OSCE

589080 Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 28 August 2025 - Regarding the 28 August 2025 Decision of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to call early elections for the President of Republika Srpska (RS), in line with the legal mandate of the CEC BiH, the applicable electoral framework, and the decisions of the Court of BiH and Constitutional Court of BiH, the OSCE Mission to BiH (Mission) underlines once again that upholding the constitutional order and the rule of law is non-negotiable and remains crucial for stability and democracy in BiH. 

The Mission fully supports the CEC BiH in exercising its legal mandate and reaffirms the central role of independent electoral institutions in upholding democratic processes.

Respecting the final and binding decisions of competent judicial and electoral institutions is essential to ensuring institutional stability and public trust. Ensuring legally grounded elections is vital for effective governance and to ensure the proper functioning of the governing institutions of Republika Srpska, serving the interests of Republika Srpska and its citizens.

The Mission calls on all relevant actors to enable the peaceful and orderly conduct of the entire electoral process in line with the domestic legal framework and international standards. Any actions aimed at obstructing or unlawfully influencing electoral processes contravene the legal obligations binding on all public actors and pose a significant risk to the country’s stability. 

The Mission remains committed to supporting BiH in upholding the constitutional order and in strengthening democratic governance, electoral integrity and the rule of law for the benefit of all its citizens.

596662 Željka Šulc

Brčko, 26 August 2025 - Ambassador Rick Holtzapple, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission), concluded a two-day visit to Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Brčko District) today, underscoring the Mission’s continued commitment to supporting reforms and strengthening co-operation with local institutions.

During his visit, Ambassador Holtzapple met with Brčko District Mayor Siniša Milić, Assembly Speaker Damir Bulčević, and Chief of Police Goran Pisić. Discussions focused on advancing co-operation between the Mission and Brčko District institutions, particularly in the areas of curriculum reform and policing.

On the first day of the visit, Ambassador Holtzapple and Mayor Milić signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for co-operation between the Mission and the Brčko District Government on the implementation of curriculum reform. The reform is based on student learning outcomes, with the aim of fostering quality, inclusive, and relevant education for all students in Brčko District.

On the second day, Ambassador Holtzapple officially opened the Brčko District Police Summer School, which brings together youth from across Bosnia and Herzegovina to learn, build friendships, and gain new experiences while exploring the work of law enforcement agencies and the challenges facing the country, as well as ways to address them. This year’s programme features workshops on topics including Women and Security, Human Trafficking, and the Dangers of Social Media.

“The young people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are the drivers of positive change. By equipping them with functional knowledge, critical thinking skills, and opportunities to engage, we are investing in a more secure, inclusive, and democratic future,” said Ambassador Holtzapple.

The OSCE Mission to BiH remains committed to promoting quality education, mutual understanding, and the rule of law.

596635 Participants at the Central Asia and Türkiye Youth Talks: Fostering Regional Dialogue, Co-operation, and Innovation Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 11-18 August 2025, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and with the support of the regional youth Network by Consensus conducted a Central Asia (CA) and Türkiye Youth Talks in Istanbul, Türkiye. This cross-dimensional event provided a regional platform for young leaders from CA region and Türkiye to discuss the issues related to strengthening youth dialogue, enhancing financial literacy and developing networking opportunities for the future development of the region.

During the event, 21 young people (12 women and 9 men) from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan worked together on development of the projects which could further promote the role of youth in three thematic areas: gender and security, financial literacy, and digitalization and anti-corruption. Participants had a chance to meet with the representative of one of the Turkish technological companies to learn from the experience on developing the innovative tech solutions.

One of the highlights of the event was the Youth Talks’ Day, dedicated to peer-to-peer exchange. Young leaders from Central Asia and Türkiye strengthened their skills to engage in decision-making, discussed the role of youth in peace and security, and explored the challenges they face. They shared ideas and worked on joint projects to support progress in their societies. The event emphasized that connecting young people across borders is essential for expanding knowledge, building networks, fostering co-operation, and driving positive change in the region.

596623

The OSCE Mission to Skopje is announcing a call for participants for the Youth Engagement and Empowerment to Counter Radicalization and Violent Extremism Training, to be held from 15–18 September 2025 at Hotel Romantique in Veles.

