Criticism of Germany’s handling of pro-Palestine demonstrations

Germany has been reviewed by the UN Human Rights Council. Nearly 130 countries spoke about the situation in the Federal Republic during the session. Several Arab countries complained about police violence during pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

It may be a coincidence that the UN Human Rights Council chose to review Germany on November 9th. However, at the beginning of her speech, Luise Amtsberg, the Federal Government’s Human Rights Commissioner, made it clear that the 9th of November is not an ordinary date for her.

“Speaking about human rights today, on the 85th anniversary of the Kristallnacht, fills me – and I can speak for the entire delegation – with a special reverence: for the task and the commitment to protecting Jewish life in Germany,” Amtsberg said.

Germany has room for improvement

Amtsberg emphasized in Geneva that the federal government critically examines human rights issues in Germany. They are aware of the challenges and are not afraid to address them, such as the fight against racism and women’s rights.

“Gender equality must finally become a reality in all areas of life. In addition to legal equality, we are working on overcoming power relations and traditional roles,” Amtsberg said. Domestic violence is a disturbing fact, and the current support system in Germany does not meet the needs of the victims, admitted the Human Rights Commissioner.

UN members focus on Germany

Afterwards, representatives of 127 UN member states expressed their views on human rights in Germany. Each person had only 55 seconds to make their demands, as the session is limited in time.

Many states see room for improvement in Germany, such as the fight against age discrimination, the equality of women and queer people, the prosecution of hate speech, and the inclusion of people with disabilities.

Some Arab states, such as Iraq, accuse Germany of police violence and restrictions on the right to assembly, especially during pro-Palestinian gatherings: “We are deeply concerned about reports of violence against peaceful demonstrators by authorities. And about the restriction of the right to assembly in Germany based on discriminatory reasons.”

Council provides recommendations for Germany

The German delegation in Geneva also includes representatives of non-governmental organizations. Their assessments on the topic are also part of the review in the Human Rights Council. After the session, Beate Rudolf, the Director of the independent German Institute for Human Rights, expressed great satisfaction, especially because the federal government has signaled its willingness to address many human rights issues.

However, Rudolf criticized that a central topic was given too little attention. “I regret that the issue of poverty did not receive the space that civil society, but also we as an institute, have emphasized in our reports to the United Nations.” This issue specifically concerns fundamental human rights, according to the director – such as the right to housing, social security, and a dignified life. “All of these are questions that could have been explored in more depth.”

The results of today’s review will be summarized by the UN Human Rights Council in written recommendations to Germany. The federal government must review them and decide for each recommendation whether to implement it or simply take note of it.