News and press releases

VIENNA / COPENHAGEN / WARSAW, 2 April 2020 – Noting a troubling rise in domestic violence in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and self-isolation guidelines in many countries, OSCE leaders called today for measures to be taken by governments to protect women and children. They said that unfortunately, for them home is not always a safe haven, as they are the most susceptible to abuse and need increased protection in these extraordinary times and urged authorities to ensure that they are kept safe from abusers.

Summary Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Small-arms fire was assessed as aimed at SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicles flying over areas near government-controlled Hnutove and near non-government-controlled

On 31 March and 1 April, members of the armed formations again denied attempts of the SMM to travel towards non-government-controlled areas along an official crossing route...

VIENNA/BELGRADE, 1 April 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, and the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Andrea Orizio, expressed their concerns today over a new decision by the Government of Serbia on public information during the current health emergency and the impact that this could have on free access to information in the country...

COPENHAGEN, 1 April 2020 – The granting of emergency powers in Hungary that enable the government to rule by decree without a foreseen termination date is a dangerous step that undermines democracy in the country, said OSCE PA human rights leaders today.

Op-ed by George Tsereteli (MP, Georgia)

Op-ed published at European Interest by Kari Henriksen (MP, Norway)