Today, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of this – that respect for human rights within states, remains essential to lasting security among states.
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The Belarusian authorities have further increased harassment and intimidation efforts by widening of the scope of the death penalty to vaguely defined “attempted terrorist activities”.
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2022 truly has been a dark year for the safety of journalists in our region.
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Repression of the media within Russia itself has been a major aspect of the Kremlin’s war strategy against Ukraine.
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The United States joins the OSCE PA in holding Vladimir Putin and his enablers responsible for horrific acts of violence against the people of Ukraine.
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The United States strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multiethnic character.
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We continue to urge the governments of Kosovo and Serbia to fully implement their past commitments, refrain from actions and rhetoric that increase tensions, and to engage urgently, constructively, and in good faith in the EU-facilitated Dialogue.
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It is disturbing to note that Russia has apparently undertaken no serious investigations into serious allegations of abuses.
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Together, we sent a strong message to Russia and to any other participating States that would undermine OSCE’s human dimension work: You did not succeed.
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The destructive impact of Putin’s war has reached far beyond Ukraine, with 44 million worldwide pushed into food insecurity as a result of Russia’s Black Sea blockade and pillaging of Ukrainian agriculture.
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Early on after Russia intensified its unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, we began hearing reports how Russian soldiers raped Ukrainian women in front of their children in places like Bucha after breaking down the doors where they had sought shelter.
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The Russian Federation is prosecuting its citizens for peacefully protesting against the war in Ukraine.
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Ukrainian POWs returned through swaps reported being tortured, including beatings with electrical wires and mock executions.
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Russia’s aggression against independent, multi-ethnic Ukraine has caused great harm to Ukrainian citizens of all backgrounds.
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Since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February, the situation for freedom of expression and media freedom in Russia has worsened significantly.
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Russia’s President Putin has tried to justify his war against Ukraine by claiming he is “de-nazifying” a democratic country that elected a Jewish president.
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In recent months we have seen Russia target religious groups in parts of other countries that it controls or occupies, including Crimean Tatar Muslims and Orthodox Christians in Ukraine.
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In Belarus, there have been no free and fair elections since Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s 1994 election. Brutal repressions following the fraudulent 2020 presidential election relentlessly continue.
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As we meet, Russia wages brutal war against Ukraine while Poland and other nearby countries represented at this table face a massive refugee crisis.
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This report effectively summarizes the terrible cost of a decade of legislative attacks on human rights in Russia under what can only be described as a police state.
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The Russian government and administration not only excessively limit human rights and fundamental freedoms, but actively work to their detriment to propagate the war.
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Historical revisionism and the deliberate distortion, denial, or trivialization of the Holocaust and other historical facts is a problem we’re seeing across our region.
Read More» The Lukashenka regime continues to employ brutal tactics to suppress dissent.
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The United States stands with the people of Belarus as they pursue a democratic, sovereign, and prosperous future.
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Minister Osmani, we have no illusions about the difficult path that lies before you in 2023.
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According to a statement made by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media on 16 March 2022, “the Russian Federation is rapidly moving towards a situation of complete censorship and isolation of its citizens from any form of independent information”
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We urge all parties to seek a peaceful resolution to these tensions and refrain from violence, and we urge due process protections for all those detained.
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The United States applauds your work to uphold the rule of law and promote respect for human rights in Albania.
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Unfortunately the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons remain vulnerable or actively violated in far too many places.
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The United States remains committed to supporting a sovereign, secure, and independent Kazakhstan and supports your efforts to advance that shared goal.
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OSCE’s Asian Partners as well as all OSCE participating States have affirmed the value of the role played by civil society in ensuring full respect for human rights and democracy.
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We are grateful for your leadership in ensuring the OSCE’s unique contributions deliver the greatest value possible in addressing security challenges in the region.
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We greatly value the work of your Mission in partnering with the government of Montenegro on strengthening the rule of law, promoting media independence, and enhancing security cooperation.
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I think it is fair to say that the situation with regards to media freedom in the OSCE region has gone from terrible to worse than terrible.
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The United States, along with our allies and partners, will continue to hold the Lukashenka regime to account for its ongoing attacks on human rights and fundamental freedoms.
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The Mission to Serbia remains an indispensable element of this Organization’s work to promote peace, democracy, and prosperity in the Western Balkans.
Read More» The United States strongly supports the work of the Mission and appreciates our close collaboration to support Kosovo’s development as a secure, democratic, and inclusive member of the European community of nations.
