News and press releases

Using data to identify gaps and challenges in addressing hate crimes and adopting a comprehensive approach to countering these crimes were at the centre of discussions at an event organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 15 September 2017, during the

VIENNA, 15 September 2017 – All tracks of diplomacy – official discussions, informal dialogue, and people-to-people contact – are needed to build the trust needed for long-term peace, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Christine Muttonen (MP, Austria) said today at an event in Vienna. Parliamentarians are in a unique position to facilitate dialogue, she said, noting that OSCE PA meetings often provide opportunities for informal conversations, and that through their diplomatic efforts, parliamentarians can establish important lines of communication for confidence-building...

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina organized the first nationwide meeting of the 31 Coalitions against Hate in the country, on 14 September 2017 in Vitez, Bosnia and Herzegovina...

BELGRADE, 15 September 2017 – On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the International Day of Democracy, the OSCE Mission to Serbia, in partnership with the CSO Centre for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA) and the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia organized a forum on democracy and citizens’ participation held today at the Parliament in Belgrade...

Threats and attacks against human rights defenders in the OSCE area have continued to increase in severity and frequency over the last three years, according to a report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) released on 15 September 2017. The report, “The

WARSAW, 15 September 2017 – Strengthening democratic institutions, values and practices is the most effective way of preventing conflict both within and between societies, so as to promote security for all, Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), said today on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy...

COPENHAGEN, 15 September 2017 – Celebrating today’s International Day of Democracy, being observed this year under the theme “Democracy and Conflict Prevention,” the leadership of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions said that democratic institutions must be strengthened throughout the OSCE area to prevent conflict and promote peace and stability.