Human rights

Poverty is increasing all over the world. Ecological catastrophes are becoming more and more severe. Also, the readiness to solve problems by the use of violence is getting stronger. The number of refugees and migrants is growing, and racism and xenophobia are shown more openly and violently then ever before. It seems difficult or even impossible for people of different cultures to live together. With its work, the BIZME aims at promoting the knowledge about other countries and the understanding of foreign cultures among German citizens. It provides background information on globalization and its (negative) consequences, and explains the (global) context. Thus, the BIZME works towards creating an awareness among people that our planet will only survive if each and every person contributes to its survival in the public as well as in the private sphere.

The BIZME organizes lectures, discussions, video evenings, seminars, exhibitions and much more. With its library containing subject-related literature, didactic materials, videotapes, CD-ROMs, and a comprehensive archive of magazines it allows interested adolescents and adults to get information on a multitude of topics. Information brochures and illustrative materials are also available for borrowing. Furthermore, the BIZME assists school classes, teachers, groups and organizations in the preparation of events, project days and school partnerships.

The BIZME cooperates with initiatives, groups and institutions in and outside the town of Bremen. It is not affiliated to any party or confessional group.

The BIZME is financed by the AG Entwicklungspolitik und Menschenrechte e. V., which is an association composed of individual members as well as the following two international and four national organizations: Amnesty International, Terre des Hommes, Bremer
Initiative Ostasien, Entwicklungspolitischer Arbeitskreis, Lebenschance, and Praktische Solidarität International.

Injustice calls for resistance – justice calls for support

The Christian Initiative Romero (CIR) was established 25 years ago as a means to express Christian solidarity with the Central American liberation movements in Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. In 1985 the organization took on the name of San Salvador's assassinated archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, because he is a symbol for Central America. He combined the struggle for Human Rights with the fight against poverty. In memory of Oscar A. Romero we are pursuing social and political justice.

The conflicts in Central America have been resolved, democratization is increasingly catching on, and yet the social problems have not come closer to any kind of solution. It is more important now than ever before to show solidarity with the poor majority of people, but it has become more difficult to identify specific approaches. This is why the CIR has shifted its approach from specialized programs for every single country to more subject-oriented work. Instead of focusing on the current situation in Guatemala, El Salvador or Nicaragua the emphasis is mainly set on general topics concerning all countries, such as the rights of child laborers, the modern theology of deliverance, the impacts of globalization and the working conditions in the clothing industry.

Due to the small number of our very specialized staff, we are able to cooperate with organizations based mainly in Central America and give fast support easily.

Using the example of individual projects, we introduce the public to more general problems affecting specific countries. We are concerned to show how our society has an impact on the lives of people in project countries. In our subject-oriented campaign work we point out how you can help the disadvantaged in Central America.