This initiative aims to equip young leaders with the knowledge and skills to address challenges in conflict prevention and national security. It is the Mission’s third youth-focused program, bringing together 20 students of security studies, law, international relations, and political studies from universities across North Macedonia.

Participants will work with OSCE Mission members and experts from state security institutions, gaining practical perspectives on the complexities of multicultural societies and contemporary security challenges.

Application period: 25 August – 07 September 2025.

Selected participants will be notified by email, so applicants should provide an actively used address. While the application form is in English, submissions in Macedonian or Albanian are welcome.

The OSCE Mission to Skopje will cover all costs related to accommodation, travel, training materials, and meals. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided during the event.

Apply here: https://forms.gle/cJzrtcie2v5ZCwbV6

596539 Željka Šulc

BANJA LUKA, 21 August 2025 – The Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission), Zahid Movlazada, visited Banja Luka today and yesterday, where he met with RSNA Deputy Speaker Mirsad Duratović, Head of SNSD Caucus in the RSNA, Srđan Mazalica, Head of the PDP Caucus in the RSNA, Igor Crnadak,  RS President’s Advisor, Ana Trišić Babić, and President of Independent Movement “Svojim putem”, Igor Radojičić.

The discussions focused on political developments in Republika Srpska, including the challenges related to the ongoing constitutional crisis, and offered an opportunity to reiterate the Mission’s commitment to co-operation and constructive relationship with the RS. 

Deputy Head Movlazada also highlighted the Mission’s firm standpoint: Protection of the constitutional order and the rule of law in BiH is non-negotiable and is in the best interests of RS and its citizens. 

In Banja Luka, the Deputy Head of Mission Movlazada also visited the Mission’s Field Office, where he met with staff to discuss implementation the OSCE mandate in Republika Srpska, aimed at strengthening support for institutions, civil society, and communities across the Entity. 

The OSCE Mission to BiH remains committed to promoting dialogue, supporting democratic institutions, and advancing rule of law and stability throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.

WARSAW, 22 August 2025 – Greater efforts are needed to support human rights defenders working to protect freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief as a core human right at the heart of our democracies, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.

“Across the OSCE region, individuals and entire communities face discrimination, harassment, and even targeted attacks for their beliefs,” said ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. “Human rights defenders work tirelessly to monitor and document these violations and abuses, and play a critical role in prevention and accountability, often at great personal risk. Their efforts not only help to protect this fundamental right, but also to foster resilient and inclusive societies.”

In recent years, rising government restrictions on religious activities and societal hostility toward religious and belief communities have been reported across the OSCE area. ODIHR has also noted a significant rise in racist, antisemitic, and anti-Muslim incidents in the aftermath of October 7, 2023, including the desecration of places of worship.

Human rights defenders are critical in exposing such abuses, yet they increasingly face threats, illegal surveillance, smear campaigns labelling them as ‘extremists’ or ‘foreign agents’, and strategic lawsuits aimed at silencing them. Women defenders and those from minority backgrounds are often disproportionately targeted. Failure to prevent such harm and unchecked attacks on human rights defenders embolden perpetrators and leave victims without support.

The OSCE’s participating states have committed to “fostering a climate of mutual tolerance and respect between believers of different communities as well as between believers and nonbelievers”. They have also recognized that human rights defenders should be free to “seek the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

Today, ODIHR calls on countries across the OSCE region to uphold these commitments by stopping practices that seek to hinder the work of human rights defenders and protecting those defending human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief.

596518 Training on Media Literacy in Urgench (OSCE PCUz/Guzal Fayzieva)

A two-day training session titled "Media Literacy Among Youth as an Effective Tool to Counter Radicalization and Terrorism" was held in Urgench on August 19–20. The event was organized by the Centre for Retraining Journalists of Uzbekistan, which is implementing partner of  theOSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan  (PCUz) and supported by the General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan.

The training gathered journalists, bloggers, and NGO representatives to strengthen their skills in identifying disinformation and promoting responsible media practices. Participants discussed critical thinking, fact-checking, digital tools and cybersecurity, while engaging in practical sessions and exchanging ideas for future collaboration.

