OSCE CiO Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 30 September - 11 October 2024 (Closing Session)

OSCE CiO Warsaw Human Dimension Conference

30 September - 11 October 2024

1. The European Union thanks the Maltese CiO and ODIHR for the excellent organisation of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. We thank Poland for its traditional hospitality, as well as moderators, introductory speakers, civil society representatives, interpreters and all who contributed to the conference’s success. Many participants took great risks to talk to us, including those who travelled through war-torn Ukraine and those who have found refuge in exile.
2. While we underline the unique character of the regular Human Dimension Implementation Meeting, we appreciate opportunity for interaction with civil society representatives and other participating States. We have listened to the concerns and issues raised related to the EU and its Member States. We will continue to work on addressing challenges within the EU and we recognise the critical role of civil society in promoting full respect for human rights and democracy.
3. In this context, let us underline the crucial work of the autonomous institutions - ODIHR, RFoM and HCNM, in supporting participating States in implementing their OSCE commitments. We also recall that it is our shared responsibility to preserve their strong mandates, ensure their proper leadership, and guarantee their effective functioning.
4. Over the past two weeks, we have heard shocking accounts of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other atrocity crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine. Let us stress again that there will be no impunity and all those responsible will be held to account. This was reaffirmed in the frame of numerous side events, like the one discussing the findings of the most recent Moscow Mechanism and ODIHR monitoring reports, including on the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Ukrainian civilians and on the fate of Ukrainian children, co-sponsored by the EU and its Member States.
5. A number of speakers referred to the link between internal repression and external aggression in the context of Russia’s war of aggression. We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Russia and Belarus, and we stand in solidarity with all those who speak out against repression and human rights violations across the OSCE region.

   Madam/Mr Moderator,

6. Speakers have deplored the pressure faced by human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders; restrictive legislation; as well as intimidation and violence against journalists and other media actors, online and offline; instances of torture and ill-treatment, discrimination and intolerance. We particularly recall the concerns expressed regarding Georgia’s ‘transparency of foreign influence’ and Kyrgyzstan’s “foreign representatives” legislation, and the threats this form of legislation poses to civil society. We also reiterate our concerns about discriminatory legislation, such as the legislative package on “protection of values and minors” in Georgia, which undermines the fundamental rights of Georgian people. We continue to call on Azerbaijan to release all those imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights.
7. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is at the core of our OSCE commitments. The peaceful resolution of all unresolved conflicts in the OSCE region, including those in the Republic of Moldova and in Georgia, with full respect for their territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within their internationally recognised borders, remains a key priority for the EU. The EU also continues its support for advancing a comprehensive, just, sustainable and lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the principles of recognition of sovereignty, the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. Respect for human rights in situations of armed conflict and tension is vital.
8. The EU will continue to stand with human rights defenders and speak out against democratic backsliding and the shrinking space for civil society in the OSCE region. Each and every human rights violation matters and needs to be addressed.