A worldwide coalition of activists, human rights groups and political movements is mobilising to prevent former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock from taking over the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly in September.
The campaign, known as #BlockBaerbock, has already secured more than 56,900 signatures from across the globe and is backed by an array of organisations including the Progressive International, DiEM25, ABFaNG, the Black Alliance for Peace, BDS National Committee, Palestine Peace Collective, Women for Peace, Finland, World BEYOND War and Jüdische Stimme für gerechten Frieden in Nahost.
Baerbock, who served as Germany’s top diplomat from 2021 to 2025, is accused by campaigners of enabling what they describe as Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
They say she authorised major arms exports to Israel, shielded it from international condemnation and pledged unwavering political and financial backing even as the bombing of hospitals, schools and refugee camps unfolded in breach of international law.
“Annalena Baerbock’s complicity in the Gaza genocide disqualifies her from representing the People of the Global Majority,” spokespeople for DiEM25 and the Progressive International said.
“While the world rose up to demand an end to the slaughter, Baerbock doubled down on her unconditional support for Israel, defying international law, ignoring the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court, and undermining every attempt at a ceasefire. She has blood on her hands.”
Campaigners also condemn her repeated descriptions of civilian infrastructure in Gaza as “terrorist infrastructure”, language which legal experts and human rights observers say is used to legitimise war crimes and collective punishment.
The coalition argues that allowing Baerbock to assume the UNGA presidency would erode the credibility of the United Nations and set a damaging precedent for global leadership.
They are urging people around the world to sign the petition and share the campaign, warning that only widespread public mobilisation can halt her appointment.
The petition can be signed at: https://act.progressive.international/block-baerbock/
