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.
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.
Presence in Albania
Presence in Albania
Established on 27 March 1997 with the mandate to promote democratization, the rule of law and human rights, and to consolidate democratic institutions.
Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Established on 8 December 1995, the Mission works on human rights, education, the rule of law, gender equality, governance and security co-operation.
Projects
Initiatives funded by individual states and organizations
Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings and training events
Meeting
Closing the accountability gap: Parliaments, anti-corruption institutions and the future of oversight in Europe
Workshop
Disability inclusion assessment of the parliament of Kyrgyzstan for persons with disabilities
Workshop
Political Integrity for Mongolian Parliamentary Political Parties
Meeting
Hate Crime Targeting Migrants: Consultation with Civil Society Organisations
Meeting
Open call for young leaders: ODIHR Regional Youth Forum
Studies and reports
Reports, studies and analyses for policymakers, researchers and all those interested in this field of our work
Manuals and guides
Practice-oriented manuals, guides, handbooks and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners working in this field
OSCE stories
Read up on the OSCE, our people on the ground and our work
