| LIECHTENSTEIN Principality of Liechtenstein Fuerstentum Liechtenstein Joined United Nations: 18 September 1990 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 12/08/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Vaduz
35,002 (July 2010 est.)
Dr. Klaus Tschuetscher
Prime Minster since 25 March 2009
Prime Minster since 25 March 2009
The monarch is hereditary; on 15 August 2004, Hans Adam
transferred the official duties of the ruling prince to Alois, but Hans
Adam retains status of chief of state
Next scheduled election: None
transferred the official duties of the ruling prince to Alois, but Hans
Adam retains status of chief of state
Next scheduled election: None
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party in
the Landtag is usually appointed the head of government by the
monarch and the leader of the largest minority party in the
Landtag is usually appointed the deputy head of government by
the monarch if there is a coalition government; elections last held
8 February 2009;
Next scheduled election: 2013
the Landtag is usually appointed the head of government by the
monarch and the leader of the largest minority party in the
Landtag is usually appointed the deputy head of government by
the monarch if there is a coalition government; elections last held
8 February 2009;
Next scheduled election: 2013
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Liechtensteiner 65.6%, other 34.4% (2000 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%, other 6.2% (June 2002)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Constitutional monarchy with 11 communes (Gemeinden, singular - Gemeinde); Legal system is comprised of local civil and penal
codes based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
Executive: Monarch is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party in the Landtag is usually appointed the
head of government by the monarch and the leader of the largest minority party in the Landtag is usually appointed the deputy head of
government by the monarch if there is a coalition government
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament or Landtag (25 seats; members are elected by popular vote under proportional representation
to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 08 February 2009 (next to be held by 2013)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Court of Appeal or Obergericht
codes based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
Executive: Monarch is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party in the Landtag is usually appointed the
head of government by the monarch and the leader of the largest minority party in the Landtag is usually appointed the deputy head of
government by the monarch if there is a coalition government
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament or Landtag (25 seats; members are elected by popular vote under proportional representation
to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 08 February 2009 (next to be held by 2013)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Court of Appeal or Obergericht
| LANGUAGES |
German (official), Alemannic dialect
| BRIEF HISTORY |
A Roman road crossed the region from south to north, traversing the Alps by the Splügen Pass and following the right bank of the
Rhine at the edge of the floodplain, for long uninhabited because of periodic flooding. Roman villas have been excavated in
Schaanwald and Nendeln. The late Roman influx of the Alemanni from the north is memorialized by the remains of a Roman fort at
Schaan. The area, part of Rhaetia, was incorporated into the Carolingian empire, and divided into countships, which became
subdivided over the generations. Because the duchy of Swabia lost its duke in 1268 and was never restored, all vassals of the
duchy became immediate vassals of the Imperial Throne (as has happened in much of Westphalia when the duchy of Saxons was
divided and partially dissolved in aftermath of the defeat of Henry the Lion). The medieval county of Vaduz was formed in 1342 as
a small subdivision of the Werdenberg county of the dynasty of Montfort of Vorarlberg. The 15th century brought three wars and
some devastation, but the 17th century was a lowpoint, with some plague, some skirmishing from the struggles of the Thirty Years'
War but most of all from a witch hunt, in which more than 100 persons were persecuted and executed. The Liechtenstein dynasty,
from which the Principality takes its name (rather than vice-versa) from Castle Liechtenstein in faraway Lower Austria, which it
owned from at least 1140 until the 13th century and from 1807 onwards. Over the centuries, it acquired vast swathes of land,
mostly in Moravia, Lower Austria and Styria, but all these expansive and rich territories were held in fief under other more senior
feudal lords, particularly under various lines of the Habsburg family, to which many Liechtensteins were close advisors. Thus, and
without any territory held directly under the Imperial throne, the Liechtenstein dynasty was unable to meet a primary requirement to
qualify for a seat in the Imperial diet, the Reichstag, although they were elevated to princely rank in late 17th century. Prince Johann
Adam Andreas of Liechtenstein bought the domain of Schellenberg in 1699 and the county of Vaduz in 1712. This Prince
Liechtenstein had wide landholdings in Austria, Bohemia and Moravia, but none of the lands were held directly from the Emperor.
