“A catastrophic signal regarding minority rights”

The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) has criticized plans by the FDP to merge the German Ministry of Development (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, BMZ) and the Foreign Office as “a step in the wrong direction”. “It would be a catastrophic signal regarding minority rights to integrate the Ministry of Development and the Foreign Office. This would send a disastrous signal to the international community and significantly weaken Germany’s commitment to a more just world order,” stated Jan Königshausen, STP expert on indigenous peoples. Given the global challenges as a consequence of historical injustices, colonialism, and exploitation, Germany should show more responsibility, not reduce it. An independent development policy is essential to promote global justice and to strengthen minority rights.

“A credible and sustainable foreign policy must be based on respect and the establishment of long-term, equal partnerships. The BMZ is ideally positioned to serve as a central pillar for efforts in this regard. It is, traditionally, a reliable and recognized cooperation partner for the civilian population in the partner countries. Dismantling the BMZ would not only undermine these efforts, but would also weaken Germany’s standing at the international level – especially when it comes to protecting minorities,” Königshausen emphasized.

“Far too often, the Foreign Office remains silent – failing to credibly advocate for people in humanitarian emergencies,” the human rights activist criticized. “Especially regarding the protection of minorities, the Foreign Office does not live up to its responsibilities – both politically and in terms of humanitarian aid, for example in Sudan and northern Syria. The protection of minority groups and the promotion of human rights must remain key aspects of German foreign policy.” 

“The current discussion is a good opportunity to recognize the important role of the BMZ – alongside that of the Foreign Office – with regard to German foreign policy. Instead of dismantling it, the German Federal Government should seize the opportunity to further strengthen development policy and establish it as a central instrument to further global justice, minority protection, and equal international cooperation. Germany should recognize its historical and current burdens and live up to its responsibility by means of a strong Ministry of Development. Thereby, the needs, positions, and world views of the people the Ministry of Development supports must play an even greater role,” Königshausen demanded.