Three decades and ready for the future: the OSCE’s human rights office marks its 30th anniversary

WARSAW/STOCKHOLM, 14 October 2021 – Thirty years ago, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) was established. Its mandate is to assist the countries of the OSCE region in strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law, and in respecting  human rights. Over the next two days, over 500 participants will gather in person and online to discuss the ODIHR’s achievements and its role in finding lasting solutions to the challenges faced across the OSCE region.

“ODIHR was created 30 years ago in the knowledge that democracy and human rights are key to lasting safety and security across the vast OSCE region, and this remains the basis of our work today,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “As countries continue to struggle with the aftermath of the pandemic and we continue to witness violations of human rights around the OSCE region, this anniversary year is a time for both reflection and for looking forward. It also reminds us that genuine dialogue is not just a good solution to global problems, but the only solution.”

It was in 1990 that OSCE leaders agreed in Paris to “undertake to build, consolidate and strengthen democracy as the only system of government of our nations.” The states that signed the agreements in Paris and in Copenhagen earlier that same year were both far-sighted and courageous, reaching towards a future that lay beyond the immediate challenges to a time of peace and growing prosperity.

ODIHR has taken on a leading role across the 57 countries of the OSCE in surmounting the region’s many challenges, supporting states in strengthening their democratic institutions and respect for human rights and the rule of law in a multitude of ways. ODIHR’s strong ties with civil society are at the heart of its work, creating a platform for civil society organizations to interact with national authorities and ensuring all voices are heard. By encouraging and assisting governments to genuinely engage civil society in their decision-making, ODIHR offers assistance in increasing respect for human rights and thus strengthening the security of the entire region. 

“ODIHR’s assistance over the last three decades has had a major impact throughout the OSCE region. All participating States will continue to need the support of ODIHR in implementing our commitments and in protecting and promoting democracy and the rule of law, as well as human rights including gender equality. This we owe to all individuals of this region,” said Ann Linde, Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE and Swedish minister for foreign affairs.

As well as marking the many achievements of the last three decades, participants in the two-day meeting will debate current challenges and opportunities, and discuss ODIHR’s role in continuing to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the future in a common spirit of co-operation. The conference will also allow participants to share experiences and exchange best practices as the countries of the region seek to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, on the understanding that societies that stand together are more resilient in times of crisis.

“I wish to stress that Poland is proud of hosting ODIHR. Our capital, Warsaw, has become a vibrant centre of dialogue on human rights and democracy. Being a seat of both ODIHR and the Permanent Secretariat of the Community of Democracies, it is also the city where the largest human rights conferences in Europe take place,” said Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk. He recalled the role of ODIHR and regular Human Dimension events for strengthening cooperation among the OSCE Participating States based on human rights and democratic values.

Building on the OSCE’s unique vision of security, the conference focuses on the paramount importance of human rights and democracy for ensuring the security of the 57 countries of the OSCE region. Other high-level speakers include OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Margareta Cederfelt, Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard, and Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).