90 Partners in Implementation PART II 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 TwentyFirst 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. Astana 2010 6. (…) We value the important role played by civil society and free media in helping us to ensure full respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, including free and fair elections, and the rule of law. 2.3.6 Promoting Transparency, Combating Corruption, and Improving the Management of Public Resources Istanbul 1999 (Charter for European Security: III. Our Common Response) 33. We reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law. We recognize that corruption poses a great threat to the OSCE’s shared values. It generates instability and reaches into many aspects of the security, economic and human dimensions. Participating States pledge to strengthen their efforts to combat corruption and the conditions that foster it, and to promote a positive framework for good government practices and public integrity. They will make better use of existing international instruments and assist each other in their fight against corruption. As part of its work to promote the rule of law, the OSCE will work with NGOs that are committed to a strong public and business consensus against corrupt practices. Maastricht 2003 (OSCE Strategy Document for the Economic and Environmental Dimension) Promoting transparency and combating corruption 2.2.4 Transparency in public affairs is an essential condition for the accountability of States and for the active participation of civil society in economic processes. Transparency increases the predictability of, and confidence in an economy that is functioning on the basis of adequate legislation and with full respect for the rule of law. Free and pluralistic media which enjoy maximum editorial independence from political and financial pressure have an important role to play in ensuring such transparency. 2.2.5 We will make our governments more transparent by further developing processes and institutions for providing timely information, including reliable statistics, about issues of public interest in the economic and environmental fields to the media, the business community,