The German-Arab Association endeavours to strengthen the relations between Germany and the Arab world. For more than 50 years this has been its agenda in the fields of politics, economy and culture.
The German-Arab Association is involved with the realization of the following concerns:
- Encouragement of all efforts to peacefully solve the crises and conflicts of the region
- Implementation of international law and human rights principles
- Deepening of the understanding of different societies and cultures
- Advancement of education and vocational training
In more specific terms the German-Arab Association endorses:
- the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state within 1967 borders based on the respective resolutions of the United Nations
- the comprehensive application of civil and human rights in the region irrespective of ethnical and religious affiliation
- the restitution of the Golan Heights to Syria
- the termination of direct foreign involvement and intervention in the Middle East
- the just allocation of the limited water resources
The German-Arab Association’s work is guided by the following basic principles:
- The unconditional implementation of international law und human rights as well as the humanitarian law of armed conflicts in case of war
- The adaption of a fair and well-balanced German media coverage concerning all Middle Eastern aspects
- The condemnation of violent actions against the civil population
The German-Arab Association advocates for freedom of speech and press in all countries of the region and condemns unjustified communication bans.
Without the implementation of human rights, including the comprehensive implentation of women’s rights, human resources and development potentials of a globalized world cannot be exhausted completely.
The German-Arab Association opposes all attempts to deconstruct Islam to a hostile set of beliefs. Rather, it helps to deepen the knowledge about the common historic roots of oriental and occidental ideas. By this congruences and differences of our societies and cultures become apparent – a central precondition for a constructive and peaceful exchange.
The German-Arab Association intends to implement its concerns and requests by the following means:
- Awareness training through publications, statements and educational seminars
- Close cooperation with the media, political parties, educational centers and social institutions
- Lecture series with outstanding journalists and politicians from Arab countries, in Berlin and different German cities and regions
- Exhibitions, concerts and readings with Arab artists in Germany
- Informing the political decision making process in Germany by constant exchange with political and economical representatives
- Cooperation with diplomatic representatives of the Arab countries
- Intensification of cooperation with Arab communities and organisations in Germany
- Encouragement of cooperation and partnerships between German and Arab universities and other educational institutions
Within the German society the German-Arab Association percepts itself as an important guarantor for the maintenance of the traditional friendly relations between Germany and the Arab world.
With its members and activities the German-Arab Association operates on both sides: In Germany it participates in the public discussion of foreign and domestical affairs concerning the relation to our Arab neighbours; in the Arab countries it enforces its agenda through contacts to interested personalities and societal groups.