News and press releases

The SMM recorded a higher number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk between the evenings of 29 and 30 January, with intense fighting in the areas of Avdiivka and Yasynuvata, compared with the previous 24 hours. In Luhansk region the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared with the previous 24 hours. The Mission followed up on civilian casualties and observed impact sites and damage to civilian houses from shelling in several locations. The SMM continued monitoring the three disengagement areas in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske but its access remained restricted.* Video footage from the SMM camera in Stanytsia Luhanska revealed ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area on 27 and 28 January. The Mission continued to monitor weapons withdrawal and observed weapons in violation of their respective withdrawal lines. It visited one border area currently outside of government control. The Mission monitored an ongoing blockade of a railway track near Hirske...

While the legal framework in Lithuania provides a sound basis for the conduct of democratic elections, gaps and ambiguities in legislation should be addressed in an inclusive manner well in advance of the next elections, says the final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on the 6 October 2016 parliamentary elections in the Baltic state.

VIENNA, 27 January 2017 – The mandates of the OSCE Observer Mission at the Russian Checkpoints of Gukovo and Donetsk, the Centre in Bishkek and the Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan were renewed today following decisions by the OSCE Permanent Council...

The 16 October 2016 parliamentary elections in Montenegro were held in a competitive environment and fundamental freedoms were generally respected, according to the final report on the elections issued by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 25 January 2017. While

The Geneva-based OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration on 12 January 2017 released its periodic report of activities covering 2013 to 2016, offering an overview of institutional matters, activities and the financial situation, as well as its awareness-raising work...

Closing gender gaps in political participation and including women in the peace process leads to sustainable security, said Miki Jacevic, Vice Chair of the Institute of Inclusive Security, which together with the OSCE Gender Section launched a new publication in Vienna on 18 January 2017 on developing results-oriented national action plans on women, peace and security...

While stating that the 8 November 2016 elections were highly competitive and demonstrated commitment to fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly and association...