ODIHR works across the OSCE region to support democratic elections and institutions, promote the rule of law, protect human rights, and build tolerant societies
Highly competitive
#UnitedStates
#Elections2020
tarnished by legal uncertainty and unprecedented attempts to undermine public trust, international observers say. Read our press release 👉 .
Voters had political alternatives in
#Serbia
’s parliamentary
#elections
, but they were marred by overwhelming ruling party advantage, international observers say. Read more:
The footage of the apparent ill-treatment of an Azerbaijani solider in Armenia is deeply troubling and the incident should be immediately investigated, helping to ensure accountability for those responsible in line with international law standards.
#Serbia
’s 2023 parliamentary
#elections
were marred by the decisive involvement of the President and the ruling party’s systemic advantages, although technically well-administered & offering voters a choice of political alternatives, ODIHR says. Read more:
Recently broadcast footage of journalist Raman
#Pratasevich
& Sofia
#Sapega
is deeply disturbing, violates their right to fair trial and may be a sign that they were coerced or tortured, which is prohibited under international law. Read the full statement:
ODIHR is shocked by the video footage apparently showing the execution of Armenian
#POWs
, and calls for an immediate investigation of this and past reported crimes targeting civilians at the Azerbaijani-Armenian border. All parties to any conflict must respect international law.
As governments take further steps to stem the spread of
#COVID19
, ODIHR calls on the authorities of
#Serbia
to ensure a key role for
#parliament
in overseeing the
#StateOfEmergency
and a firm legal basis for all extraordinary measures put in place
📢5 months after the military attack in
#Ukraine
by the Russian Federation, ODIHR releases the initial findings of its
#HumanRights
monitoring of the conflict, revealing credible evidence of violations of international law. Find out more ⏩
#IHL
On
#RomaGenocide
memorial day, ODIHR calls for remembrance & education to make sure that past atrocities are not repeated, as
#Roma
still face
#racism
&
#discrimination
. Read our statement 👉.
#Georgia
’s “transparency of foreign influence” law is incompatible with democratic standards and
#HumanRights
law.
Find out more in ODIHR’s new legal analysis ⬇️
Closure of Russian
#Memorial
organizations of grave concern, OSCE human rights head says. Read ODIHR’s full statement here ▶️
#HumanRights
#CivilSociety
#МыМемориал
Freedom of expression and association are fundamental to
#democracy
. ODIHR is preparing a legal opinion on the so-called foreign agents draft law in Georgia to assess its compliance with int. standards, & we’ll cooperate with intl. partners on this important work.
@Ombudsman_Geo
ODIHR is deeply concerned about the human impact the military action initiated by the Russian Federation in
#Ukraine
is already having, in particular on civilians. We are closely monitoring the situation and
#HumanRights
violations. See our statement ▶️
ODIHR is deeply concerned by today’s Russian Supreme Court decision to close leading
#HumanRights
organization
#Memorial
International. National legislation should enable work of NGOs rather than impede their activities & undermine the right to freedom of association. #МыМемориал
ODIHR calls on the US and every other
#OSCE
country to remember that
#elections
are a celebration of the civil and political rights at the core of our democracies. Read more here▶️
#Elections2020
ODIHR calls on the 🇬🇪
#Georgia
authorities to reconsider draft legislation on “transparency of foreign influence”. We stand ready to support the authorities as well as civil society to ensure that freedom of association is respected. See the full statement:
ODIHR is glad to be observing the forthcoming local
#elections
in 🇬🇪
#Georgia
with both long and short term observers. More election observations will follow in the coming months, contributing to a stronger democracy for all
📢 Today we publish our 5th monitoring report on violations of international law in
#Ukraine
, documenting increasing civilian casualties as the Russian Federation escalates its attacks as well as evidence of widespread torture. Read more:
#HumanRights
#IHL
Today OSCE
#MoscowMechanism
experts presented their report on “arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Ukrainian civilians by the Russian Federation” to the
#OSCE
’s Permanent Council. Read more:
#Ukraine
#HumanRights
#ОБСЕ #ОБСЄ
ODIHR is alarmed by the increasing threats to
#HumanRights
in
#Belarus
following the large-scale arrests of peaceful protestors, and calls for the immediate release of all those illegally detained. See the full statement here:
Wherever we live and whatever we believe, each of us has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. ODIHR works with countries across the
#OSCE
to protect this far-reaching but little-known right. Watch our NEW video to find out more about
#FoRB
👇
ODIHR is stepping up the fight against human trafficking today with the launch of an international advisory council made up of 21 survivor leaders from 14
#OSCE
countries, to provide valuable advice on how to
#endhumantrafficking
#CTHB
. Join us here 👉 .
Any so-called “referenda” planned by or with the support of the forces illegally exercising de facto control in the occupied territories of
#Ukraine
would be in contravention of international standards and obligations under international humanitarian law
ODIHR is deeply troubled by events following today’s reported forced landing in Minsk. We reiterate our concern about the ongoing
#HumanRights
violations in Belarus & lack of respect for
#FairTrial
standards, which have affected thousands of people since last August
#Protasevich
ODIHR calls on the Russian authorities to guarantee
#FreedomOfAssembly
and uphold
#HumanRights
. Dialogue and not force must be the answer of law enforcement when policing peaceful protests
🎉ODIHR celebrates its 30th anniversary with two days of debate on the challenges facing societies across the
@OSCE
region but also the many opportunities for democracy and
#HumanRights
that we must grasp with both hands👐
#ODIHR30
@SwedeninATOSCE
@PLinOSCE
The horrific attack in
#Vienna
has once again showed that
#hatred
doesn’t only wound but can kill. Our sympathies & thoughts today are with the victims & everyone affected, as we continue to work for societies based on our common humanity and not our religion or belief.
#No2Hate
Three decades ago,
#OSCE
countries created ODIHR in recognition of the overriding importance of
#Democracy
&
#HumanRights
for our security. Today we welcome an illustrious panel to discuss past achievements and future cooperation
#ODIHR30
The many peaceful demonstrations to protest the military attack on
#Ukraine
must be allowed unhindered throughout the
#OSCE
region, following mass arrests in Russia and Belarus. See our full statement ▶️
#Montenegro
’s parliamentary
#elections
were competitive and efficiently managed but abuse of state resources gave ruling party an unfair advantage, international observers say 👉 .
Today we mourn the victims of
#Srebrenica
and stand in solidarity with survivors. But in the face of such a horrific crime, we must ask ourselves whether we’re doing all we can to fight prejudice and foster tolerance – says
@ODIHRdirector
on
#Srebrenica25
:
ODIHR is concerned by the heavy-handed treatment of the
#LGBTI
community as well as unwarranted arrests by the police in Warsaw over recent days. Like all other
#OSCE
countries, Poland has committed to ensuring respect for
#FreedomofAssembly
for every citizen
Genuine democratic
#elections
require an authentic campaign in which voters can hear the programmes and opinions of all candidates and make a well-informed choice, says
@ODIHRdirector
. See the full statement here:
#democracy
#humanrights
Religious communities throughout the
#OSCE
adapted swiftly & innovatively to
#COVID19
but hostility &
#discrimination
are an increasing challenge. ODIHR’s panel of
#FoRB
experts meets today to discuss developments & ways forward. Read more 👉 .
#CivilSociety
and human rights defenders play a vital role in promoting & protecting
#HumanRights
and holding governments to account. Join us live for a discussion on the challenges & opportunities of safeguarding human rights in the digital age >
#ODIHR30
ODIHR welcomes
#Kazakhstan
’s decision to abolish the
#DeathPenalty
, an important step towards respect for
#HumanRights
in the country. We call on all other
#OSCE
countries to recognise capital punishment as a cruel, inhuman & degrading practice that has no place in our societies
Today the OSCE
#MoscowMechanism
experts presented their report “related to the forcible transfer and/or deportation of Ukrainian children” to the OSCE’s Permanent Council. Read the full report here:
#Ukraine
#HumanRights
#OSCE
#ОБСЕ #БДИПЧ
ODIHR is following events in 🇬🇪
#Georgia
closely. All sides need to engage in genuine dialogue to protect democratic institutions and ensure they work effectively
Today we remember the
#WarsawGhettoUprising
, which broke out 78 years ago and remains a moving symbol of human determination to fight against injustice and oppression, whatever the odds.
#NeverForget
#COVID19
hit
#Roma
communities hard following so many years of inequality and prejudice. Governments need to work harder to boost Roma participation in all areas of public life, say ODIHR and
@EURightsAgency
on
#InternationalRomaDay
. Read more here ▶️
ODIHR is gravely concerned by the sweeping closures of
#HumanRights
associations in
#Belarus
, including the Belarusian Helsinki Committee. We call on the authorities to ensure that civil society organisations can operate freely and to acknowledge their positive role in society
#Kazakhstan
’s early presidential
#election
lacked competitiveness and, while efficiently prepared, underlined need for further reforms, observers say. Read the full statement:
With voting well underway in
#Hungary
’s parliamentary elections, ODIHR has more than 200 observers out in Budapest and across the country
#hungaryelections
We were pleased to warmly welcome
@HelgaSchmid_SG
to ODIHR’s office yesterday. We spoke about ODIHR’s mandate on
#HumanRights
and
#democracy
across the
#OSCE
region, and discussed the importance of our ongoing good cooperation in so many areas.
All
#OSCE
countries have committed to upholding
#FreedomofAssembly
. ODIHR is concerned about today’s reports of detentions and the use of excessive force in Russia, and calls for its respect in line with
#OSCE
commitments
ODIHR grieves together with the family and friends of human rights defender Azimjan Askarov following his death today in prison. See the full statement here:
Today marks 85 years since
#Kristallnacht
.
We remember the victims.
We remember the need to speak out against
#antisemitism
and intolerance, wherever and whenever they appear.
#NeverAgain
Our new
#HateCrime
report is out! For 2019, civil society organizations across the
#OSCE
reported a record number of nearly 7,000 hate crimes to ODIHR. Data submitted by 39 states is also included. Read more in our press release ➡️ .
#ToleranceDay
Today we remember the victims of the
#Srebrenicagenocide
and stand with survivors.
#Srebrenica
remains a chilling reminder that when hatred is allowed to thrive, it can harm societies for generations and undermine peace and security on a far wider scale.
We regret the approval of the new Illegal Migration Bill by the 🇬🇧UK parliament, which may undermine the fundamental right of every individual to seek and enjoy freedom from persecution. Solutions to the many challenges of
#migration
must always respect
#HumanRights
.
With Europe once again the scene of conflict, the topic of the 1st
#SHDM
of 2022 is violations of international
#HumanitarianLaw
and
#HumanRightsLaw
. Ahead of the 2nd day of discussions, thanks to all participants for the debates so far. Read more here ▶️
#Srebrenica
reminds us of the need to redouble our efforts to prevent and counter all forms of intolerance across the
#OSCE
. Hatred does not only harm the victims, but can undermine the peace and security of the entire region.
ODIHR is alarmed by the worsening humanitarian situation on the
#Poland
-
#Belarus
border. Security is only possible when the
#HumanRights
of each individual are respected.
We are in contact with all
#OSCE
countries affected by this crisis, & will continue to offer our assistance
#HumanTrafficking
causes untold suffering to individuals, families, and entire communities. Improving protection for victims and ensuring their rights are safeguarded is the focus of the last
#SHDM
of 2022, starting today. Find out more here:
#HumanRights
#Poland
's parliamentary
#elections
were prepared well, but marred by intolerant rhetoric and bias in public media, international observers say
#wybory
ODIHR is concerned by today's violence in Tbilisi as well as the cancellation of the planned peaceful gathering. Each of these targeted attacks against activists, journalists, and their property must be swiftly and thoroughly investigated
#FreedomOfAssembly
#TbilisiPride2021
ODIHR wishes a successful 2020 for you and for
#humanrights
. Together we can overcome division and discrimination, and together we can strengthen
#democracy
and the
#ruleoflaw
. Only together.
By honouring the memory of
#RomaGenocide
victims, we help fight the discrimination and hatred that Roma and Sinti communities still so often face today. Read more ▶️
#ProtectTheFacts
#Poland
’s parliamentary
#elections
were competitive but marked by misuse of public resources and public media bias, international observers say. Read more:
ODIHR is deeply saddened by the death in detention of
#PaulUrey
in occupied Eastern
#Ukraine
& stresses that international law includes the obligation to treat detainees humanely & ensure access to all necessary medical care. We urge an immediate and effective investigation.
#IHL
Today we publish our latest report on violations of international law in
#Ukraine
since Russia’s military attack, including documentation of new and widespread evidence of
#torture
and ill-treatment as well as sexual violence. Read more:
#IHL
#CRSV
Democratic
#elections
are a cornerstone of democracy, playing a vital role in ensuring respect for citizens' rights & long-term security across the
#OSCE
. See more about ODIHR’s election work in this infographic to mark our 400th observation:
#DemocracyDay
ODIHR is monitoring the worsening
#HumanRights
situation in
#Ukraine
& the terrible impact the war is having on the civilian population. Documenting human rights violations is essential to ensure
#accountability
& justice and restore peace. 🇺🇦
ODIHR wishes a peaceful start to 2021. As we step out of the shadow cast by
#COVID19
, let’s work together to make this year a year of
#democracy
and
#humanrights
!
As women take to the streets to speak out about their rights in many places across the
#OSCE
region, ODIHR voices its concern about the backsliding on
#WomensRights
, a key part of the
#HumanRights
protection on which
#democracy
is based
ODIHR is increasingly concerned by the continued violations of
#HumanRights
that have taken place across
#Belarus
since last August, and offers its assistance to improve the situation. Read the full statement here:
Our new Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief is meeting for the 1st time this week. It will work on addressing challenges to
#FoRB
in
@OSCE
region and to advance this freedom for all in order to increase
#security
and respect for
#humanrights
.
Genuinely democratic
#elections
are a lynchpin of
#democracy
. As ODIHR closes its 400th election observation mission, we celebrate with a slideshow of our observation over the years.
#ViolenceAgainstWomen
is one of the most common violations of women’s
#HumanRights
and a threat to our security. Thanks to all participants in our important discussion on combating violence against women & girls and working towards solutions across the
#OSCE
region
ODIHR is deeply concerned about the many recent reports of intolerance and hatred across 🇧🇦
#Bosnia
and Herzegovina. Swift investigation of potential
#HateCrimes
in all
#OSCE
countries is essential, as they can result in old hostilities resurfacing or lead to new conflict.
#BiH
ODIHR voices deep concern that demonstrations in
#Kazakhstan
were marked by widespread violence & even loss of life. Everyone - including protesters - should refrain from violence & commit to dialogue, and we call on the government to respect
#HumanRights
& fundamental freedoms.
ODIHR is turning orange to mark today’s International Day to End
#ViolenceAgainstWomen
. Let’s work together to ensure that all women and girls are safe to live their lives freely and to their full potential.
#16Days
#OrangeTheWorld
OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism invoked by 38 countries to examine ongoing concerns about Russia’s fulfilment of its
#HumanRights
commitments, establish the facts, and provide recommendations & advice. For more information and contact address, see:
#OSCE
#ОБСЕ
The right to freedom of peaceful assembly is integral to
#democracy
. As the protests in
#Georgia
🇬🇪continue, assemblies must be facilitated in line with
#HumanRights
standards that allow peaceful protesters to demonstrate.
#FoPA
ODIHR joins calls from key international organisations to release
#HumanRightsDefender
Azimjan Askarov after almost 10 years in prison. His case is up for review on 13 May, giving Kyrgyzstan’s supreme court the opportunity to restore the rights that have been withheld so long
ODIHR welcomes the new principles that will help law enforcement gather more accurate information, stop coercive interrogation techniques, and prevent
#torture
& other ill-treatment. Our efforts to move towards a world without torture will continue.
#MendezPrinciples
#HumanRights
#Election
observation is one of ODIHR's flagship activities - but it doesn't end on election day. Find out more on
#Para25
, our new electoral recommendations database
➡️ .