Central Europe

599990 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

Poland’s presidential election in May was competitive and efficiently managed but it took place in a highly polarized political environment, which deepened existing divides and impacted the functioning of some key electoral oversight institutions. Fundamental freedoms were respected throughout the vibrant campaign, although the authorities needed to deploy various countermeasures due to challenges from disinformation and foreign interference.

Concerns persisted regarding the independence of the judiciary despite some measures initiated by the current authorities to restore the rule of law. There were also ongoing concerns about the lack of transparency in the campaign finance framework, as well as media polarization and biased campaign coverage, including by the public broadcaster. On election day, the process was professional and well organized in the limited number of polling stations visited.

These are some of the main conclusions from the final report, published today by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The report offers recommendations to bring elections in Poland closer in line with OSCE commitments and international standards for democratic elections.

Key recommendations include:

• Aligning the legal framework with the commitments made by all OSCE states as well as international standards through an inclusive consultation process;
• Ensuring a clear separation between campaigning and public functions;
• Improving the campaign finance framework by establishing timely, transparent and easy to understand reporting;
• Holding the National Election Commission’s sessions in public and announcing them sufficiently in advance;
• Regulating campaigning by third parties, including setting requirements for registration, financing and disclosure of third-party campaigners;
• Introducing provisions to guarantee the editorial and financial independence of public service media;
• Strengthening freedom of expression by lifting criminal sanctions for defamation;
• Ensuring timely and effective remedy for violations related to the election results after the first round;
• Increasing efforts to ensure women’s active participation in public and political life.

The ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission to the 18 May and 1 June presidential election started work on 11 April and remained in the country until 10 June.

The ODIHR mission also assessed the country’s efforts to implement previous recommendations through changes in legislation, procedures and practices. For Poland, the ODIHR mission evaluated the follow-up to recommendations from the 2020 presidential election and the 2023 parliamentary elections, and concluded that three recommendations had been fully implemented, one mostly implemented and four partially addressed, while others are still outstanding. A full list can be found on p. 37 of today’s report.

All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to follow up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations. The ODIHR Electoral Recommendations Database tracks the extent to which recommendations are implemented by states across the OSCE region.

599972 Marina Živaljević

A study visit to Berlin, held from 8 to 10 October, brought together Montenegrin Members of Parliament (MPs), organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) Local Branch Office (LBO) and the Parliament of Montenegro. Discussions focused on advancing meaningful youth participation in decision-making and peacebuilding processes, strengthening the position of youth in society, and deepening regional co-operation. 

Six MPs from different parliamentary clubs who recently signed the Declaration of Commitment to Youth Regional Cooperation, Intercultural Dialogue and Reconciliation, visited the German Federal Foreign Office, Bundestag, and Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO). They held a series of high-level meetings, including with Dr. Niels von Redecker, Head of Division 209 Western Balkans at the German Federal Foreign Office, Adis Ahmetović, Member of the Bundestag, and Emmeline Charenton from the Office of the Secretary General of FYGO.

During these discussions, participants exchanged views on effective mechanisms for youth engagement in policy-making and peacebuilding processes, as well as initiatives aimed at improving the socioeconomic prospects of young people in Montenegro.

Participants agreed that the Berlin Process – through which RYCO was established – provides a successful framework for fostering trust, reconciliation, and intercultural co-operation between young people in Montenegro and across the wider Western Balkan region.

During the final session held in FYGO, participants explored future avenues of co-operation between the MPs, RYCO LBO, and the Mission. Discussions focused on establishing a structured and ongoing dialogue with youth and youth-oriented organizations across Montenegro, with the goal of ensuring that youth priorities are systematically reflected in parliamentary activities.

599924 Communication and Media Relations Section

Cybersecurity experts and policymakers from Moldova and Ukraine worked to strengthen co-operation and implementation of cyber/ICT security confidence-building measures at a workshop organized by the OSCE in Chisinau on 16 and 17 October. The aim was to enhance national preparedness, bolster crisis management and co-ordination mechanisms, as well as promote regional co-operation on cybersecurity.

