In the framework of the Helsinki+50 project, policy papers are produced by invited experts. These papers address issues discussed during expert seminars or other subjects raised during deliberations in the Reflection Group.
The first expert seminar, “Civil Society’s Role in the Implementation of the Helsinki Principles. Expanding Civil Society’s Engagement with the OSCE,” was held in Warsaw on 29 September 2024 and brought together 20 experts.
The following papers were presented as a result of a workshop.
The first paper by Dmitri Makarov, Co-Chair of the Moscow Helsinki Group – “Role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the realization of the OSCE goals and the Helsinki principles”.
“The role of the OSCE in protecting civil society space in the region” by Konstantin Baranov, Program Director, Center for Solidarity International.
“OSCE interaction with civil society: Experiences, challenges and prospects” by Olga Zakharova, Strategic Director, the International Strategic Action Network for Security – iSANS.
The second seminar, “Environmental Security and the OSCE,” was held in Helsinki on 5 November 2024 in partnership with Historians without Borders. It brought together 25 experts.
As a result of the workshop, the following papers were developed.
“The Intersectional Nature of the Climate Crisis” by Anne Karam, KIT Institute, the Netherlands.
“Climate Justice and the OSCE: The Urgent Need to Support Civil Society for Successful Environmental and Climate Action” by Kate Watters, Crude Accountability, and Founding Member of the Climate Justice Working Group, Civic Solidarity Platform.
“Environmental Challenges in Central Asia: Strengthening OSCE Engagement for Regional Sustainability” by Sebastien Peyrouse, Central Asia Program, George Washington University.
On 28 February, the third seminar, “Political-military security dimension of the Helsinki process: Roles of the OSCE and civil society”, was held in Vienna and brought together 26 experts. As a result of the seminar, the following papers were developed.
“From Crisis Response to Sustainable Peace: Strengthening Civil Society’s Role in OSCE Conflict Work” by Natascha Cerny Ehtesham, Swiss Helsinki Committee, member of the Civic Solidarity Platform’s Working Group on Human Rights and Conflict Transformation, and Cornelia Koller, Austrian Helsinki Association, coordinator of the Civic Solidarity Platform’s Working Group on Human Rights and Conflict Transformation.
“Regional Security and Propaganda” by Andrei Richter, Professor Researcher, Comenius University in Bratislava (Slovakia).
“Instrumentalisation of migration on the border of Belarus and the European Union: An illustration of interconnectedness of the OSCE human and military-political security dimensions” by Olga Zakharova, Strategic Director, International Strategic Action Network for Security – iSANS, and Dr. Natasza Krawczyk, Senior Researcher, International Strategic Action Network for Security – iSANS
On 28 April, the fourth seminar, “Civil society role in addressing security concerns: Reflecting on the engagement with the OSCE and beyond in the evolving security situation”, was held in Berlin and brought together 23 experts. As a result of the seminar, the following papers were developed.
“Civil Society’s Role in Making Sustainable Peace a Reality” paper by Inna Berezkina, School of Civic Education
“Peace and Conflict Narratives: Feminist Perspectives and Recommendations for Helsinki+50” by Heidi Meinzolt, coordinator of the Civic Solidarity Platform’s Working Group on Women and Gender Realities in the OSCE Region
On 3 May, the fifth seminar, “Reclaiming and reshaping civil society space for action on comprehensive security in the new and evolving geopolitical environment”, was held in Vienna and brought together 22 experts. As a result of the seminar, the following papers were developed.
“Impact of Trump Administration on Civil Society and Human Rights in the United States” paper by Kate Watters, Executive Director, Crude Accountability, coordinator of the Civic Solidarity Platform’s Working Group on Climate Justice
“Reimagining the Human Rights Movement: From NGOisation to Civic Power” paper by Dmitri Makarov, Moscow Helsinki Group
Our work seeks to reinvigorate the OSCE by pushing for reforms that will make it more responsive to modern crises and ensure that its commitments to democracy, security, and human rights are upheld.
Reports from the seminars are available here and in the attachments.