Amnesty International - the representation in Germany

All hear on the news that Germany is one of the most economically powerful countries in the European Union and globally. How particularly global decision-making is represented in Germany? When talking about international organizations, we should name Bonn and its status. For me personally, Bonn being an international city was one of the reasons why to choose this place for my long-term volunteering service.

Bonn is Germany’s United Nations City that has mastered a profound structural transition from a hub of politics into a platform for international discussion. Many internationally active organizations and institutions have settled in Bonn, today the second seat of government to the Federal Republic of Germany. Due to the desired proximity to political decision-making processes, a number of organizations have relocated branches or their headquarters completely to Berlin. Numerous UN organizations including other internationally working institutions and non-governmental organizations have established their headquarters in Bonn. NGOs in Bonn efficiently find partners and synergies to develop suitable strategies, raise awareness and take action for their purpose. The City of Bonn promotes its resident organizations by offering a diversity of services and platforms for a networked dialogue including joint projects and particular partnerships. Several Bonn-based NGOs have established the BINGO Net, the Bonn International Non-governmental Organizations Network. The network serves to develop structural synergies and offers possibilities for approaching exchange. In addition to the 19 UN agencies, there are around 170 other organizations in Bonn, many of them with a focus on development cooperation and/or humanitarian aid. Amnesty International is one of them.

First of all, Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people who take injustice on a personal level. They are campaigning for a world where human rights are appreciated by all. Amnesty International is funded by members and people like everyone of us while being independent of any political ideology, economic interest, or religion. One of the activities that takes place every year is when numerous young people in schools and youth associations around the world take part in the letter marathon. Around International Human Rights Day on December 10th, letters are sent to people in need and to governments to rise attention to human rights violations in different countries. At the same time, the young people's awareness of human rights, responsibility, and injustice is strengthened and they are taught that they are empowered to act and can make a difference. On the basis of the accessed cases, a connection to recent political events and the human rights situation in a number of countries around the world is established. Appeal letters when organisation calls on governments to release prisoners of conscience.  Whereas, solidarity letters are addressed directly to the prisoners. As result, the letters are an important sign of support for those affected, a signal against ignoring. What is more, particularly in Germany the work of Amnesty International is oriented toward the less economically prosperous countries. At the moment, it might mainly involve the migration process to the EU through Belarus and Turkey, the questions of Kurds, political prisoners in Belarus and Russia, freedom for Afghan people.

For the current political situation in Germany, Amnesty International follows today's news, that the new government coalition made up of the SPD, FDP and the Greens is in place. In their beliefs, the coalition agreement is an opportunity for human rights. They are landed in several positions as an important point of orientation. But for some issues, it depends very much on the substantial implementation. Like, the fair distribution of vaccines globally, the fight against racism, the commitment to climate justice and human rights in the digital area as well as protection for people on the motion, and a feminist, human rights-based foreign policy.

Consequently, we can not underestimate the work of organisations of similar kinds, like Amnesty International, that advocates for a fairer world and protection of needs, so human right for all.

Used resources:

https://www.amnesty.de/

https://www.bonn.de/microsite/en/international-profile/international-location/international-organizations.php