The workshop focused on three key cyber/ICT confidence-building measures: threat information sharing (CBM 1), protection of critical infrastructure (CBM 15), and the exchange of vulnerability information (CBM 16). These help to foster national and regional cyber resilience and form part of the OSCE’s broader efforts to foster trust, transparency, and stability in the cyber domain.

Through a combination of expert presentations and an interactive, scenario-based exercise, participants had the opportunity to apply practical approaches to managing cyber incidents affecting critical infrastructure. The exercise simulated a multi-stage cyber incident, promoting cross-border communication, information exchange, and joint crisis response.

The training course was organized under the OSCE’s extra-budgetary project, “Activities and Customized Support for the Implementation of OSCE Cyber/ICT Security Confidence-Building Measures,” with financial support from Germany. This is part of efforts to support participating States in building confidence and reducing the risk of conflict stemming from the use of information and communication technologies.

SKOPJE, 20 October 2025 – The campaign was competitive in North Macedonia’s local elections and voters had a wide range of political alternatives to choose from, but they were negatively affected by systemic legal gaps and shortcomings in the oversight of campaign finances as well as political polarization and deep public disenchantment with politics, international observers said in a statement today.

The joint observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (Congress), and the European Parliament (EP) found that while the legal framework provides a basis for holding democratic elections, it contains numerous gaps and lacks clarity in many areas. At the same time, last year’s legal amendments while taking some ODIHR recommendations into account, left most of the previous recommendations unaddressed.

"It was good to see a competitive campaign over the last weeks and a well-run and mostly peaceful election day yesterday, but gaps in election laws that weaken the work of institutions remain a concern,” said Matteo Mecacci, Head of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission. “Addressing key aspects of the electoral process which require reform—from campaign finance to equitable campaign opportunities in the media for all contestants—will continue to be the focus of our work, including during the observation of the second-round contests on 2 November."

Fundamental freedoms were respected throughout the campaign and candidates were generally able to campaign freely. At the same time, while not in violation of the law, mayors and high-level government officials inaugurated, visited, or promoted investment and infrastructure projects both before and during the official campaign period, undermining legal safeguards to prevent the misuse of public resources and contrary to international standards. Reports of alleged pressure on public sector employees and intimidation of voters and opposition candidates, as well as vote buying by political parties, were also of concern.

Some 1.72 million citizens with permanent residence in the country were eligible to vote. The election administration managed preparations efficiently and generally enjoyed public trust. However, some concerns were voiced about its independence, since it is mostly composed of public officials.  Election day was generally calm, although some shortcomings in procedures were noted such as group voting and undue interference by candidate representatives.

Women continue to be underrepresented in public and political life. While the law prescribes a 40 per cent gender quota for candidate lists, only 32 of the 309 mayoral candidates were women. Discussions on gender equality and women’s rights were largely absent from the campaign. Observers noted concerns regarding sexist rhetoric against women candidates and women’s political participation in general, especially online.

“We welcome the fact that election day was overall well-organised,” said Gobnait Ní Mhuimneacáin, Head of Delegation from the Congress of the Council of Europe. “However, the low number of women mayoral candidates and the lack of accessibility for voters with disabilities and older people remain serious concerns. The absence of local media, particularly outside the capital, is also a major issue, limiting coverage of local issues — which should be central to a local election campaign — and contributing to the prominence of national topics, further polarising the electoral environment.”

Systemic gaps in the legal framework regulating campaign finance combined with the limited capacity of the country’s oversight bodies hindered effective scrutiny of campaign finance. Public funds make up a significant share of overall campaign financing, but the distribution formula significantly favoured major parliamentary parties to the exclusion of smaller parties with a parliamentary group, and offered only limited opportunities to other small parties and independent candidates.  

