Democracy and Human Rights in the OSCE. The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Annual Report 2025

Democracy and Human Rights in the OSCE OSCE Offi ce for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Annual Report ODIHR’s impact in Democracy and Human Rights in the OSCE Annual Report 2025

Democracy and Human Rights in the OSCE OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Annual Report

Democracy and Human Rights in the OSCE. The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Annual Report 2025 Published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Ul. Miodowa 10 00-251 Warsaw Poland www.osce.org/odihr © OSCE/ODIHR 2026 All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may be freely used and copied for educational and other non-commercial purposes, provided that any such reproduction is accompanied by an acknowledgement of the OSCE/ODIHR as the source. ISBN 978-92-9271-488-8 Design by Homework

Contents ODIHR Director’s foreword 5 Overview 6 ODIHR structure and budget 9 Part I: Making democratic institutions more accessible, inclusive and trusted 11 1.1 Demand for ODIHR’s legal expertise rises, helping strengthen democratic resilience and civic space 12 1.2 ODIHR marks 25 years of electoral legal assistance 14 1.3 Strengthening election observation in the digital age 15 1.4 Advancing judicial independence to strengthen democracy across the OSCE region 16 1.5 Supporting trial monitoring to strengthen the rule of law across the OSCE region 18 1.6 Supporting Ukraine’s democratic readiness 20 1.7 Supporting NHRIs to adapt and respond effectively to challenges 22 1.8 Strengthening electoral processes through targeted follow-up to advance inclusion and gender equality 24 1.9 Mobilizing male politicians to empower women in politics 26 1.10 Improving parliamentary oversight to strengthen democracy in the OSCE region 28 1.11 Strengthening electoral reforms in the Western Balkans 31 1.12 Promoting gender parity as a democratic standard 32 1.13 Advancing democratic lawmaking in the OSCE region to strengthen democracy and the rule of law 34 Part II: Supporting civil society to strengthen democracy and guarantee human rights and security 37 2.1 Diaspora organizations at the heart of Ukraine’s post-war recovery 38 2.2 Increasing trust in our democracies by strengthening the right to freedom of peaceful assembly 40 2.3 Advancing human rights in counter-terrorism investigations to increase security for all 42 2.4 Addressing the security needs of Roma communities 44 2.5 Amplifying the work of civil society and victim communities to improve the response to hate crime 46 2.6 Freedom of thought and artificial intelligence 48 Part III: Fostering accessible, equal and inclusive societies free from discrimination and marginalization 49 3.1 Inclusive dialogue and cooperation key to addressing hate crime and creating safe societies 50 3.2 Strengthening local leadership to accelerate migrant integration across the Baltic States 52 3.3 Increasing the political participation of people with disabilities 54 3.4 Opening up access to ODIHR’s hate crime training expertise 56 3.5 Strengthening national human rights and equality institutions to protect Roma and Sinti rights 58 3.6 Moving towards equal representation by making parliaments more gender-sensitive 60 3.7 Increasing the meaningful political participation of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina 63 3.8 Romania-Ukraine policy exchange on Roma inclusion: leading practices and reform strategies 64 Annexes 67 Meetings and events 68 Extrabudgetary programmes and projects 81 ODIHR publications in 2025 89 Legislative reviews and assessments 96 ODIHR election reports and statements 98

