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News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE human rights office monitoring finds evidence of torture and sexual violence in Ukraine as violations continue
Publishing date: 17 July 2023
Content type: Press release
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
WARSAW, 17 July 2023 – Allegations of arbitrary imprisonment and enforced disappearances of civilians living in areas under occupation are occurring with alarming frequency, with widespread reports of the use of torture and ill-treatment, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today in a new report summarising its ongoing monitoring of violations of international law following Russia’s military attack in Ukraine. According to the many credible testimonies, torture and ill-treatment have been widespread in detention in all Russian-occupied areas.
Redress for victims vital to heal physical and psychological wounds of torture, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 26 June 2023
Content type: Press statement
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
WARSAW, 26 June 2023 – For victims to overcome the profound impact of torture on their lives, ensuring their right to redress and all it entails is crucial, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
Moscow Mechanism expert report to OSCE Permanent Council on Belarus
Publishing date: 11 May 2023
Content type: News
What we do: Human rights
Today the OSCE Moscow Mechanism rapporteur Professor Hervé Ascensio presented his findings to the OSCE Permanent Council, collected in his report entitled ‘Report on the serious threat to the OSCE human dimension in Belarus since 5 November 2020’.
Moscow Mechanism experts present report on Ukraine to OSCE Permanent Council
Publishing date: 4 May 2023
Content type: News
What we do: Human rights
The OSCE Moscow Mechanism mission of experts undertaken by Professor Veronika Bílková, Dr. Cecilie Hellestveit and Dr. Elīna Šteinerte presented their findings to the OSCE Permanent Council on 4 May 2023, collected in the report entitled ‘Report on Violations and Abuses of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity, related to the Forcible Transfer and/or Deportation of Ukrainian Children to the Russian Federation’.
More determination needed by states to prevent breaches of international law and ensure accountability during conflict and crisis, OSCE leaders say
Publishing date: 24 April 2023
Content type: Press release
What we do: Human rights
VIENNA, 24 April 2023 – While all countries of the OSCE have expressed their determination “to resolve by peaceful means any related issue, individually and collectively, on the basis of mutual respect and co-operation”, violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law are a reality in the region today, OSCE leaders said as a two-day conference began today.
Solutions to multiple challenges faced by Roma women urgently needed, OSCE human rights head says
Publishing date: 6 April 2023
Content type: Press statement
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights, Roma and Sinti
WARSAW, 6 April 2023 — Greater efforts are needed at all levels to combat the intersecting and overlapping discrimination suffered by Roma and Sinti women, compounded by long-standing social and economic exclusion, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) ahead of International Roma Day on 8 April.
Ukraine appoints three experts following invocation of the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism
Publishing date: 5 April 2023
Content type: News
Where we are: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
What we do: Human rights
On 30 March 2023 and following consultation with Ukraine, 45 OSCE participating States invoked the Moscow Mechanism in order to “ address the Deportation of Children amidst Human Rights Violations and Humanitarian Impacts of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine”. More specifically, the tasks