News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE and Spain’s Guardia Civil help strengthen Ukraine’s canine capacities to prevent illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons
Publishing date: 21 March 2023
The OSCE and Spain’s Guardia Civil launched a specialized canine team instructor course for eight Ukrainian specialists at the Guardia Civil’s Dog Training Centre (CADEPE) on 21 March 2023.
Montenegro’s presidential election competitive but negatively affected by an uninclusive process and legal shortcomings, international observers say
Publishing date: 20 March 2023
PODGORICA, 20 March 2023 – Montenegro’s presidential election was competitive, with candidates able to campaign freely and fundamental freedoms for all citizens respected, but the candidate registration was not inclusive and longstanding shortcomings in the legal framework and campaign finance regulations remained unaddressed, international observers said in a statement today.
Kazakhstan’s parliamentary elections offered voters increased choice, although limitations on fundamental freedoms and participation remain, international observers say
Publishing date: 20 March 2023
ASTANA, 20 March 2023 – The 19 March early parliamentary elections were held in the context of reforms introduced to bring Kazakhstan closer to holding elections in line with international standards and OSCE commitments, as legal amendments addressed several previous recommendations and provided increased choice for voters. However, limits on the exercise of fundamental freedoms remain, and some political groups continued to be prevented from participation as parties in elections. Further changes to the legal framework are needed to provide a sufficient basis for conducting democratic elections, the international observers said in a statement released today.
OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organizes Explosive Ordnance Disposal Level 3 course for Central Asian specialists
Publishing date: 20 March 2023
Sixteen demining specialists from Central Asian countries completed a three-week regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal course (EOD level 3) on 17 March 2023 in Dushanbe. The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized the event in co-operation with Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the United States Army Central.
OSCE Media Freedom Representative denounces continued repression of media workers in Belarus, reiterates call for their immediate release
Publishing date: 17 March 2023
VIENNA, 17 March 2023 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, strongly condemned today the judgements in the cases against editor-in-chief Maryna Zolatava and director general Ludmila Chekina, of TUT.BY, one of the largest and most prominent Belarusian media portals.
OSCE supports Moldova in addressing security challenges
Publishing date: 17 March 2023
From 13 to 17 March, the OSCE conducted a five-day needs assessment visit to Moldova on the country’s law enforcement structures. This visit, in response to the security challenges in the region, took place in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Moldova.
Tajik rescuers complete the OSCE-EU organized training course on avalanche safety
Publishing date: 17 March 2023
The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe completed a capacity-building training course on avalanche safety for 20 representatives of Tajikistan’s Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence on 17 March 2023. The two-week course aimed at enhancing the rescuers’ skills and capacities in the area of search and rescue operations in an avalanche area as well as the recovery of victims after an avalanche in challenging winter conditions.