On December 1,  Minister Dr. Steinmeier and  Minister Jean‑Marc Ayrault  presented this year’s  Franco-German Prize for Human Rights to 16 Human Right Defenders from several countries.

Excerpts of the speech by Foreign Minister Dr. Steinmeier during the Award ceremony.   

“For both France and Germany, one thing is clear: Protecting and Promoting Human Rights is at the heart of our foreign policy endeavours. We act worldwide to further this cause.”

“You all have one thing in common: the Courage, Compassion and Determination with which you help others,”  December 5, 2016  © Federal Foreign Office

Both Ministers voiced their support for Human Rights Defenders around the World by publishing a joint article:                      “Supporting those who are persecuted”

1. Additional: Speech by Minister Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the presentation of the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights   
2. Statement by Foreign Ministers Steinmeier and Ayrault on the awarding of the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights
3.   Human Rights Defenders under Pressure by German Foreign Office September 2016

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