News and press releases

WARSAW, 10 December 2021 – As the world continues to struggle with the Covid-19 pandemic and the rising polarization and intolerance that has accompanied it, today’s Human Rights Day reminds us that that all countries across the OSCE have recognized that human rights are the birthright of all human beings, are inalienable, and are guaranteed by law, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

Election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented their final report on Italy’s 2018 parliamentary elections during a visit to Rome that took place from 29 November to 1 December 2021. The experts discussed the report’s key findings and

BISHKEK, 29 November 2021 – Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections were competitive, but they lacked meaningful voter engagement due to a stifled campaign, constitutional changes weakening parliament and extensive legislative changes to key aspects of the election. Generally adequate election legislation was undermined by limitations on civil and political rights as well as diminished separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. Voters had a wide range of political options to choose from. Election preparations were handled efficiently by the election administration, and election day was peaceful, international observers said in a statement today.

STOCKHOLM / VIENNA / WARSAW, 25 November 2021- On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence, OSCE leaders called on participating States to increase their efforts and resources to combat violence against women and girls, including violence enabled by digital technology.

WARSAW, 16 November 2021 – More decisive action needs to be taken across the OSCE region to work towards eliminating violence against women, who continue to face violence in both public and private, OSCE leaders said on the opening of a two-day conference dedicated to preventing and combating violence against women and girls

WARSAW, 15 November 2021 – While many countries across the OSCE are taking greater efforts to combat hate crime, more action needs to be taken to increase knowledge of the true number of hate crimes committed and more done to support victims, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on publishing its annual hate crime report ahead of the 2021 International Day for Tolerance.

SKOPJE, 1 November 2021 – The second round of North Macedonia’s local elections was competitive and the election administration took efforts to address some procedural shortcomings from the first round. However, negative rhetoric and allegations of pressure on voters and candidates continued to affect the elections, international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.