4 The Nature and Importance of the Human Dimension PART I 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. Maastricht 2003 (I. OSCE Strategy to Address Threats to Security and Stability in the Twenty-First Century; Threats to security and stability in the twenty-first century) 4. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law is at the core of the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security. Strong democratic institutions and the rule of law play an important role in preventing threats from arising. Weak governance, and a failure by States to secure adequate and functioning democratic institutions that can promote stability, may in themselves constitute a breeding ground for a range of threats. Equally, systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, can give rise to a wide range of potential threats. (…) 8. Against this background, it is clear that the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security, covering the politico-military, economic and environmental and human dimensions retains its full validity and should be maintained and further strengthened. 9. (…) Non-compliance with international law and with OSCE norms and principles, as well as a range of factors within the politico-military, economic and environmental and human dimensions lie behind the immediate causes of violent conflict.