News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE PA human rights leaders urge action on combating intolerance in wake of Hanau shootings
Publishing date: 25 February 2020
COPENHAGEN, 25 February 2020 – Following up on the special debate on combating anti-Semitism, discrimination and intolerance at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Winter Meeting on 21 February, the leaders of the PA’s human rights committee today recalled the importance of discrimination and extremism being high on the international agenda. They condemned the attacks in Hanau, Germany, on 19 February, and noted that they serve as a tragic reminder of the need for all public figures to renounce intolerance...
At OSCE PA Winter Meeting, parliamentarians tackle anti-Semitism, intolerance, protracted conflicts, climate change and human rights
Publishing date: 21 February 2020
VIENNA, 21 February 2020 – In the wake of a racially motivated attack in the German town of Hanau on Wednesday, OSCE parliamentarians gathering in Vienna for the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s 19th Winter Meeting today held a timely debate on combating anti-Semitism, discrimination and intolerance in the OSCE region...
ODIHR Director expresses concern over amendments to legislation on ‘foreign agents’ in Russian Federation
Publishing date: 31 January 2020
WARSAW, 31 January 2020 – Following amendments to legislation on ‘foreign agents’ that places further restrictions on human rights organizations in the Russian Federation, Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), said...
Judge Korner concludes assessment visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, on implementation of war crimes processing
Publishing date: 29 January 2020
Judge Joanna Korner CMG QC concluded today her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina devoted to assessing the implementation of the recommendations provided in her earlier, 2016, OSCE-supported Report on war crimes processing at the state level in BiH...
Building tolerant and compassionate societies honours the dead and gives hope for the future, OSCE says on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Publishing date: 27 January 2020
WARSAW, 27 January 2020 – As we mark 75 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, the OSCE calls for greater efforts to counter anti-Semitic prejudice and build tolerant societies free from hatred.
Full engagement of women, national minorities and persons with disabilities crucial to ensure democratic elections, say participants of OSCE conference in Tirana
Publishing date: 21 January 2020
Increasing the participation of women, national minorities and persons with disabilities at all stages of the electoral process is the focus of a conference taking place in Tirana on 21 and 22 January 2020...
Disregard for human rights makes poor counter-terrorism policy, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 11 January 2020
WARSAW, 11 January 2020 – Eighteen years after the opening of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) once more repeats its call for the closure of the camp and full compliance with international human rights standards, which are essential in order to counter terrorism effectively and sustainably.