Priorities of foreign policy
Protection of human rights and the rule of law
The rule of law and the protection of basic rights are leitmotifs of Liechtenstein’s foreign
policy. Liechtenstein is therefore involved in the progressive development and improved application of international law, especially in the field of human rights – on the basis of the principle
of the sovereign equality of all states.
The safeguarding of international law and the rule of law is of enormous importance to a small
state like Liechtenstein as a corrective to «might makes right». Although international law is
endowed with rather weak mechanisms to punish violations, the principle of the rule of law
applies, which means protection of small states as well.
Promotion of the peaceful coexistence of all peoples is important to the security and welfare
of Liechtenstein. In a globalised world, even faraway conflicts and crises can have an impact
on international trade flows, transportation, or the availability of energy sources. Additionally,
unresolved conflicts often lead to an increase of organised crime and a strengthening of terrorist networks operating across borders. Persistent human rights violations cause people
to leave their home countries. This increases migration pressure on destination countries.
Liechtenstein’s commitment to the worldwide protection and promotion of human rights arises
from the conviction that international security and sustainable development are impossible
without the protection of human rights.
Liechtenstein has therefore made its advocacy of human rights and the rule of law a priority, especially within the framework of multilateral cooperation. In the area of the rule of law,
Liechtenstein is for instance advocating the improvement of procedural rights of persons
affected by individual sanction measures of the UN Security Council – a topic with a direct
impact on the Liechtenstein financial centre. Liechtenstein’s commitment is not limited to topics
with direct relevance to Liechtenstein, however. Especially through its commitment in areas
where Liechtenstein has no interests of its own, Liechtenstein has been able to develop a clear
profile and a high degree of credibility. Of particular note in this connection is Liechtenstein’s
substantial effort on behalf of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Here, Liechtenstein has
shown that even a small country is able to have an impact on world policy.
Also in the field of international human rights policy, Liechtenstein has developed its own
independent profile over the past two to three decades. Liechtenstein’s commitment includes
its active participation in the negotiation of international conventions and fundamental standards in the relevant bodies of the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the OSCE. Within
the United Nations, Liechtenstein’s work in the human rights committee (Third Committee)
of the General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, in which Liechtenstein plays an active observer role, is especially noteworthy. As regards the Council of Europe,
Liechtenstein’s participation in the Committee of Ministers and the Steering Committee for
Human Rights (CDDH) is of particular note. Liechtenstein’s involvement in the OSCE’s human
rights dimension is also important, in which Liechtenstein especially supports the Office for
Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
| 21