Dr Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and State Secretary Lilian Tschan.
State Secretary Lilian Tschan welcomed Dr. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs on 18 December 2024. The meeting took place during the High Commissioner's working visit to Germany. The topics covered included, in particular, the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, human rights due diligence in supply chains and the fight against human trafficking for labour exploitation.
Human rights are not an ideology. Human rights are binding instruments under international law that hold states to account. Human rights are about the fundamental needs of all people.
Human rights due diligence in supply chains is a powerful tool to directly improve people's lives. It paves the way for a sustainable economic model that benefits everyone in the long term.
We are unequivocally committed to human rights; their promotion and protection are central pillars of the Federal Government's policy.
It is the responsibility of all economic actors to respect human rights standards. In our industry dialogue forums, we are committed to identifying optimal solutions that ensure the rights of all stakeholders in global supply chains.
During the visit, there was also an exchange of views on the second World Social Summit, which is to take place in Doha, Qatar, in 2025.
It is important to maintain a holistic view of social issues, taking into account human rights, and to address the needs and concerns of people from all over the world in the negotiations of the World Social Summit.
We want to to advance the understanding of the concept of "social development" and will work towards a final declaration that shows our joint commitment to making progress on the issues.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, headed by Dr. Volker Türk, is the central body of the United Nations for the protection of human rights. One of its tasks is to engage in dialogue with UN member states to promote human rights.