Poland in the OSCE

The Warsaw Human Dimension Conference (30 September to 11 October 2024) was organised for the third time in the format of an OSCE Chairpersonship event (Malta) and with the organisational support of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland.

During 10 plenary sessions and almost 100 side events, more than 1,600 conference participants discussed the situation of human rights in OSCE participating States with regard to freedom of expression, media, assembly and association, freedom of religion, among others. The situation of human rights defenders was discussed, in particular in Russia, Belarus and Central Asia, as well as the safety of journalists (online and offline), especially those who are critical towards governments. The importance of democratic standards for elections, the role of the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and the role of OSCE/ODIHR election observation missions were highlighted. The participants considered how OSCE participating States can effectively combat human trafficking, the use of torture, as well as racism, xenophobia, discrimination and intolerance, and how to effectively protect minorities. They discussed ways to raise awareness among societies and government representatives about equal rights for women and men and the need to strengthen governments' efforts to counter violence against women.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski took part in opening session of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference.

 

 

Photo: Sebastian Indra/MFA