Statement by Foreign Minister Wadephul on the occasion of international Human Rights Day

Protecting human dignity and fundamental human rights is the core task of our constitution, and thus also a crucial guiding principle for our foreign policy.

The global situation poses greater challenges to us than almost never before. Minorities are suffering discrimination, activists are being deprived of their rights, and in our immediate neighbourhood, Russia is waging a war of aggression against the people of Ukraine and their right to live in freedom.

We cannot and may not remain indifferent to this, as a stable international order cannot exist without human rights. If human rights are not protected, arbitrary rule and the law of the strong will prevail. Without this protection, the free and democratic order that underpins Germany's and Europe's economic success would be inconceivable.

Every day, women and men all over the world fight for human rights to be preserved and respected. Far too often, this support comes at the cost of their health, their freedom or even their lives.

On today's international Human Rights Day, I pay tribute to their commitment and their courage.