JPTi Participates in the OSCE Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting on Democratic Lawmaking
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
On 16–17 March 2026, Justice pour Tous Internationale (JPTi), a Geneva-based human rights organization, participated in the OSCE Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting I (SHDM I) on “Lawmaking for Democratic Resilience,” held in Vienna. The meeting brought together representatives of OSCE participating States, international organizations, independent oversight bodies, and civil society to examine challenges and best practices in democratic lawmaking and institutional accountability .
During the meeting, JPTi delivered two formal statements addressing key issues related to democratic governance, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law within the OSCE region.
The full texts of JPTi’s statements delivered during Session I (16 March 2026) and Session II (17 March 2026) can be accessed and downloaded here:
On 16 March, during Session I on safeguarding democracies and the role of international actors, JPTi raised concerns regarding legislative developments in Estonia affecting religious communities, including the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (ECOC). The organization highlighted the risks posed by the securitization of lawmaking and emphasized the importance of safeguarding collective religious freedoms in line with international standards. At the same time, JPTi expressly commended the decision of the President of Estonia to refuse promulgation of the contested amendments and to refer them for constitutional review, underscoring the essential role of institutional safeguards and checks and balances in preserving democratic resilience.
In this context, JPTi called upon the Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO) and the Ministry of Interior (MIA), under whose authority it operates, to reconsider the current approach, to withdraw the contested legislative amendments, and to engage in meaningful and inclusive dialogue with affected religious communities, including the ECOC, in full compliance with international human rights standards .
On 17 March, during Session II on civil society and independent oversight, JPTi addressed the critical role of independent legal professionals and institutions in combating corruption and strengthening democratic lawmaking. The organization raised serious concerns regarding the case of Uzbek defence lawyer Mr Abdulaziz Razzokov, including allegations of unlawful surveillance, torture, and violations of due process. In this context, JPTi emphasized that the protection of lawyers and the independence of the legal profession are indispensable to effective oversight and accountability mechanisms.
JPTi further highlighted the significance of ongoing Swiss–Uzbek cooperation in the repatriation of embezzled assets linked to the corruption network of Gulnara Karimova, through which approximately one billion United States dollars are being returned for the benefit of the Uzbek people. The organization underscored that such asset recovery efforts represent an important model of international cooperation in combating corruption, while stressing that their long-term impact depends on structurally reinforcing independent oversight institutions, including national human rights institutions and the Ombudsman.
JPTi therefore called for ensuring that a meaningful portion of repatriated assets is allocated to strengthening rule-of-law institutions and civil society oversight mechanisms, thereby contributing to sustainable anti-corruption outcomes and democratic resilience.
Video recordings of the interventions are available at the following timestamps:
the first statement (Session I, 16 March 2026) at 2:50:12 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhDXCwXjIow;
and the second statement (Session II, 17 March 2026) at 1:46:23 — https://www.youtube.com/live/cXEcjiPfiiA?si=8OEwnMGdpi9oYzi5.
Through its participation in SHDM I, JPTi reaffirmed its commitment to advancing human rights, strengthening independent institutions, and promoting accountability in democratic lawmaking processes across the OSCE region. The organization will continue to engage with international and regional mechanisms to support the protection of fundamental freedoms and the development of robust, transparent, and inclusive legal systems.
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