News and press releases

ODIHR Kazakhstan fair trial monitoring WARSAW, 6 May 2025 – In a report summarising its year-long monitoring of more than 400 court hearings related to the January 2022 protests in Kazakhstan, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) documented court practices that fall

BUCHAREST, 5 May 2025 – The first round of Romania’s repeat presidential election was efficiently run and the rights to freedom of assembly and association were respected. However, widespread inauthentic behaviour online by candidates, the fragmented approach of the authorities to overseeing the online space, and a lack of transparency in decision-making had a negative impact on the election process, international observers said in a statement today.

VIENNA, 5 May 2025 – A vibrant civic space in which everyone contributes to public and political life is increasingly challenged by growing threats to freedom of peaceful assembly and severe challenges faced by human rights defenders through discreditation, criminalization, and direct attacks, OSCE leaders said as a two-day conference began today.

Election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final report on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 2024 local elections to government officials, the election administration, courts and representatives of the international community and civil society in Sarajevo between 23 and 25 April 2025.  The visit also offered an opportunity to present the report and its recommendations during a post-election conference organized by the Central Election Commission.

Warsaw, 14 April 2025 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened a limited election observation mission for the 18 May 2025 presidential election in Poland, following an invitation from the national authorities.

While the general elections in the United States demonstrated the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions, the election process took place in a highly polarized environment. The election was well run, and candidates campaigned freely across the country with the active participation of voters. However, the campaign was marred by disinformation and instances of violence, including harsh and intolerant rhetoric. Repeated, unfounded claims of election fraud negatively impacted public trust. Election day was well managed, with polling peaceful and orderly.

WARSAW, 8 April 2025 – Support and understanding of the importance of civil society to protect and promote the rights of Roma and Sinti are crucial as the OSCE area continues to witness shrinking space and a significant reduction in funding opportunities for human rights and watchdog organizations focusing on the human rights situation of Roma and Sinti in the region, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on today’s International Roma Day.