In his welcoming speech, Ambassador Antti Karttunen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, emphasized the importance of youth media literacy in today's digital world:

“Developing media literacy is not just about identifying fake news, it’s about developing critical thinking and responsible engagement with all sources of information, regardless of age,” said Antti Karttunen.

He also highlighted the OSCE’s holistic approach to countering terrorism and radicalization, which includes enhancing media literacy as a key preventive measure. This approach is grounded in human rights, the rule of law, and inclusive cooperation involving state institutions, civil society, and the media - all essential in ensuring an informed and resilient youth capable of resisting extremist narratives.

This training is part of the OSCE PCUz' wider project on assisting Uzbekistan in countering terrorism within its politico-military dimension, and is one of several initiatives held across the country to build a safer, more informed digital environment for young people. Similar training events will be continues in other regions.

596438 OSCE is committed to empower youth and engage them in activities that promote gender equality. Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD) invites national public organizations operating in the Republic of Tajikistan to participate in an open competitive selection process for the implementation of an OSCE POiD project aimed at effectively and sustainably addressing gender-based violence and economically empowering women and girls in the Vahdat district.

A particular focus will be placed on refugees. Following a comprehensive needs assessment, the project will organize targeted information sessions on domestic violence (DV), other related topics, and refugees’ rights, as well as the services available to them. Based on the identified needs, the project will design and implement economic empowerment activities specifically tailored to the needs of the refugee community.

Detailed information, including the Terms of Reference and a list of required documents, can be obtained by sending a request to the following email address: IPA-TJ@osce.org.

If you need additional information or clarification on the application process, please contact Ms. Muhaiyo Kamolova at +992 37 265014/15/16/17/18.

The deadline for submitting the complete set of documents to participate in the application process is September 10, 2025, at 17:00 Dushanbe time.

596432 Participants spent four intensive days learning and practicing foreign direct investment in Central Asia and beyond. Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

From 14 to 17 August, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Programme Office in Dushanbe held a training on Investment Promotion Techniques and Business Etiquette for 20 mid– to senior-level specialists (5 female and 15 male) from the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management. Participants also represented affiliated entities, including the state unitary enterprises Tajinvest, the Centre for Implementation of Public-Private Partnership Projects, the Business Incubator, and the Tajik-Uzbek Investment Association.

Over four intensive days, participants engaged in a comprehensive and hands-on programme combining theoretical insights with practical exercises on foreign direct investment mechanisms in Central Asia and beyond. They explored applied investment tools through group work and simulations, while strengthening soft skills such as cross-cultural communication in realistic business scenarios drawn from international investment forums and trade missions.

Sessions also covered regulatory frameworks supporting entrepreneurship and startups, including access to finance, mentoring, and cross-border co-operation, as well as investment models such as public-private partnerships and Environmental, Social, and Governance approaches. These discussions highlighted the growing role of sustainable finance and responsible investment practices in today’s interconnected economies.

Finally, the training provided a practical framework for navigating cultural differences in international business, helping participants enhance their ability to present and promote investment projects effectively to diverse audiences.

Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

On 24 July 2025 and following consultation with Ukraine, 41 OSCE participating States invoked the Moscow Mechanism “on violations and abuses of human rights and violations of IHL, including possible cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity, related to the treatment of Ukrainian POWs by the Russian Federation”. More specifically, the tasks of the mission of experts will include those detailed below.*

Ukraine has now selected three people from the list of experts to be part of the mission.

The Moscow Mechanism provides the opportunity for participating States to send missions of experts to assist in the resolution of a particular question or problem relating to the human dimension, which entails the commitments made by participating States on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Further information is available here.

In relation to Ukraine, the Moscow Mechanism was last invoked by 45 participating States following consultations with Ukraine in February 2024 to “address arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Ukrainian civilians by the Russian Federation”.

Any information relevant to the work of the Moscow Mechanism can be sent to the following email address ideally by 3 September 2025: moscowmechanism2025@odihr.pl. This will be forwarded in confidence to the expert mission.

