OSCE Secretary General Schmid: We now have compelling evidence that climate change can influence or exacerbate factors that may lead to instability and tensions. As with any global challenge, tackling the potential consequences requires cross-sectoral and transborder dialogue and co-operation.

Gender equality must be central to all decision-making and resource allocation.

Sweden is convinced that multilateral co-operation is the best way to address our common challenges. Sweden has shown that we are ready to shoulder our responsibility for the multilateral system.

In a year that has made our common humanity so clear as the world struggles to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, greater efforts must be taken to safeguard and promote the human rights of all migrants, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on the occasion of International Migrants Day.

National strategies and actions to combat trafficking in human beings, particularly in the current environment, would benefit substantially from the inclusion of and support to civil society organizations working to prevent human trafficking and assist its victims.

Experiences of local governments where migrants contribute successfully to the economic growth of hosting communities, was the focus of the OSCE webinar hosted on 17 December 2020, ahead of International Migrants Day on 18 December.

It’s time to “turn the corner” and overcome the current crisis in co-operation, he said in a statement to over 50 foreign ministers and senior diplomats gathered in Tirana and online for the 27th OSCE Ministerial Council.

Due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, for the first time, the Ministerial Council will be held via video teleconferencing. The deadline for registration is 17:00, 1 December 2020.

Many dedicated parliamentarians want to make the OSCE stronger, it was stressed, and to increase its effectiveness to ensure higher political commitment from governments.

Since the presidential election three months ago, thousands of people have been arbitrarily detained for making use of their right to freedom of peaceful assembly, sentenced to administrative arrest and sanctioned with disproportionate fines.

Foreign Minister Linde: Our post-COVID-19 recovery strategies should be used as an opportunity to take on important reforms towards fulfilling the sustainable development goals, as well as the goals of the Paris agreement.