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We call on all participating States to cooperate and to implement our OSCE commitments on media freedom, and safety of journalists.
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We agree that there can be no return to “business as usual” as long as Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine is raging and it remains patently clear that Russia has no intention whatsoever of respecting any OSCE principles or commitments.
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We value the OSCE Mission in Skopje’s continuing work to assist North Macedonia in achieving key reforms based on its needs, including in the terms of the Ohrid Framework Agreement.
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All of us in this Council must signal that enough is enough when it comes to secessionist rhetoric and corrupt backroom dealings.
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Uzbekistan’s strong cooperation with the OSCE Project Coordinator across all three dimensions is commendable, and we encourage you to build on this solid foundation to expand your work even further.
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I can’t stress enough how much the United States appreciates ODIHR’s quick action in Ukraine, both in support of the Moscow Mechanism Experts as well as ODIHR’s own human rights monitoring.
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We once again call on Russia to live up to its commitments to human rights as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
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The United States welcomes the distinguished representatives of the First-, Second-, and Third-Dimension Committees to the Permanent Council.
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We again call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus.
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Russia continues to threaten the security of not just Ukraine, but Europe as a whole, with its ongoing military escalation.
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Response to Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Benedetto Della Vedova on the Italian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe As delivered by Ambassador Michael Carpenter to the Permanent Council, Vienna February 3, 2022 Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Deputy Minister Della Vedova, the United States warmly welcomes you to the …
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We congratulate the people of the Kyrgyz Republic for exercising their civil and political rights.
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A non-transparent referendum is neither a viable – nor a credible – path forward for Belarus.
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We are deeply disturbed by the Russian courts’ decision to forcibly dissolve International Memorial and the Memorial Human Rights Centre.
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Is Belarus intending to request ODIHR’s legal assessment of the proposed changes to the Belarusian constitution?
Read More» The United States also values the Assembly as a venue that challenges this community to address difficult issues.
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The United States condemns the December 14 politically motivated convictions of Belarusian opposition figures.
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No region has a perfect record on human rights, and the OSCE region has its share of challenges.
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The ICRC’s courageous staff work around the globe to protect human dignity.
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Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are being threatened in an unprecedented way.
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Free and fair elections are essential for functioning democracies, and the impartial, highly professional approach ODIHR takes towards its election observation missions is internationally recognized.
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On the Summit for Democracy As delivered by Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Elisabeth Rosenstock-Siller to the Permanent Council, Vienna December 10, 2021 Thank you, Madam Chair. Yesterday and today, coinciding with International Human Rights Day, President Biden is hosting a Summit for Democracy. As the OSCE has long recognized, democracy, the rule of law, …
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The United States reiterates our strong support for the resumption of direct dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan under the auspices of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs.
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The United States unequivocally supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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The United States strongly condemns crimes motivated by hatred and intolerance.The United States strongly condemns crimes motivated by hatred and intolerance.
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Russia can accuse Ukraine of being the aggressor and it can accuse the United States of helping as much as it likes, but the reality is that Russia is the only perpetrator of this conflict.
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We remain deeply concerned by evidence Russia has made plans for significant escalation against Ukraine.
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The United States continues to support a sovereign, democratic Moldova, firmly anchored in Europe, secure within its internationally-recognized borders
Read More» The United States is deeply troubled by the ongoing suppression of human rights in Russia.
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We remain deeply concerned by reports of unusual Russian military activity near Ukraine.
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The United States welcomes OSCE Special Representative and Coordinator on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Val Richey back to the Permanent Council.
Read More» We remain deeply concerned by the targeting of women journalists, online and offline, and thankful to the RFoM and her staff for their continued focus on this important issue.
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The United States takes freedom of the press seriously and is thankful for the invaluable role journalists play in a free society.
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Combating corruption is central to the OSCE’s mandate and the organization’s comprehensive view of security.
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We definitely support the idea of the OSCE finding a way to use our mandate to be responsive to the situation that we see in Afghanistan.
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The United States supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
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We are committed to helping the sides find comprehensive solutions to all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
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We call on Russia to allow the SMM to fulfill its mandate and monitor throughout Ukraine.
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The suffering and hardships faced by people living in conflict-affected areas of Georgia have gone on for far too long.
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Violence and the threat of violence against journalists and other media actors are on the rise.
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It is unfortunate that we no longer have our Public Affairs Section or our USAID offices in Minsk, because these were opportunities for dialogue.
