Not negotiable
24 March is International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims. Germany is committed world-wide.
Each year, thousands of champions of human rights the world over point to shocking grievances – and often in the process they risk their own lives. Their voice is not always heard by the politicians and general public. The United Nations (UN) wishes to acknowledge their commitment and has declared 24 March the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.
Written into law
Germany supports human rights the world over and in so doing also supports people who are champions of human rights. Article 1 of the German Basic Law states unequivocally: “Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.” In other words, the article guarantees not only adherence to human rights in Germany, but also makes the claim to protect them the world over.
Commitment in Syria
By way of example, at present Germany is supporting Syria. “We cannot sit back and watch human rights being violated in Syria and humanitarian international law being repeatedly broken,” says German Federal Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel. Instead, the foundations must now be laid for calling the perpetrators to account. The German Federal Foreign Minister told UN Secretary-General António Guterres that Germany is committed to providing financial support for the new “International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism on International Crimes Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic”. Germany will furnish one million Euros to support the mechanism’s work.
Many areas of action
Furthermore, Germany is committed worldwide to supporting children’s rights, women’s rights and the right of equal opportunity, the right to the provision of water and sanitary facilities, freedom of religion and worship, and the struggle against torture and human trafficking. The country is also committed to the abolition of the death penalty and resolutely opposes any discrimination of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersexual persons. For more information, click here.
