UK Delivers Key Address at Opening Session of Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 2026

Chair,

The United Kingdom expresses strong backing for the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s (OSCE) holistic approach to security, particularly emphasising the significance of the human dimension. The essence of our collective security lies in democracy, human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. As articulated by the UK Foreign Secretary, the defence of these principles is the only genuine pathway to achieving peace and prosperity across our continent.

Commitment to OSCE Institutions

This commitment is why the UK steadfastly supports the OSCE’s autonomous institutions, including the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The efforts made by ODIHR in election observation, promoting democratic governance, and safeguarding human rights play a crucial role in assisting participating States while also enhancing public trust in democratic processes.

In light of escalating hybrid threats and ongoing attempts to undermine democratic elections, the importance of ODIHR’s role is more pronounced than ever. The independent election observations conducted by ODIHR have proven invaluable, particularly in recent elections held in Armenia and Hungary this year.

Championing Media Freedom

As the co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition for 2026, the UK pledges to continue advocating for independent and diverse media. We firmly support the mandate of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, whose efforts are essential as journalists encounter intimidation, harassment, censorship, and violence in various regions of the OSCE. Minister Elmore, the UK Foreign Office Minister for Human Rights, will address these critical issues during his forthcoming visit to Warsaw for this conference next week.

Prioritising Support for Ukraine

The unwavering support for Ukraine remains the UK’s foremost priority within the OSCE framework. Reports from ODIHR and other international bodies document Russia’s ongoing, widespread, and systematic breaches of international humanitarian and human rights laws, including arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances in the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine.

The UK condemns Russia’s unlawful war of aggression, which includes assaults on civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as repression in occupied territories, alongside a broader violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty. The intensity of Russian air attacks has escalated significantly this summer, with an increased deployment of ballistic missiles and drones in urban areas leading to substantial harm to civilians.

Reaffirming Ukraine’s Sovereignty

Russia’s illegitimate efforts to conduct Duma elections in Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia serve only as instruments of occupation, not democracy. It is imperative to remember that these regions are part of Ukraine, and fraudulent elections cannot alter that reality.

Russia must cease these violations, withdraw its forces from Ukraine, and adhere to its commitments within the OSCE framework. The UK remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine and in holding Russia accountable for its actions.

Looking to the Future

We also wish to commend ODIHR and other OSCE institutions for their support of Ukraine at this critical juncture and for assisting its institutions in preparing for future democratic processes when circumstances permit.

The human dimension is fundamental to the OSCE’s mission, and this conference provides a vital opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms. The UK will persist in raising concerns whenever these commitments are not upheld and will continue to support participating States, civil society, and independent institutions dedicated to maintaining OSCE principles.

Thank you.