Publications

              ... The free and open exchange of views and infor- mation is vital to helping governments protect and promote human rights, fundamental free- doms and tolerance and non-discrimination, as well as to improve and strengthen democratic practices and institutions, Gernot Erler, Germa-

ODIHR has developed the Words Into Action to Address Anti-Semitism project to strengthen the capacity of OSCE participating States and civil society to prevent and respond to anti-Semitism.

This paper updates The Death Penalty in the OSCE Area: Background Paper 2015. It is intended to provide a concise update to highlight changes in the status of the death penalty in OSCE participating States since the previous publication and to promote constructive discussion of this issue. It covers the period from 1 July 2015 to 31 March 2016.

Money is a necessary element of any political process. However, corruption in political financing poses risk for the democracy and countries’ economic systems. Politically exposed persons, given their access to state resources and decision-making power, are prone to corrupt activities. Combating and preventing corruption requires a protection of a strong system of regulations and integrity mechanisms.

... Annual Report 2015 OSCE OFFICE FOR DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS 2 0 15 A N N UA L R E P O R T O D IH R ODIHR Annual Report 2015 OSCE OFFICE FOR DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS Published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Ul. Miodowa 10

This handbook sets out ODIHR’s approach and practices in assisting participating States in the follow-up of electoral recommendations. While ODIHR has conducted follow-up activities for several years, this handbook aims to establish a more systematic approach that provides clarity and consistency and promotes greater attention to the implementation of recommendations. It has been developed on the basis of generous extra-budgetary contributions as part of ODIHR’s continued effort to improve its methodology and to increase professionalism in election observation activities. The handbook is primarily intended for actors in OSCE participating States addressing ODIHR’s electoral recommendations, but it will also be of use to those following up on recommendations outside the OSCE region.

... ODIHR Director Michael Georg Link was in Ottawa from 11 to 13 May for bilateral consultations with Canadian government officials. ... Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe ... OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Institutions ... Periodical / journal /

... On 19 April the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office (CiO), German Foreign Minister Steinmeier and Polish For- eign Minister Waszczykowski visited the ODIHR headquarters, met with ODIHR Director Michael Georg Link and addressed ODIHR staff, in the con- text of the Office’s 25th anniversary. ...

This handbook aims to provide guidance for the police in facilitating the right to assemble peacefully. The handbook has been written primarily for police officers working in the OSCE area who have command responsibilities, at any level, for the policing of public assemblies. The handbook outlines key steps and principles for careful police work with assemblies through considered and proportionate policing, having at its core the aim of facilitating the right to peaceful assembly. It provides guidance for the successful policing of assemblies based on the requirements of international human rights law and established good practice from across the OSCE area. Although the focus of the handbook is on “assemblies”, the guidance and recommended practices are also applicable to other types of gatherings (e.g., state occasions, sporting events).

... 20160201_odihr_newsletter_January_2016_for approvals.pub On 27 January, International Holocaust Remem- brance Day, ODIHR Director Michael Georg Link stressed the importance of Holocaust remembrance in promoting mutual understanding and tolerance. “As we mark the 71st anniversary of the