Werner Lottje
has dedicated his career to promoting human rights and strengthening the tools
of Europe’s institutions to transform violent conflicts worldwide. He has also
worked tirelessly to promote democratic structures and the rule of law in
developing countries.
For the past 25 years, Mr
Lottje has combined his visionary and strategic thinking to develop
networks and partnerships to encourage innovative responses to conflict
resolution. At the end of the Cold War,
he focused on inspiring existing institutions to broaden their support for
Balkan and eastern European countries to promote human rights. His advocacy
work has been directed towards the protection of the rights of refugees, asylum
seekers and other minority groups originating from conflict areas. Between 1977
and 1984 his efforts culminated in the establishment of networks of lawyers,
social workers and volunteers to assist asylum seekers.
Mr Lottje
(together with others) established the German Institute for Human Rights (in
2001) and headed the Human Rights Desk of the Social Services Organization of
the German Platform on conflict prevention as well as heading the German
Protestant Church (Diaconia). With his support, it became one of the key
agencies which both take the lead and participate in donor coalitions.
Mr Lottje
is also co-founder of the European Platform on Conflict Prevention and through
his experience in the field he has helped sponsor organizations including
International Alert, and the Coalition for Peace in the Philippines. The latter
made an essential contribution to the armistice agreement between the
government and the military forces.
Throughout his career, Mr
Lottje has always supported local initiatives for peace, coordinating
solutions at the grass roots level and seeking long-term commitments.
His work has helped bridge
the gaps between various institutions such as grass roots organizations,
established non-governmental organizations (NGOs), churches, governments and
the United Nations. His humanity and
Christian beliefs has meant that he is widely trusted and his advice often
sought in difficult situations including pressurising governments to release
imprisoned persons.
LB 24/08/2004