| LUXEMBOURG Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Grand Duche de Luxembourg Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 07/07/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Luxembourg
497,538 (July 2010 est.)
Henri
Grand Duke since 7 October 2000
Grand Duke since 7 October 2000
Henri assumed the throne upon the abdication of his father
Grand Duke Jean after a 36 year rule. Guillaume became the
heir apparent at birth as the eldest child of Henri.
Next scheduled election: None. Heredity ascension
Grand Duke Jean after a 36 year rule. Guillaume became the
heir apparent at birth as the eldest child of Henri.
Next scheduled election: None. Heredity ascension
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Jean-Claude Juncker
Prime Minister since 1 January 1995
Prime Minister since 1 January 1995
Following popular elections to the Chamber of Deputies, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority
coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; the
deputy prime minister is appointed by the monarch
Elections: last held last held 7 June 2009
Next scheduled election: June 2014
leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority
coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; the
deputy prime minister is appointed by the monarch
Elections: last held last held 7 June 2009
Next scheduled election: June 2014
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Luxembourger 63.1%, Portuguese 13.3%, French 4.5%, Italian 4.3%, German 2.3%, other EU 7.3%, other 5.2%
(2000 census)
(2000 census)
| RELIGIONS |
87% Roman Catholic, 13% Protestants, Jews, and Muslims (2000)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Constitutional monarchy with 3 districts. Legal system is based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: Monarch is hereditary; the heir apparent is the eldest son of the monarch; prime minister and vice prime
minister appointed by the monarch following legislative elections
Legislative: Unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (60 seats; members are elected by direct
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 7 June 2009 (next to be held by June 2014)
note: there is also a Council of State that serves as an advisory body to the Chamber of Deputies; the Council of State
has 21 members appointed by the Grand Duke on the advice of the prime minister
Judicial: Judicial courts and tribunals (3 Justices of the Peace, 2 district courts, and 1 Supreme Court of Appeals);
administrative courts and tribunals (State Prosecutor's Office, administrative courts and tribunals, and the Constitutional
Court); judges for all courts are appointed for life by the monarch
Executive: Monarch is hereditary; the heir apparent is the eldest son of the monarch; prime minister and vice prime
minister appointed by the monarch following legislative elections
Legislative: Unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (60 seats; members are elected by direct
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 7 June 2009 (next to be held by June 2014)
note: there is also a Council of State that serves as an advisory body to the Chamber of Deputies; the Council of State
has 21 members appointed by the Grand Duke on the advice of the prime minister
Judicial: Judicial courts and tribunals (3 Justices of the Peace, 2 district courts, and 1 Supreme Court of Appeals);
administrative courts and tribunals (State Prosecutor's Office, administrative courts and tribunals, and the Constitutional
Court); judges for all courts are appointed for life by the monarch
| LANGUAGES |
Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative language), French (administrative language)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The first known reference to the territory in modern Luxembourg was by Julius Caesar in his Commentaries on the Gallic
War. The history of Luxembourg proper began with the construction of Luxembourg Castle in the Middle Ages. It was
Siegried I, Count of Ardennes who traded some of his ancestral lands with the monks of the Abbey of St. Maximin in
Trier in 963 for an ancient, supposedly Roman, fort by the name of Lucilinburhuc. Modern historians explain the
etimology of the word with Letze, meaning fortification which might have referred to either the remains of a Roman
watchtower or to a primitive refuge of the early middle ages. Around this fort a town gradually developed, which became
the centre of a small but important state of great strategic value to France, Germany and the Netherlands. Luxembourg's
fortress, located on a rocky outcrop known as the Bock, was steadily enlarged and strengthened over the years by
successive owners, among others the Bourbons, Habsburgs and Hohenzollerns, which made it one of the strongest
fortresses on the European continent. Its formidable defences and strategic location caused it to become known as the
'Gibraltar of the North'. The Luxembourgish dynasty provided several Holy Roman Emperors, Kings of Bohemia, as well
as Archbishops of Trier and Mainz. From the Early Middle Ages to the Renaissance, Luxembourg bore multiple names,
depending on the author. These include Lucilinburhuc, Lutzburg, Lützelburg, Luccelemburc, Lichtburg, among others.
