Stiftungsrat (8)
das untenstehende Forderungsschreiben nach Veröffentlichung der historsichen Expertise wurde heute dem Stiftungsratsvorsitzenden und dem Stiftungsvorstand übersandt:
Der Vereinsrat und Vorsitzender
(gem. Beschluss vom 02.07. 2024)
An die Conterganstiftung
Stiftungsratsvorsitzender und Stiftungsvorstand
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren!
Nachdem nun endlich die Expertise zur historischen Aufarbeitung der Conterganstiftung, einschließlich der Behandlung des Conterganskandals, jahrelang im Abnahmeverfahren aufgehalten wurde und Änderungen unterzogen wurde, ist nun endlich die finale Abnahme erfolgt.
Trotzdem stockt es weiter in der Veröffentlichung. Das kann nicht weiter hingenommen werden. Die Conterganbetroffenen haben ein Recht darauf, die 200.000 Euro kostende Studie über ihre Stiftung, die eigentlich schon im Jahr 2022 veröffentlicht werden sollte, endlich lesen zu dürfen.
Wir fordern daher die umgehende Einstellung der Expertise auf der Seite der Conterganstiftung.
Wir bedanken uns für Ihre Mühe und verbleiben mit freundlichen Grüßen
Vereinsrat
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V.
Für den Vereinsrat - Martina Geburzi
We at Contergannetzwerk Deutschland have always believed it is important to protect the interests of both Germans and victims from other countries and to keep them informed.
We are proposing Christian Stürmer to act as the victims' representative on the Board of Trustees of Conterganstiftung:
Christian Stürmer is 62 years old and has himself been severely affected by thalidomide. He is the chairperson of Contergannetzwerkes Deutschland e.V. as well as a full member of the Board of Trustees and the Expert Commission of Conterganstiftung (victims' representative).
In recent years, Christian Stürmer has been very active in our cause for victims of thalidomide – with proven results – and most importantly in securing the large pension increase and the flat-rate payments for specific needs.
However, he feels it is particularly important that non-German victims receive the same rights as German victims. This is because they are all victims of the same drug! For example, when Conterganstiftung disputed the payments for Brazilian victims, the victims turned to Christian Stürmer for help, who immediately arranged for a lawyer to assist them. This resulted in a law being passed which stipulates that claims once recognised by Conterganstiftung receive special protection and can only be revoked in cases of fraud. All victims around the world have this right!
Christian Stürmer helps wherever he can, so it is important that he continues his work for thalidomide victims and that he receives as many votes as possible.
Christian Stürmer studied law and continues to be very attached to this field of study to this day. This is why he is heavily involved in legal issues relating to thalidomide.
For example, he co-wrote the new study on thalidomide at the University of Heidelberg (which is up for approval this year). This study also looks at
the thalidomide scandal and thus the thalidomide victims' historical legal situation, in addition to which rights arise from this today.
The legal scholar Professor Stefan Geibel from the University of Heidelberg, who was also involved in the study (see also the video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de), and Christian Stürmer both argue that a correct assessment of the thalidomide scandal gives rise to more rights for the victims than is often stated. On the one hand, this is important in order to prevent payments from being taken away from us once again. On the other hand, this also allows us to demonstrate good grounds for our outstanding claims.3
We are pleased that significant demands made by Christian Stürmer in the period from 2008–2016 have also been accepted by other associations and victims' representatives:
An example is the surviving dependants' pension for relatives of those affected[1] by thalidomide. The people who have supported the victims for such a long time should be cared for by the German state or Conterganstiftung in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
As a further example, it must be noted (particularly relevant for our victims with severe disabilities) that social services should be prohibited from reclaiming care assistance from relatives of deceased, severely injured thalidomide victims (hardship clause regarding Section 102 Code of Social Law (SBG) XII).[2]
Christian Stürmer is particularly committed to hearing-impaired thalidomide victims: at the most recent meeting of the Board of Trustees on 8 May 2024, he once again called for sign language interpreters to be appointed at Conterganstiftung.
Christian Stürmer also wants to achieve better medical care for the victims. Good healthcare must be ensured WORLDWIDE; in other words, in all countries where thalidomide victims live.
The knowledge and skills of the competence centres must be made available to all victims WORLDWIDE, for which the German state is responsible. Pension payments alone are not enough! After all, the responsibility assumed by the German state also encompasses making sure that victims have good health care. And, as stated above, this responsibility also includes providing care to those who have supported the victims for such a long time in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
It is Christian Stürmer's heartfelt desire to have thalidomide victims more involved in the foundation, regardless of disability or country! The history surrounding thalidomide also demands this – see Professor Geibel's video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de.
We have the right to be treated "as equals" – according to the principle of "nothing happens to us without us!"
Thalidomide victims not being allowed to elect their own representative(s) on the foundation's Board of Trustees and this person simply being determined by the ministry is therefore unacceptable.
The federal ministries also hold three out of the five seats on the foundation's Board of Trustees, while victims only hold two. This cannot continue!
Both improvements in the foundation's structure and surviving dependants' pensions are currently under parliamentary deliberation in the German Bundestag. We are certain that something positive can be achieved for the victims in both areas.
Christian Stürmer was in the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth due to surviving dependants' pensions in 2020. Christian Stürmer presented our special catalogue of[3] requirements here. The ministry subsequently commissioned an expert opinion on the surviving dependants' pension. This year, two hearings in the German legislature were held – one on the structural reform of Conterganstiftung and another on surviving dependants' pensions. Christian Stürmer also participated in both hearings. MPs are now discussing the results. We are convinced that we can expect positive legislative proposals in the near future.
How are we approaching Grünenthal?
We, and in particular Conterganstiftung, need to make every effort to exert influence on Grünenthal to ensure, following the English model, that it also contributes to payments for victims. We have still not received adequate compensation!! Grünenthal should foot the bill for this! While they will almost certainly never do this voluntarily, if the foundation pushes the government and we all stand together, we may be able to achieve something.
We ask all thalidomide victims for their support to ensure Christian Stürmer can continue his work.
Christian Stürmer's most important goals
1.) ensuring thalidomide-specific payments;
2.) surviving dependants' pensions for relatives of deceased thalidomide victims;
3.) regarding payments for specific needs:
a) significant increase,
b) dynamisation, i.e., annual increases to pensions for example, and
c) capitalisation option;
4.) improvement of procedures (such as applications for revision) and no assertion of costs against the foundation in court proceedings;
5.) payments per claim point (not graduated);
6.) more points for those with severe limb damage;
7.) classification of severely hearing-impaired individuals to 100 claim points;
8.) removal of the formula for calculating claims points;
9.) increase of the capitalisation option for thalidomide pensions from 5 to 10 years;
10.) Ausschluss der Kostenerstattung durch die Sozialämter nach dem Tod Contergan-Überlebender (§ 102 SGB XII);
11.) gute medizinische Versorgung aller Contergan-Opfer – weltweit;
12.) Umbau der Kompetenzzentrumsstrukturen – zur Vernetzung und Erhöhung der Bedarfsnähe (zB bei der Herstellung spezifischer Hilfsmittel); bestmögliche Nutzung des spezifischen Wissens weltweit;
13.) Kuratorium: Erhöhung der Zahl der Opfervertreter (mindestens Parität), Kompetenzausweitung (mit Ausnahme contergangezieller Dienste) und Live-Übertragungen der Sitzungen;
14.) ein von den Opfern gewählter Opfervertreter im Verwaltungsrat;
15.) ausreichende Beteiligung ausländischer Opfer;
16.) bessere Integration hörgeschädigter Menschen und Einstellung von Gebärdendolmetschern in der Stiftung;
17.) ein Beirat für Vorstand und Kuratorium, in dem alle Verbände und alle Formen von Contergangeschädigten und -opfern, auch außerhalb Deutschlands, vertreten sind;
18.) Medizinische Kommission: mehr Transparenz, Berufung durch das Kuratorium, Nutzung des Wissens von Experten;
19.) angemessener Schadensersatz durch Grünenthal .
Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich gerne an Christian Stürmer unter: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!">Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter:
Wir möchten allen Unterstützern von Christian Stürmer herzlich danken. Je mehr es sind, desto größer ist seine Wirkung!
Wir unterstützen Sie –
Dein
Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V.
Der Assoziationsrat
Registered office: 73760 Ostfildern, Weiherhagstr. 6,
Homepage: www.contergannetzwerk.de
das untenstehende Schreiben wurde heute dem Stiftungsvorstand zur Richtigstellung übersandt:
Der Vereinsrat und Vorsitzender
(gem. Beschluss vom 28.06. 2024)
An den
Vorstand der Conterganstiftung
Richtigstellung zum Infoschreiben Nr. 37
Lieber Herr Hackler, liebe Margit, lieber Herr Dickel!
Wir kommen auf Ihr oben genanntes Infoschreiben zurück.
Leider müssen wir immer wieder feststellen, dass sich in der historischen Darstellung der Stiftung hinsichtlich der Leistungserhöhungen für contergangeschädigte Menschen ein indessen nachhaltiger Fehler eingeschlichen hat.
Sie erklären in dem Infoschreiben auf Seite 11 erneut, dass Sie, Herr Hackler, zusammen mit Margit Hudelmaier entscheidend für die Verzwölffachung der Conterganrenten verantwortlich seien.
Dies müssen wir nun mal richtig stellen:
Natürlich wissen wir um Ihre Bemühungen für die Conterganbetroffenen: Sie, Herr Hackler und Her Dickel engagieren sich seit Jahren ehrenamtlich für unsere Sache, ohne selbst contergangeschädigt zu sein. Ihr Engagement für uns, sehr geehrter Herr Hackler, reicht auch auf Ihre Tätigkeit im Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend zurück. Ganz sicher haben Sie auch Ihren Anteil an der Rentenverdopplung im Jahr 2008 (auf Höchstrenten i.H. von 1090 Euro):
Sie haben den Forderungskatalog des Bundesverbandes, der neben einer Einmalzahlung eine Verdreifachung der Renten (Höchstrenten: von 545 Euro auf 1635 Euro) verlangte (zum damaligen Forderungskatalog des Bundesverbandes bitte hier klicken), auch gut unterstützt.
Allerdings hatten wir vom Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V. das Problem, der Politik zu erklären, warum wir so hohe Renten fordern (zu unserem damaligen Forderungskatalog bitte hier klicken), wenn doch der Bundesverband Maximalrenten in Höhe von 1635 Euro für ausreichend hält).
Dennoch ist es gelungen, mit dem heutigen Minister Thomas Strobl, die Umsetzung unseres Forderungskataloges und damit die heutigen Renten zu erreichen.
Zum Video über die Rede auf dem Contergan-Symposium am 16.03.2024 des damaligen CDU/CSU-Fraktionsvorsitzenden im Deutschen Bundestag und heutigen stv. Ministerpräsidenten und Innenministers von Baden-Württemberg, Thomas Strobl – bitte hier klicken .
Es ist uns völlig unverständlich, warum, angesichts der offensichtlichen damaligen Ereignisse, immer wieder die entsprechende Historie falsch dargestellt wird. Auch wird durch die Falschdarstellungen die Arbeit der Politikerinnen und Politiker, die damals „alles gegeben“ haben, massiv missachtet, was diese sicherlich alles andere als verdienen.
Auch denken wir, dass gerade den Vorstand der Conterganstiftung hinsichtlich der Historie eine besondere Verantwortung trifft.
Wir hoffen aber, dass der Sachverhalt nun endlich richtiggestellt ist, künftig korrekt dargestellt wird und würden uns über eine gute Zusammenarbeit freuen.
Ihnen persönlich alles Gute!
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V.
Vereinsrat und Vorsitzender, Christian Stürmer
We at Contergannetzwerk Deutschland have always believed it is important to protect the interests of both Germans and victims from other countries and to keep them informed.
We are proposing Christian Stürmer to act as the victims' representative on the Board of Trustees of Conterganstiftung:
Christian Stürmer is 62 years old and has himself been severely affected by thalidomide. He is the chairperson of Contergannetzwerkes Deutschland e.V. as well as a full member of the Board of Trustees and the Expert Commission of Conterganstiftung (victims' representative).
In recent years, Christian Stürmer has been very active in our cause for victims of thalidomide – with proven results – and most importantly in securing the large pension increase and the flat-rate payments for specific needs.
However, he feels it is particularly important that non-German victims receive the same rights as German victims. This is because they are all victims of the same drug! For example, when Conterganstiftung disputed the payments for Brazilian victims, the victims turned to Christian Stürmer for help, who immediately arranged for a lawyer to assist them. This resulted in a law being passed which stipulates that claims once recognised by Conterganstiftung receive special protection and can only be revoked in cases of fraud. All victims around the world have this right!
Christian Stürmer helps wherever he can, so it is important that he continues his work for thalidomide victims and that he receives as many votes as possible.
Christian Stürmer studied law and continues to be very attached to this field of study to this day. This is why he is heavily involved in legal issues relating to thalidomide.
For example, he co-wrote the new study on thalidomide at the University of Heidelberg (which is up for approval this year). This study also looks at
the thalidomide scandal and thus the thalidomide victims' historical legal situation, in addition to which rights arise from this today.