"We listened to all our interlocutors with interest and attention. Although European integration was not a central campaign issue, we understand from most of them that a majority of parties and communities in North Macedonia remain committed to EU membership,” said Marta Temido, Head of the EP Delegation. “We therefore suggest to the newly elected local authorities to advance their country's EU reform agenda."

The media landscape is diverse, but fragmented along political and ethnic lines. At the same time, unfavourable working conditions and limited human resources in the media sector affect the quality of reporting. The observation mission’s media monitoring showed that coverage of the election in the broadcast media was balanced overall. Social media campaigning is largely unregulated, and there is no oversight authority mandated to monitor the campaign on social networks and detect disinformation or manipulative content.

The international election observation to the local elections in North Macedonia totalled 275 observers from 40 countries, made up of 253 ODIHR experts and long- and short-term observers, 15 members and staff from the Congress, and seven parliamentarians and staff from the EP.

For more information, please contact:

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

Stephanie Poirel, Congress: +33 6 63 55 07 10 or stephanie.poirel@coe.int

Raffaele Luise, EP: +32 470952279 or raffaele.luise@europarl.europa.eu

599867

First Fergana Peace Forum was organized from 15 to 16 October 2025 at Fergana university. More  than 300 participants from Central Asia, the CIS, Europe, Asia and the America gathered to discuss under the title “Uniting efforts for peace and progress”.

Over the course of the two-day discussions, participants exchanged views on ways to strengthen trust and good-neighbourly relations in the Fergana Valley, unlock its economic potential, promote cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and enhance the role of youth in advancing sustainable peace.

Speaking at the Forum, Kate Fearon, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, stressed the significance of regional cooperation and diplomacy:

“The Fergana Valley is transforming into a region where trust and good neighbourly relations serve as a compelling example of what can be achieved through diplomacy and peaceful resolution. The OSCE remains committed to supporting Central Asian countries’ efforts to consolidate peace, stability, and sustainable development in this unique and dynamic region.”

At the panel session titled “The Fergana Valley – expanding the horizons of cultural and humanitarian cooperation,” Ambassador Antti Karttunen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, noted:

“The Fergana Valley is not only a geographic space. It is also a cultural and human community, where millions of people are linked by history, traditions, and values. Strengthening cooperation in these fields is one of the best ways to build trust and to ensure lasting peace.” Ambassador Karttunen focused on possibilities to develop cross-border co-operation of youth and said that OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan would consider some concrete projects.

The Forum concluded with the adoption of a Communiqué calling for the creation of a permanent platform to enhance dialogue, mutual trust, and a shared strategy for the region’s sustainable future.

The forum was organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the Center for Progressive Reforms, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and the Peacebuilding Hub, with support from the United Nations and the European Union.

599847 Željka Šulc

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) calls for continued attention and a prompt and effective response from law enforcement and judicial institutions regarding the threats targeting journalist Vahidin Durić. The Mission underscores the importance of ensuring that all cases endangering journalists’ safety are treated with urgency and diligence, in line with relevant legal provisions.

The Mission also highlights the crucial role of the contact points for journalists within prosecutors’ offices and police agencies across Bosnia and Herzegovina in facilitating effective co-ordination and timely investigation of such cases. Holding perpetrators to account helps deter future attacks and enables journalists to carry out their work in a safer environment.

The Mission reiterates that all media professionals must be guaranteed a safe working environment, in which all fundamental rights and freedoms are fully protected and respected.

599841

On 2 October, Emmanuel Decaux, President of the OSCE’s Court of Conciliation and Arbitration, reported to the OSCE Permanent Council about the Court’s activities over the last year.

“The principle of peaceful dispute settlement has been at the heart of international relations for more than two centuries,” said President Decaux, outlining the legal framework provided by the Court to achieve this goal. “The Court is unique in that it is based on a multilateral treaty that has a life of its own and is designed to last.”

