“Bringing out the best of humanity”: A message from the Albanian OSCE Chair amid the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 is changing our lives and will leave a permanent mark on Europe and the world.
These times feel unsettling, and we are all deeply upset about the loss of life and the impact of the disruption on jobs and livelihoods.
But we should take heart from the fact that these challenging times are bringing out the best of humanity.
We see countless examples of solidarity and selflessness among communities and between nations. Simple individual sacrifices - staying at home and not seeing friends and family– are stopping the spread and protecting the most vulnerable. The tireless efforts of key workers from all backgrounds are saving lives and maintaining essential services. International pledges of medical support between east and west, alongside emergency finance and welfare programmes, are helping reach and protect those in need.
We should be proud of this collective effort. Each and every one of us plays a part in beating this pandemic and the harder we work, the sooner we can expect to return to normal. We are in this together. Only together, can we come through this stronger.
Yet, against our prevailing backdrop of compassion and co-operation in Europe, the bleak reality is that violent conflicts and crises continue, despite the situation.
Ceasefires are still being violated, placing the safety and security of local populations at grave risk, often where critical infrastructure is at its weakest and scarcity is most widespread. This is entirely unacceptable and exacerbating an already bad situation. We echo the United Nations appeal to all parties – please look around, please cease hostilities and please engage in negotiations with renewed commitment.
People’s lives must be our priority. Because in times of crisis, it is invariably the most vulnerable and marginalized who are at risk of paying the highest price.
A state of public emergency must not be used to subvert the democratic constitutional order. It must not be used for the destruction of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Any measures must neither go further, nor remain in force longer, than strictly required by the situation. Emergency measures are, by nature, exceptional and must be interpreted and applied with restraint, and they must be subject to sustained scrutiny.
We need to bounce back, not take a step back.
With many of us recently observing Easter, Passover or Ramadan, the principle of sacrifice feels particularly pertinent this year.
The ongoing diligence, sacrifice and charity seen across the OSCE region will help us beat back the virus. But how we emerge from this crisis, and what we choose to learn, is just as important.
We should be in no doubt that if we keep alive this spirit of solidarity, compassion and co-operation after the virus has gone, a stronger, more secure and more prosperous future is ours to seize.
The OSCE is here; ready to support that noble ambition.