pa rt I The Nature and Importance of the Human Dimension principles of democracy and, in this regard, to build, strengthen and protect democratic institutions, as well as to promote tolerance throughout society. Budapest 1994 (Summit Declaration) 14. We confirm the significance of the Human Dimension in all the activities of the CSCE. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law is an essential component of security and co-operation in the CSCE region. It must remain a primary goal of CSCE action (…) We underline the importance of human contacts in overcoming the legacy of old divisions. Budapest 1994 (Decisions: VIII. The Human Dimension) 2. Human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and democratic institutions are the foundations of peace and security, representing a crucial contribution to conflict prevention, within a comprehensive concept of security. The protection of human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, is an essential foundation of democratic civil society. Neglect of these rights has, in severe cases, contributed to extremism, regional instability and conflict (…) Istanbul 1999 (Charter for European Security: II. Our Common Foundations) 7. We reaffirm our full adherence to the Charter of the United Nations, and to the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris and all other OSCE documents to which we have agreed. These documents represent our common commitments and are the foundation for our work (…) They established clear standards for participating States’ treatment of each other and of all individuals within their territories (…) Their implementation in good faith is essential for relations between States, between governments and their peoples, as well as between the organizations of which they are members (…) We regard these commitments as our common achievement (…) (…) 9. We will build our relations in conformity with the concept of common and comprehensive security, guided by equal partnership, solidarity and transparency. The security of each participating State is inseparably linked to that of all others. We will address the human, economic, political and military dimensions of security as an integral whole. Porto 2002 (Ministerial Declaration) 3. (…) our Organization must develop new responses to the changing nature of the threats to our security, embracing and enhancing all three dimensions of our comprehensive approach. Our efforts to promote peace and stability must go hand in hand with our determination to ensure full respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, and to reinforce the conditions essential for sustainable development in all our States. OSCE Human Dimension Commitments