Thus the prince was barred from admittance to the Council of Princes and the prestige and influence that would entail. By acquiring
these Lordships, which were directly subordinate to the Holy Empire because there was no duke of Swabia any longer, the Prince
of Liechtenstein obtained his end by having this small patch of mountain villages. The territory took the name of the family that now
ruled the county. On January 23, 1719, emperor Karl VI decreed that the counties of Vaduz and Schellenberg be promoted to a
principality with the name Liechtenstein for his servant Anton Florian of Liechtenstein whereby they became Heiliger Römischer
Reichsfürst. Liechtenstein became a sovereign state in 1806 when it joined Napoleon's Confederation of the Rhine upon the
dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire. The French under Napoleon occupied the country for a few years, but Liechtenstein
retained its independence in 1815. Soon afterward, Liechtenstein joined the German Confederation (20 June 1815 – 24 August
1866, which was presided over by the Emperor of Austria). Then, in 1818, Johann I granted a constitution, although it was limited
in its nature. 1818 also saw the first visit of a member of the house of Liechtenstein, Prince Alois, however, the first visit by a
sovereign prince would not occur until 1842. In 1862, new Constitution was promulgated, which provided for a Diet representative
of the people. In 1868, after the German Confederation dissolved, Liechtenstein disbanded its army of 80 men and declared its
permanent neutrality, which was respected during both World Wars. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria,
but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced the country to conclude a customs and monetary union with
Switzerland. In 1919 Liechtenstein and Switzerland signed a treaty under which Switzerland assumes the representation of
Liechtenstein interests at the diplomatic and consular level in countries where it maintains a representation and Liechtenstein does
not. In the spring of 1938, just after the annexation of Austria into Greater Germany, eighty-four year-old Prince Franz I abdicated,
naming his thirty-one year-old third cousin, Prince Franz Joseph II, as his successor. While Prince Franz I claimed that old age was
his reason for abdicating, it is believed that he had no desire to be on the throne if Germany gobbled up its new neighbor,
Liechtenstein. His wife, whom he married in 1929, was a wealthy Jewish woman from Vienna, and local Liechtenstein Nazis had
already singled her out as their anti-Semitic "problem". Although Liechtenstein had no official Nazi party, a Nazi sympathy
movement had been simmering for years within its National Union party. Prince Franz Josef II became the first Prince of
Liechtenstein to take up permanent residence in Liechtenstein. During World War II, Liechtenstein remained neutral, while family
treasures within the war zone were brought to Liechtenstein (and London) for safekeeping. At the close of the conflict,
Czechoslovakia and Poland, acting to seize what they considered to be German possessions, expropriated the entirety of the
Liechtenstein dynasty's hereditary lands and possessions in Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia — the princes of Liechtenstein lived in
Vienna until the Anschluss of 1938. The expropriations (subject to modern legal dispute at the World Court) included over 1,600
square kilometres (600 mi.²) of agricultural and forest land, also including several family castles and palaces. Citizens of
Liechtenstein were also forbidden from entering Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. Liechtenstein gave asylum to approximately
five hundred soldiers of the First Russian National Army (a collaborationist Russian force within the German Wehrmacht) at the
close of World War II; this is commemorated by a monument at the border town of Hinterschellenberg which is marked on the
country's tourist map. The act of granting asylum was no small matter as the country was poor and had difficulty feeding and caring
for such a large group of refugees. Eventually, Argentina agreed to permanently resettle the asylum seekers. In contrast, the British
repatriated the Russians who fought on the side of Germany to the USSR. In dire financial straits following the war, the
Liechtenstein dynasty often resorted to selling family artistic treasures, including for instance the priceless portrait "Ginevra de'
Benci" by Leonardo da Vinci, which was purchased by the National Gallery of Art of the United States in 1967. Liechtenstein
prospered, however, during the decades following, as its economy modernized with the advantage of low corporate tax rates which
drew many companies to the country. Liechtenstein became increasingly important as a financial center. In 1989, Prince Hans-
Adam II succeeded his father to the throne, and in 1996, Russia returned the Liechtenstein family's archives, ending a long-running
dispute between the two countries. In 1978, Liechtenstein became member of the Council of Europe, and then joined the United
Nations in 1990, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 1991, and both the European Economic Area (EEA) and World
Trade Organization in 1995. In a referendum on March 16, 2003, Prince Hans-Adam, who had threatened to leave the country if
he lost, won a large majority (64.3%) in favour of overhauling the constitution to effectively give him more powers than any other
European monarch. The new constitution gave the prince the right to dismiss governments and approve judicial nominees and
allowed him to veto laws simply by refusing to sign them within a six-month period. On August 15, 2003, Hans-Adam announced
he would step down in one year and hand over the reins to his son Alois. On July 1, 2007, the Liechtenstein Ruling Prince, H.S.H
Hans-Adam II, and Liechtenstein Prime Minister, Otmar Hasler, appointed Dr. Bruce S. Allen and Mr. Leodis C. Matthews,
ESQ., both in the United States of America, as the first two Honorary Consuls in history for the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Liechtenstein
Rhine at the edge of the floodplain, for long uninhabited because of periodic flooding. Roman villas have been excavated in
Schaanwald and Nendeln. The late Roman influx of the Alemanni from the north is memorialized by the remains of a Roman fort at
Schaan. The area, part of Rhaetia, was incorporated into the Carolingian empire, and divided into countships, which became
subdivided over the generations. Because the duchy of Swabia lost its duke in 1268 and was never restored, all vassals of the
duchy became immediate vassals of the Imperial Throne (as has happened in much of Westphalia when the duchy of Saxons was
divided and partially dissolved in aftermath of the defeat of Henry the Lion). The medieval county of Vaduz was formed in 1342 as
a small subdivision of the Werdenberg county of the dynasty of Montfort of Vorarlberg. The 15th century brought three wars and
some devastation, but the 17th century was a lowpoint, with some plague, some skirmishing from the struggles of the Thirty Years'
War but most of all from a witch hunt, in which more than 100 persons were persecuted and executed. The Liechtenstein dynasty,
from which the Principality takes its name (rather than vice-versa) from Castle Liechtenstein in faraway Lower Austria, which it
owned from at least 1140 until the 13th century and from 1807 onwards. Over the centuries, it acquired vast swathes of land,
mostly in Moravia, Lower Austria and Styria, but all these expansive and rich territories were held in fief under other more senior
feudal lords, particularly under various lines of the Habsburg family, to which many Liechtensteins were close advisors. Thus, and
without any territory held directly under the Imperial throne, the Liechtenstein dynasty was unable to meet a primary requirement to
qualify for a seat in the Imperial diet, the Reichstag, although they were elevated to princely rank in late 17th century. Prince Johann
Adam Andreas of Liechtenstein bought the domain of Schellenberg in 1699 and the county of Vaduz in 1712. This Prince
Liechtenstein had wide landholdings in Austria, Bohemia and Moravia, but none of the lands were held directly from the Emperor.