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We remain deeply concerned by the Lukashenka regime’s continued repressive actions to silence dissent and crack down on civil society, as evidenced by decisions taken last week.
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Since the publication of the Moscow Mechanism report, almost a year ago, the situation in Belarus has deteriorated.
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Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns full control of the peninsula to Ukraine.
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The United States strongly supports the independence and mandate of the office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities Ambassador Kairat Abdrakhmanov.
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Welcome Remarks to the Group of Friends of Youth and Security as Group Co-Chair As prepared for delivery by Chargé d’Affaires Courtney Austrian to the Group of Friends of Youth and Security October 29, 2021 Thank you, Ambassador Makeyev. Dear Special Representative Marbinah, Special Representative Karimi, Ambassador Valdés, invited guests, colleagues: The last year and a half has been extraordinarily challenging …
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The United States supports the people in Uzbekistan in exercising their right to vote in the October 24 presidential election.
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I wish to address an indispensable element of democracy – free and fair elections.
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If Russia has a dispute with Ukraine, it should be resolved diplomatically. The multinational SMM is not a bargaining chip.
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We reiterate that the mandate of the Project Coordinator in Ukraine applies to the entirety of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including Crimea and Russia-controlled parts of eastern Ukraine.
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The United States joins the other participating States who have spoken today in congratulating Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for winning the 2021 Nobel Prize for Peace.
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We call on Russia and the forces it leads to immediately cease preventing the other SMM monitors.
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It is an honor to represent the United States at this 30th anniversary celebration of the impressive contributions that ODIHR has made to the security of the OSCE region.
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As the world seeks to recover from the ravages of the global COVID-19 pandemic, regional and global cooperation take on even greater importance.
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Russia’s ongoing aggression in eastern Ukraine and occupation of Crimea is now in its eighth year and has claimed more than 13,000 lives.
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In the OSCE’s region, some governments advance the falsehood that only by restricting human rights can societies ensure prosperity and security.
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The United States categorically condemns the glorification of Nazism and all modern forms of racism, xenophobia, discrimination, and related intolerance.
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We urge Russia to stop blocking HDIM so that we can all gather to honestly and constructively discuss the issues we all care about with each other and with civil society.
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The United States deeply regrets the choice by the Russian Federation to block consensus on extension of the BOM’s mandate.
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The United States looks to the Kyrgyz government to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation is conducted into Azimjon Askarov’s death.
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Russia marginalized civil society activists, independent media, and opposition groups ahead of the elections.
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We regret that the elections took place under conditions not conducive to free and fair proceedings.
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The United States fully supports ODIHR’s independence and autonomy in reaching its professional conclusion.
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Russia’s ongoing aggression in eastern Ukraine and occupation of Crimea is now in its eighth year.
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Russia continues to occupy parts of Georgia, sustain the conflict it fomented in eastern Ukraine, and occupy and militarize the Crimean Peninsula.
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Russia must cease its baseless and vindictive repression of the Crimean Tatar community.
Read More» We condemn the politically motivated conviction and shameful sentencing on September 6 of Belarusian democratic opposition figures Maria Kalesnikava and Maksim Znak.
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Russia’s irresponsible and destabilizing behavior not only threatens the security of its neighbors, but also the security of the wider OSCE region.
Read More» The United States seeks peace, justice, and prosperity in a democratic Kosovo that is fully integrated into the international community and part of a free, resilient, and thriving Europe.
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We once again call upon Russia to finally join consensus on the procedural decisions regarding HDIM 2021.
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The United States would like to express our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to all those OSCE participating states that helped with the evacuation.
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We call on Russia’s authorities to end their repression of human rights defenders, political opponents, and independent journalists, and to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all.
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The United States is a country where the rule of law is paramount and where we hold those who violate the law accountable.
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We would like to recognize and thank Albania for its strong international leadership in recent years.
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Efforts to counter transnational threats that do not respect human rights and fundamental freedoms ultimately foster conditions that enable these threats to proliferate.
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We do not, nor will we ever, recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea. We reaffirm that Crimea is Ukraine.
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Russia’s continued obstruction of the path to the 2021 HDIM unless its unilateral demands are met is not how a responsible participating State behaves.
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July 27 marked the first anniversary of the issuance and enactment of the Trilateral Contact Group’s (TCG’s) Additional Measures to Strengthen the Ceasefire.
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One year ago, the world witnessed the incredible strength and courage of the Belarusian people as hundreds of thousands gathered in squares across the country to peacefully protest authoritarianism and call for new free and fair elections.
