EU statement, OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, 5 - 15 October 2026, Plenary Session 3: Fundamental Freedoms I

The freedoms of peaceful assembly and association are the foundation of an open and democratic society. These freedoms are fundamental to the European Union and remain essential to meaningful public participation. All OSCE participating States have committed to respecting, protecting, and promoting the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, as enshrined in the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, the 1990 Copenhagen Document, and the Guidelines on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly.

We express deep concern over restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly in some participating States, such as the refusal to authorise rallies for LGBTI rights, or the excessive and disproportionate use of force in the policing of demonstrations. Certain "foreign agent" and "foreign influence" laws, providing for punitive measures, undermine civic society and fundamental freedoms. We call on participating States to uphold their commitment to the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association.

In Russia and in the territories it has illegally occupied in Ukraine, demonstrations have been made de facto impossible, and drastic measures to suppress opposing voices have created a climate of fear and intimidation. The EU strongly condemns Russia’s continued use of repressive laws to silence dissent and fundamental freedoms. We call on Russia to uphold its commitments on peaceful assembly and ensure that all persons are able to exercise this fundamental freedom. We stand in solidarity with all those striving for democracy and for an end to Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. 

In Belarus, the rights to freedom of assembly and association remain severely violated through the repression of peaceful demonstrations, the destruction of a large part of civil society, and the targeting of independent political parties and associations. Reports indicate that at least 1,254 people were sentenced to prison in politically motivated cases, out of which 643 people were convicted for having participated in protests.

In Georgia, human rights have been severely curtailed by repressive actions and laws that infringe upon fundamental rights. Ill-treatment of protest participants by law enforcement forces, in some cases amounting to torture or inhuman and degrading treatment, was widespread in 2025. No perpetrators were held accountable, fostering an environment of impunity. We strongly urge Georgia to continue to constructively engage with OSCE institutions and make use of their expertise.

While States bear the primary responsibility for safeguarding human rights, the EU recognises that individuals, groups, and organs of society play an indispensable role in their promotion and protection. The adoption of the EU Civil Society Strategy in November 2025 reinforces this commitment. The EU also continues to support human rights defenders through its dedicated protection mechanisms.

We regret that in many OSCE participating States, civic and domestic advocacy is increasingly difficult or impossible. The EU condemns the systemic crackdown on civil society in Russia, particularly regarding independent media and journalists. We urge Russia to align its domestic legislation with international human rights law and OSCE commitments.

National Human Rights Institutions play a vital role in upholding fundamental rights and protecting civil society organisations. These institutions amplify civic voices, raise public awareness, and support capacity-building efforts. Under the 1990 Copenhagen Document, participating States committed to establishing and strengthening independent institutions in the field of human rights and rule of law. The EU calls on all OSCE participating States to ensure that National Human Rights Institutions are independent, receive the necessary resources, and are systematically consulted in all relevant policymaking and legislative processes. 

Albania, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.