The UK welcomes ODIHR Director Telalian to the Permanent Council and reiterates its strong support for ODIHR's work on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Thank you, Mr Chair. Many colleagues wish to speak on this item; I promise to be brief.
Director Telalian, welcome back to the Permanent Council. Thank you Maria for your report and for your Office's work providing professional and expert support to OSCE participating States, national human rights institutions and civil society.
We particularly welcome ODIHR's reporting on the human consequences of Russia's full‑scale and illegal invasion of Ukraine. The findings set out in ODIHR's Eighth Interim Report of December 2025 again document the devastating impact of Russia's aggression on civilians, and Russia's continued violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
We thank you for continued work on human rights challenges in the wider region and to support civil society under pressure. We warmly welcome your vital election observation activities and ODIHR's recent contributions to strengthening election observation in the digital age.
The UK continues to believe that a comprehensive concept of security as you outlined at the beginning of this meeting lies at the heart of the OSCE and the future peace and security of our region. ODIHR's work across the human dimension remains indispensable. Rest assured of continued UK support in the months to come.
Thank you.