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Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, harm to its civilian populations, and political coercion are not confined to the Donbas region.
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The United States and other participating States in this Chamber fully support Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
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The United States welcomes Moldova raising this issue and congratulates the people of Moldova on their July 11th early Parliamentary elections.
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The human rights situation in Belarus continues to deteriorate. The abuses and repression of pro-democracy activists, independent media, and civil society continue to grow.
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We commend Polish Foreign Minister Rau’s focus on the OSCE’s guiding Helsinki Final Act principles and the Paris Charter.
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The attacks targeted civic activists, community members, and journalists who were peacefully exercising the rights guaranteed to them by Georgia’s Constitution
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In recent weeks Russia continued its relentless campaign against independent civil society, democracy advocates, media, and academic institutions.
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(…) in the Russian Federation, where when individuals or organizations bring such allegations to light, they themselves are then arrested and tortured.
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The United States condemns torture wherever and whenever it occurs and strongly urges governments to abide by their international obligations and end impunity.
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The United States appreciates Project Coordinator in Ukraine’s (PCU) continued focus on democratization and good governance in Ukraine.
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The United States welcomes you, Ambassador MacGregor, to the Permanent Council for the first time in your new role.
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The repression and severe abuses against pro-democracy activists, independent media, members of the opposition, and civil society based on politically-motivated charges continue to grow.
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As the principal driver of the conflict in eastern Ukraine trying to falsely cast itself as a “mediator,” Russia has a lot to hide.
Read More» High Commissioner Abdrakhmanov, welcome to the Permanent Council for the first time in your new role and thank you so very much for your thorough first report.
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We deeply value the Swedish Chair-in-Office’s efforts to mainstream gender equality into all our work across the OSCE’s three dimensions of security.
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The violence propagated by Russia-led forces in eastern Ukraine not only costs the lives of Ukrainian Servicemembers—but led to the loss of more than 13,000 Ukrainians since Russia initiated this conflict in 2014.
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The United States welcomes Teresa Ribeiro for her first report to the Permanent Council as the Representative on Freedom of the Media.
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The government of Russia continues to disregard its international obligations and OSCE commitments to respect and ensure the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
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This past Monday, the United States joined the international community in celebrating World Press Freedom Day.
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The United States planned on speaking on World Press Freedom Day at the May 6th Permanent Council, but since my Russian colleague has raised this issue today and mentioned the United States, I would like to exercise my right of reply.
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We are pleased to see the OSCE prioritize its work with Tajikistan, which Chairperson-in-Office Linde’s visit to Dushanbe earlier this month reinforced.
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The United States notes the results of the national referendum on a new draft Kyrgyz Constitution held on April 11, 2021.
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We remind Russia of its international obligations and OSCE commitments to respect the human rights and dignity of all, regardless of political affiliation or personal views.
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The United States shares the concerns of the European Union and other participating States who addressed the ongoing suppression of freedom of expression by Russian authorities.
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We remain committed to working with allies and partners to counter disinformation, which is part of the Russian government’s toolkit aimed at destabilizing free societies and expanding its malign influence, including in Latvia.
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As President Biden stated, the police shooting of Daunte Wright in a suburb of Minneapolis is tragic, and an investigation into the incident is underway.
Read More» Reading the ODIHR Annual Report, it is clear that even in the most challenging of times, ODIHR continues to ably assist the participating States in upholding human rights and democratic values.
Read More» I look forward to the day when we will no longer need to raise pressing human rights challenges in Belarus in this chamber, but today is not that day.
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We are concerned by the Russian government’s continued contempt for the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of association.
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My esteemed colleagues raised quite a litany of issues pertaining to the United States, all of which were clearly learned about from U.S. media sources, so it is at least hard to imagine that there are legitimate complaints about media freedom in the United States.
Read More» This month marks the beginning of the eighth year of Russian hostilities toward its sovereign neighbor.
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The United States is proud to support today’s renewed calls for genuine dialogue between Belarusian authorities and the political opposition.
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In this Council, the Russian delegation has repeatedly tried to create a false equivalence between the draconian measures taken against RFE/RL in Russia and the legal framework within which RT and Sputnik operate in the United States.
Read More» Russia’s campaign against independent media has intensified dramatically in recent months.
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Today, I would like to honor a new generation of women in white clothes, this time from Belarus, who just like the Suffragettes did, are standing up for civil and political rights, and by so doing, shaping the future of their country.
