OSCE institutions stress vital role of civil society in promoting human rights

VIENNA/WARSAW/THE HAGUE, 9 December 2005 - Civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played an essential role in promoting OSCE values since its establishment 30 years ago. It is essential that the Organization continues to support their work in all 55 participating States, said the heads of three OSCE Institutions on the occasion of International Human Rights day, commemorated tomorrow.

The three heads reminded that strong and independent civil society, free from interference of governments, is crucial for the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. This includes access to similar bodies within and outside their countries and with international organizations.

"Human rights defenders in many countries of the OSCE are facing an uphill battle. This goes against the principles of the Organization, which is to enhance security through promoting human rights and democracy. Without full respect for these core values, there can be no real security. We cannot over-emphasize the important role of human rights defenders in promoting these values," said Ambassador Christian Strohal, Director of the Warsaw-based OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

Miklos Haraszti, the OSCE Representative on the Freedom of the Media, said that the media can only be free if it becomes a fully civil endeavour, in the service and under the control of society, not of government. "This is also the only way for the press to become professional, responsible, and fair. This is why governments, by giving up ownership of the media, and by liberating it from intimidating and restrictive regulations, serve both the fulfilment of a basic human right, that of free expression, and their own well-understood political interests."

Haraszti stressed that too many countries still sentence journalists under criminal provisions for inaccurate or harsh discussion of public issues, instead of letting officials and journalists sort out matters in civil courts, without having recourse to state power.

Rolf Ekeus, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, added: "Assuring respect for human rights, including minority rights, is essential both as a principle and as the best way to prevent conflict. In my work, I see the invaluable role that civil society has in promoting respect for human rights. All States should therefore welcome and promote a vibrant civil society. In this context, I wish to underline the importance of freedom of association in creating a pluralist civil society. It is also an essential human right for persons belonging to national minorities and contributes to the prevention of inter-ethnic conflict."

The three said that individuals must be able to exercise the right to association, including NGOs which seek the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as trade unions and human rights monitoring groups. They stressed that no restrictions could be placed on the exercise of this right other than those which are prescribed by law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.