The 41 countries that have invoked the Moscow Mechanism on this occasion are: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

*To “build upon previous findings, and: [t]o establish the facts and circumstances surrounding possible contraventions of relevant OSCE commitments; violations and abuses of human rights; and violations of IHL, including possible cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity, related to the treatment of Ukrainian POWs by the Russian Federation; [t]o collect, consolidate, and analyze this information including to determine if there is a pattern of widespread and systematic torture, ill-treatment and execution of Ukrainian POWs and soldiers hors de combat and/or at detention facilities by the Russian Federation in the temporarily occupied territories and in Russia; and [t]o offer recommendations on relevant accountability mechanisms”.

596378 The 8th Central Asian Expert Forum (OSCE PCUz/Guzal Fayzieva)

The 8th Central Asian Expert Forum (CAEF) took place on 14–15 August 2025 in Tashkent. This year’s theme “Central Asia – a Common Space of Trust, Security and Sustainable Development” brought together over 100 experts, policy-makers, and diplomats to discuss regional dialogue and cooperation across Central Asia and beyond.

The Forum included also expert-led discussion sessions on regional economic integration, sustainable development, and the regional identities. Independent international experts from academia and think tanks provided examples of regional co-operation from other OSCE Participating states.

“The Forum is also a reminder that security and trust are built through dialogue. This is a principle that has guided the OSCE since the signing of the Helsinki Final Act exactly 50 years ago. Trust is not established overnight; it grows from consistent, transparent, and inclusive engagement. This is why gatherings like this – where representatives of all Central Asian states, as well as international partners, can meet face-to-face – are so essential.”, OSCE Project Co-Ordinator in Uzbekistan Ambassador Antti Karttunen said in his opening remarks.

The Forum was hosted by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.  OSCE Project Co-Odinator in Uzbekistan together with other international organisations supported organisation of the forum.

596426 Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 14 August 2025 - Ambassador Richard (Rick) Holtzapple, a career diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, assumed his duties as the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 14 August 2025. 

Ambassador Holtzapple served as the United States Deputy Permanent Representative to NATO in Brussels, Belgium from 2021 to 2024. He also previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Benin, overseeing a staff of 300 and implementing a quintupling of U.S. assistance to the country.

He has extensive diplomatic experience in Southeast Europe, beginning with his first diplomatic assignment (1992-1995) at the U.S. Embassy in Croatia, followed by service as Political Advisor to the United Nations Transitional Administration in Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES) in 1996-1997. He has been the National Democratic Institute’s Senior Program Manager for Kosovo and Montenegro and served twice as Director for Balkan Affairs for the National Security Council at the White House.

In Washington, among other assignments, he headed the State Department’s Office for OSCE and NATO Affairs, as well as its Office for European Union Relations, and served on the faculty of the National Defense University, teaching Economics and Strategic Thinking.  Other overseas assignments have been in Kinshasa, Djibouti, and Paris.

Ambassador Holtzapple holds a Master of Arts degree with distinction in International Affairs and International Economics from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction in International Relations from Stanford University in California. He speaks English, Croatian, and French. He is married with two adult children.

596318 Željka Šulc

TRAVNIK, 13 August 2025 – The Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission), Zahid Movlazada, visited Travnik and Busovača, where he met with Radoje Vidović, the President of HDZ BiH Central Bosnia Canton Board, Tahir Lendo, Prime Minister of Central Bosnia Canton, and Asim Mekić, Mayor of Busovača.

The discussions focused on political developments in the canton, institutional response to bias-motivated incidents, hate crimes and related preventive activities as well as efforts to advance education reform and the promotion of gender equality.

Movlazada reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to supporting inclusive progress across communities, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among local authorities and all relevant stakeholders.

Deputy Head of Mission Movlazada visited the Mission’s Field Office in Travnik, where he met with staff to discuss implementation the OSCE mandate in Zenica-Doboj Canton and Central Bosnia Canton, aimed at strengthening support for institutions, civil society, and communities across the cantons.

The OSCE Mission to BiH remains committed to promote inclusive dialogue, protect fundamental rights, and strengthen democratic institutions.

596306

An OSCE pilot ‘train-the-trainers’ initiative is helping freshly trained Ukrainian border guards test their skills as trainers in document security at border crossing points. This initiative was part of a two-week training course in Lviv organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, from 11 to 12 August 2025.