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In recent months, the Kremlin intensified its efforts to suppress independent voices and viewpoints, including those of members of civil society organizations, human rights defenders, independent journalists, political opposition members, and believers belonging to religious minority communities.
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The United States expresses its deep concern regarding the February 16 raids on the homes and offices of Belarusian journalists, human rights defenders, civil society leaders, and independent workers’ organizations in Minsk and elsewhere across the country.
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I’d like thank Ambassador Karlsen and RFoM Ribeiro for convening this important discussion on the challenges to media freedom today.
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The “All-Belarusian People’s Assembly” is neither genuine nor inclusive of Belarusian views.
Read More» U.S. remains committed to working with our Allies and partners to counter the spread of disinformation.
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This past weekend, Russians in approximately 100 cities again took to the streets to express frustration with authorities and signal support for jailed opposition figure Aleksey Navalny.
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We continue to be amazed by the strength, resilience, and courage of the Belarusian people demanding their voices be heard.
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As my esteemed Russian colleague has raised the United States, I’d like to exercise my right of reply. Let me start by saying that the United States is not perfect, nor does it claim to be.
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I appreciate my Russian colleague’s concern about events in the United States.
Read More» The United States recognizes the right of all persons to peaceful assembly and strongly condemns the use of harsh tactics against protesters and journalists this past weekend in cities throughout Russia.
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The United States strongly condemns Russia’s decision to arrest Aleksey Navalny.
Read More» The U.S. commitment to Freedom of Expression dates back more than two centuries, when our young country enshrined Freedom of Speech in the first amendment in the newly adopted Bill of Rights.
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Joint Statement on Belarus Statement Delivered by H.E. Päivi Laivola de Rosière, Ambassador of Finland, to the OSCE Ministerial Council Tirana, Albania (remotely, via Zoom) December 4, 2020 I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the following 36 participating States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, …
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OSCE Ministerial – Belarus Side Event Closing Remarks As prepared for delivery by DAS George Kent to the OSCE Side Event on Belarus Tirana, Albania (remotely, via Zoom) December 3, 2020 As we conclude today’s event, I want to express my government’s thanks to our UK colleagues, the other co-sponsors, and Minister Kofod of Denmark …
Read More» On Human Rights Violations in Belarus As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 19, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. The European Union is right. And we follow on behind their statement. The right to peaceful assembly is one that Americans jealously defend. But it’s more than that, Mr. Chairperson. …
Read More» Right of Reply to the Russian Federation on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists As delivered by Deputy Chief of Mission Courtney Austrian to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 6, 2020 Thank you, Madam Chair. In respect for my colleagues time on a beautiful Friday, I will be brief but …
Read More» Statement of the informal OSCE Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists delivered by H.E. Christine Fages, Permanent Representative of France to the OSCE to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 6, 2020 Madam Chair, I make this statement on behalf of the informal OSCE Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists, namely Austria, …
Read More» Statement at the Human Dimension Webinar on Access to Information and Freedom of the Media The United States appreciates the opportunity to address the issues of access to information and freedom of the media at today’s webinar. Freedom of information is essential for the implementation of Principle VII of the Helsinki Final Act, which recognizes …
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Statement to the Permanent Council
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Statement to the Permanent Council
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Statement to the Permanent Council
Read More» Statement to the Permanent Council
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Statement by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council
Read More» On Developments in the Human Dimension in the OSCE Region As delivered by Political Counselor Elisabeth Rosenstock-Siller to the Permanent Council, Vienna October 1, 2020 Mr. Chair, the United States deeply regrets that the ongoing CoViD-19 pandemic prevented us from convening in Warsaw for the annual Human Dimension Implementation Meeting. We look forward to doing …
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Statement by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council
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Statement by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council
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Statement by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council
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Statement by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council
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Press Release on Ambassador Gilmore Denouncing Belarusian Internet Blockage. Released August 12, 2020
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Statement delivered by Michael Gower, Public Affairs, at the 1275th Permanent Council.
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Statement delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III at the July 16, 2020 Permanent Council.
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Joint Statement by the Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists delivered by. on July 2, 2020
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Statement delivered to the Permanent Council by Ambassador James Gilmore III on July 2, 2020.
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Right of Reply by U.S. Ambassador James S. Gilmore III from the June 11, 2020 Permanent Council.
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Right of Reply at the June 11, 2020 Permanent Council by U.S. Ambassador James S. Gilmore III.
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June 4, 2020 statement delivered at the Permanent Council by U.S. Ambassador James S. Gilmore III.