He recalled the 1957 European Convention for the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes and its relationship to the Convention on Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE, which entered into force on 5 December 1994. Highlighting that the Convention on Conciliation and Arbitration is now binding on 34 OSCE participating States, Decaux said that the Court’s mechanisms remain open, on a voluntary basis, to all OSCE participating States. He welcomed efforts made to ensure the Court’s place in the ‘OSCE toolbox’ available to all OSCE stakeholders.

Acknowledging the complexities and diverse perspectives of the current geopolitical challenges, Decaux emphasized the Court’s capability of setting up a conciliation commission or an arbitral tribunal. “For the Convention to prove its usefulness, it must be used by the States and institutions of the OSCE. It must not be merely a legal ideal, but a diplomatic reality,” he said.

President Decaux, whose term ends in November 2025, concluded his address with a farewell message and words of encouragement for the next Bureau of the Court.

Read the full address (delivered in French)

SKOPJE, 17 October 2025 – International election observers will hold a press conference to present their findings following the local elections in North Macedonia.

What:

• A press conference of the international election observation mission to the local elections in North Macedonia
• For those unable to attend, you can follow the livestream here

Who:

• Matteo Mecacci, Head of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission
• Gobnait Ní Mhuimneacáin, Head of the Congress Delegation
• Marta Temido, Head of the EP Delegation​

When:

• 15.00 local time (GMT +2) on 20 October 2025

Where:

• Platinum 1 meeting room, DoubleTree by Hilton, Bulevar ASNOM 17, Skopje

Registration:

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

The international election observation is a joint mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (Congress), and the European Parliament (EP). The mission totals 276 observers from 40 countries, made up of 254 ODIHR experts and long- and short-term observers, 15 parliamentarians and staff from the Congress, and 7 from the EP.

For more information, please contact:

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

Stephanie Poirel, Congress: +33 6 63 55 07 10 or stephanie.poirel@coe.int

Raffaele Luise, EP: +32 470952279 or raffaele.luise@europarl.europa.eu

599796 Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 17 October 2025 - On the occasion of European Anti-Trafficking Day, 18 October, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (OSR/CTHB), organized a conference in Sarajevo to raise awareness and promote stronger action against trafficking in human beings.

Bringing together representatives from the private sector, labour inspectorates, law enforcement, civil society, international organizations, and the diplomatic community, the conference emphasized shared responsibility and coordinated action to apply human rights due diligence and prevent trafficking and labour exploitation in supply chains.

“The OSCE has long recognized that combating trafficking in human beings requires a whole-of-society approach. This means that preventing trafficking in supply chains demands close co-operation among all relevant stakeholders. No actor can succeed alone,” said Ambassador Rick Holtzapple, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. “The private sector, national authorities, international organizations, civil society, and consumers each have a unique role to play in ensuring that supply chains are free from labour exploitation.”

Forced labour is a transnational problem deeply embedded in complex global supply chains, and no country can tackle it in isolation. Fabian Bonertz, Senior Advisor at the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, emphasized that recent developments in due diligence and forced labour regulations—such as those emerging from the European Union and other global frameworks—reflect a growing international commitment to ethical supply chains. “For countries seeking to enhance their trade standing, aligning with these standards offers not only moral but also market advantages. It’s not only the right thing to do; it’s smart business,” Bonertz said.

Highlighting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national efforts, Ermin Pešto, State Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Illegal Migration at the Ministry of Security of BiH, noted: “Bosnia and Herzegovina is at the beginning of the process of adopting a systemic approach to this issue. The Strategy for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, adopted by the Council of Ministers of BiH, foresees specific measures that we will implement in the coming period. A special focus will be on the involvement of government institutions, such as public procurement agencies and labour inspectorates, as well as chambers of commerce and the private sector, in order to create a comprehensive and sustainable response to this problem.”

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue working with partners to strengthen prevention, enhance protection mechanisms, and promote ethical and transparent business practices that safeguard human rights and dignity.

