Joshua Hofert, spokesperson for the board of the children's rights organization Terre des Hommes , comments on the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD. He sees children's rights in the area of development cooperation as being at risk in several respects:
Children's rights in development policy
"The preservation of the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development is an important and positive signal, as it underscores the high priority of this ministry. However, its strategic direction is disappointing. Future development cooperation is primarily intended to serve German security and economic interests, thereby risking the neglect of children. Nearly one in three children worldwide lives in poverty. These children do not go to school and do not have enough to eat. Germany must primarily fulfill its responsibility for children's and human rights, instead of solely focusing on its own interests. Furthermore, there is no commitment to the binding financial target of 0.7 percent of gross national income; instead, funding is to be cut. This reduction is simply irresponsible – at a time when other donor countries are withdrawing their support and millions of lives are at risk."
Supply Chain Act
"The repeal of the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act is a dramatic blow to humanity and the rule of law. Children worldwide toil under unimaginable conditions and risk their lives for products like coffee, bananas, sugar, or textiles that we consume daily in this country. The main goal of the law, to end exploitation along the supply chain, is completely sidelined. We urge the members of the Bundestag not to support this course of action."
Flight / Migration
"The proposed measures in the area of migration and integration are disastrous for refugee children and young people. Two of the few remaining legal pathways to escape are to be blocked: family reunification for those granted subsidiary protection and humanitarian admission programs, for example from Afghanistan. These are life-saving measures that are vital for refugee children and young people and their families. In our projects, we see every day what it means when children are separated from their families or suffer the consequences of traumatic experiences of fleeing. Refugee children need protection, not exclusion. Families belong together!"
The development policy children's rights organization Terre des Hommes has been committed to children and young people worldwide for over 50 years. Terre des Hommes supports projects aimed at sustainably improving their living conditions and provides humanitarian aid in conflict and disaster situations. A collaborative and participatory approach with local partner organizations in the project regions is central to its work. Terre des Hommes 367 projects for children and young people in 44 countries worldwide.