News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE parliamentarians, delegations discuss evidence-based lawmaking to prevent and combat violence against women
Publishing date: 19 May 2021
Innovative approaches to evidence-based lawmaking to prevent and combat violence against women was the topic of an event organized by the OSCE Secretariat’s Gender Issues Programme, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on 19 May 2021.
ODIHR opens election observation mission in Armenia
Publishing date: 19 May 2021
YEREVAN, 19 May 2021 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 20 June early parliamentary elections in Armenia, following an invitation from the national authorities....
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