Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Although all OSCE participating States are committed to guaranteeing citizens the freedom of assembly, this commitment is not always met in practice.

In some cases, new laws aimed at fighting terrorism have prevented people from gathering or holding demonstrations. In other cases, individuals have been prevented from forming new political parties, especially when in opposition to the government in power.

The curtailing of these freedoms impairs the development of democracy, undermining free elections - a necessity for the legitimacy of any government - and having a particularly harmful effect on the growth of civil society.

Activities

Information-gathering and exchange: In co-operation with delegations of the OSCE participating States, OSCE field missions, and NGOs, the ODIHR gathers information on existing legal frameworks and implementation practices in OSCE participating States. There is a special focus on the situation of NGOs and human-rights defenders. The ODIHR follows cases involving harassment and persecution of individual human rights defenders and makes interventions with government authorities where appropriate.

Advice to OSCE field missions: The ODIHR provides expertise to OSCE field missions and answers their queries on specific situations encountered in OSCE participating States.

The ODIHR maintains a roster of experts in the sphere of freedom of assembly and association, and, when necessary, recommends suitable candidates to OSCE field missions.

Guidelines on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly: In March 2007 ODIHR published Guidelines on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly (available in English and Russian). The Guidelines are based on international and regional treaties relating to the protection of human rights, evolving state practice (as reflected in judgements of domestic courts), and the general principles of law recognized by the community of nations. Follow-up awareness-raising events and training on these guidelines can be offered by the ODIHR, and OSCE participating States and civil society are encouraged to approach ODIHR with relevant requests.

Legislative assistance: The ODIHR responds to requests for legislative assistance received from OSCE participating States and OSCE field missions through its Legislative Support Unit. The ODIHR reviews draft and existing laws and prepares legal commentaries with recommendations.

Human dimension meetings and events: The ODIHR organizes meetings and events devoted to freedom of assembly and association. As a rule, one of the working sessions during the annual Human Dimension Implementation Meeting is devoted to these rights.