News and press releases

WARSAW, 13 September 2024 – The principles of inclusivity and respect for human rights and the rule of law on which our democracies are based can help us find a way forward in times of polarisation and conflict to strengthen our freedom and our security, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said ahead of the International Day of Democracy on 15 September.

CHIŞINĂU, 13 September 2024- The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) opened today an observation mission for the 20 October presidential election and constitutional referendum in Moldova, following an invitation from the national authorities.

The factors that make people belonging to minorities more vulnerable to human trafficking and ensuring respect for the rights of victims were discussed at the launch of a new joint publication by the OSCE’s Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (CTHB) and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 11 September 2024.

Tbilisi, 12 September 2024- The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 26 October parliamentary elections in Georgia, following an official invitation from the national authorities.

Bulgaria’s 2024 early parliamentary elections were competitive, with fundamental freedoms respected and legislation providing an adequate framework to hold democratic elections. Preparations for election day were smooth, but various malpractices limited voters’ access to the electoral process and

VALLETTA/VIENNA 03 September 2024 – Today, the OSCE Chair-in-Office, Malta's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg, informed the 57 participating States that, in the absence of a consensus on the appointment of a new OSCE leadership, he has taken immediate action to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the Organization during this transitional period.

BAKU, 2 September 2024 – Azerbaijan’s early parliamentary elections did not offer voters genuine political alternatives and took place within a legal framework overly restrictive of fundamental freedoms and the media, although they were efficiently prepared, international observers said in a statement today.