News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities visits Serbia, expresses support for multi-ethnic education in south
Publishing date: 5 February 2014
OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors expressed her ongoing support for multi-ethnic higher education in southern Serbia during a visit to the country from 28 to 31 January 2014...
OSCE/ODIHR final report says Tajikistan presidential election lacked pluralism and genuine choice, recommends measures to bring process in line with OSCE commitments
Publishing date: 5 February 2014
The 6 November presidential election in Tajikistan took place peacefully, but restrictive candidate registration requirements resulted in a lack of pluralism and genuine choice, says the final report from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The report recommends the legal framework be significantly improved to provide a sound basis for the conduct of democratic elections.
Amendments to Turkey's Internet Law must respect media freedom and right to freedom of expression, urges OSCE representative
Publishing date: 31 January 2014
VIENNA, 31 January 2014- Amendments to Turkey’s Internet Law can further restrict free expression in the country, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović said today...
OSCE supports professional training for Kyrgyz prison officers
Publishing date: 31 January 2014
An OSCE-supported professional training course for Kyrgyz prison controllers concluded on 31 January 2014 in Bishkek...
Shortcomings in 15 December repeat elections in Ukraine underline the need for comprehensive legal reform, says OSCE/ODIHR report
Publishing date: 30 January 2014
Problems in the formation of election commissions, the misuse of state resources to benefit some candidates, indications of vote-buying and a lack of transparency in the counting process were among the shortcomings observed during the 15 December 2013 repeat parliamentary elections in Ukraine...
Humanitarian organizations need unhindered access to people in need, International Red Cross Committee President tells OSCE participants
Publishing date: 30 January 2014
Unhindered access to people in need must be allowed to humanitarian organizations, so that they can deliver assistance in an impartial manner, Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), told the OSCE Permanent Council on 30 January 2014...
Strong, effective OSCE should remain central forum for dialogue on European security, says Austrian Foreign Minister in his address to OSCE Permanent Council
Publishing date: 30 January 2014
Austria’s priorities as current Council of Europe Chair, and the organization’s co-operation with the OSCE in addressing security challenges were among key topics of Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz’s address to the OSCE Permanent Council on 30 January 2014...