Thus the prince was barred from admittance to the Council of Princes and the prestige and influence that would entail. By acquiring
these Lordships, which were directly subordinate to the Holy Empire because there was no duke of Swabia any longer, the Prince
of Liechtenstein obtained his end by having this small patch of mountain villages. The territory took the name of the family that now
ruled the county. On January 23, 1719, emperor Karl VI decreed that the counties of Vaduz and Schellenberg be promoted to a
principality with the name Liechtenstein for his servant Anton Florian of Liechtenstein whereby they became Heiliger Römischer
Reichsfürst. Liechtenstein became a sovereign state in 1806 when it joined Napoleon's Confederation of the Rhine upon the
dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire. The French under Napoleon occupied the country for a few years, but Liechtenstein
retained its independence in 1815. Soon afterward, Liechtenstein joined the German Confederation (20 June 1815 – 24 August
1866, which was presided over by the Emperor of Austria). Then, in 1818, Johann I granted a constitution, although it was limited
in its nature. 1818 also saw the first visit of a member of the house of Liechtenstein, Prince Alois, however, the first visit by a
sovereign prince would not occur until 1842. In 1862, new Constitution was promulgated, which provided for a Diet representative
of the people. In 1868, after the German Confederation dissolved, Liechtenstein disbanded its army of 80 men and declared its
permanent neutrality, which was respected during both World Wars. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria,
but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced the country to conclude a customs and monetary union with
Switzerland. In 1919 Liechtenstein and Switzerland signed a treaty under which Switzerland assumes the representation of
Liechtenstein interests at the diplomatic and consular level in countries where it maintains a representation and Liechtenstein does
not. In the spring of 1938, just after the annexation of Austria into Greater Germany, eighty-four year-old Prince Franz I abdicated,
naming his thirty-one year-old third cousin, Prince Franz Joseph II, as his successor. While Prince Franz I claimed that old age was
his reason for abdicating, it is believed that he had no desire to be on the throne if Germany gobbled up its new neighbor,
Liechtenstein. His wife, whom he married in 1929, was a wealthy Jewish woman from Vienna, and local Liechtenstein Nazis had
already singled her out as their anti-Semitic "problem". Although Liechtenstein had no official Nazi party, a Nazi sympathy
movement had been simmering for years within its National Union party. Prince Franz Josef II became the first Prince of
Liechtenstein to take up permanent residence in Liechtenstein. During World War II, Liechtenstein remained neutral, while family
treasures within the war zone were brought to Liechtenstein (and London) for safekeeping. At the close of the conflict,
Czechoslovakia and Poland, acting to seize what they considered to be German possessions, expropriated the entirety of the
Liechtenstein dynasty's hereditary lands and possessions in Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia — the princes of Liechtenstein lived in
Vienna until the Anschluss of 1938. The expropriations (subject to modern legal dispute at the World Court) included over 1,600
square kilometres (600 mi.²) of agricultural and forest land, also including several family castles and palaces. Citizens of
Liechtenstein were also forbidden from entering Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. Liechtenstein gave asylum to approximately
five hundred soldiers of the First Russian National Army (a collaborationist Russian force within the German Wehrmacht) at the
close of World War II; this is commemorated by a monument at the border town of Hinterschellenberg which is marked on the
country's tourist map. The act of granting asylum was no small matter as the country was poor and had difficulty feeding and caring
for such a large group of refugees. Eventually, Argentina agreed to permanently resettle the asylum seekers. In contrast, the British
repatriated the Russians who fought on the side of Germany to the USSR. In dire financial straits following the war, the
Liechtenstein dynasty often resorted to selling family artistic treasures, including for instance the priceless portrait "Ginevra de'
Benci" by Leonardo da Vinci, which was purchased by the National Gallery of Art of the United States in 1967. Liechtenstein
prospered, however, during the decades following, as its economy modernized with the advantage of low corporate tax rates which
drew many companies to the country. Liechtenstein became increasingly important as a financial center. In 1989, Prince Hans-
Adam II succeeded his father to the throne, and in 1996, Russia returned the Liechtenstein family's archives, ending a long-running
dispute between the two countries. In 1978, Liechtenstein became member of the Council of Europe, and then joined the United
Nations in 1990, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 1991, and both the European Economic Area (EEA) and World
Trade Organization in 1995. In a referendum on March 16, 2003, Prince Hans-Adam, who had threatened to leave the country if
he lost, won a large majority (64.3%) in favour of overhauling the constitution to effectively give him more powers than any other
European monarch. The new constitution gave the prince the right to dismiss governments and approve judicial nominees and
allowed him to veto laws simply by refusing to sign them within a six-month period. On August 15, 2003, Hans-Adam announced
he would step down in one year and hand over the reins to his son Alois. On July 1, 2007, the Liechtenstein Ruling Prince, H.S.H
Hans-Adam II, and Liechtenstein Prime Minister, Otmar Hasler, appointed Dr. Bruce S. Allen and Mr. Leodis C. Matthews,
ESQ., both in the United States of America, as the first two Honorary Consuls in history for the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Liechtenstein
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized,
free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and the highest per capita income in the world. The Liechtenstein
economy is widely diversified with a large number of small businesses. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 20% - and
easy incorporation rules have induced many holding companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein providing 30% of state
revenues. The country participates in a customs union with Switzerland and uses the Swiss franc as its national currency. It imports
more than 90% of its energy requirements. Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area (an organization
serving as a bridge between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the EU) since May 1995. The government is
working to harmonize its economic policies with those of an integrated Europe. In 2008, Liechtenstein came under renewed
international pressure - particularly from Germany - to improve transparency in its banking and tax systems. In December 2008,
Liechtenstein signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the US. Upon Liechtenstein's conclusion of 12 bilateral
information-sharing agreements, the OECD in October 2009 removed the principality from its "grey list" of countries that had yet to
implement the organization's Model Tax Convention.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Liechtenstein)
free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and the highest per capita income in the world. The Liechtenstein
economy is widely diversified with a large number of small businesses. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 20% - and
easy incorporation rules have induced many holding companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein providing 30% of state
revenues. The country participates in a customs union with Switzerland and uses the Swiss franc as its national currency. It imports
more than 90% of its energy requirements. Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area (an organization
serving as a bridge between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the EU) since May 1995. The government is
working to harmonize its economic policies with those of an integrated Europe. In 2008, Liechtenstein came under renewed
international pressure - particularly from Germany - to improve transparency in its banking and tax systems. In December 2008,
Liechtenstein signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the US. Upon Liechtenstein's conclusion of 12 bilateral
information-sharing agreements, the OECD in October 2009 removed the principality from its "grey list" of countries that had yet to
implement the organization's Model Tax Convention.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Liechtenstein)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The monarch is hereditary. Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party in the Diet is usually appointed the head of
government by the monarch and the leader of the largest minority party in the Diet is usually appointed the deputy head of
government by the monarch. According to the constitution of Liechtenstein, the government is a collegiate body and consists of the
head of government and four governmental councilors. The head of government as well as the ministers are appointed by the Prince
following the proposals of the Parliament.