5 ODIHR Director’s foreword F ifty years ago, the states that signed the Helsinki Final Act recognized that security cannot be sustained through military means or political dialogue alone. They acknowledged that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democratic governance and the rule of law is essential to security and stability both between and within states. This remains just as valid today and continues to guide the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security and ODIHR’s daily work. The persistence of armed conflict, political polarization and human rights violations across the OSCE region has shown that where democratic institutions are weakened, where fundamental freedoms are restricted or where discrimination and exclusion go unaddressed, risks to security deepen. ODIHR was established in response to this reality, not with the expectation that commitments alone would prevent crisis, but to help participating States strengthen the institutions and practices that can withstand pressure, manage tensions and build tolerant and safe societies in which all voices are heard and the rights of every individual are respected. Beginning with the Helsinki Final Act, the now 57 participating States of the OSCE adopted a wide-ranging set of politically binding commitments relating to what has become known as the human dimension of security. These commitments were developed and agreed on by all OSCE states, which undertook to uphold them voluntarily. They affirm the OSCE’s comprehensive security concept, in which the human dimension has equal weight with politico- military cooperation or economic and environmental governance. As the primary OSCE institution tasked with safeguarding the human dimension, ODIHR has a broad mandate to help participating States “ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, to abide by the rule of law, to promote principles of democracy and ... to build, strengthen and protect democratic institutions, as well as promote tolerance throughout society.” Across the OSCE region, pressures on democratic institutions and human rights have intensified, driven by armed conflict, rapid technological change, growing social divisions and rising intolerance. These dynamics cannot be addressed through short-term responses or quick fixes alone. They require sustained engagement, early intervention and institutions capable of identifying risks, strengthening resilience and supporting dialogue before divisions harden and violence becomes more likely. ODIHR’s work responds directly to these needs. Through legal reviews, election observation and follow-up, training for parliaments, judiciaries and security sector actors, and targeted support to civil society and vulnerable communities, the Office contributes to stronger institutions, greater public trust and more resilient societies. This practical engagement is central to conflict prevention and long-term stability. Going forward, ODIHR will continue to prioritize assistance that is operational, evidence-based and results-oriented. The Office will deepen its work on electoral integrity, including in digital environments; strengthen support for judicial independence and accountability; expand its engagement on combating hate crime and strengthening community security; and address emerging risks linked to new technologies and shrinking civic space. Throughout, ODIHR will remain guided by its mandate, the dedication and expertise of its staff, and by the understanding that security and respect for human rights are mutually reinforcing. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the OSCE’s human dimension depends on the determination of participating States to uphold their commitments and their willingness to engage with each other and with ODIHR. The Office stands ready to continue supporting states in meeting their obligations and in strengthening the democratic foundations that underpin security across the OSCE region. Maria Telalian, ODIHR Director OSCE/Katya Andrusz

6 Overview I n 2025, ODIHR’s work responded to a complex and increasingly volatile security environment across the OSCE region, shaped by armed conflict, heightened polarization, transnational threats, shrinking civic space and declining trust in public institutions. Against this backdrop, ODIHR continued to advance the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security, grounded in the understanding that lasting security and stability depend on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democratic governance, the rule of law and inclusive societies free from discrimination. Based on its unique mandate, established on the commitments made by all OSCE participating States to uphold democratic principles and respect for human rights, as well as its long-standing expertise, ODIHR supported states through impartial, context-sensitive and demand-driven assistance. Across all areas of its mandate, the Office drew on its many years of experience in political dialogue, expert analysis and practical capacity building, to support and bring together a wide range of stakeholders key to security, from state institutions to civil society. Throughout the year, ODIHR delivered direct and practical results, with a strong focus on effectiveness, sustainability and regional impact. Key Results 1. Strengthening democratic resilience and ins titutional s tability Objective: Reduce risks of political instability and erosion of public trust by strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law. • 39 legal reviews published in 2025, an increase of over 50 per cent compared to 2024, reflecting high confidence by participating States in ODIHR’s impartial legal assistance. • 13 election activities conducted in 2025, including: • 13 pre-election needs assessment visits • 13 election observation activities • 1,113 observers deployed from 50 participating States (539 women) • 41 election reports and 318 recommendations , supported by 11 follow-up visits to assist implementation • ODIHR marked 25 years of election-related legal assistance, supporting participating States in improving election laws and advancing inclusive and consultative reforms. In 2025, the Office focused particularly on election administration, voter registration, campaign finance oversight and safeguards against the misuse of public resources, contributing to greater transparency and integrity of electoral processes. • Parliamentary assistance provided to at least seven national parliaments, strengthening integrity systems, parliamentary ethics, oversight of the security sector and scrutiny of emergency powers. • Findings published on trial monitoring conducted in Kazakhstan, covering 35 criminal cases and more than 400 court hearings, to support fair trial standards and judicial accountability. Security impact: Improved democratic processes and public confidence, strengthened judicial independence, more resilient democratic institutions, and reduced risks of political contestation escalating into instability.

