WARSAW (Chatnewstv.com) — As the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) marks the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, its leaders have called for a renewed commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law — principles they say are vital to addressing today’s global challenges.
The appeal came Monday at the opening of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, a 10-day gathering organized by Finland’s 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship with support from the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The event drew a record 1,886 participants from across the OSCE region, including representatives from governments, international organizations, and civil society.
“Governments alone cannot shape the future. Civil society is the foundation of stability,” said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. “Human rights defenders, journalists, youth activists, and community leaders are the lifeblood of democratic resilience. Their voices must not only be heard—they must be protected.”
The Helsinki Final Act, signed in 1975, enshrined human rights as a cornerstone of European security. This year’s conference provides an opportunity, organizers said, to measure progress and renew commitments amid rising threats to democracy and civic freedoms.
“We confront a stark reality: the erosion of human rights and civic space not only fractures our societies but undermines their very security,” said ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. “From the devastation in Ukraine to the silencing of human rights defenders across our region, these blatant violations call for the revival of the Helsinki vision.”
OSCE leaders reaffirmed that sustainable security depends on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, stressing the need for accountability in armed conflicts and for justice for victims of rights abuses.
“The OSCE will continue to shape a future security architecture for a safer and more stable order for all,” said Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu. “History proves that diplomacy builds what arms cannot: trust, cooperation, and respect for democratic principles and human rights — the true foundation of our collective security.”
With nearly 900 civil society organizations and 120 side events, discussions at the Warsaw forum will cover media freedom, rule of law, democratic institutions, and tolerance.
“Countries across the OSCE region have a responsibility to ensure journalists and independent media can carry out their work freely and safely,” said OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu. “Strong, independent journalism is the best antidote to disinformation and an essential element of stability and security.”
High-level speakers include Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp, Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty, and Norwegian Helsinki Committee Secretary General Berit Lindeman.
The conference continues through October 16 and can be followed on social media via #WarsawHDC.
