy has proposed potential foster parents in India who are willing to bring up the child in her socio-cultural environment for the overall development of the child.
Thus, we would like to reiterate that Ariha Shah is an Indian national and we urge German authorities to repatriate Ariha to India, where her nationality and original identity can be preserved. As a result, the Indian diaspora in Germany take strong action against the atrocities being committed by Jugendamt in the name of welfare by denying her basic rights.
“We are committed and we stand together to ensure the return of Ariha Shah to India, say the protesters. ”

‘Save Ariha’ call is trending over Twitter and other social platforms for a couple of weeks.  JAI HIND !

(videos and comments credit-Wion Channel and Twitter)

Urgent Appeal to @PMOIndia! Ariha Shah, a healthy and growing 2-year-old, languishes in a special child's institute with mentally challenged children under Jugendamt's custody.

The condition she endures is beyond horrifying—neglected, hungry, and clothed in filth. The anguish… pic.twitter.com/UhU3JHzthl

— Save Ariha (@voiceforariha) July 5, 2023