News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Kazakhstan’s 2021 parliamentary elections: OSCE/ ODIHR observation mission final report
Publishing date: 25 March 2021
The 2021 parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan were efficiently prepared amid the challenges posed by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic but lacked genuine competition. Despite partially addressing a few previous ODIHR recommendations by way of recent legal revisions, the general legal framework
Constitutional changes raise serious concerns over respect for democratic standards in Kyrgyzstan, Venice Commission and ODIHR say
Publishing date: 22 March 2021
STRASBOURG/WARSAW, 22 March 2021 – Kyrgyzstan’s draft constitution would result in a complete change of the country’s constitutional order if adopted and raises grave concerns over the lack of respect for the principles of the rule of law, separation of powers, and inherent lack of checks and balances, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe said in a joint legal opinion.
ODIHR opens election observation mission in Albania
Publishing date: 19 March 2021
TIRANA, 19 March 2021 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an observation mission for the 25 April parliamentary elections in Albania, following an invitation from the country’s authorities.
Respect human rights to rebuild our societies in all their diversity, say human rights heads on International Anti-Racism Day
Publishing date: 19 March 2021
Geneva/Strasbourg/Vienna/Warsaw, 19 March 2021 – The pandemic poses unprecedented challenges for governments, health systems and societies at large, with many people in despair. We also witnessed solidarity with generosity, care and commitment towards the most vulnerable. This crisis offers us a unique opportunity to create more inclusive and equal societies, said the heads of four human rights institutions ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
OSCE organizes workshop in Kazakhstan on law enforcement agencies’ responses to COVID-19 pandemic
Publishing date: 18 March 2021
Law enforcement agencies’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and international best practices were the focus of an online OSCE workshop for Ministry of internal affairs officials, law enforcement officers and health authorities in Kazakhstan held on 18 March 2021.
OSCE Central Asian forum promotes role of women in fostering peace, trust and security
Publishing date: 16 March 2021
ASHGABAT, 16 March 2021- Encouraging an inclusive dialogue on the role of women in maintaining peace and promoting trust was the aim of an OSCE-supported regional forum that took place today virtually.
OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan supports workshop on various aspects of using social media for journalists
Publishing date: 9 March 2021
The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, in co-operation with the Centre for Retraining of Journalists and with the support of the British Embassy in Tashkent, is organizing a train-the-trainers workshop on 10 and 11 March 2021 in Tashkent. Thirty-five local media professionals will be trained as instructors in the use of social media, in legislative and regulatory developments related to social media, and in journalistic ethics and the rights of journalists and bloggers.