The Prince's involvement in legislation consists in a right to take initiatives in the form of government bills and in the right to veto
parliamentary proposals. The Prince has the power to enact princely decrees. Emergency princely decrees are possible when the
security and welfare of the country is at stake. A countersignature by the head of government is, nevertheless, required. The Prince
has the right to convene and adjourn parliament and, for serious reasons, to adjourn it for 3 months or to dissolve it.
Moreover the people of Liechtenstein have very strong direct democratic rights. At least 1000 citizens can initiate a referendum on
any law. At least 1500 can suspend the parliament or change the constitution.
The political parties are in practice politically decisive and are the moving forces with regard to the composition of the government.
For the 2001-05 legislature period of office one Councilor and three deputies are women.
From 1938 to 1997 Liechtenstein had a coalition government. Until a few years ago there were only two parties in Parliament, the
Fatherland Union and the Progressive Citizens' Party. Liechtenstein's distinctive form of coalition government came to an end in
April 1997. The Fatherland Union took sole responsibility for the government during the 1997 to 2001 Parliament, with its members
filling all the positions on the government committee. Parliamentary elections were held in Liechtenstein on 8 February 2009. While
polls and pundits predicted few changes, the national conservative Progressive Citizens' Party in Liechtenstein lost many votes, as
did the green social-liberal Free List; the national liberal Patriotic Union won a lot of votes, and even gained an outright majority in
the Landtag.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Liechtenstein
government by the monarch and the leader of the largest minority party in the Diet is usually appointed the deputy head of
government by the monarch. According to the constitution of Liechtenstein, the government is a collegiate body and consists of the
head of government and four governmental councilors. The head of government as well as the ministers are appointed by the Prince
following the proposals of the Parliament.
The Prince's involvement in legislation consists in a right to take initiatives in the form of government bills and in the right to veto
parliamentary proposals. The Prince has the power to enact princely decrees. Emergency princely decrees are possible when the
security and welfare of the country is at stake. A countersignature by the head of government is, nevertheless, required. The Prince
has the right to convene and adjourn parliament and, for serious reasons, to adjourn it for 3 months or to dissolve it.
Moreover the people of Liechtenstein have very strong direct democratic rights. At least 1000 citizens can initiate a referendum on
any law. At least 1500 can suspend the parliament or change the constitution.
The political parties are in practice politically decisive and are the moving forces with regard to the composition of the government.
For the 2001-05 legislature period of office one Councilor and three deputies are women.
From 1938 to 1997 Liechtenstein had a coalition government. Until a few years ago there were only two parties in Parliament, the
Fatherland Union and the Progressive Citizens' Party. Liechtenstein's distinctive form of coalition government came to an end in
April 1997. The Fatherland Union took sole responsibility for the government during the 1997 to 2001 Parliament, with its members
filling all the positions on the government committee. Parliamentary elections were held in Liechtenstein on 8 February 2009. While
polls and pundits predicted few changes, the national conservative Progressive Citizens' Party in Liechtenstein lost many votes, as
did the green social-liberal Free List; the national liberal Patriotic Union won a lot of votes, and even gained an outright majority in
the Landtag.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Liechtenstein
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Has strengthened money laundering controls, but money laundering remains a concern due to Liechtenstein's sophisticated
offshore financial services sector
offshore financial services sector
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Liechtenstein
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Principality of Liechtenstein, with a population of approximately 35,400, is a multiparty constitutional monarchy with a
parliamentary government. The unicameral Landtag (parliament) nominates, and the monarch appoints, the members of the government.
A two-party coalition government was formed after free and fair parliamentary elections on February 8. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, and the law and judiciary provided effective means of addressing
individual instances of abuse. There were isolated reports of:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Principality of Liechtenstein, with a population of approximately 35,400, is a multiparty constitutional monarchy with a
parliamentary government. The unicameral Landtag (parliament) nominates, and the monarch appoints, the members of the government.
A two-party coalition government was formed after free and fair parliamentary elections on February 8. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, and the law and judiciary provided effective means of addressing
individual instances of abuse. There were isolated reports of:
- excessive force by police,
- societal discrimination against minorities,
- violence against women, including spousal abuse,
- child abuse.
Committee against Torture Forty-fourth session Geneva, 26 April-14 May 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 19 of the Convention
Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture
Liechtenstein
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the third periodic report of Liechtenstein which was submitted, with some delay, and which follows in
general terms the Committee’s guidelines on the form and content of periodic reports. The Committee expresses its appreciation for the
comprehensive written replies to the list of issues which provided important additional information and for providing it with a translation
of the 2009 Annual Report of the National Preventive Mechanism, in due time for the consideration of the report.
B. Positive aspects
4. The Committee takes note with satisfaction the ratification by the State party of the following international human rights instruments
during the reporting period:
(a) The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture in 2006;
(b) The International Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Racial Discrimination in 2000;
(c) The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women in 2001;
(d) The 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons in 2009;
C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
Definition and offence of torture
7. The Committee notes with satisfaction the constitutional amendments of 2003, according to which the prohibition of torture and
inhuman treatment is an absolute prohibition and may not be undermined either by law or by emergency decree (Art. 10 (2) LV) and of
2005, which prohibits “inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” (27bis LV). The Committee also recognizes that, according to
the monist legal system of the State party, the provisions of the Convention have become part of the domestic law as from the date of
ratification. Notwithstanding these provisions, the Committee firmly believes that the incorporation into the domestic law of the State
party of a distinct crime of torture based on the definition of article 1 of the Convention would directly advance the Convention’s
overarching aim of preventing torture or ill-treatment (arts. 1 and 4).