7 2. Advancing human rights-compliant security through justice responses and respect for fundamental freedoms Objective: Increase the effectiveness and legitimacy of security and justice responses in fragile and conflict- affected contexts. • Continued assistance to Ukraine’s justice sector, with training delivered online and in person to over 85 judges, prosecutors and defence attorneys on international criminal law, international humanitarian law and human rights law in domestic war crimes proceedings. • Two ODIHR reports published in 2025 documenting violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Ukraine arising in the context of the war in Ukraine from a total of eight reports since the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. • Two advanced counter-terrorism courses to train 29 mid- and senior-level officials, including law enforcement, prosecutors, crisis management agencies and military intelligence. Training focused on operational decision-making, intelligence handling, arrest and detention, and investigative techniques fully compliant with human rights standards. • Monitoring of peaceful assemblies in Kyrgyzstan and Slovakia, with approximately 150 peaceful assemblies monitored in 36 participating States over 15 years. • Findings contributed to the 7th Assembly Monitoring Cycle Report, with concrete recommendations to authorities and direct engagement with law enforcement, municipalities and civil society. • Publishing guidelines on integrating Roma and Sinti issues in the work of National Human Rights Institutions and National Equality Bodies. Security impact: Improved operational effectiveness of security actors, strengthened legitimacy of justice responses and strengthened trust between authorities and civil society. 3. Fostering accessible, equal and inclusive societies free from discrimination and marginalization Objective: Reduce societal fragmentation and the risk of violence through effective hate crime responses, combating discrimination and increasing the public participation of targeted communities. • Hate crime training and technical assistance activities provided in 10 participating States, strengthening national ownership and response. • 23 international trainers certified to deliver hate crime training to police and prosecutors. • ODIHR’s 2024 Hate Crime Report documented 12,714 incidents reported by civil society, including 5,370 detailed case summaries, providing a robust evidence base for prevention. • Expanded publication series on the security needs of religious communities, including new guidance on responding to anti-Christian hate crimes through inclusive, victim-centred approaches. • New policy guidance to strengthen national authorities’ hate crime response and address its root causes. • Policymakers in 12 European states trained to address anti-Semitism in education, in partnership with UNESCO. • ODIHR’s Roma Security Guide translated and launched nationally, including in Spain, in cooperation with ministries of interior and security institutions. National and regional authorities committed to: • Integrating guidance into law enforcement training • Distributing materials to national prosecutors • Embedding community-based security approaches in policy and practice • Continued assistance to Ukrainian authorities in addressing wartime challenges for Roma through exchange of leading practices, developing practical tools and policy support. • Continued training for front-line police and civil society organizations on preventing racial profiling and responding effectively to hate crime. • Continued training for police on effective and human rights-compliant policing and effective and non- discriminatory policing in Roma and Sinti communities. Security impact: Improved victim protection, greater trust between communities and authorities, and stronger conflict prevention measures.

