US Justizminister­in diskutiert mit IB-Studierenden über Terrorismus und Rechtsstaat

US Justizministerin diskutiert mit IB-Studierenden über Terrorismus und Rechtsstaat

Auf Einladung von Prof. Eugénia da Conceição-Heldt sprach die amerikanische Justizministerin Loretta E. Lynch am 1. Juni 2015 vor den Dresdner Studierenden der Internationalen Beziehungen über den internationalen Terrorismus als Herausforderung für den Rechtsstaat. Im Folgenden dokumentieren wir die wesentlichen Passagen ihres Vortrages.

This is my first international trip as Attorney General of the United States and it is fitting that it brings me to this university – an institution of higher learning that takes as its motto the words “Wissen schafft Brücken”– knowledge builds bridges. Throughout my time in government service I have seen this principle in action – from the bridges we build between divided communities to those we create between two nations. The work that you do, particularly here at the School of International Studies, is central to that tradition; it is focused on engaging the world outside your borders; disentangling the complexities of our global society; and drawing nations of common values and shared principles closer together to effect real and positive change.

“The work that you do here at the School of International Studies is focused on drawing nations together to effect real and positive change.”

Difficult challenges as we seek to defend our open societies

Germany’s partnership with the United States is rooted in this mutual understanding and common cause – a dedication to equal opportunity, a commitment to equal justice and a devotion to the rule of law. In the United States, these principles have inspired untold millions to stand up, to speak out and even to lay down their lives to improve the country they love. We have sometimes fallen short of our goals – but we have never abandoned our march toward that ideal.

I could not be more proud to represent and to lead the department that is charged with upholding those values and expanding their protections to all. But I also recognize that with that responsibility come real and difficult challenges as we seek to defend our open societies – and our commitment to inclusion – against agents of intolerance, extremism and violence; as we work to prevent attacks on our country and to prosecute those who seek to harm our citizens; and as we endeavor to promote the rule of law that separates us from our adversaries.

An international focus – buttressed by international collaboration – has been and will continue to be, essential to our success. We have seen all too recently how violent extremism continues to impact – and to devastate – the lives of innocent individuals around the world. We saw this in Paris, with the murders of Charlie Hebdo cartoonists and the subsequent shooting at a kosher supermarket. We saw it in Copenhagen, where an attack plunged Denmark into what Prime Minister [Helle] Thorning-Schmidt called “a fight for freedom against a dark ideology.” And we are seeing it around the globe, as foreign terrorist fighters, drawn to organizations like ISIL, travel to regions of conflict like Syria and Iraq.

A collective approach to combating terrorism

As these violent extremists move between nations and across borders, the ability of our global community to combat terrorism increasingly depends on a collective approach. That’s why we are working with global governing bodies like the United Nations to direct our combined energies toward countering terrorism through international law and transnational cooperation. In a session chaired by President Obama last September, UN Security Council member states came together to adopt Resolution 2178, which requires countries to take concrete steps to address the foreign terrorist fighter threat through measures like effective border controls, information-sharing, prevention of recruiting and financing activities, and enactment of appropriate criminal laws. Through a series of UN conventions addressing terrorist financing, terrorist bombings, hostage-taking, and aircraft seizure, we came together to develop a uniform approach to justice sector cooperation in some of the most complex areas of counterterrorism. And under the Global Counter Terrorism Forum – a group of 30 countries from around the world, operating in partnership with the UN – we worked to mobilize expertise and resources to support civilian-focused responses to terrorism threats, from designing laws that criminalize terrorist assistance to establishing legal frameworks for undercover investigations.

Protecting not just our citizens’ peace and security, but all our essential freedoms as well

These are vital, and in some cases, groundbreaking programs and initiatives, born of successful collaboration with governments and citizens worldwide. We can all be proud of the progress that we have achieved, and the work that we are doing together, to combat terrorism and prevent violence. And this work must go on. In the coming days, I will be attending a series of conferences with my counterparts from the G6 and the EU – meetings that will bring together justice ministers, interior ministers and other officials from around the world to strengthen the framework for international collaboration. We will discuss ways in which we can learn from one another, support one another, and recommit ourselves to the common cause and shared values that bind us together. For all of us – the nations that come together to foster these goals – this task is ongoing and evolving. We are charged with protecting not just our citizens’ peace and security, but all our essential freedoms as well. Ultimately, we will seek to build and to bolster the bridges of understanding that allow us to make progress at times of great challenge while holding true to the ideals that animate our community of nations.

Engaging everyone with the power of the rule of law

Finding this essential balance requires the hard work and thoughtful participation of everyone – government, citizens and students. Our dialogue needs to be open, engaging and allow for the expression of different views from which we can learn. There is no doubt that we will experience uncertain times in the years ahead, just as we have in years past. But I am determined and the United States is determined, to meet these challenges with the engagement of our friends and partners, with the power of the rule of law and with the support of current and future leaders who will carry on this vital work. As I look out at this group of passionate students and thoughtful leaders, I am optimistic that your time – our time – can be defined by cooperation, friendship and progress. And I am hopeful that you will take up this charge and continue this work.

“As I look out at this group of passionate students and thoughtful leaders, I am optimistic that your time – our time – can be defined by cooperation, friendship and progress. And I am hopeful that you will take up this charge.”

Through your attendance at this School of International Studies, you are already demonstrating your commitment to shaping the world we share, enhancing the mutual support and collaboration we rely on, and rising to the challenges we will face together. As you move forward with your studies, I urge you to continue looking outside yourself; to continue challenging your leaders, your colleagues, and yourselves – to be active citizens, thoughtful problem solvers and conscientious members of our global society.

“Through your attendance at the School of International Studies, you are demonstrating your commitment to shaping the world we share, enhancing the mutual support and collaboration we rely on, and rising to the challenges we will face together.”

Der vollständige Text der Rede ist verfügbar unter: http://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/attorney-general-loretta-e-lynch-delivers-remarks-technische-universit-t-dresden