OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde commemorates 30-year anniversary of Moscow Document

STOCKHOLM, 3 October 2021 — The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde highlighted today the importance of the landmark Document of the Moscow Meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the CSCE[1] – the Moscow Document – which was adopted 30 years ago today by participating States.

In Moscow on 3 October 1991, the participating States jointly emphasized that issues relating to human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law are of international concern, as respect for these rights and freedoms constitutes one of the foundations of the international order. They categorically and irrevocably declared that the commitments undertaken in the field of the human dimension of security are matters of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States and do not belong exclusively to the internal affairs of the State concerned. They also expressed their determination to fulfil all of their human dimension commitments.

“The Document, adopted in Moscow, constitutes a milestone in the history of the Organization,” said Chairperson-in-Office Linde. “What we jointly agreed to then is as important today, and it is our obligation to stand up for and implement these commitments. As States, this is our responsibility towards our citizens and towards each other.”

The Document also established the Moscow Mechanism. This instrument can be activated in relation to any participating State if at least ten participating States consider that a particularly serious threat to the fulfilment of the provisions of the OSCE human dimension has arisen in that participating State.

“The Moscow Mechanism is a unique tool for States to hold each other accountable in the human dimension. Its strength lies in the fact that we all have agreed to this mechanism,” Linde said. “It is deeply worrisome that some States have decided not to co-operate when the mechanism has been activated. As Chairperson-in-Office, I urge all participating States to respect and use the tools of this Organization and to implement all our joint commitments in the human dimension.”

[1] Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, which changed its name to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in 1995.