The Committee recommends that the State party should incorporate into its domestic criminal law a distinct crime of torture in strict
conformity with article 1 of the Convention. By naming and defining the offence of torture in accordance with articles 1 and 4 of the
Convention and distinct from other crimes, the Committee considers that States parties will directly advance the Convention’s
overarching aim of preventing torture, inter alia, by alerting everyone, including perpetrators, victims, and the public, to the special
gravity of the crime of torture and by improving the deterrent effect of the prohibition of torture.
Click here to read more »
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 19 of the Convention
Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture
Liechtenstein
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the third periodic report of Liechtenstein which was submitted, with some delay, and which follows in
general terms the Committee’s guidelines on the form and content of periodic reports. The Committee expresses its appreciation for the
comprehensive written replies to the list of issues which provided important additional information and for providing it with a translation
of the 2009 Annual Report of the National Preventive Mechanism, in due time for the consideration of the report.
B. Positive aspects
4. The Committee takes note with satisfaction the ratification by the State party of the following international human rights instruments
during the reporting period:
(a) The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture in 2006;
(b) The International Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Racial Discrimination in 2000;
(c) The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women in 2001;
(d) The 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons in 2009;
C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
Definition and offence of torture
7. The Committee notes with satisfaction the constitutional amendments of 2003, according to which the prohibition of torture and
inhuman treatment is an absolute prohibition and may not be undermined either by law or by emergency decree (Art. 10 (2) LV) and of
2005, which prohibits “inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” (27bis LV). The Committee also recognizes that, according to
the monist legal system of the State party, the provisions of the Convention have become part of the domestic law as from the date of
ratification. Notwithstanding these provisions, the Committee firmly believes that the incorporation into the domestic law of the State
party of a distinct crime of torture based on the definition of article 1 of the Convention would directly advance the Convention’s
overarching aim of preventing torture or ill-treatment (arts. 1 and 4).
The Committee recommends that the State party should incorporate into its domestic criminal law a distinct crime of torture in strict
conformity with article 1 of the Convention. By naming and defining the offence of torture in accordance with articles 1 and 4 of the
Convention and distinct from other crimes, the Committee considers that States parties will directly advance the Convention’s
overarching aim of preventing torture, inter alia, by alerting everyone, including perpetrators, victims, and the public, to the special
gravity of the crime of torture and by improving the deterrent effect of the prohibition of torture.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
In February 2009 parliamentary elections, the Patriotic Union’s Klaus Tschuescher was elected prime minister and subsequently formed
a coalition government with the Progressive Citizens’ Party. As the economic crisis continued to worsen, Liechtenstein agreed to ease
bank secrecy laws, allowing for the country’s removal from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s list of
uncooperative tax havens.
In the February 2009 parliamentary elections, the VU won 13 seats, while the FBP took 11; the Free List captured just one seat. Prime
Minister Hasler was replaced in March by Vice Prime Minister Klaus Tschuetscher of the VU, who subsequently formed a coalition
government with the FBP.
Liechtenstein declared in 2006 that it would make no further changes to its banking-secrecy laws. However, its European neighbors
renewed their tax-related complaints in 2008 as the economic crisis prompted new concerns about tax havens. In December 2008,
Liechtenstein and the United States came to an information-sharing agreement on tax evasion investigations. Liechtenstein agreed in
March 2009 to adopt Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) transparency and information-sharing
standards, including a commitment to exchange data on clients in both tax fraud and tax evasion investigations by foreign governments.
Liechtenstein is an electoral democracy. However, the unelected monarchy won greater authority in 2003, making it the most politically
powerful in Europe. The unicameral Parliament (Landtag) consists of 25 deputies chosen by proportional representation every four
years. These freely elected representatives determine the policies of the government, but the monarch has the power to veto legislation,
dismiss the government, and appoint judges. Voting is compulsory.
Political parties are able to freely organize. Two parties—the VU and the FBP—have dominated politics over the last half-century.
Liechtenstein’s politics and society are largely free of corruption, and the country continues to work to build sufficient mechanisms to
fight money laundering in its banking system. Due to recent commitments, the OECD removed Liechtenstein from its list of
uncooperative tax havens in May 2009. Liechtenstein was not ranked by Transparency International in its 2009 Corruption Perceptions
Index.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
In February 2009 parliamentary elections, the Patriotic Union’s Klaus Tschuescher was elected prime minister and subsequently formed
a coalition government with the Progressive Citizens’ Party. As the economic crisis continued to worsen, Liechtenstein agreed to ease
bank secrecy laws, allowing for the country’s removal from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s list of
uncooperative tax havens.
In the February 2009 parliamentary elections, the VU won 13 seats, while the FBP took 11; the Free List captured just one seat. Prime
Minister Hasler was replaced in March by Vice Prime Minister Klaus Tschuetscher of the VU, who subsequently formed a coalition
government with the FBP.
Liechtenstein declared in 2006 that it would make no further changes to its banking-secrecy laws. However, its European neighbors
renewed their tax-related complaints in 2008 as the economic crisis prompted new concerns about tax havens. In December 2008,
Liechtenstein and the United States came to an information-sharing agreement on tax evasion investigations. Liechtenstein agreed in
March 2009 to adopt Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) transparency and information-sharing
standards, including a commitment to exchange data on clients in both tax fraud and tax evasion investigations by foreign governments.
Liechtenstein is an electoral democracy. However, the unelected monarchy won greater authority in 2003, making it the most politically
powerful in Europe. The unicameral Parliament (Landtag) consists of 25 deputies chosen by proportional representation every four
years. These freely elected representatives determine the policies of the government, but the monarch has the power to veto legislation,
dismiss the government, and appoint judges. Voting is compulsory.
