Freedom and democracy are the two most important human values according to Wladyslaw Bartoszewski, speaking at the opening ceremony of the annual meeting of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe on human rights issues.

Over 1,000 participants from 56 OSCE member states are spending two weeks in Warsaw to discuss the right to assemble, the right to hold democratic elections and the fight against discrimination and intolerance.  

“Currently, the most important values, which the whole world should protect, are freedom and democracy, and they are directly related to human rights. These are general challenges for Europe,” stated Bartoszewski.

Bartoszewski, Polish statesman, former Auschwitz concentration camp inmate, and former Foreign Minister, added that this type of conference is a “very good foundation” on which government and non-government institutions can build a common dialogue. The conference lasts until 9 October. (mmj)