By waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, the Russian Federation has breached every Principle set out in the Helsinki Final Act 50 years ago — the document that laid the foundation for today’s Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), its Chairperson-in-Office told the Security Council today.

Helsinki Principles mirror those of the Charter of the United Nations — sovereign equality, territorial integrity, inviolability of frontiers, refraining from the threat or use of force, and respect for human rights, said Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, speaking as OSCE’s representative.

“For five decades, the OSCE has been the guardian of these Principles, and held States accountable,” she said, stressing that granting fundamental rights to their citizens is a duty for each participating State.

OSCE is the world’s largest regional security organization, with 57 participating States from Europe, Central Asia and North America — including the United States and Canada.

Briefer: Her Excellency Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland in her capacity as Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
Statements: All Council members

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