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News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE human rights office monitoring finds evidence of torture and sexual violence in Ukraine as violations continue
Publishing date: 17 July 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
WARSAW, 17 July 2023 – Allegations of arbitrary imprisonment and enforced disappearances of civilians living in areas under occupation are occurring with alarming frequency, with widespread reports of the use of torture and ill-treatment, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today in a new report summarising its ongoing monitoring of violations of international law following Russia’s military attack in Ukraine. According to the many credible testimonies, torture and ill-treatment have been widespread in detention in all Russian-occupied areas.
ODIHR final observation reports on recent early elections in Kazakhstan offer recommendations to improve electoral process
Publishing date: 14 July 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
Kazakhstan’s 20 November 2022 early presidential and 19 March 2023 early parliamentary elections took place in the context of reforms aimed at bringing the country’s elections closer in line with international standards and OSCE commitments, but further changes to the legal framework are needed for
OSCE staff recognized for their dedication to advancing gender equality
Publishing date: 13 July 2023
Collections: OSCE Gender Equality Champions
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, OSCE Secretary General, OSCE Secretariat
What we do: Gender equality
OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid recognized the outstanding achievements of OSCE staff in advancing gender equality and empowering women in the OSCE at the fourth award ceremony that took place at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna today.
Uzbekistan’s presidential election lacked genuine political competition despite some efforts to reform, international observers say
Publishing date: 10 July 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
TASHKENT, 10 July 2023 – Uzbekistan’s early presidential election was technically well prepared but lacked genuine competition. Positively, recent reforms to the legal framework have taken some previous ODIHR recommendations into account, but fundamental freedoms remain restricted, the low-key campaign lacked meaningful engagement with voters, and significant procedural irregularities were observed on election day, international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.
Greater collaboration needed to strengthen our diverse societies and counter hatred, OSCE leaders say
Publishing date: 26 June 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Tolerance and non-discrimination
VIENNA, 26 JUNE 2023 – Closer co-operation and an innovative approach are needed by governments and civil society to build respect and trust in the diversity of our societies and combat intolerance and hatred, OSCE leaders said as a two-day conference began today.
Redress for victims vital to heal physical and psychological wounds of torture, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 26 June 2023
Content type: Press statement
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
WARSAW, 26 June 2023 – For victims to overcome the profound impact of torture on their lives, ensuring their right to redress and all it entails is crucial, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
Long-term refugee integration policies needed to strengthen our societies, OSCE human rights office says
Publishing date: 20 June 2023
Content type: Press statement
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Democratization, Migration
WARSAW, 20 June 2023 – By making refugee integration a priority as a long-term and sustainable response to forced migration, we support refugees in their journey to rebuild their lives and foster inclusive societies that strengthen the fabric of our communities, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on the occasion of World Refugee Day.