Foreign Minister Wadephul on Germany’s election to the UN Human Rights Council

Foreign Minister Wadephul issued the following statement today (13 October 2026) on Germany’s election to the UN Human Rights Council: No one should be punished for demanding freedom and the rule of law. Children must have the chance to go to school – regardless of their gender. Everyone must have safe access to drinking water. These examples show that human rights are not abstract concepts. On the contrary, they are the foundations of a life of dignity. To violate human rights is to jeopardise the most fundamental achievements of humanity. We are determined to defend these achievements and the dignity of each and every individual. This is what led us to run for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva – and what will guide our actions there. I would like to thank the UN General Assembly for the trust placed in us in today’s election in New York. We will prove ourselves worthy of this trust. We stand with all those in need and are committed to upholding their rights. We will use our membership to work with our partners to strengthen the Human Rights Council and to advance the protection of human rights across the globe.