Members of the Committee
on the Rights of the Child

Centre for Human Rights
Palais des Nations

CH-1211 Geneva 10
 

Fax    0041 -22 -917 -0213

Ladies and Gentlemen,

this year the Federal Government will present its second report on the realization of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Federal Republic of Germany. For us, this is an occasion for a critical thought about the German legislation on families regarding its attitude towards children.

Every year 150.000 children completely lose contact to one of the parents - mostly the father - caused by the parents' separation or divorce. In case of separation or divorce our legislation on families often carelessly disposes of the relationship between father and child. This kind of legislation is not reflecting the public opinion any more.

30% of the children living in either state- or private homes or orphanages had better stay with their parents. The childrens' will is often not taken into consideration, the children are getting intimidated.

We hereby ask you to give affected fathers and mothers the opportunity to describe their personal cases at the hearing of the second report of the Federal Republic of Germany. We therefore encourage affected parents to immediately approach you in writing.

We have called upon the new Federal Government to see to the unconditional implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Federal Republic of Germany and to withdraw the declaration of reservations within this legislative period.

Yours faithfully

Thomas Sochart
Fed. Speaker on policies regarding children/minors