Diplomats, civil society representatives, and human rights experts from 57 OSCE member states gathered in Warsaw on Monday to launch the 2024 Human Dimension Conference, an annual platform organized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
Hosted under Malta's current OSCE chairmanship, the ten-day conference will focus on democratic governance, human rights, and security issues amid rising concerns over restrictions on civil liberties and the erosion of democratic values in several OSCE countries.
"This conference is taking place at a crucial moment," said a prominent human rights defender. "We are witnessing a resurgence of authoritarian tendencies and disinformation campaigns that undermine trust in democratic institutions. The international community must unite in defense of values that underpin our collective security."
The event, held at Warsaw’s Sofitel Victoria Hotel, comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension and aims to review member states' compliance with OSCE human rights commitments. Key topics include the rule of law, freedom of expression, and humanitarian issues, with discussions also addressing the human rights implications of ongoing conflicts and political crises.
During the opening session, senior officials emphasized the need for decisive action to safeguard democratic principles and called for closer cooperation to address the challenges faced by civil society and independent media across the OSCE region.
The conference has drawn over [number] participants, with side events organized by NGOs and intergovernmental bodies covering issues such as press freedom, gender equality, and digital security. A session on media freedom is highly anticipated, given the rising threats to journalists and independent media in several participating states.
Closed-door meetings between diplomats and experts are expected to tackle sensitive issues and seek consensus on strengthening commitments to human rights protection. The event will conclude on October 11 with recommendations for enhancing international cooperation and bolstering the OSCE's human rights agenda.
Politics
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On October 10, at the trial of economist Fazil Gasimov, who has been on a hunger strike for 121 days, the defendant stated that he was subjected to moral and physical abuse in the Medical Institution of the Penitentiary Service.
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On October 10, the Baku Appeals Court rejected appeals to extend the detention of individuals involved in the “Toplum TV” case, including journalists Mushfig Jabbar and Ali Zeynalov, as well as activists Akif Gurbanov, Ruslan Izzetli, Ramil Babayev, and Ilkin Amrahov. The appeal from “Toplum TV's” founder, Alesker Mamedli, was not reviewed.
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On October 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing Georgian citizens to enter Russia for work or for a period of up to 90 days without a visa. The decree takes effect immediately. It’s important to note that there are no diplomatic relations between Georgia and Russia, as they were severed by Georgia in August 2008 following Russia's aggression and occupation of parts of Georgian territory -Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
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On October 10, the Baku Serious Crimes Court continued the proceedings in the case of public activist Rail Abbasov, who is accused of "fraud"
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