Freedom and respect for human rights are paramount. Both are core elements of humanity, the cornerstone of better politics, and peace on earth.
If we want to preserve a humane world for the survival of democracies and freedom, the political oxygen to all of us, we must pursue an active and effective human rights and freedom policy both internally and externally.
We tend to make a big mistake: We take freedom for granted, as if it were the air we breathe. In reality, we could gradually lose it if we do not fight for freedom every day.
Policy 4.0 must safeguard freedoms and human rights at home and promote them abroad.
Maximum internal freedom means: The state may only interfere with the freedom of its citizens if it is unavoidable and only in accordance with the principle of proportionality with a minimum negative impact. Every regulation must first be examined focusing on the three criteria suitability, necessi- ty and proportionality. Subsequently the government must submit a detailed assessment to the relevant parliament. The executive branch’s rough estimates are not sufficient for this purpose.
Externally, we must actively protect the soul of our hu- manity and more actively support the forces of human rights in accordance with the UN Charter.
Proposals:
- Each law must describe in detail, in a freedom clause and in the annex to the explanatory memorandum, which freedoms of the citizen are to be restricted, how exactly and why it appears necessary and proportionate. An expiration date is also useful.
- A commission of experts issues an annual review and submits a report to parliament.
- Proposals on foreign policy in parliament must always include a clause on the possible impact and protection of human rights. We must support the forces of freedom worldwide because they make our global village fairer and more peaceful.