The Federal Foreign Office and its missions around the world want to make their websites accessible in accordance with the national legislation implementing Directive (EU) 2016/2102 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

This accessibility statement applies to the version of this website currently online.

It was published on 17 September 2020.

Which parts of the website are not fully accessible?

The following parts of the website are not fully accessible:

• PDF downloads. We are working to replace PDF files that are not fully accessible with accessible versions as quickly as possible.
• Some video subtitles. We are working to add subtitles as soon after publication as possible to those videos that lack them.

Feedback and contact

Have you noticed any difficulties in accessing the content of this website? Or do you have questions about the topic of accessibility? Then feel free to contact us! Please use the feedback form below.

You can also contact us by post or telephone.

To give feedback and ask questions in German sign language, click here. Please note that the Gebärdentelefon (video telephone service) uses German sign language.

Arbitration procedures

An Arbitration Service has been set up in accordance with section 16 of the German Act on Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. This Service falls within the remit of the Federal Government Commissioner for Matters relating to Persons with Disabilities and has the task of resolving conflicts between people with disabilities and federal public authorities.

You can use the Arbitration Service if you are not satisfied with the answers you have received after contacting us as set out above. The purpose is not to identify winners and losers. The aim is to work together with the Arbitration Service to solve accessibility problems without recourse to the courts.

Arbitration procedures are free of charge. You do not need legal counsel.

Information about arbitration procedures can be found in German and English on the Arbitration Service’s website You can read up on how an arbitration procedure works and how to submit an application for arbitration. Applications can also be made in simple language and in German sign language.

The Arbitration Service can be contacted at the following address:

Schlichtungsstelle nach dem Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz
bei dem Beauftragten der Bundesregierung für die Belange von Menschen mit Behinderungen
Mauerstraße 53
10117 Berlin
Telephone: +49 (0)30 18 527-2805
Fax: +49 (0)30 18 527-2901

Email: info@schlichtungsstelle-bgg.de
Internet: www.schlichtungsstelle-bgg.de