Effective multi-lateral action to solve cross-border problems is the key to tackling both long-standing and new challenges, Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić told the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna.
The OSCE mandate for conflict prevention and resolution and the Council of Europe’s emphasis on protecting and promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law were a ‘natural fit’, she said, highlighting priorities in the recently launched Strategic Framework and stressing the importance of the Istanbul Convention to combat violence against women and domestic violence.
“In her speech, Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić also highlighted:
Our programme of confidence-building measures promotes common standards, best practice and non-political dialogue between civil society, experts and professionals.
The problems and solutions vary depending on the specific circumstances.
But these confidence-building measures are designed variously to empower women, ensure drug-prevention, allow contact between health professionals, conserve architectural heritage and archive materials, facilitate dialogue between journalists and support education.
Indeed, particular attention is paid to youth, and young people from all areas of Europe touched by conflict participate in the Council of Europe’s Youth Peace Camps.
Certainly, there remains plenty of work to do.
We are currently engaged in a dialogue to develop a set of confidence-building measures between Armenia and Azerbaijan, following the most recent conflict in and around Nagorno Karabakh.
And confidence-building measures are in place for Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transnistria.
Their success relies upon the authorities’ commitment.
And they are aware that the Council of Europe fully and firmly supports the independence and territorial integrity of its member states within their internationally recognised borders.
But the investment of this time and effort is worth the reward.
Access and contact of this kind can only help to ensure that people’s fundamental rights are respected and that trust is laid as a foundation on which lasting peace can be built.”
