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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This year, the laureate of the annual Nargiz Prize, awarded for efforts in the fight for democracy, was Akif Gurbanov, chairman of the board of the Resplatforma (Platform of the III Republic) movement, who is under arrest.
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The U.S. will prohibit the issuing of visas for nearly a dozen more individuals responsible for undermining democracy in Georgia, bringing the total number to over 100, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.
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The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has expressed condolences to the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, following the tragic incident in the city of Magdeburg. "We are deeply shocked by the news of the deaths and injuries resulting from the tragic incident that took place at the Christmas market in Magdeburg," the message reads.
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By the order of the head of state, Vusal Aslanov has been appointed Chairman of the Baku Metro CJSC.
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