The legal scholar Professor Stefan Geibel from the University of Heidelberg, who was also involved in the study (see also the video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de), and Christian Stürmer both argue that a correct assessment of the thalidomide scandal gives rise to more rights for the victims than is often stated. On the one hand, this is important in order to prevent payments from being taken away from us once again. On the other hand, this also allows us to demonstrate good grounds for our outstanding claims.3
We are pleased that significant demands made by Christian Stürmer in the period from 2008–2016 have also been accepted by other associations and victims' representatives:
An example is the surviving dependants' pension for relatives of those affected[1] by thalidomide. The people who have supported the victims for such a long time should be cared for by the German state or Conterganstiftung in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
As a further example, it must be noted (particularly relevant for our victims with severe disabilities) that social services should be prohibited from reclaiming care assistance from relatives of deceased, severely injured thalidomide victims (hardship clause regarding Section 102 Code of Social Law (SBG) XII).[2]
Christian Stürmer is particularly committed to hearing-impaired thalidomide victims: at the most recent meeting of the Board of Trustees on 8 May 2024, he once again called for sign language interpreters to be appointed at Conterganstiftung.
Christian Stürmer also wants to achieve better medical care for the victims. Good healthcare must be ensured WORLDWIDE; in other words, in all countries where thalidomide victims live.
The knowledge and skills of the competence centres must be made available to all victims WORLDWIDE, for which the German state is responsible. Pension payments alone are not enough! After all, the responsibility assumed by the German state also encompasses making sure that victims have good health care. And, as stated above, this responsibility also includes providing care to those who have supported the victims for such a long time in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
It is Christian Stürmer's heartfelt desire to have thalidomide victims more involved in the foundation, regardless of disability or country! The history surrounding thalidomide also demands this – see Professor Geibel's video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de.
We have the right to be treated "as equals" – according to the principle of "nothing happens to us without us!"
Thalidomide victims not being allowed to elect their own representative(s) on the foundation's Board of Trustees and this person simply being determined by the ministry is therefore unacceptable.
The federal ministries also hold three out of the five seats on the foundation's Board of Trustees, while victims only hold two. This cannot continue!
Both improvements in the foundation's structure and surviving dependants' pensions are currently under parliamentary deliberation in the German Bundestag. We are certain that something positive can be achieved for the victims in both areas.
Christian Stürmer was in the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth due to surviving dependants' pensions in 2020. Christian Stürmer presented our special catalogue of[3] requirements here. The ministry subsequently commissioned an expert opinion on the surviving dependants' pension. This year, two hearings in the German legislature were held – one on the structural reform of Conterganstiftung and another on surviving dependants' pensions. Christian Stürmer also participated in both hearings. MPs are now discussing the results. We are convinced that we can expect positive legislative proposals in the near future.
How are we approaching Grünenthal?
We, and in particular Conterganstiftung, need to make every effort to exert influence on Grünenthal to ensure, following the English model, that it also contributes to payments for victims. We have still not received adequate compensation!! Grünenthal should foot the bill for this! While they will almost certainly never do this voluntarily, if the foundation pushes the government and we all stand together, we may be able to achieve something.
We ask all thalidomide victims for their support to ensure Christian Stürmer can continue his work.
Christian Stürmer's most important goals
1.) ensuring thalidomide-specific payments;
2.) surviving dependants' pensions for relatives of deceased thalidomide victims;
3.) regarding payments for specific needs:
a) significant increase,
b) dynamisation, i.e., annual increases to pensions for example, and
c) capitalisation option;
4.) improvement of procedures (such as applications for revision) and no assertion of costs against the foundation in court proceedings;
5.) payments per claim point (not graduated);
6.) more points for those with severe limb damage;
7.) classification of severely hearing-impaired individuals to 100 claim points;
8.) removal of the formula for calculating claims points;
9.) increase of the capitalisation option for thalidomide pensions from 5 to 10 years;
10.) Ausschluss der Kostenerstattung durch die Sozialämter nach dem Tod Contergan-Überlebender (§ 102 SGB XII);
11.) gute medizinische Versorgung aller Contergan-Opfer – weltweit;
12.) Umbau der Kompetenzzentrumsstrukturen – zur Vernetzung und Erhöhung der Bedarfsnähe (zB bei der Herstellung spezifischer Hilfsmittel); bestmögliche Nutzung des spezifischen Wissens weltweit;
13.) Kuratorium: Erhöhung der Zahl der Opfervertreter (mindestens Parität), Kompetenzausweitung (mit Ausnahme contergangezieller Dienste) und Live-Übertragungen der Sitzungen;
14.) ein von den Opfern gewählter Opfervertreter im Verwaltungsrat;
15.) ausreichende Beteiligung ausländischer Opfer;
16.) bessere Integration hörgeschädigter Menschen und Einstellung von Gebärdendolmetschern in der Stiftung;
17.) ein Beirat für Vorstand und Kuratorium, in dem alle Verbände und alle Formen von Contergangeschädigten und -opfern, auch außerhalb Deutschlands, vertreten sind;
18.) Medizinische Kommission: mehr Transparenz, Berufung durch das Kuratorium, Nutzung des Wissens von Experten;
19.) angemessener Schadensersatz durch Grünenthal .
Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich gerne an Christian Stürmer unter: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!">Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter:
Wir möchten allen Unterstützern von Christian Stürmer herzlich danken. Je mehr es sind, desto größer ist seine Wirkung!
Wir unterstützen Sie –
Dein
Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V.
Der Assoziationsrat
Registered office: 73760 Ostfildern, Weiherhagstr. 6,
Homepage: www.contergannetzwerk.de
Christian Stürmer als ordentliches Stiftungsratsmitglied der Conterganstiftung wiedergewählt
Am 1. Dezember 2024 beginnt die neue Amtszeit des Stiftungsrates der Conterganstiftung. Zur Bestimmung der beiden Betroffenenvertreter in diesem Gremium wurde weltweit unter allen conterganbetrofffenen Menschen durch die Conterganstiftung eine Urwahl durchgeführt.
Wir freuen uns, dass in dieser Wahl unser Vorsitzender Christian Stürmer mit einem hervorragendem Ergebnis zum ordentlichen Stiftungsratsmitglied (Betroffenenvertreter) wiedergewählt wurde und auch dort weiterhin in den kommmenden 5 Jahren die Sache der contergangeschädigten Menschen vertritt.
Hier zu den Einzelergebnissen der Wahl:
https://contergannetzwerk.de/media/kunena/attachments/42/EregbnisseStiftungsrat.jpg
Wir schlagen Christian Stürmer als Opfervertreter im Kuratorium der Conterganstiftung vor:
Christian Stürmer ist 62 Jahre alt und selbst schwer contergangeschädigt. Er ist Vorsitzender des Contergannetzwerkes Deutschland e.V. sowie ordentliches Mitglied des Kuratoriums und der Expertenkommission der Conterganstiftung (Opfervertreter).
Christian Stürmer hat sich in den vergangenen Jahren sehr engagiert und nachweislich erfolgreich für die Belange der Contergan-Opfer eingesetzt und dabei vor allem die kräftige Rentenerhöhung sowie die Bedarfspauschale durchgesetzt.
Besonders wichtig ist ihm jedoch, dass nichtdeutsche Opfer die gleichen Rechte erhalten wie deutsche. Denn sie sind alle Opfer derselben Droge! Als die Conterganstiftung beispielsweise die Zahlungen für brasilianische Opfer anfocht, wandten sich diese hilfesuchend an Christian Stürmer, der ihnen umgehend einen Anwalt vermittelte. Daraufhin wurde ein Gesetz verabschiedet, das festlegt, dass einmal von der Conterganstiftung anerkannte Ansprüche besonderen Schutz genießen und nur im Betrugsfall widerrufen werden können. Dieses Recht haben alle Opfer weltweit!
Christian Stürmer hilft, wo er kann. Deshalb ist es wichtig, dass er seine Arbeit für Contergan-Opfer fortsetzt und möglichst viele Stimmen erhält.
Christian Stürmer hat Jura studiert und ist diesem Fach bis heute sehr verbunden. Deshalb engagiert er sich intensiv für die rechtlichen Fragen rund um Contergan.
So war er beispielsweise Mitautor der neuen Studie zu Thalidomid an der Universität Heidelberg (die dieses Jahr zur Genehmigung ansteht). Diese Studie untersucht auch
dem Contergan-Skandal und damit der historischen Rechtssituation der Contergan-Opfer und welche Rechte sich hieraus heute ergeben.
Der ebenfalls an der Studie beteiligte Rechtswissenschaftler Prof. Stefan Geibel von der Universität Heidelberg (siehe auch das Video auf unserer Homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de ) und Christian Stürmer argumentieren, dass aus einer richtigen Aufarbeitung des Contergan-Skandals mehr Rechte für die Opfer erwachsen, als oft behauptet wird. Dies sei zum einen wichtig, um zu verhindern, dass uns Zahlungen erneut entzogen werden. Zum anderen können wir so auch unsere offenen Forderungen mit guten Gründen begründen.3
Wir freuen uns, dass wesentliche Forderungen Christian Stürmers aus der Zeit von 2008–2016 auch von anderen Verbänden und Opfervertretungen aufgenommen wurden:
An example is the surviving dependants' pension for relatives of those affected[1] by thalidomide. The people who have supported the victims for such a long time should be cared for by the German state or Conterganstiftung in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
As a further example, it must be noted (particularly relevant for our victims with severe disabilities) that social services should be prohibited from reclaiming care assistance from relatives of deceased, severely injured thalidomide victims (hardship clause regarding Section 102 Code of Social Law (SBG) XII).[2]
Christian Stürmer is particularly committed to hearing-impaired thalidomide victims: at the most recent meeting of the Board of Trustees on 8 May 2024, he once again called for sign language interpreters to be appointed at Conterganstiftung.
Christian Stürmer also wants to achieve better medical care for the victims. Good healthcare must be ensured WORLDWIDE; in other words, in all countries where thalidomide victims live.
The knowledge and skills of the competence centres must be made available to all victims WORLDWIDE, for which the German state is responsible. Pension payments alone are not enough! After all, the responsibility assumed by the German state also encompasses making sure that victims have good health care. And, as stated above, this responsibility also includes providing care to those who have supported the victims for such a long time in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
It is Christian Stürmer's heartfelt desire to have thalidomide victims more involved in the foundation, regardless of disability or country! The history surrounding thalidomide also demands this – see Professor Geibel's video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de.
We have the right to be treated "as equals" – according to the principle of "nothing happens to us without us!"
Thalidomide victims not being allowed to elect their own representative(s) on the foundation's Board of Trustees and this person simply being determined by the ministry is therefore unacceptable.
The federal ministries also hold three out of the five seats on the foundation's Board of Trustees, while victims only hold two. This cannot continue!
Both improvements in the foundation's structure and surviving dependants' pensions are currently under parliamentary deliberation in the German Bundestag. We are certain that something positive can be achieved for the victims in both areas.
Christian Stürmer was in the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth due to surviving dependants' pensions in 2020. Christian Stürmer presented our special catalogue of[3] requirements here. The ministry subsequently commissioned an expert opinion on the surviving dependants' pension. This year, two hearings in the German legislature were held – one on the structural reform of Conterganstiftung and another on surviving dependants' pensions. Christian Stürmer also participated in both hearings. MPs are now discussing the results. We are convinced that we can expect positive legislative proposals in the near future.
How are we approaching Grünenthal?
We, and in particular Conterganstiftung, need to make every effort to exert influence on Grünenthal to ensure, following the English model, that it also contributes to payments for victims. We have still not received adequate compensation!! Grünenthal should foot the bill for this! While they will almost certainly never do this voluntarily, if the foundation pushes the government and we all stand together, we may be able to achieve something.
We ask all thalidomide victims for their support to ensure Christian Stürmer can continue his work.
Christian Stürmer's most important goals
1.) ensuring thalidomide-specific payments;
2.) surviving dependants' pensions for relatives of deceased thalidomide victims;
3.) regarding payments for specific needs:
a) significant increase,
b) dynamisation, i.e., annual increases to pensions for example, and
c) capitalisation option;
4.) improvement of procedures (such as applications for revision) and no assertion of costs against the foundation in court proceedings;
5.) payments per claim point (not graduated);
6.) more points for those with severe limb damage;
7.) classification of severely hearing-impaired individuals to 100 claim points;
8.) removal of the formula for calculating claims points;
9.) increase of the capitalisation option for thalidomide pensions from 5 to 10 years;
10.) exclusion of reimbursement by social services after the death of thalidomide survivors (Section 102 Code of Social Law (SGB) XII);
11.) good health care for all thalidomide victims – worldwide;
12.) Conversion of competence centre structures – to establish a network and to ensure greater responsiveness to needs (e.g., with regard to production of specific aids); making the best possible use of specific knowledge worldwide;
13.) Kuratorium: Erhöhung der Zahl der Opfervertreter (mindestens Parität), Kompetenzausweitung (mit Ausnahme contergangezieller Dienste) und Live-Übertragungen der Sitzungen;
14.) ein von den Opfern gewählter Opfervertreter im Verwaltungsrat;
15.) ausreichende Beteiligung ausländischer Opfer;
16.) bessere Integration hörgeschädigter Menschen und Einstellung von Gebärdendolmetschern in der Stiftung;
17.) ein Beirat für Vorstand und Kuratorium, in dem alle Verbände und alle Formen von Contergangeschädigten und -opfern, auch außerhalb Deutschlands, vertreten sind;
18.) Medizinische Kommission: mehr Transparenz, Berufung durch das Kuratorium, Nutzung des Wissens von Experten;
19.) angemessener Schadensersatz durch Grünenthal .
Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich gerne an Christian Stürmer unter: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!">Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter:
Wir möchten allen Unterstützern von Christian Stürmer herzlich danken. Je mehr es sind, desto größer ist seine Wirkung!
Wir unterstützen Sie –
Dein
Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V.
Der Assoziationsrat
Registered office: 73760 Ostfildern, Weiherhagstr. 6,
Homepage: www.contergannetzwerk.de
Christian Stürmer
73760 Ostfildern
Weiherhagstraße 6
Tel.: 017670967290, E-Mail: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Liebe Mitgeschädigte!
Ich kandidiere nochmal als Betroffenenvertreter im Stiftungsrat, weil es mir wichtig ist, dass noch einige Dinge für contergangeschädigte Menschen verbessert werden, meine laufenden Arbeiten für Euch, bzw. meine unten aufgeführten Ziele bestmöglichst umgesetzt werden.
Ich bin 62 Jahre alt, selbst schwer contergangeschädigt. Mein Engagement für unsere Sache bringe ich als Vorsitzender des Contergannetzwerkes Deutschland e.V. , als ordentliches Mitglied im Stiftungsrat und in der Expertinnen- und Expertenkommission der Conterganstiftung (Betroffenenvertreter) ein.
Ich habe Rechtswissenschaften studiert, viel Spaß an der Materie und bin auch heute noch dieser Wissenschaft sehr verbunden. Grade die rechtlichen Fragen rund um das Thema Contergan interessieren mich sehr. So habe ich an der neuen (in diesem Jahr zur Abnahme stehenden) conterganspezifischen Studie der Universität Heidelberg mitgeschrieben. In dieser Studie geht es auch um den Contergan-Skandal und darum, wie damals die rechtliche Situation der Conterganbetroffenen war und welche Rechte sich hieraus auch heute noch ergeben.
Es war mir immer ein Anliegen, die Ungerechtigkeiten an den Conterganopfern bestmöglichst zu relativieren. So habe ich im Contergannetzwerk tolle Mitstreiter gefunden, mit denen wir durch die Christlich Demokratische Arbeitnehmerschaft der CDU Baden-Württemberg bei immer höherrangigeren Politikern Besuche abstatteten, bis wir schließlich bei Thomas Strobl, dem jetzigen stellvertretenden Ministerpräsidenten und Innenminister in Baden-Württemberg (seinerzeit stv. Fraktionsvorsitzender der CDU/CSU im Deutschen Bundestag) ankamen, der dann die große Rentenerhöhung und die Leistungen für spezifische Bedarfe durchsetzte. Hierbei habe ich mit ihm, seinem Büro und dem seinerzeitigen Berichterstatter der CDU/CSU im Familienausschuss des Deutschen Bundestages, Markus Grübel, intensiv zusammengearbeitet.
Vgl. hierzu das Video über die Rede des stv. Ministerpräsidenten und Innenministers Thomas Strobl auf dem Contergan-Symposium am 16.03.2024:
Meine conterganspezifischen Ämter habe ich immer auch so verstanden, für die unter uns da zu sein, die Unterstützung benötigen. Als sich zum Beispiel die brasilianischen Geschädigten an mich wandten, weil ihre Leistungen in Frage gestellt wurden, habe ich sofort anwaltliche Hilfe in Deutschland organisiert – mit dem Ergebnis des besonderen gesetzlichen Bestandsschutzes für unsere Renten.
Nicht nur um die Wahrheit herauszukristallisieren, sondern auch, um unsere tatsächlichen Rechtspositionen klarzustellen, ist mir die Beschäftigung mit der conterganspezifischen Historie wichtig, weshalb ich auch an der neuen Heidelberger Studie, die in diesem Jahr zur Abnahme ansteht, mitgewirkt und mitgeschrieben habe.
So sind der Rechtswissenschaftler Professor Stefan Geibel von der Universität Heidelberg, der auch an der Studie beteiligt war (siehe auch das Video unten) und ich der Überzeugung, dass sich aus einer korrekten Bewertungen des Conterganskandals mehr Rechte für die Geschädigten ergeben, als häufig kommuniziert. Dies ist auch bedeutend, um zu verhindern, dass uns Leistungen wieder weggenommen werden. Damit sind zudem gute Begründungen für unsere noch nicht erfüllten Forderungen möglich!
Das alles folgt daraus, dass der Staat alle conterganspezifischen Haftungspflichten von Grünenthal übernommen hat, indem er, mit § 23 Abs. 1 des Errichtungsgesetzes der Conterganstiftung, sämtliche Ansprüche der Conterganbetroffenen gegen die Firma Grünenthal, deren Eigentümer und Angestellten zum Erlöschen brachte. Die damit auf den Staat übergeleitete Haftung gegenüber den Betroffenen umfasst somit sämtliche im Schadensersatzrecht üblichen Forderungspositionen und damit nicht nur die Renten, sondern u.a. auch die Hinterbliebenenversorgung!
Vgl. hierzu das Video über die Rede von Prof. Stefan Geibel, Direktor des Institutes für deutsches und europäisches Wirtschaftsrecht und Lehrstuhlinhaber für Bürgerliches Recht und Nebengebiete, insbesondere Stiftungsrecht mit seinen europäischen und internationalen Bezügen, auf dem Contergan-Symposium am 16.03.2024:
Es freut mich, dass wichtige, bereits in den Jahren 2008-2016 vom Contergannetzwerk erhobene Forderungen nun auch von anderen Verbänden und Betroffenenvertreter*innen übernommen wurden:
1. Hinterbliebenenversorgung [1] : Die Personen, die sich oft viele Jahre, vielmals Jahrzehnte, um die Geschädigten gekümmert haben, dürfen ,„nicht im Regen stehenlassen“ werden, wenn die Betroffenen versterben. Der Staat, der schließlich auch die Haftung übernommen hat, muss sich auch um diesen Personenkreis adäquat kümmern, bzw. die Hinterbliebenen versorgen.
2. - gerade für unsere Schwerstgeschädigten relevant - Sozialämtern muss untersagt werden, von Angehörigen verstorbener, schwergeschädigter Contergangeschädigter die geleistete Hilfe zur Pflege zurückzufordern (Härtefallklausel bezüglich § 102 SGB XII) [2] .
Ein wichtiges Anliegen von mir ist auch, dass die hörgeschädigten Conterganbetroffenen besser im Stiftungsgeschehen berücksichtigt werden: So habe ich in der letzten Stiftungsratssitzung am 08.Mai 2024 erneut gefordert, dass in der Conterganstiftung Gebärdensprachdolmetscher*innen eingestellt werden.[3]
Gesundheitliche Versorgung
Auch möchte ich eine bessere medizinische Versorgung für die Geschädigten erreichen. Denn die übernommene Verantwortung des deutschen Staates umfasst eben auch, dass die Betroffenen gut gesundheitlich versorgt sind.
Da ich auch insoweit helfen möchte, beschäftige ich mich intensiv mit den gesundheitlichen Fragen in der Expertinnen- und Expertenkommission. Zusätzlich beschäftige ich mich in der Kommission mit dem Thema "Wohnen".
Es ist übrigens nicht einsichtig, warum der Erfahrungsschatz der medizinischen Kommission nicht auch den Betroffenen zur Verfügung gestellt wird.
Auch das Wissen und die Fähigkeiten der Kompetenzzentren müssen für alle Geschädigten nutzbar gemacht werden. Eine solche Nutzbarmachung kann beispielsweise durch Telemedizin und dadurch erfolgen, indem Ärzte vor Ort auf das Know-How der Kompetenzzentren zurückgreifen können.
Das System der Kompetenzzentren sollte zu einem Kompetenznetzwerk umgebaut werden, so dass eine wohnortnahe Versorgung besser sichergestellt wird.
Strukturelle Ungleichheit
Ein Herzensanliegen von mir ist ferner, dass die Conterganbetroffenen mehr in der Stiftung beteiligt werden und zwar Geschädigte aller Behinderungsformen und aus allen Ländern! Auch das verlangt die Historie rund um Contergan – vgl. dazu das Video von Professor Geibel oben.
Wir haben ein Recht „auf Augenhöhe“ behandelt zu werden – gem. dem Motto:
„Nichts ohne uns über uns!“
Dies folgt nicht nur aus den Grundsätzen moderner Behindertenpolitik, sondern auch aus den historischen Gegebenheiten – vgl. auch Video zum Vortrag von Prof. Geibel (oben).
Zu oft und immer wieder wird dagegen in Sachen Contergan verstoßen:
Allen Widerständen von mir, insbesondere im Stiftungsrat zum Trotz, wurde in der jetzt arbeitenden „Expertinnen- und Expertenkommission“ die Leitung sn zwei nichtbehinderte Personen übertragen. Wir vier Betroffenenvertreter sind natürlich auch in der Minderheit… Wenn wir auch der „Verschwiegenheit“ unterworfen wurden, so kann ich sagen, dass ich diese strukturelle Ungleichheit bereits deutlich gespürt habe. Dennoch glaube ich, dass ein gewisses Anliegen vorangetrieben werden kann.
Weiter ist es nicht zu akzeptieren, dass die Conterganopfer ihre(n) Betroffenenvertreter(in) im Stiftungsvorstand nicht selbst wählen dürfen, sondern diese Person einfach durch das Ministerium bestimmt wird.
Hinzu kommt, dass die Bundesministerien, von den fünf Sitzen im Stiftungsrat, drei Sitze, hingegen die Betroffenen nur zwei haben. Das darf nicht so bleiben!
Laufende Verfahren - was passiert gerade?
Sowohl Verbesserungen in der Stiftungsstruktur, aber auch die Hinterbliebenenversorgung befinden sich gegenwärtig in der parlamentarischen Beratung im Deutschen Bundestag.
Ich bin sicher, dass in beiden Bereichen etwas Positives für die Geschädigten erreicht werden kann.
Wegen der Hinterbliebenenversorgung war ich Im Jahr 2020 ich im Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend beim seinerzeitigen Abteilungsleiter und Stiftungsratsvorsitzenden, Herrn Linzbach, zu einem von mir erbetenen Gespräch. Hierbei habe ich den speziellen Forderungskatalog des Contergannetzwerkes zur Hinterbliebenenversorgung (hier klicken) vorgestellt. Insbesondere habe ich darauf verwiesen, dass sowohl die Bundesregierung und auch die Rechtsprechung die conterganspezifischen Leistungen als solche des Sozialen Entschädigungsrechtes einordnen. Ich habe die Ungerechtigkeit erläutert, dass Personen, welche jahre-/jahrzehntelang Pflege- und Assistenzleistungen erbringen, nach Versterben der jeweiligen geschädigten Person, schlicht „im Regen stehengelassen“ werden. Dem widerspricht schon alleine § 5 Satz 2 SGB I, der nämlich anordnet, dass im Sozialen Entschädigungsrecht auch Hinterbliebene Versorgungsansprüche haben. [5]
Da sowohl Herrn Linzbach, als auch die an dem Gespräch teilnehmende Frau Dr, Kürschner, davon überzeugt waren, entschloss man sich, ein Gutachten in Auftrag zu geben. Dies aus dem Grund, da im Jahr 2020 die Legislaturperiode für ein Gesetzgebungsverfahren bereits zu knapp war. So sollte das Gutachen ein Anknüpfungspunkt in der Folgelegislaturperiode werden. So wurde dann auch verfahren.
In den Jahren 2023/24 haben dann zwei Anhörungen des Deutschen Bundestag (Familienausschuss) stattgefunden – eine zur Strukturreform der Conterganstiftung und eine zur Hinterbliebenenversorgung. An beiden Anhörungen habe auch ich teilgenommen. Über die Ergebnisse beraten nun die Abgeordneten. Wenn es auch noch ein finanzielles Problem ist, bin ich überzeugt, dass wir demnächst gute Gesetzgebungsvorschläge erwarten können. Entscheidungen fallen wohl noch in diesem Jahr.
Wie gehen wir mit Grünenthal um?
Zu betonen ist dass die durch den Staat von Grünenthal übernommene Verantwortung auch Scmerzensgeld beiinhaltet. Insoweit aind noch keine adäquaten Zahlungen erfolgt sind. Hinsichtlich dieser Beträge sehe ich, zumindest moralisch, auch zusätzlich Grünenthal weiter in der Pflicht.
