PRESS RELEASE
60 years of human rights: learning the lessons of history
Berlin, 10 December 2008. “On the 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights it is most fitting that we look back on the successes achieved to date and draw attention to the challenges we face in protecting human rights now and in the future. The Foundation “Remembrance, Responsibility and Future” remains committed to keeping alive the memory of the victims and to applying the lessons of history today and tomorrow,” explains Dr Michael Jansen, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees at its 25th meeting today in Berlin. At the meeting, the Board of Trustees approved a further EUR 5 million in project support.
“In the coming year, the Foundation will be providing project support totalling EUR 7.7 million. We are still dedicated to providing material assistance for the victims of National Socialism and to showing recognition and respect for their life achievements and suffering. However, taking a critical look at history also involves working for human rights today”, emphasises Dr Martin Salm, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Foundation.
EUR 2.1 million was approved for the Activity Area “Working for democracy and human rights”, which includes a pilot project for the victims of modern forced labour and a new funding programme under the title “Teaching Human Rights”. A further EUR 1.7 million is earmarked for continuing the Foundation’s work on promoting understanding of different portrayals of history. In addition, the Board of Trustees has made EUR 1.2 million available for humanitarian projects for the victims of National Socialism.
In 2008, support totalling EUR 8.4 million has been provided to date for 314 projects in the following areas:
• A critical examination of history
• Working for democracy and human rights
• Humanitarian commitment to the victims of National Socialism
Press Release as a PDF file for download.
Contact:
Foundation "Remembrance, Responsibility and Future"
Press and Public Relations
Franka Kuehn
Phone +49 (0)30 259297-76
Mobile +49-(0)174-980 14 24
kuehn@stiftung-evz.de
