WARSAW, 10 December 2021 – As the world continues to struggle with the Covid-19 pandemic and the rising polarization and intolerance that has accompanied it, today’s Human Rights Day reminds us that that all countries across the OSCE have recognized that human rights are the birthright of all human beings, are inalienable, and are guaranteed by law, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

“The fundamental principles of human rights that all OSCE countries have signed up to are not abstract ideals, but the real aspirations of people around the world to live their lives in safety and in dignity,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “And human rights can only be respected in tolerant societies based on democratic standards, respect for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Pluralism and inclusion are about ensuring everyone has a place at the table and a genuine opportunity to participate.”

The compilation of rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, whose anniversary we celebrate today, made clear as never before that every individual possesses the same rights, whoever they are, wherever they live, and whatever their history. It stipulates that everybody must have access to and be able to exercise their human rights without discrimination of any kind.

Today, all our societies continue to face challenges in translating these aspirations into reality and tangible human rights instruments. In this sense, countries do not only have primary responsibility for protecting people from discrimination, but also to help ensure their rights are respected and promoted in practice. But since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have proliferated of hate-motivated attacks across the OSCE region against people of different backgrounds and from minority communities. It is a tragic irony that the most marginalized in our societies are often vulnerable to further discrimination and even violence.

ODIHR continues its assistance to OSCE countries in promoting and respecting human rights in everyday life, building more tolerant and inclusive societies and countering hatred, publishing guidelines to address the security of particular communities as well as teaching aids aimed at combating prejudice through education that is grounded in respect for human rights.  The understanding that diversity exists in every society and that we need to respect and celebrate those differences is key to ODIHR’s work and core to its mandate.

The OSCE’s unique approach to security recognizes that sustainable security is only possible when human rights are fully respected. All OSCE countries have emphasized the importance of continued and strengthened dialogue to promote greater tolerance and mutual understanding, and this dialogue is only possible when the human rights of every individual are respected. By working with governments and acting as a bridge between national authorities and civil society, ODIHR helps to increase respect for human rights and thus strengthen the security of the entire region.