We are guided by the experience that human rights, peace and development are mutually dependent: Poverty promotes human rights violations and violent conflicts, and these simultaneously promote poverty - sustainable, participatory development reverses this relationship.

Particularly at a time when racism and violence are on the rise, when populism and nationalism are gaining ground and multilateral human rights protection is being called into question, we must be resolute in our defence of human rights and peace.

We realise that it is precisely those who denounce human rights violations on a daily basis and work to preserve creation who are in particular need of our solidarity and protection. After all, they risk their own safety and that of their families if they get in the way of powerful economic or political actors.

Our partners in this process are primarily civil society organisations. Their room for manoeuvre is also becoming ever narrower and their work ever more dangerous. Human rights defenders are defamed, criminalised, threatened and even murdered. However, sustainable development is only possible if everyone can participate in a society without risk, including disadvantaged and poor people. We support people and organisations to get involved and to protect themselves in the best possible way.

The risk of human rights violations and violence is significantly higher in fragile states that do not fulfil their obligations in the areas of security, rule of law and basic social services. The power and influence of violent actors such as terrorist or armed groups is also increasing in our partner countries. Our partner organisations often have to seek dialogue with all actors involved in the conflict in order to survive and work in an environment characterised by violence. We support other partner organisations in setting processes in motion that contribute to ending conflicts and violence and to peace and reconciliation processes can shape peace and reconciliation processes.