Luxembourg remained an independent fief (county) of the Holy Roman Empire until 1354, when the emperor Charles IV
elevated it to the status of a duchy. At that time the Luxembourg family held the Crown of Bohemia, but the duchy was
usually possessed as appanage by a separate branch of the family. In 1437 the imperial Luxembourg family became
extinct in the male line. At that time, the duchy and castle were held by the Bohemian princess Elisabeth of Gorlitz,
Duchess of Luxembourg, a cadet granddaughter of emperor Charles IV, who however was childless, and in 1440 made a
treaty with her powerful neighbour Philip II, Duke of Burgundy that Philip would administer the duchy and would inherit it
after the Duchess Elisabeth's death, which occurred in 1451 - Philip however accelerated things by expelling Elisabeth in
1443. After being captured by Philip of Burgundy in 1443 and ultimately from 1467 to 1469, the duchy became one of
the Seventeen Provinces of the Netherlands. With the marriage of Mary of Burgundy in 1477 all the Netherlands
provinces, including Luxembourg, came under Habsburg rule in the person of her husband Maximilian, and later and their
son Philip the Handsome. Habsburg rule was confirmed in 1715, and Luxembourg was integrated into the Austrian
Netherlands. Emperor Joseph and his successor Emperor Charles VI were, in addition to their descent from Spanish
kings who were heirs of Albert VII, also descendants of Anna of Bohemia and William of Thuringia, having that blood
through their mother (although they were heirs-general of neither line). Charles was the first ruler of Luxembourg to
descend from both sisters, daughters of Elisabeth II of Bohemia, the last Luxembourg empress. During the War of the
First Coalition, Luxemburg was conquered and annexed by Revolutionary France, becoming part of the département of
the Forêts[2] in 1795. The annexation was formalised at Campo Formio in 1797. Luxembourg remained more or less
under French rule until the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, when the Congress of Vienna gave formal autonomy to
Luxembourg. It was not until 1867 that Luxembourg's independence was formally ratified, after a turbulent period which
even included a brief time of civil unrest against plans to annex Luxembourg to Belgium, Germany or France. Luxembourg
remained a possession of the kings of the Netherlands until the death of William III in 1890, when the grand duchy passed
to the House of Nassau-Weilburg due to a Nassau inheritance pact of 1783. During the First World War, Luxembourg
was occupied by Germany, but the government and Grandduchess Marie-Adélaïde were allowed to remain in office
throughout the occupation (until 1918), bringing accusations of collaboration from France. It was liberated by U.S. and
French troops. Two American divisions were based in the state in the years following the War. At Versailles the Belgian
claim to Luxembourg was rejected and its independence reaffirmed. During World War II the Luxembourgish government
and monarchy was swept away into exile by the German invasion of May 10 1940. U.S. forces again liberated most of
the country in September 1944, after which Luxembourg abandoned its official policy of neutrality, becoming a founding
member of NATO and a vital member of the European Union including voting for the European Constitution in 2005.
Source: Wikipedia History of Luxembourg
War. The history of Luxembourg proper began with the construction of Luxembourg Castle in the Middle Ages. It was
Siegried I, Count of Ardennes who traded some of his ancestral lands with the monks of the Abbey of St. Maximin in
Trier in 963 for an ancient, supposedly Roman, fort by the name of Lucilinburhuc. Modern historians explain the
etimology of the word with Letze, meaning fortification which might have referred to either the remains of a Roman
watchtower or to a primitive refuge of the early middle ages. Around this fort a town gradually developed, which became
the centre of a small but important state of great strategic value to France, Germany and the Netherlands. Luxembourg's
fortress, located on a rocky outcrop known as the Bock, was steadily enlarged and strengthened over the years by
successive owners, among others the Bourbons, Habsburgs and Hohenzollerns, which made it one of the strongest
fortresses on the European continent. Its formidable defences and strategic location caused it to become known as the
'Gibraltar of the North'. The Luxembourgish dynasty provided several Holy Roman Emperors, Kings of Bohemia, as well
as Archbishops of Trier and Mainz. From the Early Middle Ages to the Renaissance, Luxembourg bore multiple names,
depending on the author. These include Lucilinburhuc, Lutzburg, Lützelburg, Luccelemburc, Lichtburg, among others.
Luxembourg remained an independent fief (county) of the Holy Roman Empire until 1354, when the emperor Charles IV
elevated it to the status of a duchy. At that time the Luxembourg family held the Crown of Bohemia, but the duchy was
usually possessed as appanage by a separate branch of the family. In 1437 the imperial Luxembourg family became
extinct in the male line. At that time, the duchy and castle were held by the Bohemian princess Elisabeth of Gorlitz,
Duchess of Luxembourg, a cadet granddaughter of emperor Charles IV, who however was childless, and in 1440 made a
treaty with her powerful neighbour Philip II, Duke of Burgundy that Philip would administer the duchy and would inherit it
after the Duchess Elisabeth's death, which occurred in 1451 - Philip however accelerated things by expelling Elisabeth in
1443. After being captured by Philip of Burgundy in 1443 and ultimately from 1467 to 1469, the duchy became one of
the Seventeen Provinces of the Netherlands. With the marriage of Mary of Burgundy in 1477 all the Netherlands
provinces, including Luxembourg, came under Habsburg rule in the person of her husband Maximilian, and later and their
son Philip the Handsome. Habsburg rule was confirmed in 1715, and Luxembourg was integrated into the Austrian
Netherlands. Emperor Joseph and his successor Emperor Charles VI were, in addition to their descent from Spanish
kings who were heirs of Albert VII, also descendants of Anna of Bohemia and William of Thuringia, having that blood
through their mother (although they were heirs-general of neither line). Charles was the first ruler of Luxembourg to
descend from both sisters, daughters of Elisabeth II of Bohemia, the last Luxembourg empress. During the War of the
First Coalition, Luxemburg was conquered and annexed by Revolutionary France, becoming part of the département of
the Forêts[2] in 1795. The annexation was formalised at Campo Formio in 1797. Luxembourg remained more or less
under French rule until the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, when the Congress of Vienna gave formal autonomy to
Luxembourg. It was not until 1867 that Luxembourg's independence was formally ratified, after a turbulent period which
even included a brief time of civil unrest against plans to annex Luxembourg to Belgium, Germany or France. Luxembourg
remained a possession of the kings of the Netherlands until the death of William III in 1890, when the grand duchy passed
to the House of Nassau-Weilburg due to a Nassau inheritance pact of 1783. During the First World War, Luxembourg
was occupied by Germany, but the government and Grandduchess Marie-Adélaïde were allowed to remain in office
throughout the occupation (until 1918), bringing accusations of collaboration from France. It was liberated by U.S. and
French troops. Two American divisions were based in the state in the years following the War. At Versailles the Belgian
claim to Luxembourg was rejected and its independence reaffirmed. During World War II the Luxembourgish government
and monarchy was swept away into exile by the German invasion of May 10 1940. U.S. forces again liberated most of
the country in September 1944, after which Luxembourg abandoned its official policy of neutrality, becoming a founding
member of NATO and a vital member of the European Union including voting for the European Constitution in 2005.
