News and press releases

VIENNA, 19 May 2021 — Enhancing conflict prevention and resolution efforts through an inclusive ‘whole-of-OSCE approach’ was the topic of an online Conflict Cycle Seminar for delegations of OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation hosted on 17-19 May by the Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship, in collaboration with the OSCE Secretariat...

STOCKHOLM/VIENNA, 19 May 2021 — During the Stockholm Media Freedom conference, participants addressed some of the most pressing issues facing democratic societies today. Among the topics were safety of journalists and the role of independent media in democratic processes — all with a view on how OSCE participating States can increase public trust in independent media through the implementation of OSCE commitments. The situation of female journalists was especially highlighted throughout the conference.

Innovative approaches to evidence-based lawmaking to prevent and combat violence against women was the topic of an event organized by the OSCE Secretariat’s Gender Issues Programme, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on 19 May 2021.

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.

COPENHAGEN, 18 May 2021 – The challenge of repatriating, prosecuting, rehabilitating and reintegrating foreign terrorist fighters was in focus today at a hearing organized by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism (CCT). Concerned particularly with the possibility of repatriating nationals detained in conflict-affected areas following the territorial defeat of the Islamic State terrorist group, the event examined the experience of Kazakhstan as a case study for lessons learned and good practices.

VIENNA, 12 May 2021 — How technological advances contribute to a new generation of warfare and the challenges this presents was discussed at an OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) meeting held online today under the Armenian FSC Chairmanship.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, met with representatives of the Belarusian Union of Journalists (BUJ) online yesterday, 11 May 2021, to discuss the current state of freedom of expression and media freedom in Belarus.