Fields of work

Democrati­zation

Parliamentarians holding up voting chits

The OSCE is supporting the democratization process in its region by helping participating States build and consolidate democratic institutions. This means helping governments become more responsive, accountable and representative.

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ODIHR and Democratic Governance

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Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Parliamentarians holding up voting chits

Our challenge

Many factors can affect security and stability, often across borders, population segments or the OSCE’s three dimensions.

Democracies in the OSCE region may face a number of challenges when it comes to their democratic norms and practices: weak legislation, low levels of democratic governance, corruption, mis- and disinformation, low electoral standards, or social inequalities, including gender inequality.

The participating States will […] respect the right of individuals and groups to establish, in full freedom, their own political parties or other political organizations and provide such political parties and organizations with the necessary legal guarantees to enable them to compete with each other on a basis of equal treatment before the law and by the authorities.

Our action

Building on our comprehensive and co-operative approach to security, we work on strategies to tackle the issue head-on.

To strengthen democracies and democratic practices in all OSCE States, we work with all sectors of society to assist with strengthening the rule of law, democratic governance and gender equality; facilitating co-operation in the area of migration and freedom of movement; and providing legislative support. A special focus is put on increasing the number of women and youth involved in politics. We also assist in strengthening the work of parliaments, developing multiparty political landscapes, improving the integration of migrants, and modernizing population-registration systems.

Mandate

Our teams

Our institutions, field operations and offices bring to the task expert skills and knowledge to develop tailor-made solutions for each challenge.

Our institutions and offices

The OSCE’s lead office in this area is the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which works with government institutions, political parties and parliaments, and assists civil society in policymaking. The Office also supports the participating States' efforts in increasing the participation of women and youth in politics, strengthening parliaments, developing multiparty political landscapes, improving the integration of migrants and modernizing population-registration systems.

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office has also appointed a Special Representative on Civil Society.

Our operations on the ground

Some field operations also have a mandate to further the democratization process in their host countries, ranging from the support for governmental as well as parliamentary bodies and civil society organizations to assistance of electoral and political processes.

Projects

Initiatives funded by individual states and organizations

Projects

Events

Upcoming conferences, meetings and training events

Conference

Roma and Sinti Women in the Public Sphere: Advancing Collective and Transnational Action for Meaningful Participation

This conference brings together Roma and Sinti women from across the region to strengthen their voices and actions. Over a day and a half, participants will share experiences, set common goals, and build connections that help shape…
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Warsaw, Poland
Workshop

Promoting equality, strengthening democracy: Turning the Bundestag into a gender-sensitive parliament

Parliaments are pivotal to advancing equality in public life. This parliamentary breakfast brings together Bundestag leadership, international experts and ODIHR to explore practical ways to strengthen gender-balanced representation, gender…
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Bundestag, Berlin
Conference

Belief in Change: Engaging Religious Actors to End Violence against Women and Girls in the OSCE region

This two-day conference brings together key partners to explore how religious leaders and communities can help prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. Recognizing that this challenge affects everyone, the event will…
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Warsaw, Poland
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Studies and reports

Reports, studies and analyses for policymakers, researchers and all those interested in this field of our work

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Manuals and guides

Practice-oriented manuals, guides, handbooks and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners working in this field

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OSCE stories

Read up on the OSCE, our people on the ground and our work

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