Newsroom
News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE assists Ukrainian partners in spreading safety messages on the occasion of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons
Publishing date: 30 July 2023
Content type: News
What we do: Combating trafficking in human beings, Human rights
As the war displaced millions of Ukrainians or pushed them to the verge by destroying homes and businesses, the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, marked on 30 July each year, provided yet another occasion for the OSCE Secretariat Extra-Budgetary Support Programme for Ukraine (SPU) to join efforts of state agencies, civil society and international organizations in campaigning to warn people about growing risks to fall victim of human trafficking.
OSCE facilitates workshop to strengthen Georgia's regulations of Virtual Asset Service Providers
Publishing date: 21 July 2023
Content type: News
What we do: Economic activities
On 17 to 21 July, OSCE organized a 5-day workshop aimed at bolstering the National Bank of Georgia's regulatory framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). The workshop, held in Tbilisi and hosted by the National Bank of Georgia and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Georgia, focused on enhancing the regulatory compliance of VASPs operating within the country.
OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group Conference participants discuss addressing common challenges through reinvigorated multilateral co-operation
Publishing date: 18 July 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: Asian Partners for Co-operation, OSCE Secretariat
VIENNA, 18 July 2023 – Participants at the ongoing OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group Conference have discussed synergies and opportunities for co-operation with a particular focus on enhancing dialogue between the OSCE and Asia on efforts to reduce the risks of conflict stemming from the use of information and communication technologies, promoting effective co-operation in addressing the challenges caused by climate change, and the role of civil society in the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
OSCE and Spain’s Guardia Civil improves capacity of Ukraine’s border management agencies in combating illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW)
Publishing date: 17 July 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: Forum for Security Co-operation, OSCE Secretariat
What we do: Border management, Policing
The OSCE, in partnership with the Guardia Civil of Spain, trained canine team instructors in detection of weapons, ammunition and explosives (WAE) through a four-month course to support Ukraine’s capacities in countering illicit trafficking of SALW.
OSCE human rights office monitoring finds evidence of torture and sexual violence in Ukraine as violations continue
Publishing date: 17 July 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
WARSAW, 17 July 2023 – Allegations of arbitrary imprisonment and enforced disappearances of civilians living in areas under occupation are occurring with alarming frequency, with widespread reports of the use of torture and ill-treatment, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today in a new report summarising its ongoing monitoring of violations of international law following Russia’s military attack in Ukraine. According to the many credible testimonies, torture and ill-treatment have been widespread in detention in all Russian-occupied areas.
Joint Meeting of the Forum for Security Co-operation and the Permanent Council on the Security and Environment nexus in the 'shadow of the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine'
Publishing date: 14 July 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: Forum for Security Co-operation
The joint session, organized under the Bulgarian FSC Chair and 2023 OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia, provided a platform to explore the role the FSC can play in the environment-security nexus and how the OSCE can best address issues such as protection of the environment during armed conflicts. The discussion was designed to raise awareness and foster further co-operation on the subject.
OSCE-organized training course on biosafety and biosecurity enhances the capacity of science professionals working in Ukrainian laboratories
Publishing date: 11 July 2023
A comprehensive online Training of Trainers (ToT) course on biosafety and biosecurity was held by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre on 27-30 June and 11 July.
OSCE’s role in bridging regional co-operation to tackle security implications of climate change at heart of high-level conference
Publishing date: 7 July 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship, OSCE Secretary General
What we do: Climate change, Environmental activities
VIENNA, 7 July 2023 — Strengthening co-operation across borders to tackle climate-related challenges and security risks took centre stage at the OSCE High-Level Conference on Climate Change, which took place at the Hofburg in Vienna on 7 July.