Political parties are able to freely organize. Two parties—the VU and the FBP—have dominated politics over the last half-century.
Liechtenstein’s politics and society are largely free of corruption, and the country continues to work to build sufficient mechanisms to
fight money laundering in its banking system. Due to recent commitments, the OECD removed Liechtenstein from its list of
uncooperative tax havens in May 2009. Liechtenstein was not ranked by Transparency International in its 2009 Corruption Perceptions
Index.
Click here to read more »
INTRODUCTION
ITEM 2 – ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Oral Intervention on Liechtenstein – 19 March 2009
Delivered by Marianne Lilliebjerg
Amnesty International welcomes many of the recommendations made by states during the review, especially those to continue efforts
aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination, to draft a law establishing registered partnership for same-sex couples, and to ensure the
full implementation of the national plan of action against racism. We welcome Liechtenstein’s support of these recommendations.
Several states recommended the establishment of an ombudsman or national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris
Principles. Amnesty International regrets the rejection by Liechtenstein of these recommendations. Notwithstanding the comments by
Liechtenstein in the Addendum, we continue to consider that such an institution would be an important step towards improving the
coordination on human rights policy between the different institutional levels in Liechtenstein.
Several states called for measures to strengthen the integration of foreigners. Amnesty International takes this opportunity to urge
Liechtenstein to amend the new Foreign National Act to avoid the creation of additional groups of non-citizens and to ensure that non-
citizens are not discriminated against, especially with regard to their right to family reunification.
Finally, Amnesty International welcomes assurances by Liechtenstein, made during the review, that it has honoured all its reporting
obligations under the UN treaty body system. We call on Liechtenstein to ensure that regular follow-up is undertaken to the concluding
observations and recommendations of the treaty bodies. This should include regular human rights training for public servants, especially
those working with foreign nationals and asylum seekers.
Click here to read more »
ITEM 2 – ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Oral Intervention on Liechtenstein – 19 March 2009
Delivered by Marianne Lilliebjerg
Amnesty International welcomes many of the recommendations made by states during the review, especially those to continue efforts
aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination, to draft a law establishing registered partnership for same-sex couples, and to ensure the
full implementation of the national plan of action against racism. We welcome Liechtenstein’s support of these recommendations.
Several states recommended the establishment of an ombudsman or national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris
Principles. Amnesty International regrets the rejection by Liechtenstein of these recommendations. Notwithstanding the comments by
Liechtenstein in the Addendum, we continue to consider that such an institution would be an important step towards improving the
coordination on human rights policy between the different institutional levels in Liechtenstein.
Several states called for measures to strengthen the integration of foreigners. Amnesty International takes this opportunity to urge
Liechtenstein to amend the new Foreign National Act to avoid the creation of additional groups of non-citizens and to ensure that non-
citizens are not discriminated against, especially with regard to their right to family reunification.
Finally, Amnesty International welcomes assurances by Liechtenstein, made during the review, that it has honoured all its reporting
obligations under the UN treaty body system. We call on Liechtenstein to ensure that regular follow-up is undertaken to the concluding
observations and recommendations of the treaty bodies. This should include regular human rights training for public servants, especially
those working with foreign nationals and asylum seekers.
Click here to read more »
U.K. Support for War Crimes Court "Significant"
International Criminal Court Closer Than Ever to Reality
October 4, 2001
(New York) - The United Kingdom's ratification of the International Criminal Court treaty is especially significant because the U.K. is a
permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and close ally of the United States.
The United Kingdom today became the forty-second state to ratify the treaty. Sixty ratifications are needed to establish the court, which
will likely be in 2002.
The United States continues to oppose the treaty for an international criminal court, which will try future cases of genocide, crimes
against humanity, and war crimes. If the court were in existence now, it could try the perpetrators of the September 11 attack against
the World Trade Center, a crime against humanity.
The U.K.'s ratification will generate additional pressure on the United States to bring its policy into line with that of its European allies,
Human Rights Watch said.
"It's very significant that the United Kingdom has ratified the treaty so promptly," said Richard Dicker, director of the International
Justice Program at Human Rights Watch. "Now the United States is really very isolated in its opposition."
Reflecting the growing momentum behind the court, Nigeria, Liechtenstein and the Central African Republic also recently ratified the
treaty. Nigeria's ratification on September 27 and that of the Central African Republic yesterday reflect the strong support among African
countries for the court. Liechtenstein, in ratifying on October 1, continued Western Europe's almost unanimous support for the
International Criminal Court.
Click here to read more »
International Criminal Court Closer Than Ever to Reality
October 4, 2001
(New York) - The United Kingdom's ratification of the International Criminal Court treaty is especially significant because the U.K. is a
permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and close ally of the United States.
The United Kingdom today became the forty-second state to ratify the treaty. Sixty ratifications are needed to establish the court, which
will likely be in 2002.
The United States continues to oppose the treaty for an international criminal court, which will try future cases of genocide, crimes
against humanity, and war crimes. If the court were in existence now, it could try the perpetrators of the September 11 attack against
the World Trade Center, a crime against humanity.
The U.K.'s ratification will generate additional pressure on the United States to bring its policy into line with that of its European allies,
Human Rights Watch said.
"It's very significant that the United Kingdom has ratified the treaty so promptly," said Richard Dicker, director of the International
Justice Program at Human Rights Watch. "Now the United States is really very isolated in its opposition."
Reflecting the growing momentum behind the court, Nigeria, Liechtenstein and the Central African Republic also recently ratified the
treaty. Nigeria's ratification on September 27 and that of the Central African Republic yesterday reflect the strong support among African
countries for the court. Liechtenstein, in ratifying on October 1, continued Western Europe's almost unanimous support for the
International Criminal Court.
