KEEPING THE SPIRIT
OF HELSINKI ALIVE

In commemoration of the 50 year anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Accords and in honour of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the award-winning short video documentary Hawks and Nightingales was published. Conceived and scripted by Fran Eve Wright and brought to life with the invaluable support of 'Mass Media and Communications' students from the University of Vienna, the film stands as a powerful testament to the continuing relevance of the Accords’ human rights commitments and the vital role of a free press in safeguarding democracy. The film was also screened at the International Day of Peace event "UN – 80 years for Peace, Perspectives for the Future" at Vienna International Center (UN Vienna).

SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

As the “fourth estate,” the press provides independent oversight of the three official branches of government and exposes abuses of power, scandal, corruption and threats to civil liberties. This watchdog role is essential for a healthy democracy.
WPH article The Crucial Role of Media in Democracy by SAKHRI Mohamed

“Journalists who travel abroad to cover wars and expose corruption, environmental crimes and abuses of human rights speak truth to power and challenge the people in power; many of them are at risk and suffer the consequences... They are a vital part of our ecology of democracy and mutual respect for and commitment to the rule of law.”

- Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, Member of
the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, speaking at the Global Conference for Media Freedom,
16 November 2020

Safety of Journalists in crisis and conflict-situations | UNESCO

THE HELSINKI ACCORDS

2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Helsinki Accords, signed on 1st of August 1975 at the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe. The Conference was the predecessor to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which continues its work today.

Elina Valtonen, Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, OSCE Chairperson 2025:
“Our task as Chair is to ensure that our shared principles are not merely memories of the past but continue to live and guide us through these difficult times. The people of the participating States deserve to live in freedom, peace and safety, working together to build Europe’s future. If the Helsinki Principles did not already exist, they would need to be written now.”

Safety of Journalists: Guidebook, 3rd Edition (2020)

Mandate of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Permanent Council Decision No. 193, 5th November 1997

The video project received a Bronze Award from the Verband Österreichischer Film-Autoren (VÖFA) and was screened at the VÖFA Film Festival.

“UN – 80 years for Peace, Perspectives for the Future”

At the Vienna International Centre (UN Vienna) - Date: Friday, September 19th, 2025

Highlights of the Event

Ceremony in front of the Peace Bell - VIC, Memorial Plaza
Welcome by: Mr. Peter Haider Chair, NGO Committee on Peace
A message from the Rebecca Jovin, Chief of Office, United Nations Office for Disarmament.
Panel discussions on the theme: „UN – 80 years for Peace, Perspectives for the Future" with the following speakers:
- Mr. Jean-Luc Lemahieu: Visiting Lecturer International Relations, member Advisory Board of the Siracusa Institute, former Director Policy Analysis and Public Information, UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
- Dr. Verena Winiwarter: Professor of environmental history at the Institute for Social Ecology at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences 2018-2022. Since 2016, she has headed the Commission for Interdisciplinary Ecological Studies of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Scientist of the Year 2013’ (Club of Education and Science Journalists, Austria).
- Ms. Heather Wokusch: Founder of blockhub.care, designs EdTech and PeaceTech systems to leverage technology for humanitarian capacity building. As the Executive Director of SDG2030.me, she innovates Crowdsourced Solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Ms. Anastasia Yatsko: Founder and Programme Director, Earth Charter Austria, a global effort to power a movement of bringing about a just, sustainable and peaceful future.
Screening of "Hawks and Nightingales: Keeping the Spirit of Helsinki Alive"
A Miniature Bronze of the Knotted Gun crafted by the Non-Violence Foundation was presented by Ms. Anastasia Yatsko to Mr. Peter Haider, Chair of the NGO Peace Committee