Germany

Germany has one of the largest economies in the world, with a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $2.6 trillion. In recent years, economic growth has resumed, however, high unemployment and sluggish domestic demand continue to dampen economic growth. Germany's aging population, combined with this high chronic unemployment, has pushed social security outlays to a level exceeding contributions from workers. Structural rigidities in the labor market - including strict regulations on laying off workers and the setting of wages on a national basis - and a lack of competition in the service sectors have made slow growth a continual problem.

Although Germany has a very small percentage of its population living below the poverty line, the number of children living in poverty is growing. The growth of poverty and unemployment means that more children are not just financially worse off, but their health and social relationships also suffer. The number of homeless children forced to live on the streets is increasing. Two-thirds of all children have been struck by their parents, 150,000 have been physically abused and 80,000 sexually abused.

The Government generally respects the human rights of its citizens. Although there have been some problems in the past, the law and judiciary provided effective means of addressing individual instances of abuse. There were at least two reports of alleged police mistreatment or use of excessive force against detainees, which the Government investigated. There were some limits on freedom of assembly and association as well as some government and societal discrimination against minority religious groups. Instances of societal violence and harassment directed at minority groups and foreign residents continued, and the Government at times did not provide adequate protection. Women continued to face some wage discrimination in the private sector, as did minorities and foreigners. Trafficking in persons, particularly women and girls, was a problem, which the state and federal governments took steps to address. Germany informed the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women of measures it had taken to combat domestic violence.

In 2003, there was intense public debate about the circumstances in which torture was permissible in Germany. An officer threatened a detainee with force during questioning and elicited information about the location of a murdered child. After this incident, numerous officials stated publicly that they could envisage exceptions to Germany’s ban on torture. Such sentiments attracted considerable domestic and international condemnation, including by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The court unequivocally rejected as evidence the “confession” made to the police. The presiding judge stated that the police actions had caused great harm to Germany’s culture of rights.

In Germany, there are approximately 49,000 adults living with HIV/AIDS. Currently, some 200-300 people die annually from AIDS. Each year there are about 10-20 HIV infections in children, substantially less than 1% of all new infections. About 20% of all of these infections are found in immigrants from high-prevalence countries. An additional 15% are heterosexually transmitted. The number and percentage of infected Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) decreased in the 1990s, but the numbers have since stabilized, with IDUs accounting for about 8% of all infections. In Germany, HIV testing is systematic among blood donors and recommended for pregnant women, who have an estimated coverage rate of 50-80%. Laboratories and clinicians anonymously report newly diagnosed HIV cases to a national database. HIV prevalence is low in the general population, particularly outside metropolitan areas. In Berlin, one of the five German cities with the highest AIDS prevalence, pregnant women have an HIV prevalence of less than 0.1%. Since the early 1990s, HIV prevalence has decreased among IDUs entering drug treatment centers. As in other western European countries, prevalence among non-IDU sex workers is similar to that found in general population.

In addition, leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira, is currently a danger to Germany. Many cases are asymptomatic, but liver and kidney damage may be severe and fatal. These diseases occur worldwide, often in workers who are exposed to livestock, wild animals, and water exposed to animal urine, but increasingly among water sports enthusiasts. Cases of all ages have been reported, but middle aged cases are most common. The several animal hosts identified include rats, pigs, wild boar, cattle, horses, mice, buffaloes, sheep, shrews, foxes, hedgehogs, and dogs.

After a steady decrease in the incidence of leptospirosis in Germany from 1962 to 1997, national surveillance data suggests an increased frequency of the disease in recent years. Presumably, the number of reported cases from Germany represents the tip of the iceberg, since less severe and nonspecific clinical manifestations of leptospirosis frequently go unrecognized, and several studies indicate that subclinical infection is common worldwide.