8 4. Strengthening inclusive governance, civil s ociety and s ocial resilience Objective: Address structural drivers of exclusion that undermine stability and security. • New policy tools developed and operationalized, including: • Gender Parity Roadmap • Sarajevo Tool for engaging male political leaders • Targeted workshops for parliamentarians, party leaders and municipal councillors translated commitments into concrete institutional measures, including gender audits, codes of conduct and quota systems. • Support to parliaments to become more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. • ODIHR’s FreedomLab reached record engagement, with 1,800+ users accessing its three top e-courses in 2025, including a new course on risk management for human rights defenders. • Continued support to civil society through training, dialogue and participation in key platforms, including the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference , which saw record participation under the Finnish Chairpersonship. Security impact: More inclusive and representative institutions, empowered civil society, and stronger social resilience. 5. Harnessing opportunities and responding to the emerging security risks of new technologies Objective: Safeguard democratic space and public trust in the fast-evolving digital age. • Policy guidance developed on freedom of thought and artificial intelligence, addressing risks posed by AI-enabled manipulation, neurotechnologies and disinformation. • Building on its long-standing election observation methodology, ODIHR further strengthened its comprehensive approach to observing online campaigning and the role of social media, analysing states’ preparedness and assessing legal frameworks, the broader digital environment, online campaign finance, state coordination efforts, cooperation with platforms, data protection safeguards and media literacy. • Continuing work to combat violence against women and girls in the digital sphere. Security impact: Improved rights-compliant use of new technologies and enhanced resilience of democratic processes against emerging threats of digitalization. Overall impact In 2025, ODIHR delivered measurable, expert-led, demand-driven assistance that strengthened: • Institutional legitimacy • Public trust • Community security • Conflict prevention These results confirm ODIHR’s role as a key contributor to security in the OSCE region, recognizing that respect for human rights, democratic governance and non-discrimination are essential preconditions for stability and peace.

9 Elections Democratization Human Rights Tolerance and Non-discrimination Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues 2024 Unified Budget provisional quarter and monthly allotments based on approved 2021 Direction and Policy 1,294,600 Fund Administration Unit 2,970,700 Human Dimension Meetings 603,000 Democratization 1,580,300 Human Rights 1,232,200 Elections 6,505,200 Tolerance and Non-Discrimination 1,418,200 Roma and Sinti 555,700 Total ODIHR Unified Budget 16,159,900 Augmentation 234,100 Total Fund Resources 16,394,000 € 7,484,542 Extrabudgetary actual expenditure Director Direction and Policy Common Services ODIHR structure and budget 47 men 92 women 27 nationalities 67 international 31 of which were extra budgetary positions 72 local staff ODIHR employed 139 people on fixed term contracts, including:

PART I Amid growing challenges to democracy and the rule of law, increasing resistance to gender equality and inclusion, and an ongoing erosion of public confidence in democratic institutions across much of the OSCE region, ODIHR has continued to support participating States in fulfilling their commitments to ethical and effective parliamentary governance, judicial independence and genuinely democratic elections. The impact stories in this section demonstrate the diverse ways in which ODIHR supports governments, parliaments, judiciaries and institutions in becoming more democratic, representative and accountable, helping to boost public trust. Collectively, these efforts help strengthen resilience against democratic backsliding and foster more stable and secure societies. Creating strong democratic institutions based on rule of law to increase public trust

1212 Demand for ODIHR’s legal expertise rises, helping strengthen democratic resilience and civic space 1.1 … the intervention of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, reflecting its strong criticism just a few days after the adoption of the law […] today forces the State, the executive and legislative power to come back with serious corrective moves to change important points of the law” Nearchos Kyprianou Politis online news service, 7 October 2025 ODIHR recommendations lead to draft amendments to Cyprus assembly law Following the adoption of the Law on Public Gatherings and Parades to regulate the exercise of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly in Cyprus in July 2025, the Chair of the Parliament’s Human Rights Committee asked ODIHR for an urgent legal opinion to assess the law’s compliance with international human rights standards and OSCE commitments. The Urgent Opinion received widespread public and media attention, triggering parliamentary debate and amendment proposals based on ODIHR’s findings, which have been submitted to the Parliament for discussion and are pending immediate adoption [at the time of publication]. Among the positive changes introduced by the draft amendments are the removal of the ban on face coverings during peaceful assemblies, the elimination of the requirement to designate a specific organizer responsible for the event, and the establishment of more stringent rules governing the dispersal of assemblies [Em dash] now framed as a measure of last resort, all of which reflect the recommendations made by ODIHR. A member of ODIHR’s Legislative Support Unit reviews a piece of legislation following a request from an OSCE participating State. OSCE/Łukasz Lech P ressures on democratic institutions, judicial independence and civic space continue to increase in the OSCE region. Legislation impacting fundamental freedoms and the checks and balances essential to democratic governance is often drafted and adopted at an expedited pace or under emergency measures, leaving little opportunity for thorough, inclusive and participatory consultation or robust parliamentary scrutiny. At the request of national authorities, parliaments, ombudspersons, courts and OSCE field offices, ODIHR reviews draft and existing legislation and provides legal opinions, guidelines and advice. In 2025, ODIHR published 38 legislative reviews, an unprecedented number compared to previous years and over 50 per cent more than in 2024. (See Annexe — Legislative Reviews and Assessments) This continued demand for legislative support underscores the confidence of participating States in ODIHR’s ability to provide timely, impartial and implementable guidance. Timing matters, and where requests were urgent, ODIHR delivered within days, ensuring that rights-based analysis was available to inform public and parliamentary debate when required. Topics included safeguarding judicial independence, strengthening the integrity and accountability of public institutions and revising draft laws that risked unduly restricting freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression. In this way, ODIHR’s assistance also contributed to institutional stability and long-term security grounded in democratic legitimacy.

