Skip to main content

Missions abroad

Crisis resolution, diplomacy and foreign missions: Germany is active in civilian crisis prevention.

15.01.2016
© dpa/Maurizio Gambarini - Building a Police Force

Diplomacy: For smart political solutions

Whether it’s within the European Union, the United Nations or as part of the lengthy 3+3 negotiations with Iran: In its efforts to solve crises and conflicts Germany’s foreign policy fundamentally relies on diplomatic and political means. This also includes defusing crises in good time and solving them by way of reconciliation, mediation and prevention. In 2018 Germany intends to run once again for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations World Security Council in the 2019/2020 term.

Crisis management: For the resolution of conflicts

Germany is involved in projects aimed at civil crisis prevention in 65 countries. The focus here is on crisis regions and post-conflict countries such as Sudan, Iraq and Palestine, as well as West Africa.

Civilian experts for peace missions

On behalf of the Federal Government the ­Centre for International Peace Operations (ZIF) dispatches civilian experts to missions of the EU, OSCE and UN. The organization headed by Almut Wieland-Karimi is a recognized ­institution for peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

 

Dr. Almut Wieland-Karimi © Hedrich Mattescheck GBR

Building a police force: For long-term stability

Reforming the security sector, including the training of police, is a key factor in ensuring long-term stability in crisis regions. To this end, German police officers provide assistance and consultancy services to their colleagues in countries such as Ukraine, Afghanistan and Mali.

Foreign mission: For networked security

The Federal Armed Forces participate in numerous internationally mandated missions. In 2015 2,500 soldiers were deployed abroad. They assisted with reconstruction efforts, trained armed forces and created a safe environment for humanitarian aid. These missions are always accompanied by comprehensive political, foreign aid and socio-economic measures in the affected countries.

“It is our moral duty to defend universal human rights with all our might.” Ursula von der Leyen, Federal Defence Minister

 

Ursula von der Leyen ©Bundeswehr/S.Wilke

Fight against terrorism: For the hope for peace

Many people in Syria and Iraq suffer violence at the hands of the ISIS terrorist organization. At the beginning of 2015 the Federal Government decided to deploy up to 100 Federal Armed Forces soldiers to the region, where they will train Iraqi security forces and Kurdish fighters for combat against ISIS.

 

The internet portals below provide useful ­additional information on this topic:
www.auswaertiges-amt.de
www.bmvg.de

Specifically on the topic of peace missions we recommend the following Websites:
www.zif-berlin.org
frieden-sichern.dgvn.de