News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Democratic institutions and an independent media are our strength in times of crisis, OSCE leaders say
Publishing date: 16 May 2022
VIENNA/WARSAW, 16 May 2022 – Human rights and democratic principles must continue to be the bedrock of societies across the OSCE region even as the Russian Federation’s military attack on Ukraine is creating unprecedented challenges to democratic institutions across the region, OSCE leaders said at the opening of a two-day conference today.
Preventing violations of international humanitarian law and protecting civilians require closer cooperation, OSCE leaders say
Publishing date: 28 March 2022
VIENNA/WARSAW, 28 March 2022 – To achieve progress on implementing the commitments made by all OSCE countries to resolve disputes peacefully and ensure stability in the region, urgent consultation is needed to increase co-operation to protect civilians and investigate and prosecute violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, OSCE leaders said at the opening of a two-day conference today.
Challenges of urgent assistance for millions fleeing Ukraine must be followed by coordinated long-term support, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 22 March 2022
WARSAW, 22 March 2022 – With some 3.5 million people already forced to flee Ukraine since Russia’s military attack began less than a month ago, a rapidly increasing number of those in need of protection mean a concerted effort is crucial to provide them with longer-term assistance, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
OSCE human rights office alarmed by forced removal of elected officials in Ukrainian cities
Publishing date: 16 March 2022
WARSAW, 16 March 2022 – After two democratically elected mayors in the Ukrainian cities of Melitopol and Dniprorudne were forcibly removed from office, kidnapped and remain at risk of torture, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is increasingly alarmed by the impact of Russia’s military attack on the country’s democratic institutions.
Those fleeing Ukraine conflict must be granted safe passage and international protection without delay, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 7 March 2022
WARSAW, 7 March 2022 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is alarmed that more than 1.7 million people have already fled Ukraine as a consequence of the Russian Federation’s military attack, with many others still trying to find safety by crossing international borders or moving inside the country. An increasing number of civilians are falling victim to what appears to be the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in residential areas, which is prohibited by international humanitarian law.
Peaceful demonstrations to protest attack on Ukraine must be allowed unhindered, OSCE human rights office says
Publishing date: 1 March 2022
WARSAW, 1 March 2022 – Peaceful anti-war protests were able to take place without restriction in the overwhelming majority of OSCE countries following the launch of military action against Ukraine last week, allowing citizens to exercise their right to peaceful protest, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.
Human impact of military action in Ukraine of increasing concern, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 25 February 2022
WARSAW, 25 February 2022 – While the attack on Ukraine is little more than a day old, it is already taking its toll on civilians, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Director Matteo Mecacci said at the Winter Meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly today.