News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Strong and independent national human rights institutions vital for democracy, OSCE human rights office and international partners say
Publishing date: 14 May 2021
Strong and independent National Human Rights Institutions are key to underpinning democracy and the rule of law and ensuring respect for human rights, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) together with five other human rights organizations in a joint statement
On the 10th anniversary of the Istanbul Convention, OSCE leaders stress its importance for progressing towards gender equality
Publishing date: 11 May 2021
STOCKHOLM/VIENNA/WARSAW, 11 May 2020- Marking the 10th anniversary of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, OSCE leaders today underlined the importance of this landmark treaty that provides legal standards so that women and girls can live their lives free from violence and abuse.
Respect for constitution and judicial independence are key for democracy, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 27 April 2021
WARSAW, 27 April 2021 – Following a parliamentary move against a number of constitutional court judges in Moldova last week after an earlier court decision found the conditions had been met for the president to dissolve parliament, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) called for the country’s parliament to respect the independence of the judiciary.
Albania’s elections saw inclusive campaigning and improved administration, but misuse of state resources was of concern, international observers say
Publishing date: 26 April 2021
TIRANA, 26 April 2021 – The Albanian parliamentary elections were characterized by a lively and inclusive campaign, thanks to a legal framework that helped ensure respect of fundamental freedoms. At the same time the campaign saw authorities taking advantage of public office and allegations of pervasive vote buying, international observers said in a statement today...
Addressing anti-Semitism through education: ODIHR and UNESCO propose policy and reforms to tackle intolerance and discrimination
Publishing date: 26 April 2021
Addressing anti-Semitism through education ODIHR and UNESCO propose policy and reforms to tackle intolerance and discrimination Addressing anti-Semitism through education is the focus of two events co-organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the United
Good lawmaking a cornerstone of democracy and human rights protection, OSCE leaders say
Publishing date: 26 April 2021
VIENNA/WARSAW, 26 April 2021 – Transparent, inclusive lawmaking is vital to underpin democracies and the principles on which they are built, OSCE leaders said as a two-day meeting to discuss topics including the challenges and opportunities of crafting laws in periods of crisis opened today...
Romania parliamentary elections 2020: OSCE/ODIHR Special election assessment mission final report
Publishing date: 23 April 2021
The 2020 parliamentary elections in Romania were competitive, respecting fundamental freedoms, and organized professionally, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the late adoption of a number of regulations. While the legal framework generally provided for the conduct of democratic