Click here to read more »
HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS, INCLUDING ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES FOR IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVE
ENJOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS
STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR CHRISTIAN WENAWESER, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
PRINCIPALITY OF LIECHTENSTEIN TO THE UNITED NATIONS
NEW YORK, 26 OCTOBER 2010
Mr. Chairman,
More than five years ago, the General Assembly established the Human Rights Council (HRC) to address and overcome the structural
and political shortcomings of the Commission of Human Rights. We also decided that, five years into its establishment, there was a need
to review the status of the Council as well as its work and functioning. We believe that this review should serve as an opportunity to fine-
tune and optimize current processes and mechanisms, enable us to make further changes that may be necessary in the future and
building upon the positives in the work of the Council on which everybody seems to agree. With regard to the Council’s status we share
the view of most delegations that elevating the Council to a principal body of the UN is not, at this time, the best way forward – if for no
other reason than simply due to the fact that this would involve a set of amendments of the UN Charter. At the same time, there is room
and indeed need for substantial improvement in the efficiency and coherence of the relationship of the Council with the General
Assembly, in particular with its Third and Fifth Committees. Well-known consistencies in dealing with the report of the Council and the
provision of adequate and timely funding for the Council’s decisions should therefore be part of the review. On these issues close
coordination between the Geneva and the New York chapter of the review will be necessary. An inclusive and transparent working
relationship between the two chapters is already operational. With regard to the work and functioning of the Council we hope that the
Geneva Working Group on the review of the work and functioning of the Council that is currently meeting for the first time will lead to a
fruitful and constructive dialogue. A successful review process would significantly strengthen the governance of the UN in this field and
thus make a substantial contribution to an overall goal of this GA session.
One of the un kept promises going back to the days of the establishment of the Council is the need to focus on implementation. Year
after year, the debate under this agenda item reveals the glaring gap between international human rights standards and their
implementation. In this Committee, in the HRC and elsewhere we undertake extensive efforts to work on resolutions and legal
frameworks to address human rights violations, but we do not invest the same effort in applying what we agree on. The HRC and its
monitoring mechanisms, including the special procedure system and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) are essential for our work on
implementation – as is the work of the treaty bodies.
States Parties to international human rights treaties have a legal obligation to cooperate with the treaty bodies, in particular by providing
periodic reports on the implementation of treaty provisions. In practice, however, States Parties display a serious lack of discipline in
carrying out their reporting obligations. At present, over 1000 reports are overdue. Furthermore, some reports fall short of the reporting
guidelines, thus rendering the dialogue between treaty bodies and the States Parties less meaningful.
Click here to read more »
ENJOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS
STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR CHRISTIAN WENAWESER, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
PRINCIPALITY OF LIECHTENSTEIN TO THE UNITED NATIONS
NEW YORK, 26 OCTOBER 2010
Mr. Chairman,
More than five years ago, the General Assembly established the Human Rights Council (HRC) to address and overcome the structural
and political shortcomings of the Commission of Human Rights. We also decided that, five years into its establishment, there was a need
to review the status of the Council as well as its work and functioning. We believe that this review should serve as an opportunity to fine-
tune and optimize current processes and mechanisms, enable us to make further changes that may be necessary in the future and
building upon the positives in the work of the Council on which everybody seems to agree. With regard to the Council’s status we share
the view of most delegations that elevating the Council to a principal body of the UN is not, at this time, the best way forward – if for no
other reason than simply due to the fact that this would involve a set of amendments of the UN Charter. At the same time, there is room
and indeed need for substantial improvement in the efficiency and coherence of the relationship of the Council with the General
Assembly, in particular with its Third and Fifth Committees. Well-known consistencies in dealing with the report of the Council and the
provision of adequate and timely funding for the Council’s decisions should therefore be part of the review. On these issues close
coordination between the Geneva and the New York chapter of the review will be necessary. An inclusive and transparent working
relationship between the two chapters is already operational. With regard to the work and functioning of the Council we hope that the
Geneva Working Group on the review of the work and functioning of the Council that is currently meeting for the first time will lead to a
fruitful and constructive dialogue. A successful review process would significantly strengthen the governance of the UN in this field and
thus make a substantial contribution to an overall goal of this GA session.
One of the un kept promises going back to the days of the establishment of the Council is the need to focus on implementation. Year
after year, the debate under this agenda item reveals the glaring gap between international human rights standards and their
implementation. In this Committee, in the HRC and elsewhere we undertake extensive efforts to work on resolutions and legal
frameworks to address human rights violations, but we do not invest the same effort in applying what we agree on. The HRC and its
monitoring mechanisms, including the special procedure system and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) are essential for our work on
implementation – as is the work of the treaty bodies.
States Parties to international human rights treaties have a legal obligation to cooperate with the treaty bodies, in particular by providing
periodic reports on the implementation of treaty provisions. In practice, however, States Parties display a serious lack of discipline in
carrying out their reporting obligations. At present, over 1000 reports are overdue. Furthermore, some reports fall short of the reporting
guidelines, thus rendering the dialogue between treaty bodies and the States Parties less meaningful.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM GERMAN BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Tender opportunities Prize 2010
30.09.2009
For nearly a decade, the government awards an annual prize for projects that are dedicated to equal opportunities. Since 2008, there are
the themes of equality between men and women, disability, social disadvantage, age, migration and integration, and sexual orientation.
The Prize 2009 was awarded the Gutenberg for his project "Intercultural Competence Course" recognition awards went to the group of
males for the newly founded "Association of Federal Service for Men's issues" and the collaborators of the Panorama Seniors Cafes in
ash for "Christmas for singles.
2008 was the project "talent exchange" excellent, from the Liechtenstein Disabled Association. Other winners were the second-hand
store "Chicobello" of labor and integration Brandis for the "promotion of education and re-entry of (disadvantaged) women into the
workforce" and "Game Practice" by Andrea Miindler, people in difficult life situations in the form of educational play and Game coaching
support.
The infra received the 2006 first prize for their continuing "family managers - Heading for Recognition", which promotes the
appreciation of family and housework. The Association for Childhood "your - my = our language," which focuses on early intervention
of the German language in their day-care centers as well as the Equal Opportunities Commission at the Hochschule Liechtenstein (now
Gender and Diversity).