The hands-on training, delivered by six of the newly qualified trainers who completed last week’s OSCE-led Training of Trainers course in Lviv, Ukraine, marked the first time this initiative has provided instruction directly at border crossing points. Two trainers, while mentored and observed by OSCE personnel, deployed to Rava-Ruska border crossing point (BCP) at the Ukrainian-Polish border to conduct training. Four additional trainers concurrently deployed to different BCPs in Odesa region, including Odesa and Izmail Sea Ports and Mohyliv-Podilsky and Palanca BCPs at the Ukrainian-Moldovan border to train their peers.

The new trainers developed and delivered presentations on key topics from the basic training curriculum in document security and forgery detection. They also used OSCE-provided magnifiers to help their trainees deepen their hands-on experience with examining genuine, forged, and counterfeit travel documents.

The pilot initiative was developed in response to a request by the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service to trial run a train-the-trainers approach similar to the Dutch model they observed during an OSCE-supported study visit to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee’s Identity Fraud and Documents Centre of Expertise (ECID) in April 2025. The Dutch model involves a two-week training course where the second week is dedicated to the trainers-in-training applying their newly learned skills to lead five full days of basic training for their peers.  

Senior Administration officers highlighted the importance of this training program development. “Conducting a training session directly at the border crossing point serves as a logical continuation of the study visit to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee’s Identity Fraud and Document Centre of Expertise (ECID). This is an example of how the experience gained through the support of the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department is being translated into practical skills applied directly during border control operations by Ukrainian border guards. Such trainings are important for enhancing the professional competence of the personnel of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and for integrating European border control standards into its daily operations.”

The pilot initiative and training course were part of an ongoing extrabudgetary project supporting the OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation in reducing illegal border crossings by using a fake or stolen identity. This project is funded by the United States.

596297

The OSCE Mission to Skopje marked International Youth Day by celebrating the power of youth civic engagement at the “Youth Civic Engagement Award” ceremony, held at Suli An in Skopje’s Old Bazaar.

Organized by the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth and the National Youth Council of Macedonia, with the Mission’s support, the event honoured young individuals, informal groups, and youth organizations whose initiatives are transforming communities across North Macedonia.

In her address, Enrica Vida, Head of the Mission’s Office of Political Affairs and Communications, praised the “creativity, passion, and leadership” of young people and announced a new Youth and Security Award, which the Mission will launch in 2026. The award will recognize young leaders and organizations contributing to safer and more resilient communities, reinforcing the Mission’s commitment to the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda.

“Youth participation is more than a right – it is a responsibility, and a unique opportunity to shape our shared future,” said Vida. “From financial literacy projects linking Skopje and Costa Rica, to grassroots campaigns on gender equality, safety, and intercultural dialogue, you are showing that civic engagement is democracy in action.”

The ceremony showcased inspiring examples of youth-led initiatives, from urban revitalization projects in Skopje to intercultural summer camps for children from crisis-affected areas. These stories, Vida noted, are “sparks” that grow into lasting change.

As part of its three-year strategy, the Mission will continue to support youth-informed policies, structured dialogue with institutions, and initiatives such as the forthcoming National Youth Violence Prevention Task Force, a joint effort with the Ministry to develop evidence-based solutions reflecting young people’s needs and perspectives.

By bringing together decision-makers, civil society, and young leaders, this year’s International Youth Day reaffirmed a shared commitment: empowering youth as essential partners in building democratic, inclusive, and peaceful societies.

CHIŞINĂU, 15 August 2025 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an observation mission for the 28 September parliamentary elections in Moldova, following an invitation from the national authorities.

The mission is led by Jillian Stirk and consists of a core team of 15 experts based in Chişinău. ODIHR will be joined by 30 long-term observers, who will be deployed throughout the country from 22 August. The Office also plans to request 200 short-term observers, due to arrive several days before election day.

The mission will assess the conduct of the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards, as well as with national legislation. 

Observers will closely monitor all aspects of the electoral process, including the conduct of the campaign, also on social networks, the work of the election administration at all levels, election legislation and its implementation, campaign finance, media coverage, and the resolution of election disputes. Observers will also assess the implementation of previous ODIHR election recommendations.

Meetings with representatives of national authorities and political parties, the judiciary, civil society, the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation.

On election day, the ODIHR mission will be joined by delegations from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament to observe the opening of polling stations, voting, the counting of votes and the tabulation of results.

