Over 80 organisations are supporting citizens threatened by far-right extremists
The organisations united in the “Together for Democracy” alliance aim to jointly support individuals and institutions that are attacked or threatened by far-right extremists. Anyone who is attacked because of their commitment to democracy should not be left to face it alone. This is the aim of a solidarity agreement backed by more than 80 organisations – including trade unions, the major Christian churches, sports federations and numerous human rights, social and environmental organisations.
Following attacks on youth or cultural centres, hate campaigns against people who speak out publicly, or when volunteers are threatened, the alliance members intend to organise joint support. Depending on the situation, this may take the form of public solidarity, legal assistance or financial support.
With this agreement, the organisations are responding to increasing attacks and hostility directed at people and organisations that champion democracy and human rights. The aim is to provide backing to those affected and to encourage them to continue their work. Attacks on individuals or organisations should not result in them withdrawing or being left to face the threat alone.
The German Federal Youth Council (Deutscher Bundesjugendring) states: “Youth organisations and federations, as well as other parts of civil society, are currently having to invest considerable resources in defending themselves against strategies designed to sow uncertainty, funding cuts and campaigns to delegitimise them. Strengthening stable networks, protecting volunteers and full-time staff, and implementing other resilience strategies tie up civil society’s resources, sapping energy from its core work, yet are more necessary than ever.”
Yasmin Fahimi, Chair of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), states: “Let us not allow ourselves to be divided. Division weakens our society. We counter this with solidarity and, through the Solidarity Agreement, offer protection, visibility and support. When individuals are attacked, we stand together.”
Andre Lehmann from the Federal Executive Committee of LSVD⁺ – Association for Queer Diversity emphasises: “The attack on Berlin Pride struck at a place where the fight for queer rights is waged and, for that very reason, symbolises the rising levels of anti-queer hatred in Germany. An attack on queer rights is always also an attack on democratic spaces. That is why we stand together for diversity and democracy.”
Sophie Lampl, Executive Director of Greenpeace Germany, says: “Our civil society is the fifth pillar of democracy. Around 27 million people volunteer for the environment, human rights or social cohesion in Germany. As critical organisations, we keep a close eye on those in power, highlight abuses and, drawing on our expertise, propose solutions in the interests of the common good.”
Rüdiger Schuch, President of Diakonie Deutschland, emphasises : “Diakonie staff, too, face threats of violence and sometimes feel fear and insecurity because they are there for others – for example, in migration counselling or when working with people with disabilities. People who volunteer with us experience this too. Hate and incitement instead of respect and recognition. This is precisely where the alliance’s solidarity agreement comes in: no one should have to deal with hostility on their own; rather, we want to tackle it together.”
Karen Taylor, Chair of the Federal Conference of Migrant Organisations, says : “The targets change, but the pattern remains the same. Today it’s a migrant organisation, tomorrow a queer initiative, the day after tomorrow an environmental organisation or a trade union. Our response is not to retreat, but organised solidarity. When an organisation is attacked, it will not be left alone. So let’s be clear: solidarity is not a feeling. Solidarity is a shared responsibility.”
The “Together for Democracy” alliance was founded in 2024 to pool the participating associations’ commitment to democracy and human rights. Through the solidarity agreement, the member organisations aim to organise their support for threatened citizens and institutions in a joint and reliable manner.
Press contact:
Jonas Frykman [he, him], Margaretha Eich [she, her]
Email: info@zusammen-fuer-demokratie.de
Telephone: +49 1579 2490625