Women's and Family Company
Factories have been awarded with the opportunity cost. Thus 2005, the award went to the ReviTrust AG for their efforts to women-and
family-friendly working conditions. Highlight here were the division between women and men in the managerial level, the proportion of
executives in part-time as well as the various individual agreements for women returners and for employees in a changing family
situation. Back in 2003, the Swarovski AG had won the top prize for her commitment to reconciling family and working. Also, the
assistance in returning for women and the implementation of various working as distinguished The Dorbena AG, Lopag AG, Centrum
drugstore, MSE staff service and family support with recognition rates from Triesen.
A wide range of projects
Award-winning projects were the 'girls' or boys mediate high-power days, "the young people know how to deal with aggression, role
models and role models, their own bodies, their awakening sexuality and the prevention and protection in relationships to learn. A
practical guide for pedagogical work with children, day care was awarded by the association.
A specific offer for preventing women from abroad who are employed as dancers in a variety of night clubs, was founded in 2002 by
the AIDS assistance (now presented FA6). The project drew on experiences from Switzerland and Liechtenstein to customize it. The
goal of "Apis", which today is still running is the preservation and promotion of sexual health Sexworkerinnen in the country and thus
also serves indirectly to a healthy population at large.
Click here to read more »
Tender opportunities Prize 2010
30.09.2009
For nearly a decade, the government awards an annual prize for projects that are dedicated to equal opportunities. Since 2008, there are
the themes of equality between men and women, disability, social disadvantage, age, migration and integration, and sexual orientation.
The Prize 2009 was awarded the Gutenberg for his project "Intercultural Competence Course" recognition awards went to the group of
males for the newly founded "Association of Federal Service for Men's issues" and the collaborators of the Panorama Seniors Cafes in
ash for "Christmas for singles.
2008 was the project "talent exchange" excellent, from the Liechtenstein Disabled Association. Other winners were the second-hand
store "Chicobello" of labor and integration Brandis for the "promotion of education and re-entry of (disadvantaged) women into the
workforce" and "Game Practice" by Andrea Miindler, people in difficult life situations in the form of educational play and Game coaching
support.
The infra received the 2006 first prize for their continuing "family managers - Heading for Recognition", which promotes the
appreciation of family and housework. The Association for Childhood "your - my = our language," which focuses on early intervention
of the German language in their day-care centers as well as the Equal Opportunities Commission at the Hochschule Liechtenstein (now
Gender and Diversity).
Women's and Family Company
Factories have been awarded with the opportunity cost. Thus 2005, the award went to the ReviTrust AG for their efforts to women-and
family-friendly working conditions. Highlight here were the division between women and men in the managerial level, the proportion of
executives in part-time as well as the various individual agreements for women returners and for employees in a changing family
situation. Back in 2003, the Swarovski AG had won the top prize for her commitment to reconciling family and working. Also, the
assistance in returning for women and the implementation of various working as distinguished The Dorbena AG, Lopag AG, Centrum
drugstore, MSE staff service and family support with recognition rates from Triesen.
A wide range of projects
Award-winning projects were the 'girls' or boys mediate high-power days, "the young people know how to deal with aggression, role
models and role models, their own bodies, their awakening sexuality and the prevention and protection in relationships to learn. A
practical guide for pedagogical work with children, day care was awarded by the association.
A specific offer for preventing women from abroad who are employed as dancers in a variety of night clubs, was founded in 2002 by
the AIDS assistance (now presented FA6). The project drew on experiences from Switzerland and Liechtenstein to customize it. The
goal of "Apis", which today is still running is the preservation and promotion of sexual health Sexworkerinnen in the country and thus
also serves indirectly to a healthy population at large.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM GERMAN BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
07.07.2010
Support for various human rights NGOs
Vaduz (ots) - Vaduz, 7 July (pafl) - The commitment to the protection of human rights is one of Liechtenstein's foreign policy priorities,
while under the umbrella term "good governance" of a set of three priorities in multilateral development cooperation. Civil society plays in
protecting human rights a central role, which is why Liechtenstein committed to their empowerment. In this context, the Government
has decided to support a number of people in the legal field and active in fields similar international organizations (NGO) with a total of
167,000 francs. These are, firstly, to human rights NGOs, "World Organisation against Torture," "Women's World Summit Foundation,
International Commission of Jurists, International Service for Human Rights" and "Geneva for Human Rights. Next are "Condordis
International" and the "Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue," which used both for peaceful resolution of armed conflicts, as well as
"Geneva Call", one in the field of protection of international humanitarian law active NGO supported.
Click here to read more>>
07.07.2010
Support for various human rights NGOs
Vaduz (ots) - Vaduz, 7 July (pafl) - The commitment to the protection of human rights is one of Liechtenstein's foreign policy priorities,
while under the umbrella term "good governance" of a set of three priorities in multilateral development cooperation. Civil society plays in
protecting human rights a central role, which is why Liechtenstein committed to their empowerment. In this context, the Government
has decided to support a number of people in the legal field and active in fields similar international organizations (NGO) with a total of
167,000 francs. These are, firstly, to human rights NGOs, "World Organisation against Torture," "Women's World Summit Foundation,
International Commission of Jurists, International Service for Human Rights" and "Geneva for Human Rights. Next are "Condordis
International" and the "Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue," which used both for peaceful resolution of armed conflicts, as well as
"Geneva Call", one in the field of protection of international humanitarian law active NGO supported.
Click here to read more>>
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| Click flag for Country Report |
Hans Adam II
President since 13 November 1989
President since 13 November 1989
Alois
Heir Apparent and Ruling Prince
since 15 August 2004
Heir Apparent and Ruling Prince
since 15 August 2004
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None.
Dr. Martin Meyer
Deputy Prime Minister since 25 March 2009
Deputy Prime Minister since 25 March 2009
