News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
Moscow Mechanism experts present findings to OSCE Permanent Council on Ukraine
Publishing date: 14 July 2022
The OSCE Moscow Mechanism mission of experts undertaken by Professor Veronika Bílková, Professor Laura Guercio and Professor Vasilka Sancin presented their findings to the OSCE Permanent Council on 14 July 2022, collected in the report entitled ‘Report on Violations of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity Committed in Ukraine (1 April – 25 June 2022)’.
Impunity for torture committed during armed conflict is not an option, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 23 June 2022
WARSAW, 24 June 2022 – Ensuring accountability is the most effective means of ending the use of torture and ill-treatment committed during armed conflicts, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said ahead of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June.
OSCE human rights office condemns death sentences against captured soldiers
Publishing date: 15 June 2022
Warsaw, 15 June 2022 – Following the death sentences handed down to three soldiers reported to be members of the Ukrainian armed forces, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) strongly condemns both their prosecution and sentencing, which have taken place in violation of international humanitarian law.
Ukraine appoints three experts to be part of a mission under the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism
Publishing date: 7 June 2022
Ukraine appoints three experts to be part of a mission under the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism On 2 June 2022 and following consultation with Ukraine, 45 OSCE participating States invoked the Moscow Mechanism in order to “ consider, follow up and build upon the findings of the Moscow Mechanism report
OSCE human rights office intensifies monitoring of abuses in and around Ukraine as evidence grows
Publishing date: 20 May 2022
WARSAW, 20 May 2022 – As the precarious security situation in Ukraine continues, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is stepping up its monitoring of the impact of the conflict on civilians and prisoners of war for violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, following Russia’s military attack in Ukraine almost three months ago.
Democratic institutions and an independent media are our strength in times of crisis, OSCE leaders say
Publishing date: 16 May 2022
VIENNA/WARSAW, 16 May 2022 – Human rights and democratic principles must continue to be the bedrock of societies across the OSCE region even as the Russian Federation’s military attack on Ukraine is creating unprecedented challenges to democratic institutions across the region, OSCE leaders said at the opening of a two-day conference today.
Preventing violations of international humanitarian law and protecting civilians require closer cooperation, OSCE leaders say
Publishing date: 28 March 2022
VIENNA/WARSAW, 28 March 2022 – To achieve progress on implementing the commitments made by all OSCE countries to resolve disputes peacefully and ensure stability in the region, urgent consultation is needed to increase co-operation to protect civilians and investigate and prosecute violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, OSCE leaders said at the opening of a two-day conference today.