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News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
ODIHR opens limited election observation mission in Poland
Publishing date: 4 September 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
WARSAW, 4 September 2023 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened a limited election observation mission for the 15 October 2023 parliamentary elections in Poland, following an invitation from the national authorities.
Estonia 2023 parliamentary elections: ODIHR election expert team final report
Publishing date: 31 August 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
The March 2023 parliamentary elections in Estonia were competitive and pluralistic and the election process, including internet voting, was administered efficiently, with minor technical difficulties. While trust in the internet vote remains high, some parties publicly questioned its integrity,
Interfaith dialogue is vital for building inclusive and peaceful societies free from religious hatred, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 22 August 2023
Content type: Press statement
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights, Tolerance and non-discrimination
WARSAW, 22 August 2023 – Interfaith and interreligious dialogue is vital to promote the right to freedom of religion or belief and combat religious intolerance and violence, not just against people but also against homes, property, schools, religious sites, or places of worship, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion.
By honouring the memory of Roma genocide victims we help fight discrimination today, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 2 August 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Roma and Sinti, Tolerance and non-discrimination
WARSAW, 2 August 2023 – Remembering the persecution and murder of the Roma by the Nazi regime is also a reminder of the ongoing need to combat the discrimination that Roma and Sinti communities face today, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on today’s Roma Genocide Remembrance Day.
OSCE leaders call for renewed, victim-centred, efforts to stop human trafficking
Publishing date: 28 July 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship, Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, OSCE Secretariat
What we do: Combating trafficking in human beings
SKOPJE/VIENNA/WARSAW, 28 July 2023 – Ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, and Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Matteo Mecacci called for renewed efforts across the OSCE region to combat human trafficking and prevent exploitation.
Bulgaria’s 2023 early parliamentary elections: ODIHR election observation mission final report
Publishing date: 27 July 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
The April 2023 early parliamentary elections in Bulgaria were competitive and well managed by the election administration, and fundamental freedoms were respected. The legal framework was adequate for the conduct of democratic elections, however, frequent changes eroded trust, undercut efficiency and complicated timely preparations.
OSCE human rights office monitoring finds evidence of torture and sexual violence in Ukraine as violations continue
Publishing date: 17 July 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
WARSAW, 17 July 2023 – Allegations of arbitrary imprisonment and enforced disappearances of civilians living in areas under occupation are occurring with alarming frequency, with widespread reports of the use of torture and ill-treatment, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today in a new report summarising its ongoing monitoring of violations of international law following Russia’s military attack in Ukraine. According to the many credible testimonies, torture and ill-treatment have been widespread in detention in all Russian-occupied areas.