OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

8 March is #InternationalWomensDay.

We celebrate the courage and determination of the pioneers who paved the way towards equality.

But for our societies to be truly equal, the rights of women & girls must exist in practice, not just on paper.

Together, we can do it.

#IWD2026

Applications are open for our training on human rights at borders.

Open to human rights defenders from migrant-led and grassroots organisations in South Eastern Europe, Moldova and Türkiye.

🔵 Belgrade, 22–24 April
👉 Check eligibility and apply by 8 March: buff.ly/Ka8CFJ3

Civilian casualties and suffering significantly intensify as war in 🇺🇦#Ukraine enters its 5th year.

Read our statement: buff.ly/NXunnAl

#HumanRights #IHL

Strong partnerships and shared determination to move forward together are vital to safeguard human rights and democracy, ODIHR Director Maria Telalian says at the OSCE PA Winter Meeting that focuses on grounding peace in the OSCE’s comprehensive security concept.

Do you monitor hate crimes in the OSCE region?

Join our webinar on 24 February to learn why reporting to ODIHR matters — and how you can contribute to the world’s largest hate crime resource.

Civil society data helps show the real impact on communities.

Register: buff.ly/mYvfUVz

ODIHR’s factsheets give a clear, practical overview of our work to protect democracy and human rights, helping to strengthen the ties that bind our societies together and make them safer.

👉 Read and download the series here: buff.ly/qniBLnZ

Gender equality is integral to democratic resilience and to security.

The Helsinki Pledges support national parliaments in strengthening democratic representation and accountability across the OSCE region.

Find out more about the Pledges here 👉🏼 buff.ly/XtEdtZs

📢 We’re hiring!

We’re looking for an adviser on human rights and new technologies to join ODIHR in Warsaw.

Learn more about this seconded position and apply by 2 March:
buff.ly/k79Aqoa

Good lawmaking is a cornerstone of a genuine democracy.

And the quality of laws depends on how they are drafted.

ODIHR works with OSCE countries to ensure their lawmaking processes are in line with democratic principles and human rights standards.

▶️ bit.ly/3XAVdYJ

Hate crime hurts victims, their families and entire communities.

If you monitored hate crime for civil society in 2025, ODIHR wants to hear from you.

Find out more and send us your information by 31 March: buff.ly/HZeLHMp

#CivilSociety #HumanRights

Are you a human rights defender?

ODIHR's online game is a fun approach to a serious topic, helping human rights defenders stay safe while doing their important work.

🎮 Play it now: t.co/LSGxG2RiaJ

Innovative forms of memorial are vital to strengthen societal resilience as the age of survivor testimony ends, OSCE says on Holocaust Remembrance Day BERN/WARSAW, 27 January 2026 – As the living memory of the Holocaust, the brutal extermination of the Jews by the Nazis and their collaborators...

Today we mark 81 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp.

As the living memory of the Holocaust fades, we urgently need new forms of remembrance.

Read more in our statement with the OSCE 2026 Swiss chairpersonship: buff.ly/z07YPuA

#HolocaustRemembranceDay

The political participation of people with disabilities is a fundamental human right.

But they remain under-represented in political and public life worldwide.

ODIHR's new publication looks at how quota systems can be part of the solution.

📘 Read more: buff.ly/hcCzwgV

Anyone can fall victim to trafficking. Understanding how to identify victims can save lives.

ODIHR's indicators:

🔵 Are developed with survivor leaders
🔵 Are grounded in real experiences and expert insights
🔵 Offer practical checklists

Learn more: buff.ly/qRJEmlz

Throughout 2025 ODIHR worked on publications and practical guides to strengthen democracy and human rights, helping to make our societies both safer and fairer.

👉🏼 Here they are all in one place, ready to download and use: buff.ly/VGAuOsi

Violence against women in politics is a serious human rights violation.

It is also a serious challenge to peace and security.

Download the latest addition to our toolkit dedicated to addressing violence against women in politics in the OSCE region.

👉🏼 buff.ly/frznT3u

Can artificial intelligence shape what we think?

What does that mean for human rights?

ODIHR's policy brief looks at how AI is changing the way ideas are formed, and why protecting freedom of thought matters more than ever.

👉 Read more: buff.ly/dyysm9y

Good laws are vital for strong democracies.

For over 20 years, ODIHR has been helping states across the OSCE region ensure their laws are in line with international human rights and rule of law standards.

Find out more: buff.ly/4dRr0dS

Gender equality is not just for women. It makes society work better for everyone.

Through our CHANGE project, ODIHR is working to counter gender equality backsliding by monitoring, addressing and reversing setbacks.

Find out more: buff.ly/CasfmqP

ODIHR wishes a good start to 2026.

Working together, we can make this a year to strengthen democracy and human rights across the OSCE region and beyond.

Security begins with freedom, fairness and dignity.

To achieve that goal, ODIHR works each day throughout the OSCE region to strengthen respect for democratic principles and human rights.

Find out what we do: buff.ly/ASg7uZa

The new OSCE website is live!

Find ODIHR's resources, events, analysis, and ways to engage with our work across the OSCE region — all in one place.

👉 odihr.osce.org

Anti-migrant narratives undermine not just individual human rights but also global security, ODIHR says on #MigrantsDay.

Read the full statement: buff.ly/YqPFkcZ

📣 New report from ODIHR: Intensified use of short-range drones in 🇺🇦#Ukraine increases civilian casualties, hampers humanitarian efforts on front line.

Read more: buff.ly/rkqiFLa

Two decades after the declaration of principles for international election observation was first signed, ODIHR has joined international partners to reaffirm its commitment to independent and objective election observation.

Read more ▶️ buff.ly/CfgcAfA #elections

On this #HumanRightsDay, we must remember that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is the only pathway to lasting peace and security in Europe and beyond.

Upholding OSCE human rights principles ensures peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies.

Many trafficked women are in plain sight and yet still unseen, unheard and unprotected.

ODIHR has worked to develop survivor-informed indicators that show how often warning signs are missed.

Let's work together to end this crime. Read more: buff.ly/GcJ8soW

#16Days

Many trafficked women are in plain sight and yet still unseen, unheard and unprotected.

ODIHR has worked to develop survivor-informed indicators that show how often warning signs are missed.

Let's work together to end this crime. Read more: buff.ly/GcJ8soW

#16Days

Today we celebrate the contribution people with disabilities make to our societies.

ODIHR remains committed to working towards a more inclusive and equal future for all, where people with disabilities can engage fully in political and public life.

#IDPD2025 #DisabilityDay

Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections efficiently run but a restrictive campaign environment stifled public engagement, international observers say | OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights BISHKEK, 1 December 2025 – Kyrgyzstan’s early parliamentary elections were efficiently run but the restrictive campaign environment stifled c...

🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary #elections efficiently run but a restrictive campaign environment stifled public engagement, international observers say ⬇️

buff.ly/IiubI3Z