Source: Wikipedia History of Luxembourg
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
This small, stable, high-income economy - benefiting from its proximity to France, Belgium, and Germany - has
historically featured solid growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. The industrial sector, initially dominated by
steel, has become increasingly diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and other products. Growth in the financial
sector, which now accounts for about 28% of GDP, has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Most banks
are foreign owned and have extensive foreign dealings. The economy depends on foreign and cross-border workers for
about 60% of its labor force. Luxembourg, like all EU members, suffered from the global economic crisis that began in
late 2008. Following strong expansion from 2004 to 2007, Luxembourg's economy contracted 0.9% in 2008 and
3.9% in 2009. Nonetheless, the country continues to enjoy an extraordinarily high standard of living - GDP per capita
ranks third in the world, after Liechtenstein and Qatar, and is the highest in the EU. Turmoil in the world financial
markets and lower global demand during 2008-09 prompted the government to inject capital into the banking sector
and implement stimulus measures to boost the economy. Government stimulus measures and support for the banking
sector, however, led to a 5% government budget deficit in 2009.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Luxembourg)
historically featured solid growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. The industrial sector, initially dominated by
steel, has become increasingly diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and other products. Growth in the financial
sector, which now accounts for about 28% of GDP, has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Most banks
are foreign owned and have extensive foreign dealings. The economy depends on foreign and cross-border workers for
about 60% of its labor force. Luxembourg, like all EU members, suffered from the global economic crisis that began in
late 2008. Following strong expansion from 2004 to 2007, Luxembourg's economy contracted 0.9% in 2008 and
3.9% in 2009. Nonetheless, the country continues to enjoy an extraordinarily high standard of living - GDP per capita
ranks third in the world, after Liechtenstein and Qatar, and is the highest in the EU. Turmoil in the world financial
markets and lower global demand during 2008-09 prompted the government to inject capital into the banking sector
and implement stimulus measures to boost the economy. Government stimulus measures and support for the banking
sector, however, led to a 5% government budget deficit in 2009.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Luxembourg)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
In the June 2004 parliamentary elections, the CSV won 24, the LSAP 14, the DP 10, the Green Party 7, and the ADR
5. The Left and the Communist Party lost their single seat in part due to their separate campaigns. The Democratic
Party which had become the junior coalition partner in 1999 registered heavy losses. The long-reigning Christian
Socialist (CSV) was the main winner, partly due to the personal popularity of the prime minister Jean-Claude Juncker
(CSV). In July 2004, it chose the LSAP as its coalition partner. Jean Asselborn (LSAP) was appointed as the Vice
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.
A complete list of all governments is maintained on the website of the Government of Luxembourg.[1]
In 2008, a bitter controversy over euthanasia had parliament pass a measure which would restrict the veto powers of
the grand-duke, who had opposed the pro-euthanasia law on the grounds of his private Christian conscience, much like
what had occurred in Belgium in the early 1990s on the topic of abortion.
Source: Wikipedia Politics of Luxembourg
5. The Left and the Communist Party lost their single seat in part due to their separate campaigns. The Democratic
Party which had become the junior coalition partner in 1999 registered heavy losses. The long-reigning Christian
Socialist (CSV) was the main winner, partly due to the personal popularity of the prime minister Jean-Claude Juncker
(CSV). In July 2004, it chose the LSAP as its coalition partner. Jean Asselborn (LSAP) was appointed as the Vice
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.
A complete list of all governments is maintained on the website of the Government of Luxembourg.[1]
In 2008, a bitter controversy over euthanasia had parliament pass a measure which would restrict the veto powers of
the grand-duke, who had opposed the pro-euthanasia law on the grounds of his private Christian conscience, much like
what had occurred in Belgium in the early 1990s on the topic of abortion.
