At the introductory meeting of the Committee on 29 January 2019 Ambassador Šrámek stressed that protection and promotion of human rights had been a long standing priority of the Czech foreign policy. Under the Czech Chairmanship in 2019 the Committee will focus on human rights and fundamental freedoms, civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights and tolerance and non-discrimination. Special attention will be paid to topical issues of Participation in Public and Political Life, Freedom of Expression and the Media, Preventing and Combating Violence against Women, Prevention of Torture, Elections and other topical issues.

The human dimension of security is of one of the three pillars of the OSCE comprehensive security concept. Lasting security cannot be achieved without respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and functioning democratic institutions.

The introductory meeting was highly acclaimed by the participating States.