OSCE helps future generation of Ukraine’s law enforcers and emergency personnel build skills for safe work in cyberspace
Publishing date: 7 July 2023
Content type: News
What we do: Cyber/ICT Security, Policing, Youth
Modern law enforcers need to be especially vigilant and know how to safely use IT technologies in order not to compromise people’s personal data, disrupt investigation or make their institutions vulnerable to attacks of criminals. Piloting of a new course on cyberhygiene developed by the OSCE Secretariat Extra-Budgetary Support Programme for Ukraine’s future law enforcers and emergency response personnel started with the first three-days session organized in Kamianets-Podilsky, Khmelnytska Oblast on 6-9 July 2023.
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani concludes visit to Council of Europe
Publishing date: 5 July 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship
What we do: Reform and co-operation in the security sector
STRASBOURG, 5 July 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, concluded his visit to the Council of Europe today.
OSCE supports discussions on use of constitutional justice tools to defend human rights in Ukraine in times of war
Publishing date: 28 June 2023
Content type: News
What we do: Human rights, Rule of law
Ukrainian and international legal professionals, civic activists, experts and youth join a series of events under the Constitution Week initiative to discuss how to better use constitutional justice for defending human rights in times of war.
Improved response to sexual violence is in focus of OSCE project assistance to Ukraine
Publishing date: 20 June 2023
Content type: News
What we do: Human rights, Gender equality, Rule of law
Improvements in prevention, law enforcement, prosecution and judicial review of sexual violence cases in times of war were the focus of discussions among more than 150 legal professionals, officials and civil society organisations during the of the 4th Forum of Women Lawyers held on 16 June.
OSCE trains Ukraine’s emergency hotline operators to better assist children in distress
Publishing date: 14 June 2023
Content type: News
What we do: Human rights, Gender equality, Policing, Youth
The first two groups of operators and dispatchers of Ukraine’s National Police emergency “102” hotline have strengthened their knowledge and skills in effective communication with children during a series of two-day trainings organized by the OSCE Secretariat Extra-Budgetary Support Programme for Ukraine in Uzhhorod from 6 to 9 June 2023.
OSCE Secretary General concludes visit to Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Publishing date: 12 June 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Secretary General, OSCE Secretariat
VIENNA, 12 June 2023- The OSCE Secretary General, Helga Maria Schmid, concluded her visit to Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan on 8 June. She met with high-level government officials, parliamentarians and civil society representatives, and discussed how the OSCE can facilitate regional solutions in addressing the broad range of security challenges that the region is facing and provide further support across all aspects of the OSCE’s work.
The OSCE stands ready to support Ukraine in addressing the consequences of Nova Kakhovka dam destruction
Publishing date: 8 June 2023
Content type: Press release
VIENNA, 8 June 2023 – In line with the mandate of the Organization, and through the particular efforts of the Office of the Co-ordinator for Economic and Environmental Activities, the OSCE has been working on addressing environmental and security impacts and challenges of the war in Ukraine, in partnership with UN agencies and field operations. The recent destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam in Kherson oblast creates additional challenges, dramatically increasing threats to livelihoods and intensifying economic risks for the populations concerned.
OSCE assists Ukrainian law enforcers in investigating cybercrimes and trafficking in human beings
Publishing date: 2 June 2023
Content type: News
What we do: Combating trafficking in human beings, Cyber/ICT Security, Policing
The first group of 30 law enforcement officers from the National Police of Ukraine (the NPU) have improved their knowledge and skills in countering cybercrime during the 3-day training course organised by the OSCE Secretariat Extra-Budgetary Support Programme for Ukraine in Lviv from 29 to 31 May
OSCE leaders condemn Russia’s ongoing missile attacks on Ukraine
Publishing date: 26 May 2023
Content type: Press statement
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, OSCE Secretariat
SKOPJE/VIENNA/COPENHAGEN, 26 May 2023 – The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, President of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Margareta Cederfelt and Secretary General Roberto Montella today made the following statement:
OSCE co-organizes the award ceremony for the winners of the 2022 “Colours of the Dniester” competition
Publishing date: 26 May 2023
Content type: News
The award ceremony for the winners of the 14th edition of the basin-wide contest “Colours of the Dniester”, organized for children and youth from the Dniester River basin in Ukraine and Moldova, took place on 26 May, 2023.
