News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Repatriation of ‘foreign terrorist fighters’ and their families urgently needed to safeguard human rights and security, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 11 February 2020
The situation of family members of ‘foreign terrorist fighters’ (FTFs) trapped in camps or detention in Syria and Iraq raise profound human rights and security concerns, the head of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said ahead of an event on 12 February in Vienna highlighting the need to repatriate both FTFs and their families.
OSCE Presence-supported International Scientific Conference on Environmental Crime and Security held in Tirana
Publishing date: 11 February 2020
The 5th International Scientific Conference on Environmental Crime, Environmental Security and National Security, organized by the Albanian Security Academy, in close co-operation with the OSCE Presence in Albania and the Municipality of Tirana, was held on 11 February 2020 in Tirana...
OSCE-supported Media Training Needs Assessment report for Montenegro presented in Podgorica
Publishing date: 11 February 2020
At a presentation organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro on 11 February 2020 in Podgorica, participants concluded that establishing a journalism training and research centre in Montenegro would benefit both students and experienced journalists...
Despite large number of candidates, Azerbaijan elections lacked genuine competition and choice, international observers say
Publishing date: 10 February 2020
BAKU, 10 February 2020 – The restrictive legislation and political environment prevented genuine competition in Azerbaijan’s early parliamentary elections, international observers said in a preliminary statement published today. Although some prospective candidates were denied the right to stand, candidate registration was otherwise inclusive. Despite the large number of candidates, voters were not provided with a meaningful choice, due to a lack of real political discussion, the statement says.
OSCE Mission to Montenegro and Association of Youth with Disabilities discuss prospects for co-operation
Publishing date: 10 February 2020
Darko Brajović, National Programme Officer in the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, met on 6 February 2020 with Executive Director of the Association of Youth with Disabilities Marina Vujačić. They discussed ways to ensure that persons with disabilities can participate in electoral processes in Montenegro.
OSCE Media Freedom Representative concludes visit to Kyiv calling for more consultation on media law reforms to strengthen guarantees of media freedom
Publishing date: 7 February 2020
KYIV, 7 February 2020 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, concluded today his official visit to Kyiv, where he held discussions with the authorities, the media community and international organizations, focusing particularly on two new draft laws, on Media and on Countering Disinformation respectively.
OSCE Media Freedom Representative highly concerned by absence of N1 from Telekom Serbia network
Publishing date: 7 February 2020
VIENNA, 7 February 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern today over the absence of the independent media outlet N1 among channels offered by cable operators affiliated with the Telekom Serbia network. Telekom Serbia is a joint stock company predominantly owned by the state.