Scheduled to last until 13 October and organised by the North Macedonian Chairpersonship of the OSCE and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the Conference has been one of the most important forums for human rights dialogue within the OSCE, bringing together more than 1,000 participants.

In his address, Minister Rau highlighted the destabilising consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine for international security, noting that “in these difficult times we must not lose sight of the human dimension of security”. He also emphasised that the Warsaw Conference is a continuation of the OSCE’s best tradition to carry on a meaningful dialogue between states’ representatives, participants in the OSCE mechanisms, and civil society.

The head of Polish diplomacy hoped that the Conference will tackle such issues as the war in Ukraine, the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus, and the situation in other OSCE regions. “Only full respect of all principles in all three dimensions of the OSCE may restore trust and lower tensions in Europe,” Minister Rau added.

The opening session was also attended by, among others, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Matteo Meccaci, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pia Kauma, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro, and Director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights Michael O’Flaherty.

The Conference will include eight thematic plenary sessions devoted to specific issues in the field of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and democratic institutions.

 

MFA Spokesperson

Photo: Barbara Milkowska/MSZ