OSCE brings together Ukrainian women leaders to discuss effective strategies for increasing women's leadership
Publishing date: 26 May 2023
From 22 to 24 May 2023, six prominent Ukrainian women peacebuilders, civil society representatives and mediators gathered in Vienna to discuss actions required to support women's leadership and participation in all decision-making processes. After two online meetings, this was the first in-person gathering of the group, organized by the Gender Issues Program in the Office of the Secretary General within the framework of the WIN-supported OSCE Networking Platform of Women Peace Leaders, including Peacebuilders and Mediators launched by Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid in December 2021.
OSCE Media Freedom Representative report reveals alarming link between media freedom and democracy erosion in OSCE region
Publishing date: 11 May 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
What we do: Media freedom and development
VIENNA, 11 May 2023- The current setbacks in media freedom in the OSCE region are not isolated incidents, but are closely linked to the larger political and social contexts in which they occur stated Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) Teresa Ribeiro today during the presentation of her bi-annual report to the OSCE Permanent Council.
FSC security dialogue outlines key role of wider Black Sea region as integral part of European security
Publishing date: 4 May 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: Forum for Security Co-operation
What we do: Reform and co-operation in the security sector
The future of security in the Black Sea region was the focus of the first Security Dialogue organized by the Bulgarian Chairpersonship of the Forum for Security Co-operation, held on 3 May. Drawing on the gravity and long-term consequences of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the meeting provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions about the state of play of security in the wider Black Sea region and its role as an integral part of European security.
Moscow Mechanism experts present report on Ukraine to OSCE Permanent Council
Publishing date: 4 May 2023
Content type: News
What we do: Human rights
The OSCE Moscow Mechanism mission of experts undertaken by Professor Veronika Bílková, Dr. Cecilie Hellestveit and Dr. Elīna Šteinerte presented their findings to the OSCE Permanent Council on 4 May 2023, collected in the report entitled ‘Report on Violations and Abuses of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity, related to the Forcible Transfer and/or Deportation of Ukrainian Children to the Russian Federation’.
Bulgaria begins as FSC Chair while Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to be at the core of the OSCE discussions
Publishing date: 26 April 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: Forum for Security Co-operation, OSCE Secretariat
What we do: Reform and co-operation in the security sector
The need to reflect on both the immediate and long-term consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine was highlighted by Ambassador Emilia Kraleva, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the OSCE, at the Opening Session of the Bulgarian Chairpersonship of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC).
Ukraine appoints three experts following invocation of the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism
Publishing date: 5 April 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
On 30 March 2023 and following consultation with Ukraine, 45 OSCE participating States invoked the Moscow Mechanism in order to “ address the Deportation of Children amidst Human Rights Violations and Humanitarian Impacts of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine”. More specifically, the tasks
OSCE training courses for Ukrainian officials on cryptocurrency risks, investigations and supervision conclude
Publishing date: 31 March 2023
Content type: News
What we do: Economic activities
The OSCE organized two training courses in Vienna from 27 March 1 April for Ukrainian law enforcement and financial supervision agencies on basic techniques to investigate money laundering conducted through cryptocurrencies and virtual assets. Almost 30 representatives of specialized agencies of Ukraine attended the courses to improve their skills in tracing crypto transactions.
OSCE and UN Special Reps statement on trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and sexual violence in the context of war against Ukraine
Publishing date: 29 March 2023
Content type: Press statement
Where we are: Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings
What we do: Combating trafficking in human beings
STOCKHOLM, 29 March 2023 – The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Valiant Richey, and UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, expressed their grave concern about the harm of sexual exploitation, and sexual violence and its cost for the whole of society, as a result of the ongoing war against Ukraine.
First national OSCE training courses in Moldova on cryptocurrency risks, investigations and supervision conclude
Publishing date: 24 March 2023
Content type: News
What we do: Economic activities
With the growing security risks in crypto and real-world economies, the OSCE organized from 20 to 25 March in Chisinau its first national training courses for Moldova on money laundering related to virtual assets.
