مدونة جعفر عبد الكريم الخابوري

Respect for human rights is rooted in the German constitution. Also on a global level, Germany is active in protecting fundamental freedoms.
Schutz von Menschenrechten
dpa
"Human dignity may not be infringed. Respecting and protecting it is the duty of all state authorities." This is the clear mission defined by Article 1 of the German constitution, through which Germany recognizes the "inviolability and immutability of human rights" as "the basis for the establishment of society and the spread of peace and justice in the world." Germany is also keen on this commitment in its foreign relations, with all seriousness. The protection and promotion of human rights plays an important role in foreign policy and at the international level, as often deliberate violations of human rights constitute the first step on the road to crises. Together, alongside partners in the European Union and in cooperation with the United Nations (UN), Germany is making efforts all over the world to preserve and protect human rights standards and work to develop and consolidate them.

Participation in the activities of international human rights institutions
Germany is a signatory to the United Nations (UN) Convention on Human Rights and its Additional Protocols (Civil Rights Bill, Social Rights Bill, Anti-Racism Treaty, Women's Rights Treaty, Torture Treaty, Child Rights Treaty, Disabled Rights Treaty, Disappearance Treaty forced). Germany was also the first European country to ratify the Additional Protocol to the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Children, which allowed for individual complaints to be addressed and prosecuted.

Support for projects around the world
The German Federal Government, in turn, supports measures to protect against discrimination and racism, and makes efforts at the global level against the death penalty, and for political participation and legal protection, and also defends freedom of religion and belief, combats human trafficking, and supports the commitment to adhere to the right to obtain housing and the right Clean drinking water and sanitation services. 2.2 billion people in the world lack clean water. With 400 million euros annually, Germany, as one of the largest donors in this field, contributes to many projects aimed at changing this reality. Access to clean water is one of the new provisions of human rights, and it is the main theme of German activity in the field of cooperation and development.

Efforts for human rights in the United Nations
Germany was elected for the fourth time to the membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, for the period from 2020 to 2022. The most important tool for the Human Rights Council is the “public periodic examination”, according to which each member state of the United Nations submits a report on its commitment to its missions related to human rights, and must answer critical questions. Germany underwent this test for the third time in 2018.

Efforts in the Council of Europe
Germany is one of the most active members of the Council of Europe, which includes 47 member states, concerned with the protection and promotion of human rights, the rule of law and democracy throughout Europe. Through pioneering treaties, foremost of which is the European Convention on Human Rights, the Council contributes to the development of a common European legal framework, to monitor adherence to unified standards and values that are binding on the entire territory of the European continent.

Defending human rights in the digital space
The protection of human rights is also a pillar of foreign cyber policy. In 2013 and 2014 the United Nations General Assembly passed resolutions on respecting privacy in the age of digital technology. These decisions are due to a joint German-Brazilian initiative. Where Germany believes that human rights online should be just as valid as they are outside the network. In 2018, Germany emphasized its efforts for privacy and protection of personal data in the era of digital technology, and assumed the presidency of the Internet Freedom Coalition (Online), which works to support and protect human rights in the era of digital technology.

Jaafar Abdul Karim Al-Khabouri