Publications

Intolerance and discrimination have affected Roma and Sinti communities for centuries, and continue to be a concern in the OSCE region, including harmful discourse and stereotyping. Too often, this intolerance can morph into anti-Roma hate crimes, ranging from anti-Roma graffiti to racially-motivated violence. Hate crime has a significant, long-lasting impact on victims, perpetuates inequality, and undermines security and social cohesion. Anti- Roma hate crimes send a message of exclusion not only to Roma and Sinti victims and their communities, but society as a whole. Everyone has a role to play in addressing anti-Roma hate crimes and all forms of intolerance and discrimination. This factsheet highlights the impact of anti-Roma hate crime and provides guidance on identifying such crimes.

This newsletter provides a brief overview of efforts of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine to support ongoing reforms, promote dialogue and help the country meet crisis-related challenges. It provides a summary of our communications via Facebook page and this website for the indicated period.

The Handbook, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) of the Republic of North Macedonia and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, aims to increase voters’ knowledge on local self-government, bodies that are elected at local elections and specifics about the local elections. The Handbook provides brief and simple information on the role and competencies of mayors and municipal councils, the right to be elected, the electoral models used for election of a mayor and municipal council, election campaign, and financing local elections. Additionally, it offers an overview of the basic principles of democratic governance and opportunities for citizens’ participation in a decision-making process at local level after the elections. Not available in English.

The Handbook, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) of the Republic of North Macedonia and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, aims to increase voters’ knowledge on local self-government, bodies that are elected at local elections and specifics about the local elections. The handbook provides brief and simple information on the role and competencies of mayors and municipal councils in North Macedonia, the right to be elected, the electoral models used for election of a mayor and municipal council, election campaign, and financing local elections. Additionally, it gives an overview of the basic principles of democratic governance and opportunities for citizens’ participation in a decision-making process at local level after the elections. Not available in English.

The Informative Brochure for Young Voters presents the content of Manual for Young Voters, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) of the Republic of North Macedonia and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, in an easy-to-read format. It aims to present the information related to the political and electoral participation of youth in the country, why elections and voting are important for young women and men, the significance of inclusive elections and instructions for the voting process in format accessible to the people with learning disabilities. Not available in English.

The Manual, prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, aims to encourage political and electoral participation of youth in the country. It explains the models and bodies for youth political participation; why elections and voting are important for young women and men and the significance of inclusive elections. The publication also provides step-by-step instructions for the voting process. The Manual was initially published in 2020. This is second edition amended in accordance with the most recent changes of the Electoral Code. Not available in English.

The Manual provides a theoretical overview of the international commitments of North Macedonia related to gender equality, drafting gender sensitive legislation and parliamentary oversight of gender equality. It provides practical examples on best practices from the country and parliaments worldwide on mainstreaming gender in parliamentary operations. The publication is prepared by the OSCE Mission in co-operation with parliamentary staff to support MPs in their work aimed at promoting and advancing gender equality.

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.

The infosheet includes information about the membership and functioning of the Municipal Offices for Communities and Return (MOCRs) in 2020.

The infosheet includes information about the establishment and functioning of the Deputy Chairpersons of the Municipal Assembly for Communities (DCMACs) in 2020.