OSCE and Spain’s Guardia Civil help strengthen Ukraine’s canine capacities to prevent illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons
Publishing date: 21 March 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: Forum for Security Co-operation, OSCE Secretariat
What we do: Border management
The OSCE and Spain’s Guardia Civil launched a specialized canine team instructor course for eight Ukrainian specialists at the Guardia Civil’s Dog Training Centre (CADEPE) on 21 March 2023.
OSCE supports Moldova in addressing security challenges
Publishing date: 17 March 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: Transnational Threats Department, OSCE Secretariat, OSCE Mission to Moldova
From 13 to 17 March, the OSCE conducted a five-day needs assessment visit to Moldova on the country’s law enforcement structures. This visit, in response to the security challenges in the region, took place in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Moldova.
Support programme for cities to respond to challenges of integrating refugees and migrants launched in Poland
Publishing date: 15 March 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
WARSAW, 15 March 2022 – With cities often at the forefront of responding to the challenges of integrating refugees and migrants, four major international organisations together with the Union of Polish Metropolises will tomorrow launch the Academy on the Integration of Migrants and Refugees in Polish Cities, a series of training courses that draw on their knowledge and expertise to assist city administrations.
Digital technology must empower women and address their needs, say OSCE leaders on International Women’s Day
Publishing date: 8 March 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, OSCE Secretariat
What we do: Gender equality
SKOPJE/VIENNA/WARSAW, 8 March 2023 – Marking International Women’s Day, OSCE leaders urged further action to explore and embrace innovation and digital technology to eliminate all forms of gender inequality.
Georgian authorities strengthen skills to combat cryptocurrencies risks through OSCE-UNODC training course in Tbilisi
Publishing date: 6 March 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Transnational Threats Department
What we do: Policing
Twenty law enforcement and government representatives strengthened their skills in identifying and investigating the illegal use of cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets through a training course held from 27 February to 2 March 2023 in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Marking one year of war in Ukraine, OSCE Media Freedom Representative expresses solidarity and reiterates that violence against journalists is unacceptable
Publishing date: 24 February 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
VIENNA, 24 February 2023 — Marking one year since Russian Federation launched a devastating full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, made the following statement:
People of Ukraine must come first, Russia must end this war, say OSCE leaders
Publishing date: 24 February 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship, Troika, OSCE Secretary General
VIENNA, 24 February 2023 — Today the OSCE Troika —Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto — and OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, President of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Margareta Cederfelt and Secretary General Roberto Montella made the following statement:
Human rights violations must end and humanitarian law be respected, says OSCE human rights head on anniversary of military attack in Ukraine
Publishing date: 24 February 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
WARSAW, 24 February 2023 – A year after the launch of Russia’s military attack in Ukraine, the armed conflict is still having a devastating effect on civilians as they continue to be impacted by ongoing military strikes and subjected to other violence and inhumane treatment, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani concludes visit to Moldova
Publishing date: 15 February 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship, OSCE Mission to Moldova
CHISINAU/SKOPJE, 15 February 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, concluded his visit to Moldova.
OSCE brings together women activists from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine to discuss effective strategies to combat violence against women and girls in conflict and post-conflict settings
Publishing date: 2 February 2023
From 31 January to 2 February, 20 women human rights activists from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine, and renowned international experts, gathered in Vienna to provide concrete recommendations for enhancing protection and response to violence against women and girls in conflict and post-conflict settings.
Common solutions to Europe’s security challenges at the heart of OSCE Chairman-in-Office’s visit to Brussels
Publishing date: 31 January 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship
BRUSSELS, 31 January 2023 – The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions that put people, their safety and well-being, first to address the security challenges facing Europe during his visit to Brussels today.
OSCE Special Representative and Senior Gender Adviser visit Moldova
Publishing date: 27 January 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship, OSCE Secretariat, OSCE Mission to Moldova
What we do: Gender equality
CHISINAU, 27 January 2023 – Strengthening the effective and meaningful participation of women in peace processes, advancing gender equality, fighting gender-based violence and protecting the rights of women and girls was at the centre of a two-day visit to Chisinau by Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office on Gender, Liliana Palihovici, and OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, Lara Scarpitta.
Further information on OSCE vehicles filmed in Donbas
Publishing date: 20 January 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Secretariat
On 15 January 2023, reports with video footage and images appeared on social media showing OSCE-branded vehicles being transported on trucks through the Russian Federation border checkpoint of Izvaryne into the Luhansk region of Ukraine. These vehicles had been temporarily stored in a parking
Ending conflicts and working to restore, maintain peace and co-operation at heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s priorities as FSC Chair
Publishing date: 18 January 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: Forum for Security Co-operation
What we do: Conflict prevention and resolution
Amidst the continuing aggression against Ukraine, the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) must do all it can to help stop the war and diminish its impact on Ukraine and the region, said Josip Brkić, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in opening the country’s FSC Chairmanship on 18 January 2023.
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani completes visit to Kyiv, emphasizes continued destructive impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine’s people
Publishing date: 16 January 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship
KYIV, 16 January 2023 –The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, completed his visit to Kyiv today.
North Macedonia takes over OSCE Chair
Publishing date: 1 January 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship
VIENNA/SKOPJE, 1 January 2023 — Today, North Macedonia takes over the OSCE Chair with a main focus on the needs of the people.
OSCE supports national training on data-journalism through the use of open data in Ukraine
Publishing date: 12 December 2022
Content type: News
What we do: Economic activities
From 20 November to 10 December the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) in co-operation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, delivered four online training sessions aimed at improving the capacities of investigative journalists and civil society on data-journalism, data analysis and visualisation through the use of open data and digital tools.
Experts from Ukraine discuss virtual assets regulation at OSCE-UNODC joint workshop
Publishing date: 7 December 2022
Content type: News
What we do: Economic activities
Experts and legislators from Ukraine took part in a workshop on national virtual assets legislation organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) from 5 to 7 December, in Vienna, Austria.
OSCE Ministerial Council concludes in Łódź
Publishing date: 2 December 2022
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship, Summits / Ministerial Councils
ŁÓDŹ, 2 December 2022 — The OSCE Ministerial Council concluded in Łódź today. Taking place against the backdrop of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the meeting brought together Foreign Ministers and senior officials from across the OSCE participating States.
OSCE Foreign Ministers and senior officials meet in Łódź
Publishing date: 1 December 2022
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship, OSCE Secretary General
ŁÓDŹ, 1 December 2021 – Foreign Ministers and senior officials from across the OSCE region meet in Łódź today and tomorrow for the 29th Ministerial Council at the invitation of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau.
Impact of war on children focus of side-event at 2022 Ministerial Council
Publishing date: 1 December 2022
Content type: News
Where we are: Forum for Security Co-operation
Tackling the effects of armed conflict on children was the focus of a side-event held by the Belgian Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation, in co-operation with Italy, Norway and Poland on 1 December 2022.
Stop Russia’s war against Ukraine, strengthen international security, say civil society groups ahead of Łódź Ministerial Council
Publishing date: 30 November 2022
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship, OSCE Secretary General
ŁÓDŹ, 30 November 2022 – Today, civil society representatives from across the OSCE area presented their recommendations that focused on stopping the war in Ukraine and overhauling the international security architecture at the annual OSCE Parallel Civil Society Conference held in Łódź.
OSCE joins the 16 Days of Activism campaign and urges States to step up efforts to end violence against women in conflict
Publishing date: 25 November 2022
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Chairmanship, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, OSCE Secretariat
What we do: Human rights, Gender equality
VIENNA/WARSAW, 25 November 2022- On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, OSCE leaders called on participating States to enhance efforts on the prevention and elimination of violence against women in conflict.