Source: Wikipedia Politics of Luxembourg
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Luxembourg
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with a population of approximately 494,000, is a constitutional monarchy with a democratic,
parliamentary form of government. The role of the grand duke is mainly ceremonial and administrative. Legislative authority is
vested in the unicameral Chamber of Deputies. The prime minister is the leader of the dominant party in the popularly elected
parliament. On June 7, the country held parliamentary elections that were considered free and fair. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with a population of approximately 494,000, is a constitutional monarchy with a democratic,
parliamentary form of government. The role of the grand duke is mainly ceremonial and administrative. Legislative authority is
vested in the unicameral Chamber of Deputies. The prime minister is the leader of the dominant party in the popularly elected
parliament. On June 7, the country held parliamentary elections that were considered free and fair. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
- Some prison overcrowding,
- domestic violence,
- cases of human trafficking were reported.
8 April 2008
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Fortieth session
14 January- 1 February 2008
Concluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Luxembourg
A. Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for the quality of its fifth periodic report which follows the
Committee’s guidelines for the preparation of periodic reports and takes into account the Committee’s previous concluding
observations and recommendations. The Committee also expresses its appreciation for the written replies to the list of issues and
questions raised by the pre-session working group and for the oral presentation and further clarifications offered in response to
questions posed orally by Committee members.
B. Positive aspects
6. The Committee commends the State party on its overall achievement in furthering women’s human rights in Luxembourg.
7. The Committee commends the State party for the legislative developments since the consideration of its last periodic report in
2003, namely, the revision of Article 11 of the Constitution adopted on 21 June 2006 which anchors the principle of equality
between women and men in the legislative framework of the State party; the adoption on 23 December 2005 of the Law on the
Naming of Children; the adoption on 3 June 2004 of the Law on Collective Labour Relations which, among other matters, calls for
the application of the principle of equal pay for women and men in labour contracts; the adoption of the Domestic Violence Law of
8 September 2003; and the enactment of the Law of 19 May 2003 amending the General Statute of Civil Servants and which
introduces measures to promote the reconciliation of family and working life.
C. Concerns and recommendations
10. The Committee recalls the State party’s obligation to systematically and continuously implement all the provisions of the
Convention, and views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring priority
attention between now and the submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee urges the State party to focus
on those areas in its implementation activities to report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic report. It calls on the
State party to submit the present concluding observations and recommendations to all relevant ministries, to Parliament and to the
judiciary so as to ensure their full implementation.
11. While acknowledging the efforts taken by the State party to raise awareness of the Convention, including through training on
the mainstreaming of a gender dimension in the work of ministry officials and the publication of school manuals on the Convention,
the Committee is concerned that the Convention and its Optional Protocol are not widely known in Luxembourg. The Committee
also notes with concern the limited sensitization and training initiatives, especially for judicial personnel, on gender equality issues
and the provisions of the Convention.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Fortieth session
14 January- 1 February 2008
Concluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Luxembourg
A. Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for the quality of its fifth periodic report which follows the
Committee’s guidelines for the preparation of periodic reports and takes into account the Committee’s previous concluding
observations and recommendations. The Committee also expresses its appreciation for the written replies to the list of issues and
questions raised by the pre-session working group and for the oral presentation and further clarifications offered in response to
questions posed orally by Committee members.
B. Positive aspects
6. The Committee commends the State party on its overall achievement in furthering women’s human rights in Luxembourg.
7. The Committee commends the State party for the legislative developments since the consideration of its last periodic report in
2003, namely, the revision of Article 11 of the Constitution adopted on 21 June 2006 which anchors the principle of equality
between women and men in the legislative framework of the State party; the adoption on 23 December 2005 of the Law on the
Naming of Children; the adoption on 3 June 2004 of the Law on Collective Labour Relations which, among other matters, calls for
the application of the principle of equal pay for women and men in labour contracts; the adoption of the Domestic Violence Law of
8 September 2003; and the enactment of the Law of 19 May 2003 amending the General Statute of Civil Servants and which
introduces measures to promote the reconciliation of family and working life.
C. Concerns and recommendations
10. The Committee recalls the State party’s obligation to systematically and continuously implement all the provisions of the
Convention, and views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring priority
attention between now and the submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee urges the State party to focus
on those areas in its implementation activities to report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic report. It calls on the
State party to submit the present concluding observations and recommendations to all relevant ministries, to Parliament and to the
judiciary so as to ensure their full implementation.
11. While acknowledging the efforts taken by the State party to raise awareness of the Convention, including through training on
the mainstreaming of a gender dimension in the work of ministry officials and the publication of school manuals on the Convention,
the Committee is concerned that the Convention and its Optional Protocol are not widely known in Luxembourg. The Committee
also notes with concern the limited sensitization and training initiatives, especially for judicial personnel, on gender equality issues
and the provisions of the Convention.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD 2010 REPORT
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
In June 2009 parliamentary elections, the Christian Social Party’s Jean-Claude Juncker secured a fourth term and formed a
coalition government with the opposition Socialist Worker’s Party of Luxembourg in July. Amid lingering economic problems,
Luxembourg faced continued criticism over its bank secrecy laws.