599781 Maid Konjhodžić Edita Buçaj

Prishtinë / Priština, 17 October 2025

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo handed over 200 fire extinguishers to collective housing buildings in Ulpiana and Sunny Hill neighbourhoods of Prishtinë/Priština municipality.

This initiative, implemented in co-operation with the Local Public Safety Committee (LPSC) Ulpiana and Sunny Hill neighbourhoods, aimed to improve fire safety and preparedness in the community, and is part of wider Mission efforts to support community safety initiatives by LPSCs.

These two neighbourhoods consist of many buildings with outdated and poorly maintained electrical installations and the lack of fire exit stairs, significantly increasing the risk of fire, thus making the donation essential for improving residents’ safety and preventing potential fire hazards.

In addition to the equipment donation, the initiative included training sessions delivered by local firefighters to teach the residents how to safely use fire extinguishers and assess when it is safe to intervene during a fire emergency.

“Our projects in support to LPSCs focus on addressing the priority needs of local communities, including vulnerable groups such as women, youth, the elderly, people with disabilities, and non-majority communities”, said Bertram Welsing, Director of the Department for Security and Public Safety in OSCE Mission in Kosovo. “Ultimately, they aim to help establish sustainable partnerships and ensure the effectiveness and credibility of LPSCs.”

LPSCs play a crucial role in enhancing collaboration between the police and communities by addressing local safety concerns and working to improve the overall quality of life across Kosovo.

For many years, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo has worked closely with the LPSCs to improve community safety, strengthen police-community partnerships, and tackle security issues at the local level.

599766 Forum participants gathered for a group photo. Mailuu-Suu, 17 october 2025.

Mailuu-Suu, 16–17 October 2025 - The OSCE, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Mailuu-Suu Mayor’s Office, and with financial support from the European Union, organized the Forum “Development of Mailuu-Suu through Sustainable Tourism.”

The Forum emphasized the role of sustainable tourism as a catalyst for economic diversification and community development in Mailuu-Suu, a town historically known for its uranium legacy. By promoting eco-tourism and cultural heritage, the initiative aims to create new income opportunities, attract visitors, and support a positive transformation of the city’s image.

The event served as a platform for practical dialogue among mayors, local government officials, civil society representatives, and entrepreneurs from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Participants discussed the establishment of a cooperative network among Kyrgyz settlements located near uranium legacy sites to strengthen cross-border cooperation, share experiences, and mobilize investment. Concrete proposals included developing joint eco-routes, improving local infrastructure, and promoting the region as a sustainable tourism destination in southern Kyrgyzstan.

As part of the Forum, participants joined a “Top Secret” city tour showcasing Mailuu-Suu’s natural beauty, rich industrial history, and evolving tourism infrastructure. Local guides and businesses presented tourism opportunities, while participants also observed ongoing remediation work at former uranium sites, highlighting how environmental recovery and sustainable tourism can go hand in hand. Resolution of the Forum has been adopted by the participants which focuses on short and mid-term action plan to develop tourism sector in Mailuu-Suu in 2025-2030. 

The Forum was organized in cooperation with the Office of the Special Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic for Mountain Regions Development, the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in Jalal-Abad region, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Tourism Department under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, and the Aarhus Centre in Osh.

The OSCE–UNDP project “Stakeholder Engagement for Uranium Legacy Remediation in Central Asia – Phase III” aims to reduce environmental and socio-economic risks associated with uranium legacy sites through inclusive dialogue, public participation, and sustainable development measures. This joint initiative builds on previous cooperation to enhance safety and resilience in vulnerable communities across Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

About the European UnionThe European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries, founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights. Globally, the EU promotes the sustainable development of societies, the environment, and economies, ensuring that progress benefits all.