Zwar sollte jede conterganbetroffene Person von der Möglichkeit Gebrauch machen, dass von der Schädigungsfirma, oder deren Stiftung einzelne Schäden, wie Hilfsmittel, ersetzt werden. Jeder von Grünenthal gezahlte Euro zählt! Allerdings wäre es wünschenswert, dass sich Grünenthal, wie nach englischen Vorbild, hinsichtlich der offenen Schadenspositionen, vor allem mit Schmerzensgeldzahlungen, in das conterganspezifische Gesamtversorgungssystem einbringen würde. Insoweit gibt es die Möglichkeit der Zustiftung, von denen dann alle Contergangeschädigten profitieren würden. Freiwillig wird das kaum geschehen, aber wenn die Stiftung Einfluss auf die Regierung nehmen würde und wir alle zusammenstehen, lässt sich vielleicht doch etwas erreichen.
Gerne stehe ich für Euch zur Verfügung und es würd mich freuen, wenn Ihr mir Euer Vertrauen schenken würdet. Ich werde weiter für unsere Sache und Euch kämpfen!
Meine wichtigsten Ziele für uns:
1.) Sicherstellung der conterganspezifischen Leistungen;
2.) Hinterbliebenenversorgung für Angehörige verstorbener Conterganbetroffener;
3.) zu den Leistungen für spezifische Bedarfe:
a) deutliche Erhöhung,
b) Dynamisierung, d.h. jährliche Anhebung, wie die Renten und
c) Kapitalisierungsmöglichkeit;
4.) Verbesserung der Verfahren (z.B. bei Revisionsanträgen) und keine Kostengeltendmachung
der Stiftung bei Gerichtsverfahren;
5.) Leistungen pro Schadenspunkte (nicht mit Staffelungen);
6.) höhere Bepunktung bei schwer Gliedmaßengeschädigten;
7.) Einstufung der Schwerst-Hörgeschädigten auf 100 Schadenspunkte;
8.) Entfall der Formel für die Schadenspunkteberechnung;
9.) Anhebung der Kapitalisierungsmöglichkeit der Conterganrente von 5 auf 10 Jahre;
10.)Ausschluss von Rückforderungen durch Sozialhilfeträger nach Versterben
Contergangeschädigter (§102 SGB XII);
11.) eine gute gesundheitliche Versorgung aller Contergangeschädigter – weltweit;
12.) Umbau der Struktur der Kompetenzzentren – hin zu einem Netzwerk und zu mehr
Bedarfsgerechtheit ; bestmöglichste weltweite Nutzbarmachung des spezifischen Wissens;
13.) Stiftungsrat: Erhöhung der Zahl der Betroffenenvertreter (mindestens Parität) und
Kompetenzausweitung (mit Ausnahme der conterganspefischen Leistungen), Liveübertragung
der Sitzungen;
14.) Wahl der Betroffenenvertreter(in) im Vorstand durch die Geschädigten;
15.) adäquate Einbindung der ausländischen Geschädigten;
16.) bessere Einbindung der Hörgeschädigten und Anstellung von Gebärdensprachdolmetschern in
der Stiftung;
17.) ein beratendes Begleitgremium für den Vorstand und den Stiftungsrat, in welchem alle
Verbände und alle Arten der Contergangeschädigungen und Betroffene auch außerhalb
Deutschlands vertreten sind;
18.) medizinische Kommission: mehr Transparenz, Berufung durch den Stiftungsrat,
Nutzbarmachung der Sachverständigenkompetenz;
19.) adäquate Schmerzensgeldzahlung durch Grünenthal.
Hier geht es zu meinem Bericht zur letzten Stiftungsratssitzung -
Wer Fragen hat, kann sich gerne an mich wenden -
nähere Informationen unter:
Ich danke allen meinen Unterstützerinnen und Unterstützern – desto mehr es sind, desto kraftvoller kann ich wirken!
Euer Christian Stürmer
Estimadas personas afectadas:
En Contergannetzwerk Deutschland, siempre ha sido importante para nosotros proteger los intereses no solo de las personas afectadas de nacionalidad alemana, sino también de las víctimas de otros países y poder informarles.
Proponemos como representante de las personas afectadas en el Consejo de la Fundación Contergan a Christian Stürmer:
Christian Stürmer tiene 62 años y se vio gravemente afectado por la talidomida. Es presidente de la Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V. y también miembro de pleno derecho del Consejo de la Fundación y de la Comisión de Expertas y Expertos de la Fundación Contergan (representantes de las personas afectadas).
Christian Stürmer se ha comprometido a fondo con nuestra causa de las víctimas de la talidomida en los últimos años, con resultados bien conocidos, como es el gran aumento de las pensiones y los pagos para cubrir las necesidades especiales de las personas afectadas.
Sin embargo, para él es especialmente importante que las víctimas no alemanas tengan los mismos derechos que las alemanas. Porque todas ellas son víctimas del mismo medicamento. Por ejemplo, cuando la Fundación Contergan impugnó el pago de prestaciones a las personas afectadas de Brasil y estas se pusieron en contacto con Christian Stürmer en busca de ayuda, él organizó inmediatamente la asistencia de un abogado. El proceso desembocó en una ley según la cual las reclamaciones atribuidas a la Fundación Contergan están sujetas a una protección especial y solo pueden ser revocadas en casos de fraude. Este derecho se aplica a las víctimas en todo el mundo.
Christian Stürmer ofrece su ayuda siempre que puede, y es importante que continúe su labor con las personas afectadas por la talidomida y consiga el mayor número de votos posible.
Christian Stürmer estudió Derecho y todavía está muy ligado a esta disciplina. Por esta razón, está muy interesado en las cuestiones legales relacionadas con el escándalo de la talidomida.
Además, ha participado en el nuevo estudio específico de la talidomida de la Universidad de Heidelberg (en fase de aprobación este año). Este estudio también se ocupa del escándalo de la talidomida y, por lo tanto, de cuál era entonces la situación legal de las personas afectadas por la talidomida y qué derechos se derivan de él en la actualidad.
Tanto el profesor de derecho Stefan Geibel de la Universidad de Heidelberg, que también participó en el estudio (véase también el vídeo en nuestra página web www.contergannetzwerk.de) como Christian Stürmer sostienen que una evaluación correcta del escándalo de la talidomida dará como resultado más derechos para las víctimas de los que se han reconocido hasta ahora. Esto es importante, por un lado, para evitar que vuelvan a negarnos prestaciones. Por otro lado, también supone una debida justificación para las demandas que aún no ha sido satisfechas.
Nos complace que otras asociaciones y representantes de las personas afectadas hayan asumido importantes demandas ya planteadas por Christian Stürmer en los años 2008-2016:
Nos referimos, por ejemplo, a la pensión de supervivencia para los familiares de las personas afectadas por la talidomida.[2] Quienes han cuidado a las víctimas durante mucho tiempo deben ser atendidos por el Estado alemán o la Fundación Contergan tras el fallecimiento de estas (la denominada «pensión de supervivencia»).
Otro ejemplo a mencionar (especialmente relevante para las víctimas graves) es la prohibición a las autoridades sociales de reclamar la ayuda prestada para la atención de los familiares de las víctimas de la talidomida gravemente afectadas y fallecidas (cláusula de casos graves en virtud del artículo 102 del libro XII del Código Social alemán).[3]
El compromiso especial de Christian Stürmer incluye a las personas afectadas por la talidomida con discapacidad auditiva: en la última reunión del Consejo de la Fundación celebrada el 8 de mayo de 2024, volvió a pedir que se contraten intérpretes de lengua de signos en la Fundación Contergan.
Christian Stürmer también quiere hacer posible que las víctimas reciban una mejor atención médica. Se debe garantizar una atención médica de calidad en TODO EL MUNDO, es decir, en todos los países en los que viven personas afectadas por la talidomida/Contergan.
Los conocimientos y las capacidades de los centros de competencia deben ponerse a disposición en TODO EL MUNDO para las personas afectadas, de las que el Estado alemán es responsable. El pago de pensiones no es suficiente. La responsabilidad asumida por el Estado alemán también incluye garantizar una atención médica de calidad para las personas afectadas. Como hemos mencionado anteriormente, esta responsabilidad también incluye que aquellos que han cuidado a las víctimas durante mucho tiempo sean atendidos tras el fallecimiento de estas (a través de la pensión de supervivencia).
Una preocupación fundamental para Christian Stürmer es que las personas afectadas por la talidomida tengan un mayor peso en la Fundación, en especial las víctimas con cualquier tipo de discapacidad y de todos los países. Así lo exige la historia de la talidomida: pueden ver el vídeo del profesor Geibel en nuestra página web www.contergannetzwerk.de.
Tenemos derecho a ser tratados «en igualdad de condiciones» de acuerdo con el lema «Nada sobre nosotros sin nosotros».
Por esta razón, es inaceptable que las víctimas de la talidomida no puedan elegir a sus propios representantes en la Junta de la Fundación, y que en su lugar sea el Ministerio quien los designe.
Además, los organismos federales ocupan tres de los cinco puestos en el Consejo de la Fundación, mientras que las personas afectadas solo tienen dos. Esto debe cambiar.
Tanto las mejoras en la estructura de la Fundación como la pensión de supervivencia se encuentran actualmente en el debate parlamentario del Bundestag alemán. Estamos seguros de que podemos conseguir cambios positivos para las personas afectadas en ambas áreas.
Christian Stürmer estuvo en el Ministerio Federal de Familia, Tercera Edad, Mujer y Juventud en 2020 para tratar las pensiones de supervivencia. Christian Stürmer presentó nuestro catálogo especial de demandas.[4] A raíz de ello, el Ministerio encargó un dictamen pericial sobre las pensiones de supervivencia. Este año, el legislativo alemán ha celebrado dos audiencias: una sobre la reforma estructural de la Fundación Contergan y otra sobre las pensiones de supervivencia. Christian Stürmer también participó en ambas audiencias. Los eurodiputados debaten ahora los resultados. Estamos convencidos de que podemos esperar buenas propuestas legislativas en un futuro próximo.
¿Qué hacemos con Grünenthal?
Nosotros, y especialmente la Fundación Contergan, deberíamos hacer todo lo posible por presionar a la empresa Grünenthal para que también ellos, siguiendo el ejemplo británico, puedan contribuir a las ayudas que se pagan a las partes afectadas. Así que seguimos sin una indemnización adecuada por el dolor y el sufrimiento. ¡Grünenthal debe pagar por ello! No lo harán de forma voluntaria, pero si la Fundación influye en el gobierno y todos estamos unidos, tal vez podamos conseguir algo.
Pedimos apoyo a todas las víctimas de la talidomida para que Christian Stürmer pueda continuar su labor.
Los principales objetivos de Christian Stürmer
1.) Garantizar la concesión de unas prestaciones especiales para las personas afectadas por la talidomida;
2.) Pensión de supervivencia para los familiares de las personas afectadas por la talidomida fallecidas;
3.) En relación con las prestaciones para necesidades especiales:
a) Incremento significativo;
b) Dinamización, es decir, incremento anual, como las pensiones y
c) Opción de capitalización;
4.) Mejora de los procedimientos (por ejemplo, para las solicitudes de revisión) y el no reembolso de los costes
por parte de la Fundación en los procedimientos judiciales;
5.) Prestaciones por puntos de daño (sin graduaciones);
6.) Mayor puntuación en casos de daños graves en las extremidades;
7.) Clasificación de las personas con discapacidad auditiva grave con 100 puntos de daño;
8.) Supresión de la fórmula para el cálculo de los puntos de daño;
9.) Aumento de la opción de capitalización de la pensión de las personas afectadas por la talidomida de 5 a
10 años;
10.) Exclusión de las reclamaciones de las instituciones de asistencia social tras el fallecimiento de las víctimas
de la talidomida (artículo 102 del libro XII del Código Social alemán):
11.) Atención médica de calidad para todas las personas afectadas por la talidomida en todo el mundo;
12.) Reorganización de la estructura de los centros de competencia hacia una red y un planteamiento más
basado en las necesidades (por ejemplo, con respecto al establecimiento de ayudas específicas); uso
óptimo a nivel global de los conocimientos específicos;
13.) En relación con el Consejo de la Fundación: aumento del número de representantes de las personas
afectadas (al menos paritario) y ampliación de competencias (con excepción de las prestaciones
relacionadas con la talidomida), retransmisión en directo de las reuniones;
14.) Elección del representante en la junta por parte de las personas afectadas;
15.) Participación adecuada de las víctimas en el extranjero;
16.) Mejor integración de las personas con discapacidad auditivo y contratación de intérpretes de lengua de
signos en la Fundación;
17.) La creación de un comité consultivo para el Consejo de Administración y el Consejo de la Fundación, en el
que estén representadas todas las asociaciones y todos los tipos de personas perjudicadas y afectadas por
la talidomida fuera de Alemania;
18.) En relación con la comisión médica: más transparencia, nombramiento por el Consejo de Administración,
recurrir a los expertos;
19.) Indemnización adecuada por daños morales por parte de Grünenthal.
Si tiene alguna pregunta, póngase en contacto con Christian Stürmer en: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Para más información, puede consultar la página:
www.contergannetzwerk.deQueremos dar las gracias a todos los que apoyan a Christian Stürmer: cuantos más seamos, mayor será su impacto.
Todo nuestro apoyo
de parte de
Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V.