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Press Release, published June 2, 2020, on Ambassador Gilmore’s Support for President Trump and his Response to Civil Disturbances in the United States.
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U.S. statement delivered at the Permanent Council in response to the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan Report.
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Right of Reply delivered at the Permanent Council on May 7, 2020 on World Press Freedom Day.
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Statement delivered at the April 30, 2020 Permanent Council on threats against Journalist Elena Milashina.
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Right of Reply to Russia delivered at the April 30, 2020 Permanent Council meeting.
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Joint Statement of the Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists on the Safety of Journalists and Access to Information during the COVID-19 Crisis.
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Statement delivered at the Permanent Council on remarks by the Council of Europe Secretary General.
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Statement delivered at the Permanent Council on Russia’s Aggression against Ukraine and Illegal Occupation of Crimea.
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Right of reply to the Russian Federation regarding statements delivered during the report by the OSCE RFoM.
Read More» Statement delivered at the Permanent Council on the report by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir.
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Statement delivered to the Permanent Council On Ongoing Human Rights Violations and Abuses by the Russian Federation.
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Joint statement by the informal OSCE Group of Friends on Safety of Journalists in observance of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
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U.S. Statement delivered at HDIM 2019 Working Session 6 on the Freedom of Assembly
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Right of Reply given at HDIM 2019 Working Session 5 on the Safety of Journalists
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U.S. Statement delivered at HDIM 2019 Working Session 5 on the Safety of Journalists
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Press Release on Ambassador Gilmore’s meeting with OSCE RFoM Harlem Desir.
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The Right of Reply on Crimea at the HDIM 2019 Working session 4
Read More» Statement delivered at Working Session 4 of the HDIM 2019
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U.S. Statement on Fundamental Freedoms of Free Expression and Media delivered at HDIM’s Working Session 2.
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U.S. Statement on Fundamental Freedoms of Free Expression and Media delivered at HDIM’s Working Session 1.
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Statement delivered at the Permanent Council on Russian Violations of the Right to Peaceful Assembly
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Joint Statement to the Permanent Council by the ‘Group of Friends on Safety of Journalists’ in Response to the Report of the OSCE RFoM
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Statement delivered in Response to OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir on July 4, 2019
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Statement delivered to the Permanent Council on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly in the Russian Federation
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Statement delivered to the Permanent Council in Response to Head of the Program Office in Nur-Sultan
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Statement delivered at the Permanent Council in response to violence against journalists in Turkey
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Statement to the Permanent Council in Response to the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova
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Statement delivered at the Permanent Council in response to OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan
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Statement delivered at the Permanent Council in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day
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Press Release from the Informal OSCE Group of Friends on Safety of Journalists April 12, 2019 Side Event
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Statement delivered at the Permanent Council in Response to Report by OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Statement delivered at the Permanent Council on the Prosecution of Pavlo Hryb
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Statement at the Permanent Council on the Passage of Restrictive Media Laws by the Russian Federation
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Statement delivered to the Permanent Council calling on Russia to Release Oyub Titiyev
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Statement at the Permanent Council in Response to the Report by the OSCE Mission to Serbia
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Statement delivered at the Permanent Council on the Indictment of 16 individuals in Turkey
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Statement delivered at the Permanent Council on Allegations of Torture of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia
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Statement delivered at the Permanent Council in response to OSCE Mission to Montenegro Report
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Remarks delivered at 26 February event “FIVE YEARS AFTER: Human Rights Situation in Autonomous Republic of Crimea”
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Statement delivered at the Permanent Council on the Ongoing Harassment of Jehovah’s Witness Members in Russia
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Statement delivered to the Permanent Council on criminal charges filed by Russia on activist Anastasia Shevchenko
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U.S. Statement at the Closing Plenary Session of the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council
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Statement at HDIM Working Session 4: Rule of law I, including – Right to a fair trial; Independence of the judiciary; Democratic law-making
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Statement to the Permanent Council on World Press Freedom Day.
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Statement to the OSCE Permanent Council on limiting freedom of expression in Russia.
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Statement at the Permanent Council on freedom of expression and the detention of Khairullo Mirsaidov In Tajikistan.
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Statement at the Permanent Council on behalf of the United States and Canada on the Murder of Slovak journalist, Jan Kuciak.
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Statement at the Permanent Council: We urge Moldova to respond to disinformation in a way that does not limit the public’s access to information.