599670 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe supported the Third International Youth Forum of the Syrdarya River Basin on 11 October 2025, which brought together over 248 young participants (143 women and 105 men) from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

The forum aimed to enhance environmental literacy through practical exercises, discussions and workshops, while fostering youth leadership in sustainable water management, climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Participants also promoted the values of the Khujand Declaration and explored ways to expand the Green Patrols movement to other river basins in Tajikistan.

The event highlighted the importance of engaging youth as future specialists and active contributors to effective water resource management, in line with the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe’s commitment to supporting Tajikistan in addressing environmental challenges and promoting youth empowerment.

599760 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

As civil society space shrinks and attacks against activists increase in many places, a growing number of human rights defenders are being forced into exile as they seek a safe environment to continue their work freely and securely. This was the focus of an event organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Araminta, and the World Organisation Against Torture at the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference today.

“Human rights defenders face inherent risks in their work, and relocating does not address all their needs. Adopting robust safeguarding mechanisms is essential to ensure minimum standards for mobility and a safe environment for defenders in exile,“ said Jennifer Gaspar, Araminta Managing Director.

While defenders in exile play a crucial role in promoting human rights, they face serious challenges, from urgent personal and legal issues to long-term barriers such as legal insecurity, restricted mobility and limited opportunities to continue their work. Participants discussed the need to establish minimum standards to protect human rights defenders in exile in the OSCE region, as well as EU legislation to ensure stronger legal and practical safeguards for them, participants discussed.

The discussion drew on both institutional perspectives and the lived experiences of exiled defenders, highlighting the need for coordinated action and policy tools to address these gaps. Participants emphasized that ensuring human rights defenders can continue their work in safety is vital to protect human rights and promote democratic values across the OSCE region and beyond.

599721 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

National human rights institutions (NHRIs) are vital to protect rights and uphold democratic standards, serving as independent watchdogs and a bridge between governments and civil society said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) at a Warsaw Human Dimension Conference side event today.

However, NHRIs face challenges that undermine their effectiveness. Limited resources, political pressure, misinformation, the increasing deprioritisation of human rights, and shrinking civic space in the OSCE region, all prevent NHRIs from fulfilling their human rights mandates, participants agreed.

“While NHRIs are recognised for their important work in upholding human rights, democracy and rule of law and called upon by states and regional actors to carry out their crucial work, they are also increasingly facing challenges to fulfil their mandate to promote and protect human rights,” said Tobias Rahm, Senior Advisor at the Swedish Institute for Human Rights and member of the ENNHRI Expert Group on NHRI Standards.

The added value of NHRIs in advancing human rights protection and the importance of meaningful cooperation with state authorities was highlighted, as well as the need to strengthen the resilience and independence of NHRIs across the OSCE region.

Ambassador Holtzapple lays flowers in Potočari Željka Šulc

Srebrenica/Bratunac, 16 October 2025 – Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission), Ambassador Rick Holtzapple visited Srebrenica and Bratunac today to engage with local leaders, civil society organizations, and institutions on issues including security, inter-communal relations, civic participation.

In Srebrenica, Ambassador Holtzapple met with Mayor Miloš Vučić and Municipal Assembly Speaker Almir Dudić to discuss local political and security dynamics, ongoing co-operation, and ways to strengthen community cohesion. Ambassador Holtzapple reaffirmed the Mission’s support to the city, including in efforts to address bias-motivated incidents, improve interethnic dialogue and promote investment.

During his visit, Ambassador Holtzapple also met with Amra Begić Fazlić, Assistant Director of the Srebrenica Memorial Center, where he expressed the Mission’s deep respect for the victims of the 1995 genocide and commended the Centre’s work on remembrance and education. They discussed the ongoing challenges of genocide denial, glorification of war criminals and historical revisionism, emphasizing the importance of preserving the truth in building trust and the future of the community.

Ambassador Holtzapple also visited the Srebrenica Library today to learn about their community work and cultural initiatives. He met with Library Director Jovana Rakić and Dejan Kolović from the “Brass Doorknob” Short Film Festival to hear reflections on the festival’s first edition and discuss the challenges of bringing creative projects to life in Srebrenica and broader region.

