09/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/05/2024 03:10
Madam President, We agree with your assessment that security is not just about the absence of armed conflict and that it requires economic stability, a safe and sustainable environment, and that it hinges on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, supported by Belarus, shows that human rights and fundamental freedoms are primary targets of aggressors. Their external aggression is accompanied by escalating internal repression, as documented in reports by independent international and regional human rights mechanisms, including those within the OSCE. The OSCE autonomous institutions - ODIHR, RFoM, and HCNM - deserve our steadfast support. Our common commitments make us responsible for preserving their strong mandates and ensuring their proper functioning and funding.