Owning to its large economy, Germany is one of the world’s largest energy consumers. In 2004, the country consumed 14.7 quadrillion British Thermal Units (Btu) of total energy, the fifth-largest amount in the world. Besides coal, Germany does not possess any sizable hydrocarbon reserves, so the country must rely upon imports to meet the majority of its energy needs. The lack of domestic hydrocarbon resources has led Germany to become a world leader in the development of renewable energy technologies, with the country becoming the world’s largest producer of biodiesel and generator of electricity from wind.

Germany has a strong commitment to protecting its environment. It has actively promoted the use of renewable energy, both under the Kohl government with the Electricity Feed Law, and now under Schroeder's government with eco-taxes. However, Germany’s reliance on coal, particularly brown coal, for electricity generation and the heavy industrialization of the economy has lead to serious problems with air pollution, acid rain, and habitat degradation. These problems are particularly acute in the former East Germany.

Germany ratified the Kyoto Protocol on climate change on May 31, 2002. In 2004, the country emitted 862.2 million metric tons (Mmt) of carbon dioxide, making it the sixth-largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world and the third largest within the OECD. The EU has decided to meet its Kyoto obligations as a whole, rather than as individual signatories. Under the EU’s burden-sharing program, Germany must cut its carbon dioxide emissions by 21 percent relative to the 1990 baseline of 979.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide during the 2008-2012 commitment period. The EU expected Germany to make such deep cuts, because the country has already experienced a sharp decline in carbon dioxide emissions following reunification.

Additionally, industrialization has taken its toll on Germany's environment causing parts of Germany to have significant air, water, and ground pollution. By 1994, 50% of Germany's forests had been damaged by acid rain. Water pollution is evident in virtually every major river of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Baltic Sea is heavily polluted by industrial wastes and raw sewage from the rivers of eastern Germany. Germany has attempted to reduce this pollution with legislation such as the Effluency Levies Act of January 1978 which requires anyone who discharges effluents into waterways to pay a fee reckoned in accordance with the quantity and severity of the pollutant; the proceeds of this act are allocated for the building of water treatment plants and for research on water treatment technology and reduced-effluent production techniques.

Germany’s literacy rate is extremely high, with 99% of the citizens age 15 and over being able to read and write. The country devotes 9.7% of government spending to education, resulting in sufficient buildings and programs for Germany’s learning youth.

The German education system provides different paths for students based on individual ability. Children enter the Grundschule at age 6, and students of all levels of ability remain together as a group through the fourth grade of Grundschule. Following Grundschule, when most students are around 10 years old, the German school system tracks students of differing abilities and interests into different school forms. In spite of the far-reaching changes of the past 30 years, including the shift from elite to mass education, Germany’s traditional three-tiered system of education at the secondary level remains intact. In addition, support for this system remains strong among teachers, students, and parents of

In most states, students enter one of several school forms at the lower secondary level (which comprise of a pyramid of academic achievement).
• The Hauptschule (grades 5-9 in most states) leads to receipt of the Hauptschule certificate and then to part-time enrollment in a vocational school combined with apprenticeship training until the age of 18.
• The Realschule (grades 5-10 in most states) leads to receipt of the Realschule certificate and then to part-time vocational schools, higher vocational schools or continuation of study at a Gymnasium.
• The Gymnasium (grades 5-13 in most states) leads to the Abitur and prepares students for university study or for a dual academic and vocational credential.

Although it is possible for students to switch to a higher-level school form with improved performance, it is not a frequent occurrence. It is more common that a student will move to a less rigorous school if they cannot meet their school's performance standards.

Education, science and research play a central role in Germany. In a Europe free of borders and a world of globalized markets, education lays the basis enabling the country to exploit the opportunities open borders and world-wide knowledge networks offer. The German education and university system is undergoing a profound process of renewal. Germany is one of the countries most preferred by foreign students, a hub of cutting-edge international research and a constant source of new patents.

AidsTakeCare International - AidsTakeCare Foundation is based in Germany, South Africa, Thailand and USA. The organization supports orphanages and hospices and sponsors educational projects to avoid HIV-infections and AIDS.

