CHAPTER III

DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN QUESTIONS

“Human Security for All as a Basis for European Security”

117. Acknowledging that for many people within the OSCE region, respect forfundamental freedoms and human rights, as agreed in the Helsinki Final Act andother key OSCE documents, remains an unfulfilled promise,

118. Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic produced a further strain on respectfor human rights and democratic principles, negatively impacted gender equality,and further exacerbated socio-economic disparities between many groups in oursocieties,

119. Extremely concerned that the unprovoked attack by Russian Federation forcesupon the people of Ukraine has once again brought war to the centre of Europeand resulted in countless casualties and displaced persons,

120. Condemning the Russian Federation’s illegal naval blockade of the Black Seaports of Ukraine, a leading exporter of wheat and other grains, which along withthe higher cost of fertilizer and the disruption of agricultural production isexacerbating global food insecurity and causing a humanitarian crisis incountries, including some of the world’s least developed and most vulnerable,which rely on Ukrainian agricultural exports to feed their populations,

121. Reiterating that international humanitarian law must be respected and thataccess to humanitarian aid is a fundamental right of people living in conflict zonesand people on the move,

122. Alarmed about credible reports of patterns of violence by Russian troops againstcivilians in Ukraine that may be considered war crimes, crimes against humanityor genocide, including killings, executions, rapes, forced deportations andtargeting of civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals,

123. Alarmed at Russian targeting and destruction of Ukraine’s national heritage andcultural property, including churches, museums, historic buildings, libraries andHolocaust sites, which reflect denial of the Ukrainian identity and history,

124. Recognizing that a vibrant civil society, independent of state structures and freefrom their interference, is vital to a stable and prosperous society, and that non-governmental organizations are important avenues for voicing public opinionsand shaping policies and serve as key partners for parliamentarians,

125. Concerned by efforts in some participating States to extend state control over orincrease regulation of the actions of civil society and non-governmentalorganizations,

126. Disturbed that in many OSCE participating States women remain under-represented in political life, and further disturbed by a resurgence of patriarchal-based policies in some participating States,

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