13 Armenia Freedom of expression Bulgaria Non-discrimination Freedom of association Cyprus Freedom of assembly Estonia Internet voting Georgia Freedom of assembly (2) Kyrgyzstan Election Moldova Electoral corruption Parliamentary reform (4) Parliamentary oversight Lawmaking Judiciary Mongolia Political parties (3) Freedom of the media Montenegro Political parties Election (2) North Macedonia Election Poland Political parties Judicial reform (2) Serbia Election (5) Slovakia Freedom of association Ukraine Judicial integrity (2) Protection of lawyers Counter-terrorism Uzbekistan Protection of online users All Freedom of association 2025 ODIHR Legal Reviews 34 requests for legislative assistance 39 legal reviews published Legislative Assistance provided to 15 OSCE participating States

14 25 years at the forefront of electoral legal assistance: ODIHR’s election legal assistance as a part of its follow-up work, Warsaw, Poland, 7 October 2025 Piotr Dziubak ODIHR marks 25 years of electoral legal assistance 1.2 2025 Election observation and follow-up I n 2025, ODIHR marked an important milestone: twenty-five years of legal assistance to strengthen the integrity and transparency of elections across the OSCE region. During this period, ODIHR’s work has supported numerous reforms, helping ensure that participating States have electoral laws that foster transparency and public confidence in their democratic systems. Since 1999, ODIHR has published some 200 legal opinions on the electoral frameworks of 30 OSCE participating States, ranging from the first assessments in Tajikistan and Belarus in 1999 to ongoing work in Mongolia, Croatia and Ukraine, including 16 opinions published in 2025. These legal reviews and other assistance have played a vital role in identifying areas for reform, guiding legislative amendments and promoting adherence to international standards. The Office has contributed significantly to the development of improved electoral frameworks in many countries, with ODIHR opinions often leading to positive reforms. These include the better composition and functioning of election commissions, ensuring universal suffrage rights, increasing the accuracy of voter registers and strengthening oversight of campaign finance and administrative resources. These opinions, particularly when read together with the recommendations from ODIHR’s election observation reports, have provided clear, actionable pathways to help bring national legislation into alignment with OSCE commitments and international standards. Working with ODIHR has helped our election administration build skills, spot areas for improvement and apply best practices to make our elections stronger and more transparent.” Nikola M ugoša former Chairperson of Montenegro’s Central Election Commission 13 pre-election needs assessment visits 13 election observations in 13 OSCE participating States 1,113 observers deployed from 50 participating States including 539 women 41 election reports 318 recommendations 11 follow-up visits

