News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
The power of digital technologies must be harnessed to counter hatred based on religion or belief, ODIHR says
Publishing date: 21 August 2020
WARSAW, 21 August 2020 – On the eve of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) calls for better use to be made of the advantages that digital technologies can offer, as well as a greater emphasis on countering hatred online...
OSCE/ODIHR alarmed by increasing threats to human rights in Belarus following presidential election
Publishing date: 19 August 2020
WARSAW, 19 August 2020 – Following the large-scale arrests of peaceful protestors in Belarus together with disturbing reports of violent physical abuse, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) calls for the immediate release of all those who have been unlawfully detained and a prompt and impartial investigation into alleged human rights abuses...
OSCE Chairmanship offers to visit Belarus
Publishing date: 17 August 2020
VIENNA / TIRANA, 17 August 2020- The OSCE Chairmanship continues to follow the situation in Belarus very closely, it said in a statement today...
Belarus must uphold international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms in wake of disputed election, OSCE PA President says
Publishing date: 13 August 2020
COPENHAGEN, 13 August 2020 – Disturbed by reports of excessive force following Sunday’s presidential election in Belarus, including the use of rubber bullets, water cannons, stun grenades and mass arrests, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli called today for authorities in Minsk to halt the repressive tactics and fully uphold international human rights standards. He also stressed that protests should be nonviolent...
ODIHR gravely concerned at situation in Belarus following presidential election
Publishing date: 10 August 2020
WARSAW, 10 August 2020 – Amidst intimidation and disproportionate police force against protesters in Belarus following reports of serious administrative misconduct during yesterday’s presidential election, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) calls for dialogue and urges the authorities to refrain from violence and to honestly report detailed election results from all polling stations...
OSCE Chairmanship calls for restraint and respect for OSCE commitments following Belarus presidential elections
Publishing date: 10 August 2020
VIENNA / TIRANA, 10 August 2020 – Albania’s OSCE Chairmanship has expressed concern about developments in Belarus following the presidential elections held on 9 August, which the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights was unable to observe. The Chairmanship has been following reports of protests and the use of force against protesters as well as detentions and obstruction of the work of journalists and media...
OSCE enhances capacity of Moldovan agencies promoting and protecting rights of national minorities amid pandemic
Publishing date: 31 July 2020
Recognizing that human rights will be key to building back sustainable and equal societies in the post-pandemic recovery, the OSCE Mission to Moldova organized online webinars on human rights in times of COVID-19 for a coalition of public agencies, which promote and protect rights of national minorities in Moldova, from 27 to 30 July 2020...