Human Dimension Seminars

Ensuring the independence, integrity and quality of the judiciary is an ongoing challenge for all OSCE participating States, regardless of their history or the type of justice system in place. In the absence of such, a judiciary may be subject to complaints of corporatism, elitism or lack of accountability. This can undermine its credibility and position within a democratic system of checks and balances. On the other hand, accountability measures which are too intrusive risk exposing a judiciary to undue influence by external actors and an overall lack of internal and/or external independence. This potentially curtails the ability of judges to adjudicate independently, which raises concerns for access to justice and fair trial rights. States across the OSCE region continue to work towards addressing these challenges in a number of ways.

The Human Dimension Seminar will provide a platform for an exchange of views among OSCE participating States, OSCE executive structures and a variety of international organizations, civil society and other stakeholders on challenges and opportunities in relation to their co-operation in the human dimension.