Dear friends and partners of ISHR,

At the beginning of the new year we greet you warmly as President and Secretary General from the International Secretariat in Bonn/Germany. There are many things that move us in this turbulent world and we perceive that many people view the various political, economic and social developments around the globe with concern and growing uncertainty. For us, the cohesion in the international network of the International Society for Human Rights is and remains an anchor of hope, as we can exchange and verify perspectives together and, as a logical consequence, take joint action. It is possible to do something! We must never lose this conviction.

What are the points and challenges that move us? Of course, Russia’s war against Ukraine remains at the top of the list. We are watching with growing concern the behavior of Belarus in this context, which many experts believe is being drawn ever more closely into the war. The inhumane actions of the Iranian regime against its citizens also continue to cause horror and bewilderment among us. While many of us were celebrating Christmas and New Year and spending a family vacation, executions of young people were being carried out in Iran on a daily basis. This is absolutely unacceptable and we must do everything in our power to continue to support, strengthen, and give widespread attention and publicity to the international protest movement (#FreeIran2023).

Other challenges that will keep us busy during 2023 include the situation of Taiwan, the famine in the Horn of Africa (still largely outside of public global media coverage), China’s ongoing repression and human rights abuses against the Uighurs, the escalating conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the quiet, but still ongoing, crisis in Cuba.

A multitude of issues, one could also say in view of our small team in the ISHR international secretariat: a surfeit of issues. But all lamentation does not help – determined communication and action is more than ever necessary. This is best done, as we all know, in association with like-minded people, in critical-constructive cooperation and by keeping each other motivated and committed. This is the role we will continue to play as the International Secretariat in 2023.

Stay connected with us, let us know how we can strengthen and support you and above all: stay hopeful!

With best regards

Thomas Paul Schirrmacher
President. ISHR. 

Matthias Boehning
Secretary General. ISHR