Parliamentary elections were held in June 2009 alongside elections for the European Parliament. The PCS gained two seats for a
total of 26, and the POSL lost 1 seat for a total of 13. The PD followed with 9 seats, the Green Party with 7, the Action Committee
for Democracy and Pension Justice with 4, and the Left alliance with 1. Juncker remained as prime minister for the 15th
consecutive year—the longest tenure of any EU head of state—and formed a coalition government with the POSL in July.
Luxembourg struggled with continued financial hardship in 2009, as the country experienced a 4 percent contraction in GDP during
the year. Juncker resigned from his dual role as finance minister in July, but planned to continue as chairman of the Eurogroup of
euro zone finance ministers until the end of his term in December 2010. Amid continued pressure to ease bank secrecy rules,
Juncker criticized the EU banking structure, especially its focus on Luxembourg and Switzerland during the financial crisis, and
demanded that equal pressure be applied to the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
In July, the PCS announced the creation of an international section for its French-speaking members, the first time a political party
has been restructured for members who do not speak Luxembourgish. Government documentation remains largely available only in
Luxembourgish and German.
Luxembourg is an electoral democracy. The head of state is the unelected Grand Duke Henri, whose powers are largely ceremonial.
The unicameral legislature, the Chamber of Deputies, consists of 60 members elected by proportional representation to five-year
terms. Following a December 2008 constitutional amendment, the Chamber no longer requires the Grand Duke’s approval to pass
bills into law. The legislature chooses the prime minister. Voting is compulsory for Luxembourg’s citizens. Citizens of EU countries
may vote after six years’ residency but are not required to do so; residents from non-EU countries may not vote. Foreigners
constitute over a third of Luxembourg’s population.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
In June 2009 parliamentary elections, the Christian Social Party’s Jean-Claude Juncker secured a fourth term and formed a
coalition government with the opposition Socialist Worker’s Party of Luxembourg in July. Amid lingering economic problems,
Luxembourg faced continued criticism over its bank secrecy laws.
Parliamentary elections were held in June 2009 alongside elections for the European Parliament. The PCS gained two seats for a
total of 26, and the POSL lost 1 seat for a total of 13. The PD followed with 9 seats, the Green Party with 7, the Action Committee
for Democracy and Pension Justice with 4, and the Left alliance with 1. Juncker remained as prime minister for the 15th
consecutive year—the longest tenure of any EU head of state—and formed a coalition government with the POSL in July.
Luxembourg struggled with continued financial hardship in 2009, as the country experienced a 4 percent contraction in GDP during
the year. Juncker resigned from his dual role as finance minister in July, but planned to continue as chairman of the Eurogroup of
euro zone finance ministers until the end of his term in December 2010. Amid continued pressure to ease bank secrecy rules,
Juncker criticized the EU banking structure, especially its focus on Luxembourg and Switzerland during the financial crisis, and
demanded that equal pressure be applied to the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
In July, the PCS announced the creation of an international section for its French-speaking members, the first time a political party
has been restructured for members who do not speak Luxembourgish. Government documentation remains largely available only in
Luxembourgish and German.
Luxembourg is an electoral democracy. The head of state is the unelected Grand Duke Henri, whose powers are largely ceremonial.
The unicameral legislature, the Chamber of Deputies, consists of 60 members elected by proportional representation to five-year
terms. Following a December 2008 constitutional amendment, the Chamber no longer requires the Grand Duke’s approval to pass
bills into law. The legislature chooses the prime minister. Voting is compulsory for Luxembourg’s citizens. Citizens of EU countries
may vote after six years’ residency but are not required to do so; residents from non-EU countries may not vote. Foreigners
constitute over a third of Luxembourg’s population.
Click here to read more »
European states must take concrete steps to help close Guantánamo
11 January 2010
Leading human rights organizations have urged more European states to accept detainees held at the US detention centre at
Guantánamo who cannot be returned to their countries of origin for fear of torture or other human rights violations.
On the eighth anniversary of the first transfers to Guantánamo, the organisations urged other countries, including Germany,
Finland, Sweden and Luxembourg to do more to aid the transfer of roughly 50 such men who remain trapped after years of
unlawful detention.
“Although several countries have already led the way, it is disappointing that only a few European governments have stepped
forward to help those in need of protection,” said Sharon Critoph, Campaigner on the US at Amnesty International “Amongst those
governments which have failed to assist are those previously most vocal in calling for Guantánamo to be closed.”
Reprieve, the Center for Constitutional Rights and former Guantánamo detainee Moazzam Begg of the organization Cage Prisoners
are today beginning a tour across Europe urging more states to offer the men a safe haven. The tour will be hosted by Amnesty
International’s national sections.
These men remain detained for the sole reason that they have no safe place to go. They have been essentially abandoned at
Guantánamo. The plight of these men poses one of the most significant obstacles to the closure of the detention centre.
A number of European states have already taken the commendable step of offering a safe haven to such detainees, in line with the
stated aims of the EU-US joint agreement on the closure of Guantánamo. These include France, Ireland, Portugal, Hungary and
Belgium.On this important anniversary, human rights groups are urging others to follow suit.
The men come from countries such as Libya, Tunisia, Syria, China and Russia, where they will be at serious risk of torture or
other human rights violations if returned.
