Structural Components of a Democratic Society pa rt II 2.3.5 Non-governmental Organizations See also: á Part I. 2.3.3: Individuals, Human Rights Defenders, and Non-governmental Organizations Moscow 1991 (43) The participating States will recognize as NGOs those which declare themselves as such, according to existing national procedures, and will facilitate the ability of such organizations to conduct their national activities freely on their territories; to that effect they will (43.1) - endeavour to seek ways of further strengthening modalities for contacts and exchanges of views between NGOs and relevant national authorities and governmental institutions; (43.2) - endeavour to facilitate visits to their countries by NGOs from within any of the participating States in order to observe human dimension conditions; (43.3) - welcome NGO activities, including, inter alia, observing compliance with CSCE commitments in the field of the human dimension; (43.4) - allow NGOs, in view of their important function within the human dimension of the CSCE, to convey their views to their own governments and the governments of all the other participating States during the future work of the CSCE on the human dimension. Istanbul 1999 (Charter for European Security: III. Our Common Response) 27. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can perform a vital role in the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. They are an integral component of a strong civil society. We pledge ourselves to enhance the ability of NGOs to make their full contribution to the further development of civil society and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Maastricht 2003 (OSCE Strategy to Address Threats to Security and Stability in the Twenty-First Century) 36. (…) Based on its human dimension commitments, the OSCE strives to promote conditions throughout its region in which all can fully enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms under the protection of effective democratic institutions, due judicial process and the rule of law. This includes secure environments and institutions for peaceful debate and expression of interests by all individuals and groups of society. Civil society has an important role to play in this regard, and the OSCE will continue to support and help strengthen civil society organizations. 86 OSCE Human Dimension Commitments