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News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE human rights office alarmed by forced removal of elected officials in Ukrainian cities
Publishing date: 16 March 2022
Content type: Press statement
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
WARSAW, 16 March 2022 – After two democratically elected mayors in the Ukrainian cities of Melitopol and Dniprorudne were forcibly removed from office, kidnapped and remain at risk of torture, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is increasingly alarmed by the impact of Russia’s military attack on the country’s democratic institutions.
Ukraine appoints mission of experts following invocation of the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism
Publishing date: 15 March 2022
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
On 3 March 2022 and following consultation with Ukraine, 45 OSCE participating States invoked the Moscow Mechanism in order to “ address the human rights and humanitarian impacts of the Russian Federation’s invasion and acts of war, supported by Belarus, on the people of Ukraine, within Ukraine’s
Those fleeing Ukraine conflict must be granted safe passage and international protection without delay, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 7 March 2022
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
WARSAW, 7 March 2022 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is alarmed that more than 1.7 million people have already fled Ukraine as a consequence of the Russian Federation’s military attack, with many others still trying to find safety by crossing international borders or moving inside the country. An increasing number of civilians are falling victim to what appears to be the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in residential areas, which is prohibited by international humanitarian law.
Peaceful demonstrations to protest attack on Ukraine must be allowed unhindered, OSCE human rights office says
Publishing date: 1 March 2022
Content type: Press statement
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
WARSAW, 1 March 2022 – Peaceful anti-war protests were able to take place without restriction in the overwhelming majority of OSCE countries following the launch of military action against Ukraine last week, allowing citizens to exercise their right to peaceful protest, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.
Human impact of military action in Ukraine of increasing concern, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 25 February 2022
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
WARSAW, 25 February 2022 – While the attack on Ukraine is little more than a day old, it is already taking its toll on civilians, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Director Matteo Mecacci said at the Winter Meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly today.
ODIHR opens election observation mission in Hungary
Publishing date: 24 February 2022
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
BUDAPEST, 24 February 2022- The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 3 April parliamentary elections and referendum in Hungary, following an official invitation from the national authorities and a needs assessment mission conducted in January this year.
ODIHR opens election observation mission in Serbia
Publishing date: 23 February 2022
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
BELGRADE, 23 February 2022- The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 3 April presidential and early parliamentary elections in Serbia, following an official invitation from the national authorities and a needs assessment mission conducted in December last year.