In view of Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and the severe violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, it is especially important that the OSCE participating States are again convening for the Human Rights Dimension Conference in Warsaw. With nearly 1500 participants, it is the largest human rights conference in Europe. The conference will focus on the terrible consequences of Russia’s brutal war of aggression, as well as on other current challenges in the fields of human rights and democracy. The conference underscores our enduring resolve to meet and report on the implementation of all human rights and democracy-related commitments that have been made in the context of the OSCE. The conference provides a unique platform for discussion with the representatives of other OSCE participating States, civil society and human rights defenders from across the OSCE region. I look forward to talking to and networking with the human rights commissioners of other countries on current human rights issues.

It is very important that the OSCE and its institutions can continue their valuable work with a view to strengthening human rights, the rule of law and democracy in the OSCE region. In order to live up to our commitments, we all – civil society, the OSCE’s institutions and participating States – must redouble our efforts and further strengthen our cooperation. In these challenging times, this is more true than ever, so that we can protect the spirit of the OSCE. This conference shows that useful and constructive engagement in the context of the OSCE remains possible and necessary. Germany maintains its full support for the OSCE and its institutions.

While in Warsaw, I will also visit Frontex and meet with representatives of Polish civil society. These discussions will focus on, among other things, the situation of Ukrainian refugees in Poland.