News and press releases

BAKU, 2 September 2024 – Azerbaijan’s early parliamentary elections did not offer voters genuine political alternatives and took place within a legal framework overly restrictive of fundamental freedoms and the media, although they were efficiently prepared, international observers said in a statement today.

VIENNA, 2 September 2024- In a new communiqué on Fostering Media Freedom Literacy (MFL) issued today, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro recommended that all OSCE participating States adopt a series of multi-stakeholder actions to create an environment that helps people recognize, access, and use different media, as well as understand the importance of a free media as an essential component of democracy and security.

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.