The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) mourns the passing of CDU politician Christian Schwarz-Schilling and honors his steadfast and credible commitment to human rights, ethnic and religious minorities, and the politically persecuted. The human rights organization particularly highlights his extraordinary commitment to ending the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and supporting the victims of the genocide alongside its founder, Tilman Zülch.

“Christian Schwarz-Schilling stood by the oppressed and persecuted like hardly any other German politician. He was one of the few who never treated the war crimes and genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a marginal issue. For him, the fate of the people there was a litmus test of European and German responsibility,” explains Belma Zulčić, director of the STP section in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

By resigning as Federal Minister in 1992, Schwarz-Schilling sent an unmistakable signal against the failure of the international community in the face of the crimes committed during the Bosnian War. “This decision was not a symbolic act. It was an expression of his political integrity and moral clarity, which also shaped his continued commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina,” emphasizes Zulčić.

As High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (2006–2007), Schwarz-Schilling advocated for strengthening the autonomy of local institutions without losing sight of the need for international support. His approach aimed at building viable state structures and sustainably strengthening civil society as the foundation of a stable community.

His close collaboration and friendship with the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) and its founder, Tilman Zülch, reflected this understanding. As a member of the STP’s advisory board, Schwarz-Schilling supported the human rights organization’s work for many years and played a key role in anchoring the issues of human rights, minority protection, and remembrance culture in Germany’s political discourse.

Schwarz-Schilling was also a staunch advocate for the rights of the Roma, who are among the most heavily discriminated-against minorities in Europe. He took a clear stand against the deportation of Roma from Germany to Kosovo, which left many of those affected facing a lack of prospects and renewed marginalization. He warned that Roma in Kosovo were frequently exposed to massive hostility, social isolation, and real security risks following their return. For him, such a policy was neither justifiable from a human rights perspective nor politically responsible.

Furthermore, he advocated for the rights of Tibetans and publicly opposed their oppression by the People’s Republic of China. He sought dialogue with representatives of the Tibetan exile community, including the Dalai Lama, and advocated for a peaceful solution based on cultural and religious self-determination.

“With the passing of Christian Schwarz-Schilling, Germany and Europe have lost a voice that was willing to speak uncomfortable truths and to guide political action by clear principles. His commitment to persecuted minorities remains our obligation,” stated the STP.

This press release was translated from German to English using AI. If you come across errors or ambiguities, please contact us at presse@gfbv.de.