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The United States strongly supports the rights of all individuals, including LGBTI persons, to assemble peacefully and to exercise freedom of expression.
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The United States urges the Russian government not to use new media legislation to further restrict freedom of expression and the operation of media outlets in Russia.
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We join the EU and others in expressing deep concern about the arrest of opposition leader Alexei Navalny and his subsequent sentencing to twenty days’ detention.
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The freedoms to assemble peacefully and to associate freely are essential for a stable, open, and dynamic society, and to democratic governance responsive to the concerns of citizens.
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Freedom of expression is fundamental to any democracy, and journalists should never be targeted for their work.
Read More» The United States categorically rejects any claims that the United States government is involved in the kidnapping of foreign nationals and that it operates in manner inconsistent with its international obligations.
Read More» We have taken note of the statement by Azerbaijan on media freedom in in the United States. However, let me be clear. The United States has the most vibrant, pluralistic media environment in the world.
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The United States is committed to addressing these conditions in part by advancing international religious freedom around the world.
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We urge Russian authorities to adhere to fair trial guarantees. The United States stresses the right of all to freedom of expression, including in the spheres of arts and culture.
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We urge the government of Azerbaijan to immediately release Mehman Aliyev, and all those incarcerated for exercising their fundamental freedoms, in accordance with its international obligations and OSCE commitments.
Read More» We agree that we can all do more to strengthen journalist protections. We agree that there is a need for more fact-based reporting. And we agree that these issues need to be addressed democratically and in a manner consistent with OSCE principles and commitments.
Read More» The United States was disappointed, but not surprised, that instead of acting in good faith and using the conference for its intended purpose, certain participating States instead sought to stack this room with surrogates and proxies.
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This law constitutes a step backward from the freedoms of association and expression, and from our shared OSCE commitments to supporting civil society. Any claims that this legislation is based on laws in the United States are false.
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Non-governmental organizations and a robust civil society are an essential element of any strong democracy. Turkey benefits from having more engaged voices, not fewer. The detentions of individuals such as Mr. Kiliç chill public debate and undermine the quality of democracy.
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The Russian people, like people everywhere, deserve a government that supports an open marketplace of ideas, transparent and accountable governance, equal treatment under the law, and the ability to exercise their rights without intimidation or retribution.
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We have taken note of the statement by the Russian Federation, which draws upon an article in a U.S. newspaper. The United States takes seriously its OSCE commitments and its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
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We urge the government of Azerbaijan to act in accordance with its OSCE and international commitments and obligations and release all those incarcerated for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Read More» The Russian government’s reliance on its so-called “foreign agent” law raises serious concerns about Russia’s respect for its OSCE commitments and obligation to respect the right to freedom of association.
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The United States strongly supports the Project Coordinator’s efforts to assist Uzbekistan in fighting terrorism, strengthening criminal justice, combating trafficking in persons, and developing free media.
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We share the concerns of Organization for Democracy and Economic Development member states about the active and protracted conflicts in this region, and are deeply concerned by continuing violations of member states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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The United States appreciates the work of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat across all three of the dimensions that constitute the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security.
Read More» We also honor those men and women who work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to tell the stories the world would otherwise never hear. They are the guardians of democratic values and ideals. We reaffirm our commitment to stand by them this day, and every day.
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We urge the Government of Azerbaijan to conduct a full, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Galandarov’s death and to release all activists in Azerbaijan incarcerated for exercising their fundamental freedoms.
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Response to Russia’s Criticism of ODIHR Election Observation As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Kate M. Byrnes to the Permanent Council, Vienna April 27, 2017 Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Russian Federation’s claim that ODIHR’s determination regarding how to observe the French elections is another example of an “unbalanced” approach by ODIHR is unjustified and …
Read More» We call on the government of Turkey to protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all within its borders – regardless of their vote on April 16 – as guaranteed by the Turkish constitution and in accordance with Turkey’s OSCE and other international commitments and obligations.
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Reply to Russia on the Office of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Kate M. Byrnes to the Permanent Council, Vienna April 27, 201 Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Russian Federation referred to the Office of the High Representative (OHR) as an obsolete international guardian that should be …
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We urge Russia to respect the human right of all to exercise the fundamental freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief– including the right to profess and practice one’s religion alone or in community with others — in accordance with its OSCE commitments and international obligations.
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The United States joins Ukraine in voicing its concerns about the deliberate and malicious campaign against both the Library of Ukrainian Literature in Moscow and its personnel.
