Publications

Since the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, the OSCE region has experienced a number of conflicts that have not only destabilized the region but have also had a very negative impact on human rights and fundamental freedoms, triggering grave humanitarian consequences and human suffering. Unfortunately, the tensions, crises and conflict situations continue to this day. In 2023, according to UNHCR, displacement has reached approximately 27 million, including internal displacement within the OSCE region. This number includes those displaced from Ukraine since February 2022. At times of conflict, protection under International and Regional Human Rights Law and International Refugee Law is complemented by the protection offered under International Humanitarian Law, all mirrored in OSCE Commitments.

This easy-to-understand version was produced as part of the ODIHR project "Strengthening Inclusive and Accountable Democratic Institutions in the OSCE Region".

Organizing elections and referenda is indisputably a challenging task. Bodies in charge of administering elections and referenda (EMBs) have the demanding function of ensuring that many complex election- and referenda-related processes are managed efficiently, impartially and transparently. The work of the EMBs has a direct impact on the quality and integrity of electoral and referendum processes and is one of the keys to ensuring the rights of voters and contestants. The EMBs are therefore one of the main guardians of democratic elections, and their activities are central to fostering public confidence.

This factsheet provides information on ODIHR’s interactive tool on freedom of association for government authorities and civil society.

ODIHR handbook on monitoring freedom of peaceful assembly This second edition of the handbook provides a conceptual and methodological framework to guide the independent monitoring of assemblies, based on ODIHR's methodology. It also incorporates key information gathered in the course of

Corruption is one of the most pervasive and pressing issues of our time, threatening security, peace, and prosperity across the OSCE region and around the world. Preventing and combatting corruption, as well as promoting good governance, remain fundamental elements of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security. This progress report outlines the OSCE’s on-going efforts to translate commitments into tangible actions in fighting corruption, focusing on our work’s impact on the ground.

An essential part of election processes are election campaigns, in which candidates compete for voter support. During election campaigns political actors energize society, invigorate and mobilize the electorate, but at the same time these are periods when fundamental freedoms are put to the test. Election campaigns provide an opportunity for all election stakeholders, including the authorities, political parties and voters, to demonstrate respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights.

Online social networking sites have moved election campaigns into a new era of communication, in which voters have wider channels to express their opinions. While social networking sites provide space for voters to enhance their direct participation in campaigns and enable electoral contestants to better mobilize support, the use of social networks, especially during election campaigns, carries a wide array of challenges.

This 8-page leaflet describes the main issues related to criminal-justice reform in the OSCE area and provides an overview of ODIHR activities in this field.