El Consejo de la Asociación
Sede: 73760 Ostfildern, Weiherhagstr. 6,
Página web: www.contergannetzwerk.de
We at Contergannetzwerk Deutschland have always believed it is important to protect the interests of both Germans and victims from other countries and to keep them informed.
We are proposing Christian Stürmer to act as the victims' representative on the Board of Trustees of Conterganstiftung:
Christian Stürmer is 62 years old and has himself been severely affected by thalidomide. He is the chairperson of Contergannetzwerkes Deutschland e.V. as well as a full member of the Board of Trustees and the Expert Commission of Conterganstiftung (victims' representative).
In recent years, Christian Stürmer has been very active in our cause for victims of thalidomide – with proven results – and most importantly in securing the large pension increase and the flat-rate payments for specific needs.
However, he feels it is particularly important that non-German victims receive the same rights as German victims. This is because they are all victims of the same drug! For example, when Conterganstiftung disputed the payments for Brazilian victims, the victims turned to Christian Stürmer for help, who immediately arranged for a lawyer to assist them. This resulted in a law being passed which stipulates that claims once recognised by Conterganstiftung receive special protection and can only be revoked in cases of fraud. All victims around the world have this right!
Christian Stürmer helps wherever he can, so it is important that he continues his work for thalidomide victims and that he receives as many votes as possible.
Christian Stürmer studied law and continues to be very attached to this field of study to this day. This is why he is heavily involved in legal issues relating to thalidomide.
For example, he co-wrote the new study on thalidomide at the University of Heidelberg (which is up for approval this year). This study also looks at
the thalidomide scandal and thus the thalidomide victims' historical legal situation, in addition to which rights arise from this today.
The legal scholar Professor Stefan Geibel from the University of Heidelberg, who was also involved in the study (see also the video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de), and Christian Stürmer both argue that a correct assessment of the thalidomide scandal gives rise to more rights for the victims than is often stated. On the one hand, this is important in order to prevent payments from being taken away from us once again. On the other hand, this also allows us to demonstrate good grounds for our outstanding claims.3
We are pleased that significant demands made by Christian Stürmer in the period from 2008–2016 have also been accepted by other associations and victims' representatives:
An example is the surviving dependants' pension for relatives of those affected[1] by thalidomide. The people who have supported the victims for such a long time should be cared for by the German state or Conterganstiftung in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
As a further example, it must be noted (particularly relevant for our victims with severe disabilities) that social services should be prohibited from reclaiming care assistance from relatives of deceased, severely injured thalidomide victims (hardship clause regarding Section 102 Code of Social Law (SBG) XII).[2]
Christian Stürmer is particularly committed to hearing-impaired thalidomide victims: at the most recent meeting of the Board of Trustees on 8 May 2024, he once again called for sign language interpreters to be appointed at Conterganstiftung.
Christian Stürmer also wants to achieve better medical care for the victims. Good healthcare must be ensured WORLDWIDE; in other words, in all countries where thalidomide victims live.
The knowledge and skills of the competence centres must be made available to all victims WORLDWIDE, for which the German state is responsible. Pension payments alone are not enough! After all, the responsibility assumed by the German state also encompasses making sure that victims have good health care. And, as stated above, this responsibility also includes providing care to those who have supported the victims for such a long time in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
It is Christian Stürmer's heartfelt desire to have thalidomide victims more involved in the foundation, regardless of disability or country! The history surrounding thalidomide also demands this – see Professor Geibel's video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de.
We have the right to be treated "as equals" – according to the principle of "nothing happens to us without us!"
Thalidomide victims not being allowed to elect their own representative(s) on the foundation's Board of Trustees and this person simply being determined by the ministry is therefore unacceptable.
The federal ministries also hold three out of the five seats on the foundation's Board of Trustees, while victims only hold two. This cannot continue!
Both improvements in the foundation's structure and surviving dependants' pensions are currently under parliamentary deliberation in the German Bundestag. We are certain that something positive can be achieved for the victims in both areas.
Christian Stürmer was in the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth due to surviving dependants' pensions in 2020. Christian Stürmer presented our special catalogue of[3] requirements here. The ministry subsequently commissioned an expert opinion on the surviving dependants' pension. This year, two hearings in the German legislature were held – one on the structural reform of Conterganstiftung and another on surviving dependants' pensions. Christian Stürmer also participated in both hearings. MPs are now discussing the results. We are convinced that we can expect positive legislative proposals in the near future.
How are we approaching Grünenthal?
We, and in particular Conterganstiftung, need to make every effort to exert influence on Grünenthal to ensure, following the English model, that it also contributes to payments for victims. We have still not received adequate compensation!! Grünenthal should foot the bill for this! While they will almost certainly never do this voluntarily, if the foundation pushes the government and we all stand together, we may be able to achieve something.
We ask all thalidomide victims for their support to ensure Christian Stürmer can continue his work.
Christian Stürmer's most important goals
1.) ensuring thalidomide-specific payments;
2.) surviving dependants' pensions for relatives of deceased thalidomide victims;
3.) regarding payments for specific needs:
a) significant increase,
b) dynamisation, i.e., annual increases to pensions for example, and
c) capitalisation option;
4.) improvement of procedures (such as applications for revision) and no assertion of costs against the foundation in court proceedings;
5.) payments per claim point (not graduated);
6.) more points for those with severe limb damage;
7.) classification of severely hearing-impaired individuals to 100 claim points;
8.) removal of the formula for calculating claims points;
9.) increase of the capitalisation option for thalidomide pensions from 5 to 10 years;
10.) exclusion of reimbursement by social services after the death of thalidomide survivors (Section 102 Code of Social Law (SGB) XII);
11.) good health care for all thalidomide victims – worldwide;
12.) Conversion of competence centre structures – to establish a network and to ensure greater responsiveness to needs (e.g., with regard to production of specific aids); making the best possible use of specific knowledge worldwide;
13.) Board of Trustees: increase in the number of victims' representatives (at least parity), expansion of competence (with the exception of thalidomide-specific services) and live broadcasts of meetings;
14.) victims' representative on the Board of Directors elected by the victims;
15.) sufficient involvement of foreign victims;
16.) better integration of hearing-impaired persons and appointment of sign language interpreters in the foundation;
17.) an advisory body for the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees in which all associations and all types of thalidomide damages and victims are represented, including those outside Germany;
18.) medical commission: greater transparency, appointment by the Board of Trustees, harnessing the knowledge of experts;
19.) adequate payment of damages by Grünenthal.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christian Stürmer at: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Additional information can be found at:
We would like to thank all supporters of Christian Stürmer. The more there are, the greater the impact he can have!
We've got your back –
Your
Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V.
The Association Council
Registered office: 73760 Ostfildern, Weiherhagstr. 6,
homepage: www.contergannetzwerk.de
Prezados colegas afetados!
Sempre foi importante para nós, da Rede Contergan na Alemanha, proteger os interesses não apenas das vítimas alemãs, mas também os das pessoas afetadas de outros países e mantê-las informadas.
Sugerimos Christian Stürmer ao Conselho de Curadores da Fundação Contergan como representante das vítimas:
Christian Stürmer tem 62 anos e também foi gravemente afetado pelo Contergan (talidomida). Ele é presidente da Contergannetzwerkes Deutschland e.V. (Rede Contergan da Alemanha) e também membro titular do Conselho Administrativo e da Comissão de Especialistas da Fundação Contergan (representantes das vítimas).
Nos últimos anos, Christian Stürmer tem se dedicado muito à nossa causa das vítimas da talidomida, com resultados conhecidos, sendo os mais importantes: o aumento das pensões e os pagamentos de montantes fixos para necessidades específicas.
No entanto, é particularmente importante para ele que as vítimas de outras nacionalidades recebam os mesmos direitos que as alemãs. Porque todas elas são vítimas da mesma substância! Por exemplo, quando a Fundação Contergan contestou os benefícios das vítimas brasileiras e elas pediram ajuda a Christian Stürmer, ele organizou imediatamente a assistência de um advogado. Tudo isso resultou em uma lei segundo a qual as reivindicações reconhecidas pela Fundação Contergan estão sujeitas a uma proteção especial e só podem ser revogadas em casos de fraude. Esse direito se aplica a todas as vítimas em todo o mundo!
Christian Stürmer oferece ajuda sempre que possível, e é importante que ele continue seu trabalho em prol das vítimas da talidomida e que receba o maior número possível de votos.
Christian Stürmer estudou Direito e ainda mantém uma forte ligação com esta área até hoje. Assim, ele se envolve profundamente com questões legais relacionadas ao tema da talidomida.
Ele foi coautor de um novo estudo (que deve ser aprovado este ano) sobre a talidomida na Universidade de Heidelberg. Este estudo também aborda
o escândalo da talidomida e como era a situação legal das vítimas da talidomida naquela época, e quais são os direitos decorrentes disso hoje.
O professor de Direito Stefan Geibel, da Universidade de Heidelberg, que também participou do estudo (veja também o vídeo em nossa página inicial www.contergannetzwerk.de) e Christian Stürmer argumentam que uma avaliação correta do escândalo da talidomida resulta em mais direitos para as partes prejudicadas do que é frequentemente divulgado[1].. Por um lado, isso é importante para evitar que os benefícios nos sejam tirados novamente. No entanto, isso também permite boas justificativas para nossas reivindicações não atendidas.
Estamos satisfeitos com o fato de que importantes demandas feitas por Christian Stürmer entre 2008–2016 também foram adotadas por outras associações e representantes das pessoas afetadas:
Um exemplo disso são os benefícios dos sobreviventes para os parentes das vítimas da talidomida[1]. O Estado alemão ou a Fundação Contergan deve fornecer suporte para as pessoas que cuidaram das vítimas por um longo período, caso as vítimas venham a falecer (pensão para os sobreviventes).
Outro exemplo importante (especialmente relevante para as pessoas com deficiências graves) é a proibição proposta de os órgãos de assistência social exigirem que os familiares de pessoas falecidas e gravemente afetadas pela talidomida reembolsem a ajuda prestada para cuidados (cláusula de exceção em relação ao § 102 SGB XII).[3]
Christian Stürmer está particularmente comprometido com as vítimas da talidomida com deficiência auditiva: na última reunião do Conselho da Fundação, em 8de maio de 2024, ele mais uma vez pediu que a Fundação Contergan contratasse intérpretes de linguagem de sinais.
Christian Stürmer também gostaria de conseguir um melhor atendimento médico para as vítimas. Um bom atendimento médico deve ser garantido em TODO O MUNDO, ou seja, em todos os países onde vivem vítimas do(a) Contergan/talidomida..
O conhecimento e as habilidades dos centros de competência devem ser disponibilizados a todas as vítimas DO MUNDO INTERO, pelas quais o Estado alemão é responsável. Apenas o pagamento de pensões não é suficiente! A responsabilidade assumida pelo Estado alemão também inclui a garantia de que as pessoas afetadas recebam uma boa assistência médica. E, como já mencionado acima, essa responsabilidade também inclui a garantia de que as pessoas que cuidaram das vítimas por muito tempo recebam o devido auxílio, caso as vítimas venham a falecer (pensão para os sobreviventes).
Uma das principais preocupações de Christian Stürmer é garantir que as pessoas afetadas pela talidomida sejam mais envolvidas na Fundação, incluindo vítimas de todos os tipos de deficiência e de todos os países! Isso também é exigido pela história da talidomida – veja o vídeo do Professor Geibel em nossa página inicial www.contergannetzwerk.de .
Temos o direito de ser tratados "em pé de igualdade", de acordo com o lema: "Nada sobre nós, sem a nossa participação!"
Portanto, é inaceitável que as vítimas da talidomida não tenham permissão para eleger seu representante no conselho da fundação, mas que essa pessoa seja simplesmente determinada pelo ministério.
Além disso, os ministérios federais têm três dos cinco assentos no Conselho de Curadores, enquanto as partes afetadas têm apenas dois. Não podemos permitir que isso continue!
Tanto as melhorias na estrutura da fundação quanto os benefícios dos sobreviventes estão sendo discutidos atualmente no parlamento alemão. Temos certeza de que algo positivo pode ser alcançado para as vítimas em ambas as áreas.
Christian Stürmer visitou o Ministério Federal de Assuntos Familiares, Idosos, Mulheres e Juventude em 2020 para discutir sobre os benefícios dos sobreviventes. Christian Stürmer apresentou nosso catálogo de demandas específicas. Posteriormente, o ministério encomendou um relatório de especialistas sobre as pensões aos sobreviventes.[4] Este ano, foram realizadas duas audiências pelo legislativo alemão – uma sobre a reforma estrutural da Fundação Contergan e outra sobre as pensões aos sobreviventes. Christian Stürmer também participou em ambas as audiências. Os membros do parlamento estão agora discutindo os resultados. Estamos convictos de que podemos esperar boas propostas legislativas em breve.
Como lidamos com a Grünenthal?
Nós, e em especial a Fundação Contergan, devemos intervir o melhor que pudermos junto à Grünenthal, para que ela também contribua, de acordo com o modelo inglês, com os benefícios para as vítimas. Ainda nos falta uma indenização adequada por danos morais! Nesse sentido, a Grünenthal deve pagar! Isso dificilmente acontecerá de forma voluntária, mas se a fundação exercer influência sobre o governo e todos nós nos unirmos, talvez algo possa ser alcançado.
