News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Joint Message of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office’s Personal Representatives focusing on tolerance and non-discrimination, on Human Rights Day
Publishing date: 10 December 2021
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.
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde commemorates 30-year anniversary of Moscow Document
Publishing date: 3 October 2021
STOCKHOLM, 3 October 2021 — The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde highlighted today the importance of the landmark Document of the Moscow Meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the CSCE – the Moscow Document – which was adopted 30 years ago today by participating States.
OSCE leaders condemn violence in Afghanistan and destabilization of region, call for respect for human rights and rule of law
Publishing date: 25 August 2021
VIENNA/STOCKHOLM/WARSAW, 25 August 2021 — OSCE leaders today condemned the violence in Afghanistan, expressed their deep worry about the ongoing developments and reaffirmed the OSCE’s support towards ensuring safety and security throughout the region.
Greater efforts needed to ensure digital technologies empower human rights, OSCE leaders say
Publishing date: 13 July 2021
VIENNA/WARSAW, 13 July 2021 — Understanding the implications of digital technology is key to the protection and promotion of human rights in the 21st century, OSCE leaders said as a two-day online conference concluded on the opportunities and challenges of the digital age for human rights and democracy.
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.
Good lawmaking a cornerstone of democracy and human rights protection, OSCE leaders say
Publishing date: 26 April 2021
VIENNA/WARSAW, 26 April 2021 – Transparent, inclusive lawmaking is vital to underpin democracies and the principles on which they are built, OSCE leaders said as a two-day meeting to discuss topics including the challenges and opportunities of crafting laws in periods of crisis opened today...
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.