News and press releases

ASTANA, 21 March 2016 – The 20 March early parliamentary elections were efficiently organized, with some progress noted, but they indicated that Kazakhstan still has a considerable way to go in meeting its OSCE commitments for democratic elections, international observers concluded in a preliminary statement released today. The legal framework restricts fundamental civil and political rights, and comprehensive reform is required. In a positive development, candidate registration was inclusive, and six parties contested the elections.

The SMM observed an increase in ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Small-arms shots were fired in close proximity to SMM monitors south-west of “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata. The Mission monitored border areas not controlled by the Government and observed a calm situation. The SMM was restricted in its freedom of movement mainly in areas not controlled by the Government*. The SMM observed actions related to the de-communization law.

WARSAW, 19 March 2016 – Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, welcomed today the pardon of a number of human rights defenders, activists and journalists by President Ilham Aliyev.

The SMM observed fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions than the previous day and continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons. The Mission monitored border areas not controlled by the Government and observed a calm situation. The SMM was restricted in its freedom of movement, mainly in areas not controlled by the Government*. The Mission monitored border areas not controlled by the Government and observed a calm situation. The Mission continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure. The SMM facilitated and monitored the resumption of operations at Yasynuvata water filtration station.

Berlin, 18 March 2016- On the second anniversary of the Russian Federation’s annexation of Crimean peninsula (18 March 2014), which under international law is part of Ukraine, Special Representative of the German Government for the OSCE Chairmanship Gernot Erler said: “Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula two years ago today was contrary to international law and infringed fundamental OSCE principles, in particular the inviolability of international borders and respect for the sovereignty of all states.”

Recognizing, investigating and prosecuting hate crimes in Poland and Bulgaria were the focus of two workshops organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), from 7 to 18 March 2016 in Lublin and Sofia.

BELGRADE, 18 March 2016 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today formally opened a limited election observation mission for the 24 April early parliamentary elections in Serbia. The mission's deployment follows an invitation from the Serbian authorities...