Thank you, Chair,
Norway has aligned itself with the statement made by the European Union. However, allow me to make a few remarks in my national capacity.
Excellencies, dear participants, colleagues,
I would first like to thank ODIHR and the Chair-in-Office, as well as our hosts, Poland, for the excellent organisation of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. While we regret that consensus on the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting has once again been blocked by Belarus and Russia, this remains a unique platform for dialogue with civil society representatives—many of whom took great risks to speak to us.
We also wish to acknowledge that this is Maria Telalian’s first Warsaw Human Dimension Conference in her capacity as Director of ODIHR. We look forward to continued collaboration with her and her team in advancing the OSCE’s human dimension and strengthening democratic resilience across the region
This year marks more than three and a half years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The war continues to cause immense human suffering and remains a serious threat to European security and the international rules-based order. We continue to support all efforts to ensure full accountability for Russia’s violations in Ukraine. We recognize all those who at great risk and in defending our shared values contribute to documenting Russia’s violations.
Norway stands firmly with Ukraine and reiterates our unwavering support for its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of its people to live in freedom and dignity. We continue to call for the immediate release of our three unlawfully detained OSCE colleagues Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov.
Colleagues,
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, a milestone that reminds us of the enduring relevance of the OSCE’s commitments to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Norway strongly believes that civil society is essential to safeguarding democratic values and fundamental rights. The tireless efforts of civil society actors—many of whom are present here in Warsaw—are not only courageous, but indispensable. Their participation in this conference enriches our discussions and ensures that the human dimension remains at the heart of the OSCE’s work.
We remain committed to defending and promoting human rights, supporting Ukraine, and working with civil society and international partners to uphold the values enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act. The OSCE continues to be a vital platform for promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic values across our region.
This conference represents a unique opportunity to strengthen our democracies. I trust we will seize it.
Thank you.