News and press releases

Uzbekistan's 2024 parliamentary elections were technically well prepared, but the political environment limited genuine voter choice. While there have been some positive developments in the electoral framework, these elections faced significant challenges in meeting international standards for democratic elections. All five registered political parties campaigned under equal conditions, but their campaigns were low key and avoided challenging the ruling party's policies or each other. Media restrictions further constrained voters' access to diverse viewpoints. Election day was calm and orderly, but it was marked by numerous violations and procedural problems.

Brussels, Belgium, 14 February 2025 – As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international co-operation in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) practices, a group of Central Asian EOD specialists, including two Border Service officers, successfully completed a Regional Programme Exchange visit to Belgium from 10 to 14 February 2025. The visit was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

The OSCE Transnational Threat Department and the Gender Issues Programme, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, organized a study visit to Skopje, North Macedonia, for participants from Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service, the State Emergency Service and the National Police on 25 and 26 February.

SARAJEVO, 27 February 2025- The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) reaffirms its full support for the Dayton Peace Agreement and the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A peaceful and prosperous future for everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina requires respect for the rule of law and

With the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, a new educational initiative to raise awareness of violence against women and girls among pupils in Montenegro was launched this month. Working in partnership with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care, and Demography and the NGO Women’s Safe House, the programme is designed for grade 7 to 9 students in six towns: Podgorica, Nikšić, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Bar, and Herceg Novi.

CHISINAU/VIENNA, 27 February 2025 — The OSCE Secretary General, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, concluded his visit to the Republic of Moldova today.

From 25-27 February 2025, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe supported the Ministry of Interior in organizing a working group meeting to review the draft Law on Police. The discussions took place in Hissor district on 25 February and continued in Dushanbe on 26-27 February.