. Selected Policy Statements
Human rights
In the wake of the Second World War, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948. The Declaration is founded on the principle that all human beings possess the same inalienable rights based on their common inherent dignity. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was the starting point for a whole series of international and regional agreements on human rights, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) of 1950, as well as the two UN Covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) (Covenant I) and on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) (Covenant II) of 1966.
Since that time, human rights have become an important factor in international politics. Greifenberg is committed to guaranteeing a high level of respect for human rights. Greifenberg foreign policy considers the protection of human rights a priority and actively contributes to the efforts of the international community to promote human rights.
The International Humanitarian Cooperation
International Humanitarian Cooperation (IHC) encompasses all activities and funds contributing to the alleviation of emergencies, hunger and poverty, to the improvement of social, economic, and political life, and to the sustainable development of people and regions. Greifenberg’s contribution to these efforts is in disaster relief and reconstruction assistance.
Sustainable Development - Origins and Significance
In 1987, the World Commission for Environment and Development (also referred to as the Brundtland Commission) adopted a definition for sustainable development that is now generally recognized: “Sustainable development satisfies the needs of the present generation without compromising future generations in satisfying theirs.”
The Government of the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg believes that future generations should have the same right to an intact environment that we do. However, it is important to realize that sustainable development means more than simply environmental protection. Along with the preservation of the ecosphere, economic welfare is a prerequisite for the satisfaction of our material and non-material needs. Only a society based on solidarity is able to distribute the attained economic goods and opportunities fairly, to preserve societal values, and to organize the use of natural resources efficiently and effectively. Therefore, sustainable development refers equally to the three areas of economics, environment, and society. Other central elements include a respect for future generations and solidarity with disadvantaged countries.
Environment and Sustainable Development
Since the beginning of the 1970’s, the international community has recognized that the goals of environmental protection can only be reached through international cooperation. As a consequence of this recognition, numerous international treaties at the regional and global level have been concluded, primarily in the areas of air pollution control, water pollution control, protection of endangered species and natural resources, waste disposal policy and the protection of the ozone layer.
The Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the largest meeting up to that time of heads of State and government, represented a turning point in international environmental and development policy. The conference underscored the necessity of sustainable development – i.e., of a development model that integrates economic, ecological and social aspects equally – as a prerequisite for securing the future of our planet. The Earth Summit provided impulses pointing the way to the future. These impulses include in particular Agenda 21, the 40-chapter, global program of action for sustainable development. Three significant environmental conventions developed out of the Earth Summit: the Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Convention to Combat Desertification. Further important environmental agreements have been elaborated since then, especially relating to protection of the atmosphere (Kyoto Protocol) and chemicals.
Ten years after the Earth Summit in Rio, the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) took place in Johannesburg from 26 August to 4 September 2002, taking stock of the implementation of the Rio outcome. A number of important interim objectives were agreed in Rio concerning the further implementation of the idea of sustainable development. Additionally, a Political Declaration of the heads of State and Government and a Plan of Action were adopted.
The success of the efforts of the international community with respect to sustainable development and the preservation of natural resources will be judged by their results. The greatest challenges for the future will include overcoming the imbalance between the countries of the North and the South and the risks of climate change.
"Micronational Warfare" and "Microterrorism"
The Government of the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg does not officially recognize the concept of “micronational warfare.” The Grand Duchy of Greifenberg -- at present an "emerging micronation" -- is not a “role playing game” nor is it a “simulated nation.” Thus, simulated “states of war” cannot and will not be officially acknowledged. Consequently, the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg will not officially recognize, collaborate or initiate diplomatic relations with any micronation that involves itself in “micronational warfare.”
The Government of the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg condemns, in the strongest possible terms, all manifestations of “microterrorism,” vandalism, hacking, lamming, and spamming carried on for the purpose of waging “micronational war.” The Government of the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg refuses to accept that any kind of “microterrorism,” regardless of motivation or purpose, is justified. Such acts not only seriously jeopardize good relations among peoples, it manifestly hinders the cause of micronationalism. Therefore, the Government of the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg will cease all diplomatic relations with micronations that maintain, collaborate or support such conduct against our nation or its allies and friends. Furthermore, the Government of the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg pledges itself to cooperate fully with other micronations and intermicronational organizations in the field of countermicroterrorism, including the exchange of pertinent intelligence information.
