The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) unequivocally condemns the current surge in right-wing extremist activities, which has garnered extensive coverage in both television and the press.

The DAAD strongly supports the statement issued by the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) on 23 January, which emphasises the fundamental importance of liberal democracy and the rule of law for the community in Germany in general and academic freedom in particular.

"The current right-wing extremist activities are undermining the principles the Federal Republic of Germany has upheld over the past 75 years: respect for human dignity, a free and democratic foundational order, plurality, variety, and diversity. The widespread demonstrations across the country in recent days demonstrate that our citizens are unwilling to tolerate anti-democratic endeavours or racist visions for the future," stressed DAAD President Joybrato Mukherjee.

The DAAD is the world's largest funding organisation for international academic exchange. "The success of our efforts for German universities and society stems from our representation of a diverse, cosmopolitan, and vibrant Germany. Ethnic-based thinking has no place in Germany," Mukherjee concluded.