News and press releases

Ensuring gender-sensitive education of staff working in Ukraine’s system of free legal aid will enhance quality of assistance provided to survivors of gender-based violence, including related to the ongoing war. These are some of the recommendations, elaborated with the assistance of the OSCE Secretariat Extra-Budgetary Support Programme for Ukraine (SPU), based on the assessment of documents, policies and practices used by members of the Free Legal Aid system.

Ombudsperson offices have been playing a critical role in enforcing a better respect of human rights, international conventions and democratic values in the region, their landmark being the trust of citizens. This was one of the conclusions of a regional conference organized on the occasion of 20 years of existence of the institution of the Montenegrin Ombudsman, with the support of the OSCE Mission.

Prishtinë/Priština, 21 September 2023 –The OSCE Mission published today a set of guidelines for reporting on courts to assist journalists in Kosovo in their work and contribute to responsible and informed journalism. The guidelines offer comprehensive support for journalists navigating the Kosovo court system and emphasize ethical and legal considerations in reporting on the judiciary.

VIENNA 15 September 2023 – On the International Day of Democracy, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, underscores the mutually reinforcing nature of democracy, the rule of law, and media freedom. “Advancing and sustaining democratic, resilient, and inclusive societies requires a steadfast commitment to media freedom,” says Teresa Ribeiro.

From 13 to 14 September, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD) arranged a two-day training on the basics of international trade and logistics for the representatives of line ministries and agencies. The event aimed at promoting a better understanding of the policies and regulations governing international trade with a focus on geographically landlocked countries, which includes Tajikistan.

In the heart of the picturesque Talas province, nestled within the north-western part of Kyrgyzstan's magnificent landscapes, lives a remarkable woman with a mission to preserve the Kyrgyz traditional art. Nuria Isakova, a 54-year-old mother of four and grandmother to ten, has embarked on a journey of economic empowerment that is not only transforming her own life but also igniting a beacon of hope for women across the country.

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.