News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
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.
Gender equality is a cornerstone of media freedom and democratic society, OSCE leaders say
Publishing date: 9 March 2021
VIENNA, 9 March 2021 – Ensuring both equal opportunities and equal safeguards for women and men is key to an independent and diverse media landscape, which is vital for open societies based on the principles at the heart of OSCE commitments to human rights and democracy, participants said at a two-day OSCE meeting that ended today.
OSCE/ODIHR and UN Women launch policy recommendations to tackle emerging human trafficking during COVID-19 pandemic
Publishing date: 30 July 2020
ODIHR and UN Women launch report on human trafficking The ODIHR and UN Women policy recommendations aim to tackle emerging human trafficking during an post COVID-19 To mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the United
Impact of emergency measures on human rights and democracy key focus of new OSCE/ODIHR report
Publishing date: 17 July 2020
WARSAW, 17 July 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic has been a formative experience for all humanity and a health emergency of global proportions, presenting a huge challenge to national leaders, health systems, and citizens. The findings of a new report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) shows that it has also been a test to our democracies and the respect for human rights to which countries across the OSCE committed many years ago.
Comprehensive security approach needed for global response to COVID-19, OSCE leaders say ahead of International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
Publishing date: 23 April 2020
TIRANA/COPENHAGEN/VIENNA/WARSAW/THE HAGUE, 23 April 2020 – The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace tomorrow will be marked with a heightened appreciation for the importance of comprehensive security and greater sense of urgency for the need to strengthen international co-operation, said the Chair of the OSCE Permanent Council and heads of OSCE institutions in a statement today...
Protection from domestic violence urgently needed for women and children under stay-at-home orders, say OSCE officials
Publishing date: 2 April 2020
VIENNA / COPENHAGEN / WARSAW, 2 April 2020 – Noting a troubling rise in domestic violence in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and self-isolation guidelines in many countries, OSCE leaders called today for measures to be taken by governments to protect women and children. They said that unfortunately, for them home is not always a safe haven, as they are the most susceptible to abuse and need increased protection in these extraordinary times and urged authorities to ensure that they are kept safe from abusers.
ODIHR encourages Belarus to continue work on strengthened judicial independence, promotion of human rights and support for women leaders
Publishing date: 27 February 2020
Greater efforts and co-operation are needed to achieve a more independent justice system, educate citizens about human rights and strengthen women’s leadership in Belarus, said Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), addressing