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Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
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In the field of protecting and promoting human rights, the ODIHR carries out two major functions.
The first is monitoring, and reporting on, compliance by participating States with their human dimension commitments, particularly in the areas of freedom of assembly and association, the right to liberty and to a fair trial, and in the use of the death penalty.
In addition, the Office offers training and education, and responds to specific concerns such as the protection of human rights in the global fight against terrorism.
The ODIHR approaches issues from a variety of perspectives, including training, research, reporting, and technical assistance. The ODIHR also organizes several major meetings every year that are dedicated to particular human-rights topics.
Anti-trafficking
Trafficking in human beings affects virtually all OSCE participating States either as countries of origin, countries of transit, or countries of destination.
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Human rights defenders and NHRIs
The ODIHR Focal Point for Human Rights Defenders and National Human Rights Institutions was established in 2007.
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Human-rights training and education
Education and training in the field of human rights can be used to encourage respect for the dignity of all human beings.
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Human rights in fight against terrorism
The ODIHR works to promote respect for human rights in combating terrorism.
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Human rights and the armed forces
Where members of the armed forces have their human rights and fundamental freedoms protected, they will in turn be more likely to uphold these rights while carrying out their duties.
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Death penalty
In its work on monitoring the use of the death penalty, the ODIHR aims to increase transparency as well as compliance with international safeguards, while also facilitating exchange of information about the abolition of the death penalty.
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Monitoring places of detention
It is widely acknowledged that one of the most effective ways of preventing torture and ill-treatment is through independent monitoring of places of detention.
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Trial-monitoring
In recognition of the fundamental nature of the right to a fair trial, the OSCE participating States have committed themselves to permit national and international observers to monitor trials.
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Freedoms of assembly and association
Although all OSCE participating States are committed to guaranteeing citizens the freedom of assembly, this commitment is not always met in practice.
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Human rights, women and security
Gender equality and the protection of women's and men's human rights are recognized by the OSCE participating States as essential to achieving security and stability in the OSCE region.
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Human dimension mechanisms
The OSCE has established a number of tools to monitor the implementation of commitments that participating States have undertaken in the field of human rights and democracy.
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States of emergency
The ODIHR acts as a clearing house for information regarding states of emergency in the OSCE region.
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ODIHR human rights officers speak to Uzbek refugees in Kyrgyzstan following the 13 May 2005 events in Andijan. (OSCE/Eric Gourlan)
Links
- Documents related to the events in Andijan, Uzbekistan, 2005
- PUBLICATION: Vvedenie v prava cheloveka (Introduction to Human Rights)
An overview in Russian of the international human-rights system, including historical development, as well as contemporary debates and protection mechanisms. - PUBLICATION: Individual Human Rights Complaints: A Handbook for OSCE Field Personnel
Contacts
Human Rights Department
Al. Ujazdowskie 19
00-557 Warsaw
Poland
Tel: +48 22 520 0600
Fax: +48 22 520 0605
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