OSCE Personal Representatives focusing on tolerance and non-discrimination

WARSAW, 10 December 2022 – All those who mark Human Rights Day this year do so deeply troubled by the current state of affairs. Russia continues to wage its war of aggression against Ukraine, targeting civilian infrastructure and leaving millions without heat or power as winter closes in. Already a legacy of war crimes and wanton destruction has been revealed. Within Russia, the country’s moral and intellectual infrastructure is also being destroyed, with minorities targeted and journalists and human rights defenders fleeing the country.

The prospect of energy shortages in Europe is emboldening populist forces targeting migrants and asylum seekers, who are already among the most vulnerable. The generosity of many countries that have opened their doors to millions of Ukrainian refugees will be tested as the war continues.

Throughout the OSCE area, members of minorities and religious groups – including Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities face heightened threats of physical attacks. The coarsening public discourse and breakdown in social media controls have propelled anti-Semites and Holocaust deniers into the mainstream with disastrous consequences. Muslim communities are viewed with suspicion. Rather than being embraced as a reflection of today’s diverse and pluralistic societies, they are viewed only through the lens of security concerns.

We again urge all OSCE participating States to be mindful of their commitments to protect the human rights of all their citizens. We hope that the very real difficulties we face today will not be cause for despair, but instead serve as the impetus to redouble efforts, to share best practice examples, to strengthen international relationships and contribute to security and peace.   

Rabbi Andrew BakerPersonal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism

Associate Professor Dr. Regina PolakPersonal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, also focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions

Ambassador Dr. Ismail Hakki MusaPersonal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims