Publications

Almost all OSCE participating States use some form of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in their electoral processes. These technological developments inevitably bring certain benefits but also many challenges that were not common for traditional, paper-based elections.

The OSCE invites you to apply for the third edition of the EmPOWER Local Women Politicians Programme. If you are an elected woman leader working at the local level and/or woman activist involved in local policy and decision-making processes related to gender equality and women empowerment, and if you are looking to advance your career and most importantly, be an agent of change – this programme is for you. The seven-month long programme, from May to November, consists of compulsory workshops and training sessions. Thirty successful applicants who meet the qualification criteria will be selected to participate. Please send your application by 15 March 2024 (23:59).

The publication “Twenty years of parliamentary gender equality mechanisms in Serbia” was developed in 2023 on the occasion of the 20-year anniversary of the establishment of the National Assembly (NA) Committee for Gender Equality, as well as the 20-year anniversary of the establishment of the gender equality mechanism in the Parliament of Vojvodina. It provides a detailed review of the status of the parliamentary gender equality mechanisms at national and provincial level, focusing on the role and effectiveness of the Committee for Gender Equality and includes recommendations for improvements of both mechanisms, such as measures to increase the representation and participation of women in parliament and its committees, and ways to enhance the effectiveness of the Committee. By highlighting the achievements and challenges of the mechanism, the publication serves as a valuable resource for members of the NA Committee for Human and Minority Rights and Gender Equality, but also all MPs, authorities at state and local level, civil sector, general public and researchers. The publication is available in Serbian and in English.

ODIHR’s publications, factsheets, and practical guides are vital tools to assist all those working to strengthen democracy and human rights across the OSCE. The Office's 2023 publications covered a wide range of topics, including human rights, strengthening democratic institutions, parliamentary integrity, election observation, combating hate crime, combating human trafficking, Roma inclusion, and many more. Others were translated for the first time into other languages of the OSCE region.

This report provides an analysis of data collected by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo trial monitoring programme from January to December 2022 and identifies trends in prosecution, defence and court practices in relation to the imposition of detention measures on defendants with mental health needs in Kosovo. It analyses judicial practice for compliance with fair trial and international human rights standards.

This Handbook is a practical tool for regulatory and policy impact assessment at central and local governance and is intended to facilitate the process of incorporating the gender perspective in decision-making. The Handbook provides basic information and practical guidelines on how to assess the impact of gender equality on policies and adopted decisions and regulations. The methodology and the practical tools presented in this Handbook can be applied to other vulnerable groups in society, such as: people with disability, minority groups, etc.

Capacity-building of relevant stakeholders, particularly those working on the front lines of humanitarian crises, is a key component of participating States’ anti-trafficking response. To support counterparts to minimize risks of human trafficking and work proactively to identify and assist victims, several international and non-governmental organizations have developed and are providing a number of training opportunities. The OSR/CTHB, through this resource, aims to facilitate access of related actors to such opportunities by compiling training courses and modules- that are readily available to or can be requested by authorities and organizations operating on the ground- on several issues connected with addressing trafficking in human beings in the context of the humanitarian crisis generated by the war against Ukraine.

This report analyses publicly available statistical data and factual observations collected about the functioning of the Kosovo justice system institutions in the Mitrovicë/Mitrovica region before and after the mass resignation of Kosovo Serb judges, prosecutors, and administrative staff in November 2022. It identifies the impact of the resignations on the Mitrovicë/Mitrovica justice system, with a focus on rule of law and fair trial standards, particularly the right to trial within a reasonable time and access to justice.

The Max van der Stoel Award recognizes extraordinary and outstanding achievements in improving the position of national minorities in the OSCE participating States.

This info sheet includes information about the Municipal Community Safety Councils (MCSCs)