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Germany's lower house of parliament declared on Friday that "German culture" is defined by "freedom and humanity" and said more should be done to integrate an influx of migrants and refugees, a move supporters claim will counter increasing anti-immigrant sentiment but critics argue unnecessarily demonizes those fleeing war, inequality and conflict.
More than one million migrants — mainly Muslims — flocked to Germany from the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere in 2015-16 and many white Germans see integrating the newcomers as the country's biggest challenge.
Parliament's "Culture Builds Bridges" declaration comes amid a rise in support for the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD party, which is expected to gain seats in the Bundestag, Germany’s lower house, in next year's federal election.
The declaration described Germany as a "European cultural nation" shaped by the values of the Enlightenment, freedom and humanity, and said the constitution, which states that human dignity is inviolable, defined modern German culture.
The proposal was brought by Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative bloc in parliament and the Social Democrats, or SPD, their junior partner in the ruling coalition, which have lost support to the AfD as hostility against migrants and refugees has risen.
"We want to preserve our country's rich cultural heritage, which is characterized by the diversity of its citizens, states and regions as well as by its lively art and cultural scene," the declaration said.
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