ALEX NITZSCHE Introduction S ince its origin in 1975 as the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE), the OSCE has taken a comprehensive view of security. The human dimension of security — the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the promotion of strong democratic institutions and the rule of law — is considered to be as important for the maintenance of peace and stability as are the politico-military or economic dimensions. All OSCE participating States are equally committed to upholding democratic principles and to observing the full range of human rights. They have confirmed their commitment to these principles on countless occasions: k “Full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the development of societies based on pluralistic democracy and the rule of law are prerequisites for progress in setting up the lasting order of peace, security, justice and co-operation.” (Copenhagen Document, 1990) k “Human rights and fundamental freedoms are the birthright of all human beings, are inalienable and are guaranteed by law. Their protection and promotion is the first responsibility of gov- 6 Annual Report  ernment.” (Charter of Paris for a New Europe, 1990) k “Democratic government is based on the will of the people, expressed regularly through free and fair elections. Democracy has as its foundation respect for the human person and the rule of law.” (Charter of Paris for a New Europe, 1990) k “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.” (Istanbul Document – Charter for European Security, 1999) The participating States have also agreed that human dimension issues are not internal affairs but are matters of immediate and legitimate concern to all other participating States. In fact, they have “categorically and irrevocably” declared that the “commitments undertaken in the field of the human dimension of the OSCE are matters of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States and do not belong exclusively to the internal affairs of the State concerned” (Moscow Document, 1991). The ODIHR is the main OSCE institution for the human dimension, meaning that it has the