The US government has been seeking safe countries willing to offer these men an opportunity to rebuild their lives and is primarily
responsible for finding solutions for all those held at Guantánamo.
The international community which has repeatedly called for the detention centre’s closure can however help in realizing this aim
by offering a safe haven to some of these men.
Click here to read more »
11 January 2010
Leading human rights organizations have urged more European states to accept detainees held at the US detention centre at
Guantánamo who cannot be returned to their countries of origin for fear of torture or other human rights violations.
On the eighth anniversary of the first transfers to Guantánamo, the organisations urged other countries, including Germany,
Finland, Sweden and Luxembourg to do more to aid the transfer of roughly 50 such men who remain trapped after years of
unlawful detention.
“Although several countries have already led the way, it is disappointing that only a few European governments have stepped
forward to help those in need of protection,” said Sharon Critoph, Campaigner on the US at Amnesty International “Amongst those
governments which have failed to assist are those previously most vocal in calling for Guantánamo to be closed.”
Reprieve, the Center for Constitutional Rights and former Guantánamo detainee Moazzam Begg of the organization Cage Prisoners
are today beginning a tour across Europe urging more states to offer the men a safe haven. The tour will be hosted by Amnesty
International’s national sections.
These men remain detained for the sole reason that they have no safe place to go. They have been essentially abandoned at
Guantánamo. The plight of these men poses one of the most significant obstacles to the closure of the detention centre.
A number of European states have already taken the commendable step of offering a safe haven to such detainees, in line with the
stated aims of the EU-US joint agreement on the closure of Guantánamo. These include France, Ireland, Portugal, Hungary and
Belgium.On this important anniversary, human rights groups are urging others to follow suit.
The men come from countries such as Libya, Tunisia, Syria, China and Russia, where they will be at serious risk of torture or
other human rights violations if returned.
The US government has been seeking safe countries willing to offer these men an opportunity to rebuild their lives and is primarily
responsible for finding solutions for all those held at Guantánamo.
The international community which has repeatedly called for the detention centre’s closure can however help in realizing this aim
by offering a safe haven to some of these men.
Click here to read more »
EU: Agreement on Guantanamo Detainees Should Pave Way for Resettlement
June 4, 2009
(Brussels) - Having reached agreement to share information about detainees at Guantanamo seeking to be resettled in Europe,
European countries should now jumpstart resettlement negotiations with the United States, Human Rights Watch said today.
The agreement, reached during a meeting of the European Union's interior ministers in Luxembourg on June 4, 2009, states that all
27 members of the European Union (EU) will share information provided by the United States about the detainees before agreeing to
resettle the men.
"The information-sharing agreement removes one of the major hurdles Europe had to resettling Guantanamo detainees," said Joanne
Mariner, terrorism and counterterrorism program director at Human Rights Watch. "It should pave the way for the transfer of
prisoners who have been wrongfully detained without charge for more than seven years."
European states have long said that they were willing to help President Barack Obama in his efforts to close the Guantanamo prison
by agreeing to accept some of the estimated 50 Guantanamo detainees who have been cleared for release or transfer but cannot
return to their home countries due to credible fears of persecution or abuse. However, plans to transfer the detainees from
Guantanamo to Europe were hampered by the lack of an EU information-sharing agreement.
The agreement does not allow a state to block another state from accepting a detainee, but does allow for the security concerns of
all states to be addressed.
Plans to transfer Guantanamo detainees have also been hampered by the unwillingness of the United States government to resettle
any of the detainees itself - a condition several EU countries have said must be met before they will accept any of the men being
held in the US prison.
"European countries have agreed to help the United States close down Guantanamo, but have understandably said that they expect
the US to do its part," Mariner said.
Click here to read more »
June 4, 2009
(Brussels) - Having reached agreement to share information about detainees at Guantanamo seeking to be resettled in Europe,
European countries should now jumpstart resettlement negotiations with the United States, Human Rights Watch said today.
The agreement, reached during a meeting of the European Union's interior ministers in Luxembourg on June 4, 2009, states that all
27 members of the European Union (EU) will share information provided by the United States about the detainees before agreeing to
resettle the men.
"The information-sharing agreement removes one of the major hurdles Europe had to resettling Guantanamo detainees," said Joanne
Mariner, terrorism and counterterrorism program director at Human Rights Watch. "It should pave the way for the transfer of
prisoners who have been wrongfully detained without charge for more than seven years."
European states have long said that they were willing to help President Barack Obama in his efforts to close the Guantanamo prison
by agreeing to accept some of the estimated 50 Guantanamo detainees who have been cleared for release or transfer but cannot
return to their home countries due to credible fears of persecution or abuse. However, plans to transfer the detainees from
Guantanamo to Europe were hampered by the lack of an EU information-sharing agreement.
The agreement does not allow a state to block another state from accepting a detainee, but does allow for the security concerns of
all states to be addressed.
Plans to transfer Guantanamo detainees have also been hampered by the unwillingness of the United States government to resettle
any of the detainees itself - a condition several EU countries have said must be met before they will accept any of the men being
held in the US prison.
