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News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
North Macedonia’s elections were competitive and voters well informed, although the process remains insufficiently regulated: international observers
Publishing date: 9 May 2024
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
SKOPJE, 9 May 2024 – North Macedonia’s presidential run-off and parliamentary elections were competitive and an extensive and pluralistic campaign helped voters to make an informed choice, but marred by negative rhetoric with nationalistic slogans, as well as shortcomings in the legislation and insufficient oversight of campaign finances, international observers said in a statement today.
ODIHR opens election observation mission to Serbia
Publishing date: 30 April 2024
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
Belgrade, 30 April 2024- The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 2 June local elections in Serbia, following an official invitation from the national authorities.
Moscow Mechanism experts present report on Ukraine to OSCE Permanent Council
Publishing date: 25 April 2024
Content type: News
What we do: Human rights
The OSCE Moscow Mechanism mission of experts undertaken by Professor Veronika Bílková, Dr. Cecilie Hellestveit and Dr. Elīna Šteinerte presented their findings to the OSCE Permanent Council on 25 April 2024, collected in the report entitled ‘Report on Violations and Abuses of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity, related to the Arbitrary Deprivation of Liberty of Ukrainian Civilians by the Russian Federation’.
North Macedonia’s presidential election competitive and overall well run, but marked by legal gaps and negative rhetoric, international observers say
Publishing date: 25 April 2024
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
SKOPJE, 25 April 2024 – North Macedonia’s presidential election campaign was competitive and fundamental freedoms including media freedom were respected, but important areas of the presidential contest that included campaign rules, access to the media, and allocation of state funding are not regulated, undermining the key principle of legal certainty, international observers said in a statement today.
Observation of Lithuania’s forthcoming presidential election regrettably not possible, ODIHR report says
Publishing date: 23 April 2024
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Elections
It will not be possible to observe the upcoming elections in Lithuania as the invitation extended to the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) was made conditional on the exclusion of nationals from certain OSCE states, in breach of the commitments made by all
Civil society is vital to promote and protect international law during times of crisis, OSCE leaders say
Publishing date: 22 April 2024
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
VIENNA, 22 April 2024 – While civil society organizations play a crucial role in monitoring and ensuring accountability for violations of international law in times of crisis, it is becoming increasingly difficult in many places for them to carry out their work effectively or safely, OSCE leaders said as a two-day conference began today.
Inclusive dialogue to improve Serbia’s election conditions must continue despite political differences, international human rights office ODIHR says
Publishing date: 17 April 2024
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
BELGRADE, 17 April 2024 – The readiness of Serbia’s political parties to discuss improvements to the election process has been encouraging, but meaningful dialogue and a deeper commitment to resolve existing differences are still needed, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today.