ODIHR will publish an interim report some two weeks before the elections, and the observation mission’s preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference the day after the elections. A final report assessing the entire election process and containing recommendations will be published by ODIHR some months after the end of the election process. 

The ODIHR Election Observation Mission and the OSCE Mission to Moldova operate independently under separate mandates.

Further information on ODIHR’s election observation activities in Moldova is available here: https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/moldova

For further information, please contact: 

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson: Katya.Andrusz@odihr.pl or +48 609 522 266

Egor Tilpunov, Media Analyst with the Election Observation Mission: Egor.Tilpunov@odihr.md or +373 69 805 126

CHIŞINĂU, 13 August 2025 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold a press conference on the opening of the observation mission to the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Moldova on Friday 15 August.

What: 

• An introduction to the role of the ODIHR election observation mission and its planned activities

Who: 

• Ambassador Jillian Stirk, Head of the ODIHR election observation mission

When: 

• 11:00 local time (GMT +3) on 15 August 2025

Where:

• Summit Events & Conference Center, Red Room, 49/3 Tighina Street, Chişinău

Registration:

• No registration is necessary, but only questions from journalists will be taken

For more details, contact:

Egor Tilpunov, Media Analyst with the Election Observation Mission: Egor.Tilpunov@odihr.md or +373 69 805 126

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson: Katya.Andrusz@odihr.pl or +48 609 522 266 

596231 Željka Šulc

ZENICA, 12 August 2025 - Zahid Movlazada, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, visited Zenica for meetings with local authorities, religious community representatives, and civil society actors. The visit reaffirms the Mission’s commitment to promote inter-religious dialogue, environmental protection, gender equality, and transparent, accountable governance.

In a meeting with representatives of the Interreligious Chapter Zenica, Movlazada highlighted the Mission’s long-standing support for peace, mutual understanding, respect, and co-operation among religious communities across the country, particularly through the important work of the BiH Interreligious Council.

He also met with Samir Lemeš, President of Steering Board of the Eko Forum Zenica and the Aarhus Centre, where he recognized the important role of local environmental activists and civil society organizations in preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable development.

A meeting with Zenica-Doboj Canton Prime Minister Nezir Pivić focused on the Canton’s efforts to prevent gender-based violence and strengthen anti-corruption measures, important steps toward building a more just, more accountable and a more resilient society.

Finally, during his meeting with Zenica Mayor Fuad Kasumović, the Deputy Head praised the municipality’s support for inter-religious dialogue and gender mainstreaming at the community level.

“Supporting dialogue, transparency, equality, and environmental protection are not separate goals, they are interconnected pillars of a stable, democratic society that serves all citizens of the country,” said Zahid Movlazada. “We commend and will continue to support the efforts of local partners in Zenica who are actively working to advance these values.”

The OSCE Mission to BiH remains committed to promote inclusive and constructive dialogue, protect fundamental rights, and strengthen democratic institutions.

539531 Željka Šulc

VIENNA/SARAJEVO, 09 August 2025 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina express concern over the legal proceedings recently initiated against investigative journalist Nataša Miljanović Zubac. We remind the authorities that BiH constitutionally protects freedom of the media. This carries a corresponding obligation to consider carefully the public’s right to be informed, especially regarding potential irregularities in the conduct of officials.

Our offices have observed previous instances of harassment and intimidation against Ms. Zubac, who has an established record of serious and legitimate investigative reporting.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and the OSCE Mission to BiH underscore the need for proper implementation of existing constitutional and legislative safeguards, as well as relevant OSCE commitments, to ensure that journalists can operate freely and protect their sources. We further emphasise the essential role journalists play in contributing to transparency, holding authorities to account, and fostering an informed and democratic society and will continue supporting efforts in their protection.

VIENNA, 9 August 2025 - We welcome the August 8 Joint Declaration signed in Washington D.C., congratulate Armenia and Azerbaijan on this development and commend President Donald Trump of the U.S.A. on his role in bringing it about.

The OSCE remains committed to all efforts aimed at bringing lasting peace and stability to both countries.

The OSCE stands ready to fulfil its task for the implementation of the August 8 Joint Declaration.