Why Civil Society Is Key to Climate Resilience: Insights from the OSCE Side Event in Vienna

In the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Accords on 31 July 2025, numerous initiatives reflect on commitments to climate action, human rights and international cooperation. One such initiative was the ‘Resilient Together in a Changing Climate‘ side event held at the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship event in Vienna on 28 April 2025. The Finnish organisation Historians Without Borders hosted this event.

The Netherlands Helsinki Committee, Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan, and Historians without Borders co-organised a session on civil society’s role in addressing climate challenges across the OSCE region. Gulnar Bayramova, Programme Officer at the NHC, discussed the reality faced by climate activists and civil society organizations (CSOs).

“…protecting the environment must include protecting those who defend it.”

Bradley Reynolds, board member of Historians without Border, opened the side session. He cited an exchange between UK Prime Minister Ted Heath and West German Chancellor Willy Brandt during CSCE negotiations. He clarified the founding vision of the Helsinki Final Act agreement was to create a better life for people.

Bayramova emphasized civil society’s role in accountability, innovation, and bridging communities, governments, and international institutions. Additionally, representing diverse civil society actors across the OSCE region, urgent concerns arose. Increasing legal restrictions, smear campaigns, harassment, and diminishing financial support are undermining those best positioned to foster grassroots resilience.

Along with geopolitical landscape shifts, the Azerbaijani government has intensified its campaign to silence dissent in the lead-up to COP29.” Moreover, reflecting on developments which undermine security and sideline human rights, Bayramova said

“…without rule of law, human rights, and democratic institutions, “climate action” is only a phrase on a paper.”

Central to this repression is the new media law, enforcing that all journalists register with a state-controlled body. Furthermore, this crackdown tightens government control over independent reporting and has been accompanied by the targeted arrests. This included independent journalists, as well as civil society leaders and scholars in Azerbaijan.

The deliberate constraint sends a clear message, as Bayramova powerfully stated:

“…it is those at the forefront of defending democracy, human rights, and the climate who are paying the price for this shift.”

Environmental activists and civil society organizations are facing increasing pressure everywhere. This includes regions often perceived as more secure, such as Western Europe and the Netherlands.

We urge OSCE participating States and the OSCE as an institution to actively recognise, support, and protect civil society organisations as essential partners. Only this way, inclusive, sustainable, and just climate action can be advanced.

For further reflections from the NHC about the unfolding human rights crisis and climate change approach in Azerbaijan prior to COP29, we invite you to read the detailed analysis.