News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
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.
Safeguarding human rights must be a priority, OSCE human rights office says
Publishing date: 22 February 2022
WARSAW, 22 February 2022 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expresses profound concern at the events unfolding in Eastern Ukraine, and emphasises the need to uphold and safeguard the human rights of all.
OSCE Mission to Serbia and EU Delegation mark European Day for Victims of Crime by contributing to Serbia’s better treatment of victims
Publishing date: 22 February 2022
BELGRADE, 22 February 2022 – On the occasion of the European Day for Victims of Crime marked today, an expert panel discussion organized by the OSCE Mission to Serbia noted a positive trend in improving the support to victims and protecting their rights by Serbia’s judiciary and the police.
Firm commitment to Guantanamo Bay closure urgently needed, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 11 January 2022
WARSAW, 11 January 2022 – Two decades after the opening of the Guantanamo Bay detention centre in the aftermath of the security challenges following the events of 9/11, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) renews its calls for the camp’s swift closure.
Statement on the situation in Kazakhstan by the OSCE Chairman-in-Office
Publishing date: 5 January 2022
WARSAW/VIENNA, 5 JANUARY 2022- I am closely following recent developments in Kazakhstan. I strongly believe that violence is never an appropriate response for resolving such tensions. This is why I call for a peaceful return to order and respect for democratic processes, while rights and freedoms, including freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, must be protected.
Closure of Russian Memorial organizations of grave concern, OSCE Human Rights Head says
Publishing date: 29 December 2021
WARSAW, 29 December 2021 – Following two Russian court decisions this week to close both the International Memorial Society and its sister organization Human Rights Center Memorial, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed profound concern and called on the Russian authorities to ensure a safe and enabling space for civil society.