Günter Nooke, Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid at the Federal Foreign Office, is currently in Rome for talks (29 September to 2 October).

The aim of the visit is to discuss human rights issues and inter-religious dialogue with Vatican representatives. To this end, Commissioner Nooke will meet with Cardinal Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and with a representative of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.

In addition, he will participate in talks at the Italian Foreign Ministry on current issues of EU human rights policy and Italy’s role as a member of the UN Human Rights Council. Commissioner Nooke will also meet with representatives of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Before embarking on the visit he issued the following statement:

”Greater importance must be attached to inter-religious dialogue not only with regard to conflict prevention, but also with a view towards the protection of human rights. In this context, the Vatican has a special responsibility.“