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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Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who arrived in Baku today, held a press conference at the COP29 climate conference. When asked about the arrested climate activists and opposition figures in Azerbaijan, she stated that Germany advocates for the release of government critics and that she would raise this issue during her meeting with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister. She specifically mentioned the name of Professor Gubad Ibadoglu, a doctor from Dresden University.
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On November 21, climate activists held a series of protests at the COP29 climate conference in Baku. The main themes of the protests included nuclear weapons testing, animal killings, protection of rivers and water bodies, and environmental pollution.
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The General Assembly of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) adopted a resolution on Friday reaffirming its commitment to democratic reforms, regional stability, and European integration amidst escalating geopolitical tensions driven by Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
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Activist Nijat Ibrahim, who was detained in Baku pre-trial detention center-1, inflicted numerous wounds on himself on November 20 in protest against unjustified criminal prosecution, his wife Parvin Ibrahim told Turan. According to her, on November 21, her husband called her and informed her that the day before he had inflicted incised wounds on himself with a piece of mirror. In particular, he cut his throat and ears.
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