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News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Moldova early parliamentary elections 2021: OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission final report
Publishing date: 22 December 2021
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
The 2021 early parliamentary elections in Moldova were well administered, competitive, and fundamental freedoms were largely respected. While lower-level commissions enjoyed trust, key decisions by the Central Election Commission brought its impartiality into question. Candidates had ample opportunities to campaign and voters were provided a wide range of alternatives. The legal framework does not adequately regulate electoral dispute resolution, and the handling of electoral complaints further highlighted the importance of strengthening judicial independence...
As disparities deepen, safeguarding migrant rights is more important than ever, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 17 December 2021
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights, Migration
WARSAW, 17 December 2021- As the world nears the end of a second year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, we see clearly that its impact has hit the most vulnerable hardest, with many migrants who were already facing challenges to access their basic rights now having greater difficulty in accessing employment, education, housing, and even the right to international protection, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on the eve of International Migrants Day.
Cyprus parliamentary elections 2021: ODIHR election expert team final report
Publishing date: 16 December 2021
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
The 2021 parliamentary elections in Cyprus were governed by the legal framework that generally provided for the conduct of democratic elections; however, the legislation remains overly complex and requires comprehensive review. While the party finance legislation was amended to enhance
Now is the time to remember the universality of human rights, says OSCE human rights head
Publishing date: 10 December 2021
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
WARSAW, 10 December 2021 – As the world continues to struggle with the Covid-19 pandemic and the rising polarization and intolerance that has accompanied it, today’s Human Rights Day reminds us that that all countries across the OSCE have recognized that human rights are the birthright of all human beings, are inalienable, and are guaranteed by law, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
ODIHR experts discuss Italy’s electoral reform during follow-up visit to Rome
Publishing date: 1 December 2021
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
Election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented their final report on Italy’s 2018 parliamentary elections during a visit to Rome that took place from 29 November to 1 December 2021. The experts discussed the report’s key findings and
Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections competitive but lacked meaningful voter engagement, international observers say
Publishing date: 29 November 2021
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
BISHKEK, 29 November 2021 – Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections were competitive, but they lacked meaningful voter engagement due to a stifled campaign, constitutional changes weakening parliament and extensive legislative changes to key aspects of the election. Generally adequate election legislation was undermined by limitations on civil and political rights as well as diminished separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. Voters had a wide range of political options to choose from. Election preparations were handled efficiently by the election administration, and election day was peaceful, international observers said in a statement today.
OSCE joins the 16 Days of Activism campaign and calls on states to combat gender-based violence in all its forms
Publishing date: 25 November 2021
Content type: Press release
What we do: Gender equality
STOCKHOLM / VIENNA / WARSAW, 25 November 2021- On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence, OSCE leaders called on participating States to increase their efforts and resources to combat violence against women and girls, including violence enabled by digital technology.