I. Compilation of Relevant OSCE Commitments Note: This compilation includes OSCE commitments of relevance to the work of human rights defenders. These include commitments on non-governmental organizations; freedom of expression, free media and information (including the right to act upon one’s right); freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief; workers’ rights/conditions of work; national minorities; rule of law; independence of the judiciary; right to a fair trial; right to effective remedies and respect for private and family life. This list should not be considered exhaustive. 1975 Helsinki Final Act The participating States will respect (...) the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. (...) Within this framework the participating States will recognize and respect the freedom of the individual to profess and practice, alone or in community with others, religion or belief acting in accordance with the dictates of his own conscience. The participating States confirm that religious faiths, institutions and organisations, practising within the constitutional framework of the participating States, and their representatives can, in the field of their activities, have contacts and meetings among themselves and exchange information. Helsinki 1975 (Questions Relating to Security in Europe: 1.(a) Declaration on Principles Guiding Relations between Participating States - Principle VII) The participating States recognize the universal significance of human rights and fundamental freedoms (…) They confirm the right of the individual to know and act upon his rights and duties in this field. (…) 35