Pedimos apoio a todas as vítimas do(a) Contergan/talidomida para que Christian Stürmer possa continuar seu trabalho.
Principais objetivos de Christian Stürmer
- 1.) Garantir os benefícios específicos relacionados ao Contergan;
- 2.) Benefícios de sobrevivência para parentes de vítimas falecidas da talidomida;
- 3.) aos benefícios para necessidades específicas:
- a) aumento significativo,
- b) dinamização, ou seja, aumentos anuais, como as aposentadorias e pensões
- c) opção de capitalização;
- a) aumento significativo,
- 4.) Melhoria dos procedimentos (por exemplo, nos pedidos de revisão) e renúncia da Fundação à cobrança
- de custos em processos judiciais;
- 5.) Pagamentos por ponto de dano (não escalonados);
- 6.) Pontuação mais alta para pacientes com lesões graves nos membros;
- 7.) Classificação do deficiente auditivo severo em 100 pontos de dano;
- 8.) Eliminação da fórmula de cálculo dos pontos de dano;
- 9.) Aumentar a opção de capitalização para a pensão por talidomida de 5 para 10 anos;
- 10.) Exclusão de restituições por organizações de assistência social após a morte de vítimas da talidomida
- (§102 SGB XII);
- 11.) Boa assistência médica para todas as pessoas afetadas pela talidomida, no mundo inteiro;
- 12.) Reorganização da estrutura dos centros de competência, rumo a uma rede e a uma maior adequação às
- necessidades (por exemplo, com relação à produção de auxílios específicos); melhor utilização mundial
- possível de conhecimentos específicos;
- 13.) Conselho da Fundação: aumento do número de representantes das pessoas afetadas (pelo menos
- paridade) e expansão de competências (com exceção dos benefícios específicos do Contergan),
- transmissão ao vivo das reuniões;
- 14.) Eleição do representante das pessoas afetadas na diretoria pelas vítimas;
- 15.) Envolvimento adequado das vítimas de outros países;
- 16.) Melhor integração dos deficientes auditivos e emprego de intérpretes de linguagem de sinais na fundação;
- 17.) Um comitê consultivo para a Diretoria e o Conselho da Fundação, no qual estão representadas todas as
- associações e todos os tipos de danos causados pela talidomida e pessoas afetadas fora da Alemanha;
- 18.) Comissão médica: mais transparência, indicação pelo Conselho de Curadores, utilização de competência
- especializada;
- 19.) Indenização adequada por danos morais causados pela Grünenthal..
Caso tenha alguma dúvida, entre em contato com Christian Stürmer pelo e-mail: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Para mais informações, consulte:
http://www.contergannetzwerk.de
Gostaríamos de agradecer a todos os apoiadores de Christian Stürmer, pois quanto mais apoiadores, mais forte pode ser o nosso impacto!
Estamos com você!
Atenciosamente,
Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V.
Conselho da associação
Sede: 73760 Ostfildern, Weiherhagstr. 6,
Página inicial: http://www.contergannetzwerk.de
We at Contergannetzwerk Deutschland have always believed it is important to protect the interests of both Germans and victims from other countries and to keep them informed.
We are proposing Christian Stürmer to act as the victims' representative on the Board of Trustees of Conterganstiftung:
Christian Stürmer is 62 years old and has himself been severely affected by thalidomide. He is the chairperson of Contergannetzwerkes Deutschland e.V. as well as a full member of the Board of Trustees and the Expert Commission of Conterganstiftung (victims' representative).
In recent years, Christian Stürmer has been very active in our cause for victims of thalidomide – with proven results – and most importantly in securing the large pension increase and the flat-rate payments for specific needs.
However, he feels it is particularly important that non-German victims receive the same rights as German victims. This is because they are all victims of the same drug! For example, when Conterganstiftung disputed the payments for Brazilian victims, the victims turned to Christian Stürmer for help, who immediately arranged for a lawyer to assist them. This resulted in a law being passed which stipulates that claims once recognised by Conterganstiftung receive special protection and can only be revoked in cases of fraud. All victims around the world have this right!
Christian Stürmer helps wherever he can, so it is important that he continues his work for thalidomide victims and that he receives as many votes as possible.
Christian Stürmer studied law and continues to be very attached to this field of study to this day. This is why he is heavily involved in legal issues relating to thalidomide.
For example, he co-wrote the new study on thalidomide at the University of Heidelberg (which is up for approval this year). This study also looks at
the thalidomide scandal and thus the thalidomide victims' historical legal situation, in addition to which rights arise from this today.
The legal scholar Professor Stefan Geibel from the University of Heidelberg, who was also involved in the study (see also the video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de), and Christian Stürmer both argue that a correct assessment of the thalidomide scandal gives rise to more rights for the victims than is often stated. On the one hand, this is important in order to prevent payments from being taken away from us once again. On the other hand, this also allows us to demonstrate good grounds for our outstanding claims.3
We are pleased that significant demands made by Christian Stürmer in the period from 2008–2016 have also been accepted by other associations and victims' representatives:
An example is the surviving dependants' pension for relatives of those affected[1] by thalidomide. The people who have supported the victims for such a long time should be cared for by the German state or Conterganstiftung in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
As a further example, it must be noted (particularly relevant for our victims with severe disabilities) that social services should be prohibited from reclaiming care assistance from relatives of deceased, severely injured thalidomide victims (hardship clause regarding Section 102 Code of Social Law (SBG) XII).[2]
Christian Stürmer is particularly committed to hearing-impaired thalidomide victims: at the most recent meeting of the Board of Trustees on 8 May 2024, he once again called for sign language interpreters to be appointed at Conterganstiftung.
Christian Stürmer also wants to achieve better medical care for the victims. Good healthcare must be ensured WORLDWIDE; in other words, in all countries where thalidomide victims live.
The knowledge and skills of the competence centres must be made available to all victims WORLDWIDE, for which the German state is responsible. Pension payments alone are not enough! After all, the responsibility assumed by the German state also encompasses making sure that victims have good health care. And, as stated above, this responsibility also includes providing care to those who have supported the victims for such a long time in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
It is Christian Stürmer's heartfelt desire to have thalidomide victims more involved in the foundation, regardless of disability or country! The history surrounding thalidomide also demands this – see Professor Geibel's video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de.
We have the right to be treated "as equals" – according to the principle of "nothing happens to us without us!"
Thalidomide victims not being allowed to elect their own representative(s) on the foundation's Board of Trustees and this person simply being determined by the ministry is therefore unacceptable.
The federal ministries also hold three out of the five seats on the foundation's Board of Trustees, while victims only hold two. This cannot continue!
Both improvements in the foundation's structure and surviving dependants' pensions are currently under parliamentary deliberation in the German Bundestag. We are certain that something positive can be achieved for the victims in both areas.
Christian Stürmer was in the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth due to surviving dependants' pensions in 2020. Christian Stürmer presented our special catalogue of[3] requirements here. The ministry subsequently commissioned an expert opinion on the surviving dependants' pension. This year, two hearings in the German legislature were held – one on the structural reform of Conterganstiftung and another on surviving dependants' pensions. Christian Stürmer also participated in both hearings. MPs are now discussing the results. We are convinced that we can expect positive legislative proposals in the near future.
How are we approaching Grünenthal?
We, and in particular Conterganstiftung, need to make every effort to exert influence on Grünenthal to ensure, following the English model, that it also contributes to payments for victims. We have still not received adequate compensation!! Grünenthal should foot the bill for this! While they will almost certainly never do this voluntarily, if the foundation pushes the government and we all stand together, we may be able to achieve something.
We ask all thalidomide victims for their support to ensure Christian Stürmer can continue his work.
Christian Stürmer's most important goals
1.) ensuring thalidomide-specific payments;
2.) surviving dependants' pensions for relatives of deceased thalidomide victims;
3.) regarding payments for specific needs:
a) significant increase,
b) dynamisation, i.e., annual increases to pensions for example, and
c) capitalisation option;
4.) improvement of procedures (such as applications for revision) and no assertion of costs against the foundation in court proceedings;
5.) payments per claim point (not graduated);
6.) more points for those with severe limb damage;
7.) classification of severely hearing-impaired individuals to 100 claim points;
8.) removal of the formula for calculating claims points;
9.) increase of the capitalisation option for thalidomide pensions from 5 to 10 years;
10.) exclusion of reimbursement by social services after the death of thalidomide survivors (Section 102 Code of Social Law (SGB) XII);
11.) good health care for all thalidomide victims – worldwide;
12.) Conversion of competence centre structures – to establish a network and to ensure greater responsiveness to needs (e.g., with regard to production of specific aids); making the best possible use of specific knowledge worldwide;
13.) Board of Trustees: increase in the number of victims' representatives (at least parity), expansion of competence (with the exception of thalidomide-specific services) and live broadcasts of meetings;
14.) victims' representative on the Board of Directors elected by the victims;
15.) sufficient involvement of foreign victims;
16.) better integration of hearing-impaired persons and appointment of sign language interpreters in the foundation;
17.) an advisory body for the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees in which all associations and all types of thalidomide damages and victims are represented, including those outside Germany;
18.) medical commission: greater transparency, appointment by the Board of Trustees, harnessing the knowledge of experts;
19.) adequate payment of damages by Grünenthal.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christian Stürmer at: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Additional information can be found at:
We would like to thank all supporters of Christian Stürmer. The more there are, the greater the impact he can have!
We've got your back –
Your
Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V.
The Association Council
Registered office: 73760 Ostfildern, Weiherhagstr. 6,
homepage: www.contergannetzwerk.de
Chers amis victimes,
au Contergannetzwerk Deutschland, nous avons toujours eu à cœur de défendre les intérêts des victimes allemandes, mais aussi ceux des victimes des autres pays, ainsi que de les informer.
Nous proposons de nommer Christian Stürmer représentant des victimes au sein du conseil d’administration de la Fondation Contergan :
Christian Stürmer a 62 ans et est lui-même victime de graves dommages causés par le thalidomide. Il est président du Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V. et membre à part entière du conseil d’administration et de la commission d’experts de la Fondation Contergan (représentant des victimes).
Christian Stürmer a beaucoup œuvré pour notre cause en faveur des victimes du thalidomide ces dernières années, avec des résultats reconnus, notamment : la hausse des pensions et les paiements forfaitaires pour des besoins particuliers.
Mais ce qui est particulièrement important pour lui, c’est que les victimes non allemandes aient les mêmes droits que les victimes allemandes. En effet, tout le monde est victime de la même substance active ! Par exemple, lorsque la Fondation Contergan a contesté les prestations dues aux victimes brésiliennes et que ces dernières se sont adressées à Christian Stürmer pour obtenir de l’aide, celui-ci s’est immédiatement tourné vers une avocate. Tout cela a abouti à une loi selon laquelle les droits reconnus sont soumis à une protection particulière au sein de la Fondation Contergan et ne peuvent plus être révoqués, sauf en cas de fraude. Ce droit s’applique aux victimes du monde entier.
Christian Stürmer apporte son aide là où c’est possible et il est important qu’il poursuive son travail en faveur des victimes du thalidomide et qu’il obtienne le plus de voix possible.
Christian Stürmer a étudié le droit et est encore aujourd’hui très attaché à cette discipline. Il s’occupe donc beaucoup des questions juridiques liées au thalidomide.
Il a ainsi participé à la rédaction de la nouvelle étude consacrée au thalidomide (qui sera soumise à l’approbation cette année) réalisée par l’université de Heidelberg. Cette étude porte également sur
le scandale en rapport avec le thalidomide et la situation juridique des victimes de cette substance à l’époque, ainsi que sur les droits qui en découlent aujourd’hui.
Christian Stürmer et le professeur Stefan Geibel, juriste à l’université de Heidelberg, qui a également participé à l’étude (voir la vidéo sur notre site www.contergannetzwerk.de), soutiennent tous deux qu’en analysant convenablement le scandale du thalidomide, on peut obtenir plus de droits pour les victimes que ce qui est souvent communiqué.[1]
Ceci est important, d’une part, pour éviter que des indemnités nous soient retirées. Mais cela nous permet aussi de justifier nos revendications n’ayant pas encore été satisfaites.
Nous sommes heureux de voir que certaines revendications importantes, déjà formulées par Christian Stürmer dans les années 2008-2016, ont également été reprises par d’autres associations et représentants des victimes :
Citons à titre d’exemple la pension de survie attribuée aux proches des victimes du thalidomide[2]. Les personnes qui se sont longtemps occupées des victimes doivent être prises en charge par l’État allemand, ou par la Fondation Contergan, lorsque les personnes concernées décèdent (pension de survie).
Comme autre exemple, il convient de mentionner (ce qui est particulièrement pertinent pour nos victimes les plus gravement atteintes) le fait que les services sociaux doivent se voir interdire de réclamer aux proches de victimes du thalidomide gravement atteintes le remboursement de l’aide fournie pour les soins (clause de rigueur relative à l’article du Code de la sécurité sociale (SGB) XII) après le décès des victimes.[3]
L’engagement particulier de Christian Stürmer concerne les victimes du thalidomide : lors de la dernière réunion du conseil de Fondation, qui s’est tenue le 8mai 2024, il a de nouveau exigé que des interprètes en langue des signes soient embauchés à la Fondation Contergan.