"European countries have agreed to help the United States close down Guantanamo, but have understandably said that they expect
the US to do its part," Mariner said.
Click here to read more »
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Asselborn at the 13th session of the Council of Human Rights in Geneva
Published Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean Asselborn, went to Geneva to attend the 13th session of the Council
of Human Rights, March 3, 2010.
The Deputy Prime Minister delivered a speech at the Palais des Nations on the progress noted in the promotion and protection of
human rights, but also on the magnitude of the challenges the Council of Human Rights faces in the coming years in this field.
In this context, the minister stressed that "it is through creativity and innovation that we can adopt new solutions that will enable the
Council to better play its role in universal consciousness of human rights and further strengthen its credibility ", stressing the
universality of human rights. The Minister added that "in this exercise, we must have as its sole objective the strengthening of the
effective protection of human rights on the ground."
In this regard, the Minister particularly noted the usefulness of the universal periodic review, evaluation mechanism used by the
Council for Human Rights to monitor the observance of human rights in all member countries of Nations United, while hoping that
the Council should monitor, on a nearly-permanent situations that are particularly serious and alarming.
The foreign minister went on to cite several specific instances where he believed Council involvement seemed particularly
appropriate, including, among others, the situation in Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or Burma, and in Occupied
Palestinian Territories.
The rights of women, the importance of special procedures, the struggle against poverty in the world, the right to food, and
fighting for the universal abolition of capital punishment, have been as many other topics Minister has addressed in his speech.
Click here to read more »
Asselborn at the 13th session of the Council of Human Rights in Geneva
Published Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean Asselborn, went to Geneva to attend the 13th session of the Council
of Human Rights, March 3, 2010.
The Deputy Prime Minister delivered a speech at the Palais des Nations on the progress noted in the promotion and protection of
human rights, but also on the magnitude of the challenges the Council of Human Rights faces in the coming years in this field.
In this context, the minister stressed that "it is through creativity and innovation that we can adopt new solutions that will enable the
Council to better play its role in universal consciousness of human rights and further strengthen its credibility ", stressing the
universality of human rights. The Minister added that "in this exercise, we must have as its sole objective the strengthening of the
effective protection of human rights on the ground."
In this regard, the Minister particularly noted the usefulness of the universal periodic review, evaluation mechanism used by the
Council for Human Rights to monitor the observance of human rights in all member countries of Nations United, while hoping that
the Council should monitor, on a nearly-permanent situations that are particularly serious and alarming.
The foreign minister went on to cite several specific instances where he believed Council involvement seemed particularly
appropriate, including, among others, the situation in Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or Burma, and in Occupied
Palestinian Territories.
The rights of women, the importance of special procedures, the struggle against poverty in the world, the right to food, and
fighting for the universal abolition of capital punishment, have been as many other topics Minister has addressed in his speech.
Click here to read more »
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Statement by the President of the Consultative Council, Mr Jean-Paul Lehners, on the occasion of the presentation of
the Report 2009 of the Consultative Council to the Prime Minister, May 10, 2010
May 10 is a milestone in the history of Luxembourg, for it marks our country by the German invasion, the beginning of the Second
World War. After the war of men representing the international community, "Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights
have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind" (Preamble of the UDHR) drafted and signed the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights which remains until today a reference document. Is not it sad to see that men seem to need
to deal with situations of suffering to declare the rights? It should be noted however that the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the
European Union, fortunately, there is an exception.
The report that we have today presented the Prime Minister reflects the excellent work done in 2009, as during the other years
since the establishment of the Commission in 2000. We must congratulate the members, who are all volunteers for their work,
despite the modest financial resources made available to the Commission.
Also note that the CCHR is also active at European level and internationally and has established close relationships with foreign
counterpart institutions, including under the auspices of the Council of Europe and the Office of the United Nations for Human
Rights.
The CCHR reiterates its willingness to develop constructive dialogue with members of government to ensure the promotion and
protection of human rights in Luxembourg. He hoped with all my heart that the project of the House of Human Rights, a symbol of
Luxembourg's commitment in this area can be realized.
Click here to read more »
Statement by the President of the Consultative Council, Mr Jean-Paul Lehners, on the occasion of the presentation of
the Report 2009 of the Consultative Council to the Prime Minister, May 10, 2010
May 10 is a milestone in the history of Luxembourg, for it marks our country by the German invasion, the beginning of the Second
World War. After the war of men representing the international community, "Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights
have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind" (Preamble of the UDHR) drafted and signed the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights which remains until today a reference document. Is not it sad to see that men seem to need
to deal with situations of suffering to declare the rights? It should be noted however that the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the
European Union, fortunately, there is an exception.
The report that we have today presented the Prime Minister reflects the excellent work done in 2009, as during the other years
since the establishment of the Commission in 2000. We must congratulate the members, who are all volunteers for their work,
despite the modest financial resources made available to the Commission.
Also note that the CCHR is also active at European level and internationally and has established close relationships with foreign
counterpart institutions, including under the auspices of the Council of Europe and the Office of the United Nations for Human
Rights.
