Politics
Foreign policy issues
Peace and freedom are the focal points of German foreign policy. They can only be guaranteed through cooperation in a spirit of trust and a fair balancing of interests with our partners in the United Nations, NATO, G8, OSCE and EU.
Foreign Policy
New guidelines for Germany's policy on Africa
Africa is on the rise - a fact that is not only supported by economic statistics. Democracy and ownership are more and more important in Africa. Germany responds with new guidelines for its policy on Africa - on the basis of German values and interests.
New guidelines
Peace and Security - Stability and Development
Improving the security situation in Africa is one of the German Government's key goals. How this can best be achieved has been spelled out by the G8. In line with the priorities laid down by the G8, the Federal Foreign Office has developed its own G8 Africa Programme focusing on three areas of great significance for security in Africa: peace missions, police work and addressing the causes of conflict.
Another key strand of our political interests and objectives with regard to Sub-Saharan Africa is the creation of democracy, stability and prosperity. In line with this, our approach in matters of African security and development policy is one of partnership. It is encouraging to see that in Africa organizations and structures are being created that make such a policy of co-operation possible.
Support of Human Rights Defenders
Germany has committed to support Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in line with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. This Declaration was adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly in 1998, and it remains the normative basis for international efforts for human rights defenders. The Declaration has been translated into several local languages by the Human Rights Centre Uganda. The UN has also established a Special Rapporteur on the situation of of human rights defenders. This post is currently held by Margaret Sekaggya from Uganda. The Special Rapporteur is an important actor in efforts to improve the situation of human rights defenders in all parts of the world.