Christian Stürmer souhaite également obtenir une meilleure prise en charge médicale des victimes. Des soins de santé de qualité doivent être garantis DANS LE MONDE ENTIER, c’est-à-dire dans tous les pays où vivent des personnes victimes du thalidomide.
Les connaissances et les compétences des centres de compétence doivent être mises à la disposition de toutes les victimes du MONDE ENTIER pour lesquelles l’État allemand est responsable. Verser des pensions ne suffit pas ! En effet, la responsabilité assumée par l’État allemand implique également que les victimes bénéficient de soins de qualité. Et, comme nous l’avons expliqué plus haut, cette responsabilité implique également que ceux qui se sont longtemps occupés des victimes soient pris en charge lorsque ces dernières décèdent (pension de survie).
Christian Stürmer souhaite vivement que les victimes du thalidomide soient davantage impliquées dans la fondation, et ce quelle que soit la forme de leur handicap et quel que soit leur pays d’origine. L’histoire du thalidomide l’exige également : voir la vidéo du professeur Geibel sur notre site Web www.contergannetzwerk.de.
Nous avons le droit d’être traités « sur un pied d’égalité », selon la devise : « Rien ne se fera pour nous sans nous ! »
Il est donc inadmissible que les victimes du thalidomide ne puissent pas élire elles-mêmes leur représentant au conseil d’administration de la fondation, mais que cette personne soit simplement désignée par le ministère.
De plus, sur les cinq sièges du conseil de fondation, les ministères fédéraux en ont trois, alors que les victimes n’en ont que deux. Cette situation ne saurait durer plus longtemps.
Les améliorations devant être apportées à la structure de la fondation, mais aussi à la pension de survie, font actuellement l’objet de débats parlementaires au Bundestag allemand. Nous sommes convaincus qu’il est possible d’obtenir quelque chose de positif pour les victimes dans ces deux domaines.
En 2020, Christian Stürmer s’est rendu au ministère fédéral de la famille, des personnes âgées, de la condition féminine et de la jeunesse pour évoquer la question des pensions de survie. Christian Stürmer a présenté notre catalogue de revendications[4] spécial. Le ministère a ensuite demandé une expertise sur la pension de survie. Cette année, deux auditions du législateur allemand ont eu lieu : l’une sur la réforme structurelle de la fondation Contergan et l’autre sur la pension de survie. Christian Stürmer a également participé aux deux auditions. Les députés débattent maintenant des résultats. Nous sommes convaincus que nous aurons de bonnes propositions législatives prochainement.
Comment devons-nous agir vis à vis de Grünenthal ?
Nous, et en particulier la Fondation Contergan, devrions faire tout ce qui est en notre pouvoir pour influencer la société Grünenthal, afin qu’elle aussi, à l’instar de l’Angleterre, puisse apporter une contribution en termes de prestations aux victimes. Il nous manque toujours une indemnisation adéquate ! Grünenthal devrait en assumer la charge ! Il est peu probable que cela se produise volontairement, mais si la fondation exerce une influence sur le gouvernement et si nous sommes tous unis, nous pourrons peut-être obtenir quelque chose.
Nous demandons le soutien de toutes les victimes du thalidomide afin que Christian Stürmer puisse poursuivre son travail.
Les principaux objectifs de Christian Stürmer
1.) Assurer les prestations spécifiques au thalidomide ;
2.) Pension de survie pour les proches des victimes du thalidomide décédées ;
3.) En ce qui concerne les prestations pour des besoins spécifiques :
a) augmentation significative,
b) dynamisation, c’est-à-dire augmentation annuelle, p.ex. dans le cas des pensions et
c) possibilité d’obtenir des indemnités ;
4.) Améliorer les procédures (p. ex. pour les demandes de révision) et faire en sorte que la
fondation ne soit pas tenue de rembourser les frais lors des procédures judiciaires ;
5.) Indemnités par point de dommage (pas avec des graduations) ;
6.) Attribution d’un nombre plus élevé de points aux personnes souffrant de lésions graves
des membres ;
7.) Classification des personnes souffrant de déficience auditive grave à 100 points de dommage ;
8.) Suppression de la formule de calcul des points de dommage
9.) Faire passer la possibilité de toucher des indemnités en lien avec le thalidomide de 5 à 10 ans ;
10.) Exclusion des demandes de remboursement par les organismes d’assistance sociale après le décès des
victimes du thalidomide (article 102 Code de la sécurité sociale XII) ;
11.) Des soins de santé de qualité pour toutes les victimes du thalidomide, dans le monde entier ;
12.) Transformation de la structure des centres de compétence de manière à en faire un réseau et à mieux
répondre aux besoins (par ex. en ce qui concerne la fabrication d’outils spécifiques) ; utilisation optimale des
connaissances spécifiques au niveau mondial ;
13.) Conseil de fondation: augmentation du nombre de représentants des victimes (de manière à
respecter au moins la parité) et élargissement des compétences (à l’exception des prestations liées au
thalidomide), retransmission en direct des réunions ;
14.) Élection des représentants des victimes au comité de direction par les victimes ;
15.) Implication adéquate des victimes des pays étrangers ;
16.) Une meilleure intégration des personnes malentendantes et embauche d’interprètes en langue des signes au
sein de la Fondation ;
17.) Un organe d’accompagnement consultatif chargé d’assister le comité directeur et le conseil de
fondation, dans lequel seraient représentés toutes les associations et tous les types de handicaps liés au
thalidomide ainsi que les victimes, même hors d’Allemagne ;
18.) Commission médicale : plus de transparence, nomination par le Conseil de Fondation,
utilisation des compétences des experts ;
19.) Versement d’une indemnisation adéquate par Grünenthal.
Si vous avez des questions, n’hésitez pas à contacter Christian Stürmer à l’adresse suivante : Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Pour de plus amples informations, consulter :
Nous remercions tous les partisans de Christian Stürmer, plus ils sont nombreux, plus il pourra agir avec force !
Nous sommes à vos côtés -
Votre
Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V.
Le conseil de l’association
Siège : 73760 Ostfildern, Weiherhagstr. 6,
Page d’accueil : www.contergannetzwerk.de
We at Contergannetzwerk Deutschland have always believed it is important to protect the interests of both Germans and victims from other countries and to keep them informed.
We are proposing Christian Stürmer to act as the victims' representative on the Board of Trustees of Conterganstiftung:
Christian Stürmer is 62 years old and has himself been severely affected by thalidomide. He is the chairperson of Contergannetzwerkes Deutschland e.V. as well as a full member of the Board of Trustees and the Expert Commission of Conterganstiftung (victims' representative).
In recent years, Christian Stürmer has been very active in our cause for victims of thalidomide – with proven results – and most importantly in securing the large pension increase and the flat-rate payments for specific needs.
However, he feels it is particularly important that non-German victims receive the same rights as German victims. This is because they are all victims of the same drug! For example, when Conterganstiftung disputed the payments for Brazilian victims, the victims turned to Christian Stürmer for help, who immediately arranged for a lawyer to assist them. This resulted in a law being passed which stipulates that claims once recognised by Conterganstiftung receive special protection and can only be revoked in cases of fraud. All victims around the world have this right!
Christian Stürmer helps wherever he can, so it is important that he continues his work for thalidomide victims and that he receives as many votes as possible.
Christian Stürmer studied law and continues to be very attached to this field of study to this day. This is why he is heavily involved in legal issues relating to thalidomide.
For example, he co-wrote the new study on thalidomide at the University of Heidelberg (which is up for approval this year). This study also looks at
the thalidomide scandal and thus the thalidomide victims' historical legal situation, in addition to which rights arise from this today.
The legal scholar Professor Stefan Geibel from the University of Heidelberg, who was also involved in the study (see also the video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de), and Christian Stürmer both argue that a correct assessment of the thalidomide scandal gives rise to more rights for the victims than is often stated. On the one hand, this is important in order to prevent payments from being taken away from us once again. On the other hand, this also allows us to demonstrate good grounds for our outstanding claims.3
We are pleased that significant demands made by Christian Stürmer in the period from 2008–2016 have also been accepted by other associations and victims' representatives:
An example is the surviving dependants' pension for relatives of those affected[1] by thalidomide. The people who have supported the victims for such a long time should be cared for by the German state or Conterganstiftung in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
As a further example, it must be noted (particularly relevant for our victims with severe disabilities) that social services should be prohibited from reclaiming care assistance from relatives of deceased, severely injured thalidomide victims (hardship clause regarding Section 102 Code of Social Law (SBG) XII).[2]
Christian Stürmer is particularly committed to hearing-impaired thalidomide victims: at the most recent meeting of the Board of Trustees on 8 May 2024, he once again called for sign language interpreters to be appointed at Conterganstiftung.
Christian Stürmer also wants to achieve better medical care for the victims. Good healthcare must be ensured WORLDWIDE; in other words, in all countries where thalidomide victims live.
The knowledge and skills of the competence centres must be made available to all victims WORLDWIDE, for which the German state is responsible. Pension payments alone are not enough! After all, the responsibility assumed by the German state also encompasses making sure that victims have good health care. And, as stated above, this responsibility also includes providing care to those who have supported the victims for such a long time in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
It is Christian Stürmer's heartfelt desire to have thalidomide victims more involved in the foundation, regardless of disability or country! The history surrounding thalidomide also demands this – see Professor Geibel's video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de.
We have the right to be treated "as equals" – according to the principle of "nothing happens to us without us!"
Thalidomide victims not being allowed to elect their own representative(s) on the foundation's Board of Trustees and this person simply being determined by the ministry is therefore unacceptable.
The federal ministries also hold three out of the five seats on the foundation's Board of Trustees, while victims only hold two. This cannot continue!
Both improvements in the foundation's structure and surviving dependants' pensions are currently under parliamentary deliberation in the German Bundestag. We are certain that something positive can be achieved for the victims in both areas.
Christian Stürmer was in the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth due to surviving dependants' pensions in 2020. Christian Stürmer presented our special catalogue of[3] requirements here. The ministry subsequently commissioned an expert opinion on the surviving dependants' pension. This year, two hearings in the German legislature were held – one on the structural reform of Conterganstiftung and another on surviving dependants' pensions. Christian Stürmer also participated in both hearings. MPs are now discussing the results. We are convinced that we can expect positive legislative proposals in the near future.
How are we approaching Grünenthal?
We, and in particular Conterganstiftung, need to make every effort to exert influence on Grünenthal to ensure, following the English model, that it also contributes to payments for victims. We have still not received adequate compensation!! Grünenthal should foot the bill for this! While they will almost certainly never do this voluntarily, if the foundation pushes the government and we all stand together, we may be able to achieve something.
We ask all thalidomide victims for their support to ensure Christian Stürmer can continue his work.
Christian Stürmer's most important goals
1.) ensuring thalidomide-specific payments;
2.) surviving dependants' pensions for relatives of deceased thalidomide victims;
3.) regarding payments for specific needs:
a) significant increase,
b) dynamisation, i.e., annual increases to pensions for example, and
c) capitalisation option;
4.) improvement of procedures (such as applications for revision) and no assertion of costs against the foundation in court proceedings;
5.) payments per claim point (not graduated);
6.) more points for those with severe limb damage;
7.) classification of severely hearing-impaired individuals to 100 claim points;
8.) removal of the formula for calculating claims points;
9.) increase of the capitalisation option for thalidomide pensions from 5 to 10 years;
10.) exclusion of reimbursement by social services after the death of thalidomide survivors (Section 102 Code of Social Law (SGB) XII);
11.) good health care for all thalidomide victims – worldwide;
12.) Conversion of competence centre structures – to establish a network and to ensure greater responsiveness to needs (e.g., with regard to production of specific aids); making the best possible use of specific knowledge worldwide;
13.) Board of Trustees: increase in the number of victims' representatives (at least parity), expansion of competence (with the exception of thalidomide-specific services) and live broadcasts of meetings;
14.) victims' representative on the Board of Directors elected by the victims;
15.) sufficient involvement of foreign victims;
16.) better integration of hearing-impaired persons and appointment of sign language interpreters in the foundation;
17.) an advisory body for the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees in which all associations and all types of thalidomide damages and victims are represented, including those outside Germany;
18.) medical commission: greater transparency, appointment by the Board of Trustees, harnessing the knowledge of experts;
19.) adequate payment of damages by Grünenthal.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christian Stürmer at: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Additional information can be found at:
We would like to thank all supporters of Christian Stürmer. The more there are, the greater the impact he can have!
We've got your back –
Your
Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V.
The Association Council
Registered office: 73760 Ostfildern, Weiherhagstr. 6,
homepage: www.contergannetzwerk.de
Dear fellow victims!
We at Contergannetzwerk Deutschland have always believed it is important to protect the interests of both Germans and victims from other countries and to keep them informed.
