News and press releases

WASHINGTON/ANKARA/VIENNA,10 DECEMBER 2021- As we mark International Human Rights Day, much of the world is still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. A new variant and increased cases have led many OSCE participating States to reimpose restrictions reminiscent of the conditions under which we commemorated this important anniversary a year ago. The pandemic has exacerbated our task of preserving and defending human rights around the world. It has further widened the political and partisan divides and fueled conspiracy theories that target minorities and persons in vulnerable situations. Some nations, while citing the necessity of measures to control the spread of the virus, have used it as a pretext for disproportionate security responses and repressive measures that undermine human rights, including the freedom of religion or belief.

KYIV, 9 December 2021 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Mikko Kinnunen, made the following statement to the press after the extraordinary meeting of the TCG held through video conferencing:

KYIV, 8 December 2021 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Mikko Kinnunen, made the following statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups held through video conferencing:

GENEVA, 8 December 2021- The 55th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place in the Palais des Nations on 7 and 8 December 2021, with requisite COVID-19 pandemic mitigation measures in place. As mandated by the six-point agreement of 2008, the GID process continues to serve as the primary venue in which the consequences of conflict are addressed and other important issues are discussed.

STOCKHOLM, 3 December 2021 – For the first time, the OSCE participating States have agreed on how to work together to deal with the challenges caused by climate change.

STOCKHOLM, 2 December 2021 – To respond to a time of turbulence and multiple crises across our region, we need common solutions, Chairperson-in-Office Linde, Sweden´s Minister for Foreign Affairs said when opening the 28th Ministerial Council in Stockholm.

STOCKHOLM, 1 December 2021 – Today, civil society representatives from across the OSCE area presented their recommendations to strengthen the OSCE’s approach to conflict prevention at the annual OSCE Parallel Civil Society Conference held in Stockholm and online.