Activities
Human dimension
The commitments made by OSCE participating States in the human dimension aim to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; to abide by the rule of law; to promote the principles of democracy by building, strengthening and protecting democratic institutions; and to promote tolerance throughout the OSCE region.
Anti-trafficking
The fight against trafficking - in human beings, in small arms and light weapons and in drugs - has been a top priority for the OSCE in recent years.
More
Democratization
The OSCE promotes democracy and assists the participating States in building democratic institutions.
More
Education
Education programmes are an integral part of the Organization's efforts in conflict prevention and post-conflict rehabilitation.
More
Elections
As part of its democratization activities, the OSCE carries out election assistance projects in the lead-up to or following elections.
More
Gender equality
The equality of women and men is an integral part of sustainable democracy. The OSCE aims to provide equal opportunities for women and men and to integrate gender equality in policies and practices.
More
Human rights
The OSCE's human rights activities focus on such priorities as freedom of movement and religion, preventing torture and trafficking in persons.
More
Media freedom
The OSCE observes relevant media developments in its participating States with a view to addressing and providing early warning on violations of freedom of expression.
More
Minority rights
Ethnic conflict is one of the main sources of large-scale violence in Europe today. The OSCE's approach is to identify - and seek early resolution of - ethnic tensions and to set standards for the rights of persons belonging to minority groups.
More
Rule of law
The concept of rule of law forms a cornerstone of the OSCE's human rights activities. It not only describes formal legal frameworks, but also aims at justice based on the full acceptance of human dignity.
More
Tolerance and non-discrimination
OSCE bodies such as the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) are constantly engaged in the battle against all forms of racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and discrimination.
More
Roma children at the inauguration of the OSCE-funded playground in the Zinxhiraj neighbourhood of the city of Gjirokastra, Albania, 14 June 2004. (OSCE/Joana Karapataqi)
Links
- High Commissioner on National Minorities
- Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR)
- Representative on Freedom of the Media
- Secretariat - Strategic Police Matters Unit
- Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings
- The three OSCE dimensions