We are proposing Christian Stürmer to act as the victims' representative on the Board of Trustees of Conterganstiftung:
Christian Stürmer is 62 years old and has himself been severely affected by thalidomide. He is the chairperson of Contergannetzwerkes Deutschland e.V. as well as a full member of the Board of Trustees and the Expert Commission of Conterganstiftung (victims' representative).
In recent years, Christian Stürmer has been very active in our cause for victims of thalidomide – with proven results – and most importantly in securing the large pension increase and the flat-rate payments for specific needs.
However, he feels it is particularly important that non-German victims receive the same rights as German victims. This is because they are all victims of the same drug! For example, when Conterganstiftung disputed the payments for Brazilian victims, the victims turned to Christian Stürmer for help, who immediately arranged for a lawyer to assist them. This resulted in a law being passed which stipulates that claims once recognised by Conterganstiftung receive special protection and can only be revoked in cases of fraud. All victims around the world have this right!
Christian Stürmer helps wherever he can, so it is important that he continues his work for thalidomide victims and that he receives as many votes as possible.
Christian Stürmer studied law and continues to be very attached to this field of study to this day. This is why he is heavily involved in legal issues relating to thalidomide.
For example, he co-wrote the new study on thalidomide at the University of Heidelberg (which is up for approval this year). This study also looks at
the thalidomide scandal and thus the thalidomide victims' historical legal situation, in addition to which rights arise from this today.
The legal scholar Professor Stefan Geibel from the University of Heidelberg, who was also involved in the study (see also the video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de), and Christian Stürmer both argue that a correct assessment of the thalidomide scandal gives rise to more rights for the victims than is often stated.[1] On the one hand, this is important in order to prevent payments from being taken away from us once again. On the other hand, this also allows us to demonstrate good grounds for our outstanding claims.
We are pleased that significant demands made by Christian Stürmer in the period from 2008–2016 have also been accepted by other associations and victims' representatives:
An example is the surviving dependants' pension for relatives of those affected1 by thalidomide.[2] The people who have supported the victims for such a long time should be cared for by the German state or Conterganstiftung in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
As a further example, it must be noted (particularly relevant for our victims with severe disabilities) that social services should be prohibited from reclaiming care assistance from relatives of deceased, severely injured thalidomide victims (hardship clause regarding Section 102 Code of Social Law (SBG) XII).[3]
Christian Stürmer is particularly committed to hearing-impaired thalidomide victims: at the most recent meeting of the Board of Trustees on 8 May 2024, he once again called for sign language interpreters to be appointed at Conterganstiftung.
Christian Stürmer also wants to achieve better medical care for the victims. Good healthcare must be ensured WORLDWIDE; in other words, in all countries where thalidomide victims live.
The knowledge and skills of the competence centres must be made available to all victims WORLDWIDE, for which the German state is responsible. Pension payments alone are not enough! After all, the responsibility assumed by the German state also encompasses making sure that victims have good health care. And, as stated above, this responsibility also includes providing care to those who have supported the victims for such a long time in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
It is Christian Stürmer's heartfelt desire to have thalidomide victims more involved in the foundation, regardless of disability or country! The history surrounding thalidomide also demands this – see Professor Geibel's video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de.
We have the right to be treated "as equals" – according to the principle of "nothing happens to us without us!"
Thalidomide victims not being allowed to elect their own representative(s) on the foundation's Board of Trustees and this person simply being determined by the ministry is therefore unacceptable.
The federal ministries also hold three out of the five seats on the foundation's Board of Trustees, while victims only hold two. This cannot continue!
Both improvements in the foundation's structure and surviving dependants' pensions are currently under parliamentary deliberation in the German Bundestag. We are certain that something positive can be achieved for the victims in both areas.
Christian Stürmer was in the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth due to surviving dependants' pensions in 2020. Christian Stürmer presented our special catalogue of requirements here.[4] The ministry subsequently commissioned an expert opinion on the surviving dependants' pension. This year, two hearings in the German legislature were held – one on the structural reform of Conterganstiftung and another on surviving dependants' pensions. Christian Stürmer also participated in both hearings. MPs are now discussing the results. We are convinced that we can expect positive legislative proposals in the near future.
How are we approaching Grünenthal?
We, and in particular Conterganstiftung, need to make every effort to exert influence on Grünenthal to ensure, following the English model, that it also contributes to payments for victims. We have still not received adequate compensation!! Grünenthal should foot the bill for this! While they will almost certainly never do this voluntarily, if the foundation pushes the government and we all stand together, we may be able to achieve something.
We ask all thalidomide victims for their support to ensure Christian Stürmer can continue his work.
Christian Stürmer's most important goals
1.) ensuring thalidomide-specific payments;
2.) surviving dependants' pensions for relatives of deceased thalidomide victims;
3.) regarding payments for specific needs:
a) significant increase,
b) dynamisation, i.e., annual increases to pensions for example, and
c) capitalisation option;
4.) improvement of procedures (such as applications for revision) and no
assertion of costs against the foundation in court proceedings;
5.) payments per claim point (not graduated);
6.) more points for those with severe limb damage;
7.) classification of severely hearing-impaired individuals to 100 claim points;
8.) removal of the formula for calculating claims points;
9.) increase of the capitalisation option for thalidomide pensions from 5 to 10
years;
10.) exclusion of reimbursement by social services after the death of thalidomide
survivors (Section 102 Code of Social Law (SGB) XII);
11.) good health care for all thalidomide victims – worldwide;
12.) Conversion of competence centre structures – to establish a network and to
ensure greater responsiveness to needs (e.g., with regard to production of
specific aids); making the best possible use of specific knowledge worldwide;
13.) Board of Trustees: increase in the number of victims' representatives (at least parity),
expansion of competence (with the exception of thalidomide-specific services) and live
broadcasts of meetings;
14.) victims' representative on the Board of Directors elected by the victims;
15.) sufficient involvement of foreign victims;
16.) better integration of hearing-impaired persons and appointment of sign language
interpreters in the foundation;
17.) an advisory body for the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees in which all
associations and all types of thalidomide damages and victims are represented, including
those outside Germany;
18.) medical commission: greater transparency, appointment by the Board of Trustees,
harnessing the knowledge of experts;
19.) adequate payment of damages by Grünenthal.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christian Stürmer at: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!">
lDiese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Additional information can be found at:
We would like to thank all supporters of Christian Stürmer. The more there are, the greater the impact he can have!
We've got your back –
Your
Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V.
The Association Council
Registered office: D-73760 Ostfildern, Weiherhagstr. 6,
homepage: www.contergannetzwerk.de
We at Contergannetzwerk Deutschland have always believed it is important to protect the interests of both Germans and victims from other countries and to keep them informed.
We are proposing Christian Stürmer to act as the victims' representative on the Board of Trustees of Conterganstiftung:
Christian Stürmer is 62 years old and has himself been severely affected by thalidomide. He is the chairperson of Contergannetzwerkes Deutschland e.V. as well as a full member of the Board of Trustees and the Expert Commission of Conterganstiftung (victims' representative).
In recent years, Christian Stürmer has been very active in our cause for victims of thalidomide – with proven results – and most importantly in securing the large pension increase and the flat-rate payments for specific needs.
However, he feels it is particularly important that non-German victims receive the same rights as German victims. This is because they are all victims of the same drug! For example, when Conterganstiftung disputed the payments for Brazilian victims, the victims turned to Christian Stürmer for help, who immediately arranged for a lawyer to assist them. This resulted in a law being passed which stipulates that claims once recognised by Conterganstiftung receive special protection and can only be revoked in cases of fraud. All victims around the world have this right!
Christian Stürmer helps wherever he can, so it is important that he continues his work for thalidomide victims and that he receives as many votes as possible.
Christian Stürmer studied law and continues to be very attached to this field of study to this day. This is why he is heavily involved in legal issues relating to thalidomide.
For example, he co-wrote the new study on thalidomide at the University of Heidelberg (which is up for approval this year). This study also looks at
the thalidomide scandal and thus the thalidomide victims' historical legal situation, in addition to which rights arise from this today.
The legal scholar Professor Stefan Geibel from the University of Heidelberg, who was also involved in the study (see also the video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de), and Christian Stürmer both argue that a correct assessment of the thalidomide scandal gives rise to more rights for the victims than is often stated. On the one hand, this is important in order to prevent payments from being taken away from us once again. On the other hand, this also allows us to demonstrate good grounds for our outstanding claims.3
We are pleased that significant demands made by Christian Stürmer in the period from 2008–2016 have also been accepted by other associations and victims' representatives:
An example is the surviving dependants' pension for relatives of those affected[1] by thalidomide. The people who have supported the victims for such a long time should be cared for by the German state or Conterganstiftung in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
As a further example, it must be noted (particularly relevant for our victims with severe disabilities) that social services should be prohibited from reclaiming care assistance from relatives of deceased, severely injured thalidomide victims (hardship clause regarding Section 102 Code of Social Law (SBG) XII).[2]
Christian Stürmer is particularly committed to hearing-impaired thalidomide victims: at the most recent meeting of the Board of Trustees on 8 May 2024, he once again called for sign language interpreters to be appointed at Conterganstiftung.
Christian Stürmer also wants to achieve better medical care for the victims. Good healthcare must be ensured WORLDWIDE; in other words, in all countries where thalidomide victims live.
The knowledge and skills of the competence centres must be made available to all victims WORLDWIDE, for which the German state is responsible. Pension payments alone are not enough! After all, the responsibility assumed by the German state also encompasses making sure that victims have good health care. And, as stated above, this responsibility also includes providing care to those who have supported the victims for such a long time in the event of the victims' deaths (surviving dependants' pension).
It is Christian Stürmer's heartfelt desire to have thalidomide victims more involved in the foundation, regardless of disability or country! The history surrounding thalidomide also demands this – see Professor Geibel's video on our homepage www.contergannetzwerk.de.
We have the right to be treated "as equals" – according to the principle of "nothing happens to us without us!"
Thalidomide victims not being allowed to elect their own representative(s) on the foundation's Board of Trustees and this person simply being determined by the ministry is therefore unacceptable.
The federal ministries also hold three out of the five seats on the foundation's Board of Trustees, while victims only hold two. This cannot continue!
Both improvements in the foundation's structure and surviving dependants' pensions are currently under parliamentary deliberation in the German Bundestag. We are certain that something positive can be achieved for the victims in both areas.
Christian Stürmer was in the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth due to surviving dependants' pensions in 2020. Christian Stürmer presented our special catalogue of[3] requirements here. The ministry subsequently commissioned an expert opinion on the surviving dependants' pension. This year, two hearings in the German legislature were held – one on the structural reform of Conterganstiftung and another on surviving dependants' pensions. Christian Stürmer also participated in both hearings. MPs are now discussing the results. We are convinced that we can expect positive legislative proposals in the near future.
How are we approaching Grünenthal?
We, and in particular Conterganstiftung, need to make every effort to exert influence on Grünenthal to ensure, following the English model, that it also contributes to payments for victims. We have still not received adequate compensation!! Grünenthal should foot the bill for this! While they will almost certainly never do this voluntarily, if the foundation pushes the government and we all stand together, we may be able to achieve something.
We ask all thalidomide victims for their support to ensure Christian Stürmer can continue his work.
Christian Stürmer's most important goals
1.) ensuring thalidomide-specific payments;
2.) surviving dependants' pensions for relatives of deceased thalidomide victims;
3.) regarding payments for specific needs:
a) significant increase,
b) dynamisation, i.e., annual increases to pensions for example, and
c) capitalisation option;
4.) improvement of procedures (such as applications for revision) and no assertion of costs against the foundation in court proceedings;
5.) payments per claim point (not graduated);
6.) more points for those with severe limb damage;
7.) classification of severely hearing-impaired individuals to 100 claim points;
8.) removal of the formula for calculating claims points;
9.) increase of the capitalisation option for thalidomide pensions from 5 to 10 years;
10.) exclusion of reimbursement by social services after the death of thalidomide survivors (Section 102 Code of Social Law (SGB) XII);
11.) good health care for all thalidomide victims – worldwide;
12.) Conversion of competence centre structures – to establish a network and to ensure greater responsiveness to needs (e.g., with regard to production of specific aids); making the best possible use of specific knowledge worldwide;
13.) Board of Trustees: increase in the number of victims' representatives (at least parity), expansion of competence (with the exception of thalidomide-specific services) and live broadcasts of meetings;
14.) victims' representative on the Board of Directors elected by the victims;
15.) sufficient involvement of foreign victims;
16.) better integration of hearing-impaired persons and appointment of sign language interpreters in the foundation;
17.) an advisory body for the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees in which all associations and all types of thalidomide damages and victims are represented, including those outside Germany;
18.) medical commission: greater transparency, appointment by the Board of Trustees, harnessing the knowledge of experts;
19.) adequate payment of damages by Grünenthal.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christian Stürmer at: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Additional information can be found at:
We would like to thank all supporters of Christian Stürmer. The more there are, the greater the impact he can have!
We've got your back –
Your
Contergannetzwerk Deutschland e.V.
The Association Council
Registered office: 73760 Ostfildern, Weiherhagstr. 6,
homepage: www.contergannetzwerk.de
Wir in Sozialen Netzwerken