In Bratunac, Ambassador Holtzapple met with Mayor Lazar Prodanović to discuss key local priorities and dynamics, also in the context of the forthcoming early elections for the President of Republika Srpska. They examined the role of local officials in preventing and responding to  bias-motivated incidents, and considered opportunities for the Mission to provide further support in this area.

In his meeting with the NGO Prijatelji Srebrenice, Ambassador Holtzapple explored the challenges faced by independent media and civil society in the region. He emphasized the importance of objective journalism, and youth engagement as critical tools for strengthening democratic values and community resilience.

The visit reaffirmed the Mission’s dedication to working with local partners in advancing constructive dialogue, security, and inclusive governance in Srebrenica, Bratunac and across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

VIENNA, 16 October 2025 - Media freedom, the safety of journalists, and strategies to address disinformation and strengthen information integrity were among the key issues discussed last week at the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference (WHDC).

Opening the 8 October session, dedicated to “Freedom of Expression, Freedom of the Media and Safety of Journalists”, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) Jan Braathu called on participating States to close the implementation gaps in fulfilling their commitments under the Ministerial Council Decision 3/18 on Safety of Journalists.

“MC Decision 3/18 represents an important acknowledgement by participating States that independent, critical, public interest journalism cannot exist if journalists fear retaliation for their work,” Representative Braathu noted. “The Decision is more than a set of principles. It’s a call to action. It calls for national laws to be reviewed and reformed, for law enforcement agencies and state bodies to receive training on the safety of journalists, and for participating States to strengthen accountability and end impunity for crimes against journalists.”

“Today, I urge all of us to move steadfastly from commitment to implementation. We have no time to lose,” Braathu added.

The Office of the RFoM organized five side events in co-operation with selected participating States. These focused on specific aspects of media freedom, including attacks against women journalists, strategies to address disinformation, support mechanisms for journalists in exile, and the relationship between media and police.

Representative Braathu also met with representatives of several participating States to discuss some of the most pressing concerns affecting media freedom as a core element of comprehensive security while in Warsaw. In addition, the Representative held a number of meetings with journalists and civil society representatives, many of whom are currently facing legal and physical harassment for their professional activities.

Held from 6 to 17 October and organized by the OSCE’s Finnish Chairpersonship, in close co-operation with the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the WHDC is the Organization’s largest annual gathering dedicated to evaluating the implementation of human rights commitments across the 57 participating States. The Conference provides a unique forum to exchange views among participating States, civil society, and experts from across the OSCE region.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom

599673 Željka Šulc

NEUM, 16 October 2025 – The XVIII Annual Prosecutorial Symposium, held from 14 to 17 October in Neum, brought together over 120 prosecutors and other criminal justice professionals to exchange experiences and strengthen their collective response to crimes. Over the years, the Symposium has evolved into a cornerstone event, offering invaluable training opportunities and fostering meaningful exchange in the field.

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission), in co-operation with Council of Europe and EU4FAST, supported the organization of a panel discussion on access to justice and effective legal remedies for victims of crimes, including trafficking in human beings (THB). Through this engagement, the Mission worked to strengthen institutional capacities and promote a victim-centred approach to justice, ensuring that survivors receive protection and full respect for their rights.

Trafficking in human beings remains a grave violation of human rights and a serious crime. Boris Topić, National Anti-Trafficking Officer at the Mission, noted: “This event contributed to a better understanding among participants of the importance of a multi-agency approach in protecting the rights of victims of crimes, including victims of trafficking in human beings, and ensuring their access to justice through discussions and practical examples.”

Prosecutors and experts shared expertise and practices on referral mechanisms, victims' access to justice, accommodation procedures, and the functioning of safe houses. Participants also examined victim-centred and trauma-informed approaches, as well as the issue of victims' consent.

