The head of the Polish MFA expressed hope that in their discussions, the attendees would focus on the humanitarian crisis and the human rights crisis caused by Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine.

Minister Sikorski also stressed the importance of speaking out on the situation of political prisoners in Russia, Belarus, and elsewhere. “We must be the voice of those held in isolation, tortured, subjected to cruel and degrading treatment, or dying in detention because they have been refused medical assistance,” said Radosław Sikorski.

Lasting several days, the Conference is organised by the current OSCE Chair (Malta in 2024) with the support of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). It is one of the most important platforms of dialogue on human rights, which gathers more than 1000 participants including representatives of governments and civil society organisations.

The opening session was attended by, among others, Finland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Outi Holopainen and high-ranking OSCE officials: First Deputy Director of ODIHR Tea Jaliashvili, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre Catherine Fearon; Director of the office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Marek Szczygieł, and Director of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Philippe Tremblay.

This year’s edition will last until 11 October. Its participants will attend a range of thematic sessions on human rights, international humanitarian law, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and democratic institutions.