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The United States urges the government of Hungary to strengthen – not impede – the educational and people-to-people ties that are a foundation of strong bilateral and multilateral relationships, and are recognized in the Helsinki Final Act.
Read More» Mr. Chair, colleagues, let me be clear – the threat to our region from violent extremism and terrorism is real. However, the prosecution of members of peaceful religious minority groups for “extremism” serves only to distract from and undermine our mutual efforts to combat true violent threats.
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The Russian people, like people everywhere, deserve a government that supports an open marketplace of ideas, transparent and accountable governance, equal treatment under the law, and the ability to exercise their rights without fear of retribution.
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We have been following with deep concern reports regarding the response by government authorities to peaceful public demonstrations that took place in several locations in Belarus over the last weekend.
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For the last seven years, you have worked tirelessly to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms. You pushed back on governments that sought to silence critical voices, shut down free and independent media, and erode protections for journalists.
Read More» The United States urges Russia to respect its international obligations and OSCE commitments to protect the rights of everyone to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
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Ongoing Violations of Freedom of Expression in Russia | Statement to the PC As delivered by Deputy Chief of Mission Kate M. Byrnes to the Permanent Council, Vienna January 19, 2017 The United States is concerned about the December 28 decision by Chechnya’s Supreme Court to uphold the conviction of Zhalaudi Geriev, a local independent …
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Friends and colleagues, we meet in Hamburg today to reaffirm the same idea that tied us together in Helsinki 41 years ago: that our collective security is directly linked to the growth of our economies and the protection of basic human rights.
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The office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media has been a vocal and courageous advocate for freedom of expression, both on- and off-line.
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Thank you, Mr. Chair. Allow me to make a response to the comments just made by our distinguished Russian colleague. First, our distinguished Russian colleague said that not a word was said about concerns about journalists in the United States. That is simply false. In fact, my statement started today in recounting an exchange that …
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My delegation strongly supports the statement of our European Union colleagues marking the United Nations-declared International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. To do its job, a free press needs protection from violence and intimidation. In too many places around the world, those who threaten, kidnap, beat, and kill journalists do so with …
Read More» As an ally and friend, we urge the Government of Turkey to respond to the failed coup in ways that reinforce Turkey’s traditions of freedom of expression and pluralism, the very principles and institutions that the Turkish people so courageously defended from a violent attempted coup.
Read More» We are concerned about constraints on independent media and the implications for freedom of expression in Kazakhstan.
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The United States remains deeply troubled by the Russian government’s growing intolerance of all forms of dissent and independent expression.
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Director Link, the United States welcomes you back to the Permanent Council and thanks you for your report on the 2016 Human Dimension Implementation Meeting. On behalf of my delegation here in Vienna, and our colleagues from Washington, Moscow, and Baku who were part of the U.S. delegation to HDIM, I would like thank you, …
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As the 2016 HDIM draws to a close, my delegation wishes to share some observations that will shape our approach to the OSCE Ministerial in Hamburg. First: Helsinki Final Act Principles linking respect for human rights within states to lasting security among states could not be more relevant. These foundational principles are under siege and …
Read More» Regarding the Representative’s presentation, we are aware of reports that a journalist covering the Dakota Access Pipeline protests was arrested for allegedly trespassing on private land last week. We have no reason to believe that the arrest was related to her status as a member of the press, nor to the subject matter of her …
Read More» In establishing the Representative on Freedom of the Media in 1997, the OSCE participating States recognized that “free, independent, and pluralistic media are essential to a free and open society and accountable systems of government.”
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Freedom of association is necessary for the fullest exercise of the freedoms of expression and of religion or belief, and for the conduct of free and fair elections. It is a cornerstone for the rights of persons seeking to form independent trade unions.
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At the Copenhagen meeting in 1990, participating States affirmed that “everyone will have the right to freedom of expression including the right to communication. This right will include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers.” Twenty years later at the Astana …
Read More» I just would like to express my regret at the interpretation that our distinguished Azerbaijani colleague puts on my delegation’s raising our genuinely held concerns. I don’t think that it is accurate to say that there is a permanent focus on any particularly participating State, but rather that we consistently try to use the common …
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The United States was shocked and saddened by the news of the killing of prominent journalist Pavel Sheremet in a car explosion in Kyiv, Ukraine.
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As Turkey’s friend, we urge Turkish authorities to ensure their actions uphold the universal democratic values enshrined in Turkey’s constitution, and its international human rights obligations and commitments, including those with respect to freedom of expression.
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