News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE expresses sorrow over death of Max van der Stoel
Publishing date: 26 April 2011
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, and the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Knut Vollebaek offered their deepest condolences to the Netherlands’ Government and the relatives of Max van der Stoel, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the country and the first OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, who died on 23 April at the age of 86...
OSCE Minorities Commissioner Vollebaek supports strategy for integrated education during visit to Skopje
Publishing date: 18 March 2011
The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM), Knut Vollebaek, visited Skopje on 16-18 March 2011 to assess progress in integrating education as outlined in a government strategy. He also discussed the current political context and its impact on inter-ethnic relations.
High Commissioner Vollebaek meets High Representative and EU Special Representative Inzko in Sarajevo
Publishing date: 22 February 2011
The OSCE's High Commissioner on National Minorities, Ambassador Knut Vollebaek, met the High Representative and EU Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Valentin Inzko, in Sarajevo on 21 February 2011.
OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina announces winners in school competition on national minorities
Publishing date: 7 December 2010
SARAJEVO, 8 December 2010- Three schools received valuable prizes today as the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina announced winners of the a nationwide school competition in which participants shared their views on national minorities, democratic values and diversity.
OSCE heads of institutions emphasize importance of rights in discussions on Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian security
Publishing date: 30 November 2010
ASTANA, 1 December 2010- Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms must underpin sustainable security in the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian area, emphasized the heads of OSCE institutions on human rights and democratic institutions, media freedom and national minorities at the OSCE Summit which began in Astana today...
In Warsaw, OSCE review conference begins with calls on states to live up to their human rights commitments
Publishing date: 30 September 2010
WARSAW, 30 September 2010- The Warsaw segment of the OSCE's Review Conference got underway today with calls on participating States to live up to the human rights and democracy commitments they have promised to adhere to as part of the Organization...
OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities urges OSCE States to assist Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, calls for independent commission to investigate
Publishing date: 17 June 2010
VIENNA, 17 June 2010- Urgent support is needed to help stabilize the situation in Kyrgyzstan and assist neighbouring Uzbekistan to take care of tens of thousands of refugees, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Knut Vollebaek said today...