The annual OSCE human dimension conference (HDIM 2025) continues in Warsaw, the capital of Poland.
The prestigious event, which began on 6 October and will run until 17 October, has brought together diplomats, human rights defenders, journalists and representatives of international organizations from all 57 OSCE member states.
Key topics of discussion include human rights, fundamental freedoms, electoral processes, democracy, international security and peace.
This year’s sessions have focused on major global and regional challenges — including the South Caucasus peace process, the war in Ukraine, and the future of democratic institutions in Europe.
During the second plenary session held on 7 October, Dr. Ahmad Shahidov, director of the Azerbaijan Institute for Democracy and Human Rights, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of democracy and peace in the region.
Dr. Shahidov noted that the South Caucasus is entering a new phase of democratic transformation and peace-building, referencing the recent local elections in Georgia as an indicator of democratic challenges: “Elections are the mirror of democracy. If elections are not free and fair, if citizens are afraid or lose trust, it is not just a Georgian issue — it’s a signal for the entire region. Democracy fades not with noise, but in silence, fear and mistrust.”
He also addressed the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia scheduled for June 2026, stressing that their outcome will have a direct impact on the future of peace in the South Caucasus: “Unfortunately, some political forces in Armenia continue to use revanchist rhetoric, rejecting peace agreements and speaking again about war. This poses a serious risk to the peace process. If such forces return to power, the positive atmosphere created after the historic White House meeting on 8 August 2025 could be lost.”
Dr. Shahidov also responded to provocative remarks made by certain Armenian representatives during the session: “We must talk about the future, not the past. Peace and democracy cannot be built on hate and lies. Free elections should not be tools for revenge, but opportunities to build trust between nations.”
The Azerbaijani human rights defender underlined that Europe must pay closer attention to democratic stability in the South Caucasus: “If democracy fails in the South Caucasus, Europe’s own security will suffer. Peace and stability are possible only in free societies.”
Concluding his speech, Dr. Shahidov called for dialogue, cooperation and regional unity: “Azerbaijan believes in peace. We want to open roads and bridges, not close them. The peoples of the South Caucasus can — and must — sit at the same table for peace, stability and prosperity. Democracy and peace are inseparable values.”
The OSCE human dimension conference will continue until 17 October, and is expected to conclude with a final statement on strengthening human rights and democratic institutions across the OSCE region.
