Activities

Human dimension

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)
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)

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.
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Democratization

The OSCE promotes democracy and assists the participating States in building democratic institutions.
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Education

Education programmes are an integral part of the Organization's efforts in conflict prevention and post-conflict rehabilitation.
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Elections

As part of its democratization activities, the OSCE carries out election assistance projects in the lead-up to or following elections.
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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.
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Human rights

The OSCE's human rights activities focus on such priorities as freedom of movement and religion, preventing torture and trafficking in persons.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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