Publications

Freedom of expression and freedom of the media are essential to any democratic process, and the assessment of media coverage of election campaigns is a fundamental part of election observation methodology. This publication provides a succinct explanation of the media-monitoring methodology used by the OSCE/ODIHR in its election observation activities.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide guidance on how to approach voter registration as part of the overall observation of an election. While ODIHR has included voter registration in its general methodology for observing elections, this handbook aims to provide a more systematic and comprehensive approach to observing this critical part of the election process.

A booklet published by the OSCE and The Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC).

In this issue: Facilitating voting in Kosovo, the Transdniestrian settlement process, good economic governance, digital media freedom.

A report on women's economic empowerment in Ukraine. The report looks into the current situation and key trends regarding gender aspects of the overall economic status of women and the nature of their labour relationships. It focuses inter alia on female employment, the economic potential of women in the workforce, incomes, professional development opportunities, job satisfaction, legal rights and guarantees, etc. The report provides analysis of relevant legislation and practices and concludes with recommendations on removing the obstacles and gender stereotypes which prevent women from fulfilling their potential in the economic sphere. The study was initiated in 2012 by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and supported by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.

This report presents an assessment of the 2012 municipal budget development process in Kosovo municipalities. It outlines the compliance of the municipalities with the requirements of this process, and aims to serve as a tool for all relevant stakeholders for formulating strategies for improving municipal compliance with the legal requirements of the process.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is composed of 317 parliamentarians from the parliaments of all OSCE participating States. The Assembly convenes each July at the Annual Session and each February at the Winter Meeting.

The report examines provision of humanitarian bus transportation and concludes that while the service enhances access to services, administrative non-compliance has resulted in a lack of transparency and inadequate complaints procedures.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and her staff observe media developments in the 57 participating States and promote compliance with OSCE media-freedom commitments.