Original
Under the German Basic Law (Article 16a GG), asylum is granted to—or individuals are entitled to asylum—those who, if returned to their country of origin, would be exposed to serious human rights violations, e.g., on the basis of their nationality or political beliefs. Since this law only takes into account persecution by the state, emergency situations such as poverty, civil wars, or natural disasters are excluded as grounds for protection.
Further information is available on the website of the Refugee Council of Thuringia e.V.