News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
ODIHR opens election observation mission in Bulgaria
Publishing date: 9 June 2021
SOFIA, 9 June 2021 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission (EOM) for the 11 July early parliamentary elections, following an invitation from the country’s authorities...
Portugal presidential election 2021: OSCE/ ODIHR election expert team final report
Publishing date: 7 June 2021
The presidential election held in Portugal on 24 January 2021 was organized efficiently despite challenges and new provisions introduced amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but areas such as campaign financing and media regulations would benefit from further revision. These are some of the main conclusions
Televised “confessions” further example of widespread rights violations in Belarus, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 4 June 2021
WARSAW, 4 June 2021 — The televised “confessions” of independent journalist Raman Pratasevich and Sofia Sapega, his partner, raise further concerns regarding the Belarus authorities’ failure to meet obligations to respect the right to a fair trial and the absolute prohibition of torture in the wave of arrests since last August’s presidential election, says the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
Kyrgyzstan’s 2021 presidential election: OSCE/ODIHR observation mission final report
Publishing date: 4 June 2021
The 2021 presidential election in Kyrgyzstan was well organized and fundamental freedoms were generally respected. However, the campaign was dominated by one candidate who benefited from disproportionately large financial means and misuse of administrative resources, resulting in an uneven playing
ODIHR opens election observation mission in Moldova
Publishing date: 3 June 2021
CHISINAU, 3 June 2021 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 11 July early parliamentary elections in Moldova, following an invitation from the national authorities...
Role of law enforcement officials vital to prevent torture, say participants at dedicated conference
Publishing date: 2 June 2021
The crucial role played by the police and other law enforcement officials in serving their communities and preventing torture and other ill-treatment of people in the criminal justice system is the focus of a dedicated conference today. Despite the timely reaffirmation by OSCE countries last year
Efforts by prosecutors and law enforcement to address hate crime in Armenia: ODIHR seminar
Publishing date: 25 May 2021
On 25 May 2021, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) organized an online awareness-raising seminar on improving the ability to recognize, investigate and prosecute hate crimes, involving criminal justice authorities and civil society in Armenia. The event launched