OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference - EU statement - Closing Session

1. The European Union thanks the Finnish Chairpersonship and ODIHR for the excellent organisation of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. We thank Poland for its traditional hospitality, as well as moderators, speakers, civil society representatives, interpreters and all who contributed to the conference’s success. Many participants took great personal risks to take part in the meeting, 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 this opportunity for interaction with civil society representatives and other participating States to assess the implementation of our joint commitments in the field of human rights and democracy. Discussions throughout the entire conference, with an impressive level of participation and amount of high-quality side events, are a testament to the value of the human dimension of the OSCE and that this conference is an essential platform in times of shrinking space for civil society. We have listened to all 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 fully support their mandates and autonomy.

4. While the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act this year highlighted its continued validity, we deplore that all of its core principles have been and continue to be systematically violated. As we heard during the conference, our fundamental principles and OSCE commitments continue to be violated on a daily basis. 

5. Many speakers and participants have deplored the increasing pressure faced by human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders; through restrictive legislation, such as laws limiting freedom of association, peaceful assembly and expression; as well as intimidation, harassment and violence against civil society actors, journalists and other media actors, online and offline; excessive use of force by law enforcement, including instances of torture and ill-treatment, discrimination and intolerance; transnational repression, as well as an overall trend of democratic decline and shrinking civic space.

6. Over the past two weeks, we have heard shocking accounts of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, some amounting to war crimes, in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Let us stress again that there will be no impunity and all those responsible will be held to account. We will also continue to demand the immediate and unconditional release and safe return of all forcibly transferred and deported Ukrainian children, of all prisoners of war and civilians arbitrarily detained, including the three OSCE staff members: Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov. 

7. Several speakers also addressed the human rights situation in Belarus. We reiterate our calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners in Belarus, for their effective rehabilitation, and for an end to further repression against all segments of Belarusian society. Likewise, we heard the concerns regarding the worsening political and human rights situation in Georgia. The EU reiterates its readiness to support the Georgian people’s European aspirations, and the country’s path towards accession should the Georgian authorities reverse their present course of action. We also heard the numerous concerns raised regarding the human rights situation in the five Central-Asian countries, in South-Caucasus and elsewhere. The EU stands ready to further support domestic reforms, including relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms.

8. We reiterate that human rights and fundamental freedoms are crucial to advancing the OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security. The EU will continue to stand with human rights defenders and speak out against democratic backsliding and the shrinking civic space in the OSCE region. Each and every human rights violation matters and needs to be addressed.

The Candidate Countries MONTENEGRO*, ALBANIA*, UKRAINE, the REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA*, and the EFTA countries ICELAND, LIECHTENSTEIN and NORWAY, members of the European Economic Area, as well as ANDORRA and SAN MARINO align themselves with this statement.

* Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.