Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Beginning with the Helsinki Final Act in 1975, the now 56 participating States of the OSCE region have adopted a large number of politically binding commitments relating to what has become known as the human dimension of the OSCE's comprehensive security concept.

The selection of commitments contained in this publication was made on the basis of a definition of the term human dimension as it is used today, encompassing all aspects related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; democracy, including democratic elections and democratic governance and institutions; tolerance and non-discrimination; and the rule of law, as well as to national minorities, human contacts, and international humanitarian law.

In addition, the compilation includes provisions for mechanisms to monitor the implementation of these commitments, as well as the basic mandates of the OSCE institutions active in the field of the human dimension.

This volume is arranged thematically according to the main issues related to the human dimension. It is intended for use by government officials and civil society organizations, academics, students, and practitioners alike.

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