AMISTAD - AMISTAD, since its foundation in 1996, as a non-profit organization raises donations to support various micro-projects in rural areas in Mexico. The organization, which counts currently 85 members, organizes fund-raising events throughout the year, carries out German-Mexican cultural events participates in local and national events which are mostly sponsored by government agencies or the Mexican embassy in Germany or the general consulate of Mexico in Frankfurt. During the monthly meetings of AMISTAD members and the broad public participate in social events, such as German-Spanish conversation, culture, Mexican arts and typical games.

BUNDjugend - The largest environmental organization for young people in Germany (about 45.000 members). The group has many branches throughout Germany that work to save the environment in the local area. It organizes such actions in the country with the help of the local groups.

Forest Stewardship Council - an independent, non-profit, non-government organization based in Bonn, Germany, providing standard setting, trademark and accreditation services for companies and organizations interested in responsible forestry. Founded in 1993, FSC’s mission is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests. The FSC governance structure ensures that FSC is independent of any one interest group by requiring an equal balance between its environmental, social and economic chambers as well as a balance between interests from the economic north and south.

Friedensdorf International (“Peace Village” in English) – Since its founding in 1967, as a citizen's initiative in response to the outbreak of the Middle East War and Vietnam, in an effort to relieve the suffering of small children, "the most innocent victims of war," Friedensdorf International has been sending teams into war-torn countries and returning to Germany with plane loads of injured children. There, free of charge, the children get the medical care they need at hospitals and clinics across the country, or sometimes in Austria or the Netherlands. Friedensdorf is where they go to recuperate, and, especially for the amputees, to relearn basic living skills. The children's village lies in northwestern Germany, near Düsseldorf, and about 30 miles from the Netherlands’ border.

GENI - Gestalt Education Network International (GENI) – a non profit organization engaged in the clinical education of counselors, psychotherapists and other health professionals. The organization’s training encompasses psychological, physical and spiritual dimensions in the therapy and practice of Gestalt Therapy. As a multi-cultural team, the group has particular interests in health, healing, ecopsychology and intercultural education, particularly with 3rd World mental health professionals.

Global Contract Foundation - Deals with the question of global governance, sustainability and equity. The organization believes that one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century is to sign a global contract and to establish a global governance system that includes all nations, cultures and religious beliefs on this earth and that considers the aspects of sustainability to the highest possible degree. A key issue will be the function and reform of global economic institutions and their interaction with other political institutions, national governments and non-governmental organizations. Poverty and social polarization must be reduced, peace efforts and environmental protection must be increased.

Regency of LOMAR - Non-profit, non-government organization providing humanitarian aid and documentation assistance to refugees worldwide. This foundation works toward international diplomatic organization with diplomatic and consular presence worldwide. The current president is Dom Klaus Schlapps OPR, based in Germany. The secretary general is Renaud Le Mailloux in France.

The Threshold Foundation - A peace work foundation with a special focus on partnerships with NGOs in SE-Europe working on conflict resolution and citizens’ diplomacy. It publishes the "Grassroots Good News" (an electronic mailing list) and offers consulting and trainings on fundraising and Internet use for NGOs.

UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) - Mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

World Health Organization – a specialized agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Its major task is to combat disease, especially key infectious diseases, and to promote the general health of the peoples of the world. As well as coordinating international efforts to monitor outbreaks of infectious disease such as SARS, malaria, and AIDS, it also has programs to combat such diseases, by developing and distributing vaccines.

AGERTO - Association GERmano TOgolaise (AGERTO)- A non governmental organization installed in Germany, France and in Togo. The group does work in development for health, education, agriculture, and the environmental. Additionally, it sends and receives volunteers for short or long durations of work in Togo. Other goals include the promotion of women and children, building schools and hospitals, looking for fund and materials, and assisting by collecting materials in Europe and transporting them to Togo.

Binky Patrol - An all-volunteer, non-profit organization that makes handmade blankets and 'binkies' for children infected with HIV/Aids, children with other terminal and chronic illnesses, those who are abused, experiencing trauma or are in foster care. There are over 150 chapters across the country, three in Canada, one in Germany and one in England. The focus is to raise community awareness by getting businesses, children, seniors, men and women involved by making binkies, securing materials to continue to make binkies and deliver the blankets into the loving arms of children.

