News and press releases

Serbia’s 2024 local elections were well run and freedom of expression and assembly were respected, but the dominance of the ruling party as well as the fragmentation of the opposition reduced their competitiveness, and concerns remained about pressure on public sector employees and misuse of public

HELSINKI, 30 August 2024 – Dr. Kari Johnstone, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, concluded her five-day visit to Helsinki today. She praised Finland's active involvement in anti-trafficking efforts led by strong structures including a proactive National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and an independent National Rapporteur.

SARAJEVO, 30 August 2024 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 6 October local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, following an official invitation from the national authorities and a needs assessment mission conducted in May this year.

BAKU, 29 August 2024 – International election observers will hold a press conference to present their findings following the early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.

With climate change intensifying, water scarcity growing and an increasing unpredictability in the global water supply, this year’s annual World Water Week conference in Stockholm gathered international actors, including OSCE representatives, to identify and forge frameworks that ensure equitable and sustainable water management.

The OSCE-led Regional Medical Training in Support of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Operations successfully concluded at the Kazakhstan Peacekeeping Operations Centre on 28 August 2024 in Almaty.

On 26 August, 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana (the Office), in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the International Water Assessment Centre (IWAC), held the 3rd meeting of the Inter-Institutional Working Group (IIWG) on tailings safety and the prevention of accidental water pollution in Kazakhstan.

Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) Ambassador Bakyt Dzhusupov concluded his first visit to Mongolia on 28 August. During his visit, he met with officials across the country to discuss opportunities for enhanced co-operation on environmental and economic security.

Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyz Republic The Border Service of the State Committee for National Security, Ministry of Interior, Customs Service under the Ministry of Finance, and the State Service for Execution of Punishment under the Ministry of Justice convened in Issyk-Kul from 26-28 August 2024 for the K-9 Inter-Agency Coordination Meeting.

A joint delegation, comprising Ambassador Willy Kempel, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, and Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis, Head of the EU Delegation to Tajikistan, visited two key sites in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), Tajikistan on 20 August 2024, witnessing the positive impact of a project funded by the European Union.

From 19 to 23 August, the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department held a training-of-trainers course for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS) in Warsaw, Poland. The training focused on identifying forged documents and impostors at border crossing points.

On 23-26 August 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD), in collaboration with the Committee for Environmental Protection, organized the Youth Ecological School (Eco-School) in Yos resort, Tajikistan.

On 22-23 August 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized a two-day training workshop on research methods for alternative anti-corruption monitoring.

Today, in a significant step towards modernizing electoral processes in Kosovo, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo presented the Central Election Commission (CEC) with a software to digitalize the vote counting and the tabulation of election results. The newly developed software, a product of close

VIENNA, 22 August 2024- As we observe the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, we once again express our deep concern at the alarming level of hate crime and acts of violence based on religion or belief across the OSCE region.

WARSAW, 22 August 2024 – Safeguarding the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief protects the inherent dignity of every individual and at the same time helps to build more tolerant and inclusive societies, reducing tensions and allowing our diverse communities to exist together, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on today’s International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.

On August 19-20, 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, in collaboration with the Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA), held a training seminar in Astana focused on strengthening risk management within the gambling and lottery sectors.

The OSCE enhanced the knowledge and practical skills of 20 criminal analysis officers from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS) by providing a training on the use of specialized analytical software in investigating criminal threats. The event took place from 13 to 15 August in Kyiv.

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized a five-day training course for lawyers, psychologists from the OSCE-supported Women’s Resource Centres (WRCs), and government representatives on preventing domestic violence and protecting its victims.

Helping Ukrainian media professionals ensure their stories dispel stereotypes, uphold the equality of women and men, and contribute to better protection of their rights is at the heart of a new publication launched in Kyiv on 14 August. “Gender Equality Policy in the Media Content”, was developed by the NGO, Women in Media, in close partnership with the Governmental Representative for Gender Equality and the Commission on Journalism Ethics, a self-regulating body for journalists and editorial boards in Ukraine, with assistance provided by the OSCE Secretariat Extra-budgetary Support Programme for Ukraine (SPU).

On 15 August 2024, the Seized Property Management Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FAZUOI) and the National Agency of Ukraine for the Detection, Tracing and Management of Assets Derived from Corruption and Other Crimes (ARMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening their co-operation in the fight against organized crime and corruption through tracing, detection and management of illegal assets.

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD) supported the Anti-Corruption Summer School for Youth in Yos resort, Tajikistan, from 12 to 16 August 2024. The event was organized in collaboration with the Agency for State Financial Control and Fight against Corruption and Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Transparency and Anti-Corruption.

From 1 to 15 August 2024, Tajikistan National Mine Action Center with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD) organized a two-week summer rehabilitation workshop for landmine/ explosive remnants of war survivors in the resort area of Guliston, Sughd region.

From 12 to 14 August, the OSCE facilitated its second training session on countering blockchain obfuscation techniques—this time for investigators from Armenia and Georgia. The course took place in Warsaw and was hosted by the Ministry of Finance of Poland.

The OSCE recognizes the significance of women and youth in leadership roles and aims to advance women's rights and gender equality in public and political spheres.

From 7 to 10 August, the OSCE trained financial investigators from Moldova and Ukraine on mitigating blockchain obfuscation techniques used by criminals in a course hosted by the Ministry of Finance of Poland in Warsaw.