Participants were also informed about recent significant amendments to the Criminal Code of the Federation of BiH, including stricter penalties for domestic violence, the introduction of a new criminal offense, aggravated murder of female person, and the legal recognition of violence committed through digital technologies.

By facilitating this panel, the Mission strengthened inter-institutional dialogue and practical co-operation among prosecutors and relevant stakeholders. These efforts contribute to the more effective processing of serious crimes, including human trafficking, while ensuring that victims receive adequate protection and support. This initiative is part of the Mission’s broader commitment to advancing justice, promoting human rights, and supporting the rule of law across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

HELSINKI/VIENNA, 16 October 2025 - The 32nd Ministerial Council meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) will take place 4–5 December 2025 in Vienna, Austria. 

Hosted at the invitation of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen, the event will gather Foreign Ministers from the 57 OSCE participating States and 11 Partners for Co-operation. 

As the OSCE's principal decision-making body, the Ministerial Council offers a key platform for Foreign Ministers to review and address the security situation in the OSCE area, as well as to evaluate the Organization's work in all its fields of activity.

This year marks the first time an OSCE Chair (other than Austria) has hosted the Ministerial Council in Vienna—home to the Organization’s headquarters—rather than in their own or another country. The decision reflects a commitment to reducing travel-related burdens for participating States and the Secretariat and minimizing the environmental impact of the event.

Updated information about the Ministerial Council will be published regularly on the Event Page:  https://www.osce.org/event/mc_2025.

Logistics: Questions regarding the logistical arrangements for the 32nd Ministerial Council meeting can be directed to the OSCE Chairpersonship team at mc2025@gov.fi.

Media participation: For queries related to media participation at the 32nd Ministerial Council meeting, please contact Ms Petra Sarias, petra.sarias@gov.fi.

Media inquiries: For general media inquiries, please contact press@osce.org.

599652 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

Victims of human trafficking are often hidden in plain sight, with only a fraction ever identified due to fear, or manipulation and coercion by traffickers. Even after identification, survivors face long and complex challenges that go far beyond immediate support.

At a side event of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) stressed the need to upscale proactive identification of victims and the need for comprehensive, survivor-centred and trauma-informed assistance to ensure their long-term recovery and reintegration in society.

“With the majority of victims remaining unidentified or facing difficulties in accessing and navigating complex protection systems, we must ask ourselves what we can do better and find innovative and survivor-led solutions,” said Jeanne Celestine Lakin, Chair of ODIHR’s International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC).

Speakers highlighted the importance of independent advocates to help victims and survivors navigate protection and support services, as well as trauma-informed approaches in interacting with victims, including children, to encourage them to offer their testimonies. Broad cooperation is also needed to help survivors rebuild their lives.

ISTAC members also presented ODIHR’s recently published Survivor-Informed Indicators for the Identification of Victims and Survivors of Trafficking in Human Beings, a practical tool for frontline professionals to spot signs of trafficking and improve identification.

BAKU, 15 October 2025 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen concluded her visit to Azerbaijan today.

Minister Valtonen met with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku.

Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen commended Azerbaijan’s willingness to take steps towards peace and the normalization of relations with Armenia. Based on a joint appeal to the OSCE from Armenia and Azerbaijan, Finland proposed a decision to close the Minsk process and related structures at the Ministerial Council meeting on 25 August and it was approved unanimously on 1 September by all 57 participating States.

“The decision to close the Minsk process and its related structures reflects the concrete progress made by Azerbaijan and Armenia in their pursuit of reconciliation and normalized ties. Building connections between people at every level of society is vital for true reconciliation. The OSCE stands ready to support initiatives that foster enduring peace and stability, especially for communities long impacted by conflict,” Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen said.

Due to unexpected changes in the schedule, the meeting with Azerbaijani civil society representatives is being scheduled for next week.

The Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship will continue to engage civil society, emphasizing that inclusive dialogue is essential for promoting democratic values and strengthening stability.