ICJA Volunteer Exchange Worldwide - ICJA is a registered international charitable organization, operating with partners in 28 countries to provide the infrastructure, training and support network for volunteer exchange. ICJA and its partner committees are dedicated to bridging cultural gaps and encouraging young people to be active members of the global community as well as their own. Volunteers from Germany are sent all over the world, working with a variety of social and ecological programs. In return, ICJA accepts volunteers from outside of Germany to work in similar programs throughout the country. Volunteers are able to have a meaningful, intercultural experience while providing a valuable service to the host community, thus strengthening and recreating significant social and political bonds.

ICYE - International Cultural Youth Exchange ( ICYE) – An international, independent, non-profit organization with 33 National Committees and several partners in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America. ICYE’s mission is to promote youth mobility and international understanding through long-term (from six to 12 months) voluntary service exchange programs. The ICYE program is founded on principles of global education and intercultural learning, and provides social volunteer service as well as other types of informal educational opportunities. Voluntary work placements are provided in community development projects working with children, elderly, disabled, environmental protection and education, heath care, youth clubs/centers, etc.

Peace Brigades International - A non-governmental organization which protects human rights and promotes nonviolent transformation of conflicts. When invited, the group sends teams of volunteers into areas of repression and conflict. The volunteers accompany human rights defenders, their organizations and others threatened by political violence. Perpetrators of human rights abuses usually do not want the world to witness their actions. The presence of volunteers backed by a support network helps to deter violence. This organization creates space for local activists to work for social justice and human rights.

Reef Check Europe – Reef Check Europe is the European branch of the international coral reef monitoring program. Reef Check in Europe is coordinated by Reef Check e.V., Germany. Reef Check Europe organizes Reef Check surveys in different parts of the world. Surveys are carried out by volunteers (recreational divers) in cooperation with marine scientists. The survey results are used to produce an annual report on the state of the world's reefs. Its global network of teams educates the public about the value of coral reefs, threats to their health and solutions to these problems. Most importantly, the organization provides the tools for local communities to manage and protect their coral reefs.

Service Civil International (SCI) - A voluntary service organization with 38 branches and groups worldwide. The group aims to promote peace, international understanding and solidarity, social justice, sustainable development, and to respect for the environment. SCI believes that all the people are capable of living together with mutual respect and without recourse to any form of violence to solve conflicts. The German branch organizes about 50-60 workcamps within the country every summer but it also sends and hosts Mid and Long Term Volunteers for 3-12 months. All together we organize exchange programs with more than 70 countries throughout the world.

Volunteers For Peace, Inc. - VFP offers over 2400 affordable short-term voluntary service projects in 90 different countries. These programs are an opportunity to complete meaningful community service while living and interacting in an international environment. Participants live and work with an international group for 2-3 weeks, providing a diverse cultural exchange with the other volunteers as well as the local hosts. Most workcamps are limited to age 18 and over with over 250 programs available for volunteers under age 18, mostly in France and Germany.

WorldVolunteerWeb.org – Based in Germany, the WorldVolunteerWeb.org supports the volunteer community by providing a global one-stop-shop for information, resources, and organizations linked to volunteerism. It aims to represent the diversity of volunteerism in all of its cultural forms, bringing global ideals to local voluntary actions. It mobilizes individuals, organizations and networks to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), a set of time-bound targets to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women. To promote ties between civil society organizations, governments and individual volunteers, the MDGs feature prominently in WorldVolunteerWeb.org.

Young Peace Brigades - Young Peace Brigades is a worldwide non-governmental organization oriented, managed and controlled by volunteers. Its commitment is to eradicate poverty and transform social inequalities in the marginalized parts of our world. Young Peace Brigades works at the community level to strive for better conditions and a better life for all. The group believes in partnership for sustainable development which means having a healthy working relationship between our committed volunteers and members of the community our partners.