On August 9, 2024, the VIII International Summer School for young diplomats from Central Asian countries, the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation concluded on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. The event, entitled “Diplomatic and Consular Service in the Era of Digitalization of International Relations,” was organized by the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic jointly with the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

From 6 to 9 August, the OSCE held a workshop at the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) in Tbilisi to enhance the bank’s regulatory framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), improve customer risk assessment procedures and implement robust preventive measures within the virtual assets sector.

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz), in co-operation with the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the Office of the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) Secretariat, organized a five-day training session on 5-9 August 2024.

On 2 August 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD), in collaboration with Tajikistan's Border Troops, concluded a three-week Training of Trainers (ToT) course for nineteen officers of the Tajik Border Troops. The course was led by two international experts specializing in adult learning and planning military training exercises.

WARSAW, 2 August 2024 – We must move beyond commemoration to education in order to overcome the bias against Roma that allows hatred to fester, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on today’s Roma Genocide Remembrance Day.

With the financial and technical support of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, 154 tons of dangerous chemicals were safely removed, repackaged and transported from Transdniestria for incineration in Germany. The chemicals were collected from electrical sub-stations in Bender, Grigoriopol, Hirtop,

BAKU, 1 August 2024 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 1 September early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, following an official invitation from the national authorities.

BAKU, 30 July 2024 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold a press conference on the opening of the observation mission to the forthcoming early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan on Thursday, 1 August.

On 29 July 2024, Ambassador Antti Karttunen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz), participated in the conference “Combating Human Trafficking: National Approaches and International Standards” in Tashkent.

On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the OSCE Mission to BiH, in co-operation with the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, organized a workshop to address human trafficking among minorities, children, and persons with disabilities.

VALLETTA/VIENNA/WARSAW, 30 July 2024 – Marking World Day against Trafficking in Persons, OSCE Chair-in-Office, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta Ian Borg, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Matteo Mecacci and OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Kari Johnstone underscored the need to strengthen collaborative efforts to identify victims of human trafficking and prevent exploitation of the most vulnerable, particularly children.

On 29-31 July 2024, the OSCE Project Co-Ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz), in co-operation with the National Human Rights Centre (NHRC) of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Main Directorate for the Execution of Punishments, launched a three-day training on the UN Bangkok Rules and gender-sensitive approaches to torture prevention.

While physical violence against journalists has decreased in recent years, forms of attacks have evolved, taking on more insidious and damaging forms. If left unaddressed, these newer threats can have profound consequences for media professionals. Recognizing the urgency of this issue and in support of journalists’ work, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, upon the request of its partner Media Trade Union, organized a workshop on psychological well-being and support for media workers on 27 and 28 July in Sutomore.

SARAJEVO, 25 July 2024- Today, the Municipality of Čelić celebrates the opening of its first fire station, an event that marks a significant step forward in strengthening the security infrastructure of this area. With the presence of citizens, representatives of local authorities and international organizations, the new building was officially opened, making Čelić a safer place to live.

THE HAGUE, 25 July 2024 – Natur og Ungdom from Norway has been selected as the winner of the 2024 Max van der Stoel Award. The Award recognizes this organization’s efforts to give young people of all backgrounds a voice in environmental policy.

From 22 to 24 July 2024, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, jointly with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, facilitated a needs assessment mission to Uzbekistan, focusing on requesting electronic evidence across borders. The mission was held as part of the E-VIDENCE project dedicated to building the capacity of law enforcement in requesting electronic evidence across borders for investigating online criminal matters, including terrorism-related.

VIENNA, 24 July 2024 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro expresses deep concern at the growing threat to the safety of journalists in the Russian Federation following the latest series of convictions of media professionals in the country.

As part of its commitment to combat gender-based violence and empower survivors, on 24 July the OSCE Mission to Montenegro provided a greenhouse to the SOS Helpline Nikšić.

Novopavlovka village, Chui province, Kyrgyzstan – 24 July, 2024 A ceremony marking the launch of removal operation of the final 55 tonnes of Samin, a toxic rocket fuel component, from the Novopavlovka area in Chui province of Kyrgyzstan took place today. This operation mitigates a significant environmental threat and ensures the safety of some 21,000 residents living near the storage site. The chemical waste will be transported out of Kyrgyzstan by air to Germany at the end of August 2024, where it will be incinerated in a specialized disposal facility.

On 11 July, the Chair of the Permanent Council, Ambassador Natasha Meli Daudey, presented the White Ribbon Award to seven diplomats and delegation members, honouring their outstanding engagement for the promotion of gender equality. The White Ribbon Award is presented every year to OSCE delegates from participating States and Partners for Co-operation who have shown true dedication to the promotion of gender equality and have used their position to advance these efforts. The Award is given based on nominations received from OSCE delegations.

ERGNETI, 23 July 2024 – The 120th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) was held in Ergneti today under the co-facilitation of the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus, Viorel Moşanu, and the Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), Bettina Patricia Boughani.

To bolster Moldova's capabilities in the area of management of seized and confiscated virtual assets, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) hosted a dedicated workshop in Chisinau on July 22 and 23. This event gathered 30 participants from various law enforcement and regulatory agencies to improve their skills in managing and processing virtual assets that have been seized or confiscated.

WARSAW, 22 July 2024 – In recent months, the intensified large-scale attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian cities have resulted in an increasing number of civilian casualties and severe damage to civilian infrastructure, while evidence is growing of widespread and systematic torture of detained civilians and prisoners of war in Russian-controlled areas, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in its latest report on violations of international law following Russia’s military attack in Ukraine.

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, in partnership with the Tajikistan Border Troops, conducted eight awareness-raising meetings from 15 to 20 July 2024 in the Rushon and Shughnon districts of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO).