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Society for Threatened Peoples (STP)

For Human Rights. Worldwide.

Every day, people around the world are displaced, persecuted or killed because of their identity, religion or culture.

The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) is an international human rights organization based in Germany. Since almost 60 years, we are working to protect ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, nationalities and Indigenous Peoples whose rights are threatened.

Together with affected communities and partner organizations worldwide, we document human rights violations, raise international awareness and advocate for political action.Our goal is clear:

A world in which human rights apply to everyone – regardless of origin, culture or belief.

News and Press Releases

Here you can find English translations of our press releases and statements on current human rights developments worldwide.

They provide insights into our work and into the situations faced by minorities and Indigenous Peoples in various regions.

There are 67 results for your search.

WDR Broadcasting Council Confirms Cancellation of ‘Cosmo’

The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) strongly criticizes the decision by the WDR Broadcasting Council to approve the cancellation of Cosmo and, with it, the weekly one-hour Kurdish-language program. “The WDR’s decision to cancel the Kurdish program sends a fatal signal to a minority that is persecuted in its home countries and also experiences exclusion in Germany,” emphasizes STP Middle East consultant Dr. Kamal Sido.

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Syria

The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) has criticized the promotion of U.S. diplomat Tom Barrack to the position of Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq under President Donald Trump. According to the human rights organization, this decision exacerbates the situation for minorities in Syria, who continue to be persecuted by the new regime in Damascus.

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German Economy Minister Reiche’s Trip to China

“The German government wants to take a more assertive stance toward Beijing, but when it comes to human rights, it is failing catastrophically. The systematic persecution of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, the oppression of ethnic and religious minorities, and forced labor in the country played no role in Economy Minister Reiche’s trip to China,” criticizes Mirjam Kobold, Advisor for Asia at the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP).

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Glencore plc Annual General Meeting (May 28)

On the occasion of the annual general meeting of the commodities company Glencore on May 28, 2026, the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) criticizes the company for its responsibility for human rights violations and environmental destruction in Colombia. Despite international accusations, Glencore continues coal mining at the Cerrejón mine.

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Volkswagen in Tanzania

The human rights organizations FIAN and the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) are calling for Volkswagen’s climate project in Tanzania not to be certified. This follows more than 100 complaints, most of which originate from Maasai communities. According to the organizations, an analysis of the complaints shows that the local population was not sufficiently informed about the project and that there is widespread resistance.

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International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22)

On the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) warns that climate policies focused solely on reducing emissions are intensifying pressure on indigenous territories worldwide.

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Signs of China exerting influence at TU Berlin

Ahead of an event at TU Berlin on the persecution of the Uyghurs, there are indications of intimidation attempts and political pressure by the Chinese government. The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) and the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) view this as an alarming example of transnational repression at German universities.

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82nd Anniversary of the Deportation of the Crimean Tatars

Die Menschenrechtsorganisation macht zum 82. Jahrestag der kollektiven Deportation der Krimtataren unter Stalin am 18. Mai 1944 darauf aufmerksam, dass die Verfolgung der indigenen Bevölkerung durch die russischen Besatzer der Krim weiter zunimmt.

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Oppression Planned Over Decades

The Chinese Communist Party has been pursuing the violent assimilation of minorities long before its recent law on “Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress.” With the abduction of the Panchen Lama over 30 years ago, it laid the groundwork for a hostile takeover of Tibetan Buddhism.

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What We Do

Our work focuses on strengthening marginalized communities whose voices are often overlooked in international politics and media.

Our approach:

Documenting Human Rights Violations

We investigate and document human rights violations against minorities and Indigenous Peoples, and bring these cases to the attention of governments, international organizations, and the public.

International Advocacy

We advocate for threatened communities in political institutions, including the United Nations and European institutions.

Public Awareness and Campaigns

Through reports, media outreach, campaigns and events we inform the public and mobilize support for human rights.

Partnerships with Affected Communities

Our work is based on close cooperation with local activists, representatives of minorities and civil society organizations worldwide.

An International Voice for Minorities

The Society for Threatened Peoples is based in Germany but is active worldwide. We collaborate with partners and communities in many regions, including:

  • Africa
  • Middle East
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Latin America

Our advocacy work for human rights is internationally recognized.
The United Nations has granted the Society for Threatened Peoples consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

This role enables us to bring the voices of threatened communities directly into international forums and political decision-making processes.

About the Society for Threatened Peoples

Founded in 1968, the Society for Threatened Peoples emerged from civil society protests against genocide and crimes against minorities.

Today, we remain committed to the same principles and values:

Human rights are indivisible.

Every person is entitled to dignity, freedom, and security – regardless of origin, religion, or identity.

Solidarity and partnership.

We work alongside those affected on an equal footing – for self-determination, not representation.

Independence and credibility.

We act on the basis of facts and without political or economic ties.

Accountability and transparency.

We handle donations and trust with care.

Our vision is a world where human rights apply to everyone, diversity is respected, and justice is upheld.