OSCE Ministerial Council Plenary 2024: UK statement
Speaking at the OSCE Ministerial Council, Director Stephen Lillie outlines the threat Russia鈥檚 war poses to the OSCE鈥檚 founding principles.
Thank you to Malta for hosting us here and for having provided inspiration and leadership throughout 2024 as Chair-in-Office.
Nearly half a century ago ago, the Helsinki Final Act was adopted, sealing the core principles of peace, sovereignty, and cooperation among nations.
It was a watershed moment in Euro-Atlantic security. Yet, as we approach the 50th anniversary, this milestone is overshadowed by Russia鈥檚 egregious violation of the very principles that it signed up to.
Russia鈥檚 illegal invasion of its neighbour directly contravenes the Helsinki Final Act, undermining the values of freedom, democracy and collective security. At the same time, Russia鈥檚 repression of civil society, independent media and human rights defenders within its own borders violates the OSCE鈥檚 core principles.
Sadly, Russia鈥檚 disregard for the Helsinki principles extends beyond its aggression in Ukraine. We have seen Russia weaponising migration, launching cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, and engaging in interference campaigns, including in elections. It is Russia that has blocked the smooth running of the Forum for Security Cooperation. It is Russia that has blocked the annual Human Dimension Meeting. And it is Russia that has undermined the effective functioning of the OSCE itself, stalling key technical decisions and illegally imprisoning its staff: Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov.
We will continue to use the OSCE as a platform to highlight Russia鈥檚 abject disrespect for the rules-based international order and we will stand united with our allies in unwavering support for Ukraine.
Colleagues, as we approach this 50-year milestone, we must stand stronger than ever in our commitment to uphold the OSCE founding principles. In this context, we condemned the continued use of brutal and excessive force against protestors and journalists in Georgia. We must also ensure the OSCE keeps pace with a changing security environment, including the challenges of state-sponsored digital disinformation and democratic backsliding. The UK will take forward this agenda when we take the Chair of the Security Committee on behalf of Finland next year.
Finally, allow me to salute the sterling work of Malta throughout this year to ensure the effectiveness of the OSCE, including security agreement in the Top Four senior jobs. We have absolute confidence in Finland鈥檚 ability to continue this excellent work. Indeed, in the year that we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Principles, no country is better qualified to do this. You have our full support.