The CCHR reiterates its willingness to develop constructive dialogue with members of government to ensure the promotion and
protection of human rights in Luxembourg. He hoped with all my heart that the project of the House of Human Rights, a symbol of
Luxembourg's commitment in this area can be realized.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
The failure of the Tripartite - a question of political culture?
Luxembourg, May 14, 2010
A position of the Luxembourg Commission for Justice and Peace "following the declaration of the Prime Minister on the state of
the nation in 2010
The Commission for Justice and Peace of the Catholic Church in Luxembourg aims to promote social justice, peace and sustainable
development through reflection and awareness.
It must therefore respond to the statement of the Prime Minister on the state of the nation, following the failure of the Tripartite.
Indeed, the institutional debate in recent weeks have revealed a rupture of dialogue that casts doubt on the existence of a political
project for Luxembourg and a foundation of common values.
The concept of social justice has indeed been used indiscriminately in the debates, both by members of government and by unions
and other actors in the public debate, without ever having been clearly defined.
Social justice can not be reduced certainly not a question of (re) distribution of goods or defense of the "acquis". She asked to
submit our collective choice to criteria such as the "preferential option for the poor, scorned since the beginning of the crisis. In
assessing the impact of the crisis and measures to combat it, those that weakens the crisis are first to defend and protect privileged
way.
It also appears that the ethical considerations based on human dignity sorely missed in the debates. However, a number of
measures, even if they do not affect the entire population, are considered by the "victims" as an affront to their dignity as citizens
and citizens. This feeling goes beyond the purely material aspects of the measures announced and may weaken social cohesion.
Now it is the responsibility of politicians to promote, restore or even in times of crisis the respect of human dignity to allow each
and everyone to reclaim his being "in society" and be taken serious in its capacity to make informed choices and thoughtful.
Some concepts central to the debate - such as growth and competitiveness - we refer to the question of what model of society that
we intend to promote and develop. This important issue requires a broad public debate. Our role as citizens and as responsible
citizens begs the following questions:
What notions of well-being, happiness, confidence, common good, social peace? Growth is it a good in itself? An annual economic
growth of 4% is realistic? Is it necessary? Is it desirable? Should we encourage consumption? If so, the consumption of what?
What is the role of the gift economy in the economic activity? What are the choices to make if we give full importance to the social
economy and local exchange systems? What about our current lifestyles that we practice often at the expense of the other
inhabitants of our planet and nature?
He returned to the political bodies to organize the debate on these critical issues in the context of a participatory democracy,
especially since none of the root causes of the crisis has disappeared.
Click here to read more»
The failure of the Tripartite - a question of political culture?
Luxembourg, May 14, 2010
A position of the Luxembourg Commission for Justice and Peace "following the declaration of the Prime Minister on the state of
the nation in 2010
The Commission for Justice and Peace of the Catholic Church in Luxembourg aims to promote social justice, peace and sustainable
development through reflection and awareness.
It must therefore respond to the statement of the Prime Minister on the state of the nation, following the failure of the Tripartite.
Indeed, the institutional debate in recent weeks have revealed a rupture of dialogue that casts doubt on the existence of a political
project for Luxembourg and a foundation of common values.
The concept of social justice has indeed been used indiscriminately in the debates, both by members of government and by unions
and other actors in the public debate, without ever having been clearly defined.
Social justice can not be reduced certainly not a question of (re) distribution of goods or defense of the "acquis". She asked to
submit our collective choice to criteria such as the "preferential option for the poor, scorned since the beginning of the crisis. In
assessing the impact of the crisis and measures to combat it, those that weakens the crisis are first to defend and protect privileged
way.
It also appears that the ethical considerations based on human dignity sorely missed in the debates. However, a number of
measures, even if they do not affect the entire population, are considered by the "victims" as an affront to their dignity as citizens
and citizens. This feeling goes beyond the purely material aspects of the measures announced and may weaken social cohesion.
Now it is the responsibility of politicians to promote, restore or even in times of crisis the respect of human dignity to allow each
and everyone to reclaim his being "in society" and be taken serious in its capacity to make informed choices and thoughtful.
Some concepts central to the debate - such as growth and competitiveness - we refer to the question of what model of society that
we intend to promote and develop. This important issue requires a broad public debate. Our role as citizens and as responsible
citizens begs the following questions:
What notions of well-being, happiness, confidence, common good, social peace? Growth is it a good in itself? An annual economic
growth of 4% is realistic? Is it necessary? Is it desirable? Should we encourage consumption? If so, the consumption of what?
What is the role of the gift economy in the economic activity? What are the choices to make if we give full importance to the social
economy and local exchange systems? What about our current lifestyles that we practice often at the expense of the other
inhabitants of our planet and nature?
He returned to the political bodies to organize the debate on these critical issues in the context of a participatory democracy,
especially since none of the root causes of the crisis has disappeared.
Click here to read more»
Prince Guillaume
Heir Apparent since 11 November 1981
Heir Apparent since 11 November 1981
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Jean Asselborn
Vice Prime Minister since 31 July 2004
Vice Prime Minister since 31 July 2004
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.