15 S ocial media has fundamentally reshaped how election campaigns are conducted across the OSCE region. Online platforms enable politi- cal contestants to reach voters directly, mobilize supporters and engage in debate at unprecedented scale and speed. At the same time, they have become a space where disinforma- tion, illicit campaigning practices and foreign interference can flourish, often faster than regulatory and institutional responses. There is a growing awareness among participating States of the risks asso- ciated with the online campaign environment. Elections observed by ODIHR in 2024 and 2025 demon- strated that digital campaigning is no longer a peripheral issue but a core element of electoral integrity, with direct implications for transparency, equal opportunity and voter trust, which underpin the stability and secu- rity of democracies. Building on its mandate and long-standing methodology, ODIHR further strengthened its compre- hensive approach to observing online campaigning and the role of social media in elections. Rather than treating digital campaigning as a standalone phenomenon, ODIHR assesses it through multiple, intercon- nected lenses. These include the legal and regulatory framework governing online campaigning, the broader digi- tal environment and media landscape, campaign finance and data protection rules, cooperation between authori- ties and social media platforms, and the level of digital and media literacy among voters and stakeholders. This multidimensional approach has allowed ODIHR to assess not only how campaigns unfolded online, but also to what extent states were pre- pared to detect, prevent and respond to manipulative practices when they arose. ODIHR observation find- ings highlighted recurring patterns across countries, offering lessons that extended well beyond individual elections. In several elections, ODIHR observed extensive use of social media by all political contestants, often in environ- ments characterized by low levels of digital and media literacy. This created vulnerabilities to disinformation and harmful content, particularly during the final stages of campaigns. Observation missions also documented wide- spread attempts to manipulate online visibility through inauthentic behaviour that included coordinated networks, automated accounts and, increasingly, AI-generated content. Such practices were used both to promote preferred candidates and to discredit opponents. Many political parties, civil society organizations and media represen- tatives lacked the resources and expertise to respond effectively to sustained online attacks. ODIHR noted limited awareness among stakeholders of applicable legal frame- works and of the respective roles of Shutterstock/Accogliente Design Strengthening election observation in the digital age1.3 election authorities, regulators and law enforcement bodies. The decentral- ized and often extraterritorial nature of social media platforms further complicated accountability, leaving uncertainty over which institutions had jurisdiction or enforcement powers. However, ODIHR’s observations also revealed positive practices. Where authorities engaged in early aware- ness-raising on cyber threats and established mechanisms for coor- dination with civil society and other stakeholders, risks were better miti- gated. Conversely, ODIHR noted that delayed publication of risk assess- ments by social media platforms limited their usefulness and reduced opportunities for timely, independent scrutiny. The impact of this work goes far beyond documenting specific challenges. By refining its methodology and consistently integrating online campaigning into election observation, ODIHR has helped participating States better understand the scale and complexity of digital threats to elections. The findings and recommendations generated through this work support better informed policy debates, highlight the need for earlier and clearer institutional responses, and underline the importance of comprehensive digital media literacy programmes. As election campaigns continue to migrate online, ODIHR’s experience demonstrates that credible election observation must evolve accordingly. Strengthening preparedness, transparency and resilience in the digital campaign environment is now an essential part of safeguarding democratic elections across the OSCE region.

16 Advancing judicial independence to strengthen democracy across the OSCE region1.4 J udicial independence, which is the basis of fair trials, respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law, and an anchor of economic stability and predictability, is coming under sustained pressure across the OSCE region. Political interference, weak judicial self- governance, and declining public trust have become common challenges in some established democracies as well as numerous countries undergoing justice reform. Weak judicial independence, fragile institutions and incomplete reforms not only undermine the rule of law, but also pose risks to institutional stability and public trust, with broader implications for democratic resilience and comprehensive security. To address these concerns and support participating States in fulfilling their commitments on the rule of law, ODIHR organized a conference entitled Rule of Law and Independence of Administrative Justice. The two-day event brought together more than 50 judges, civil society representatives, judicial council members, academics, and international experts from Eastern Partnership states,* EU Member States, and other OSCE participating States. High-level panel discussions explored how administrative, civil, and criminal courts are affected by increasing political pressure and weakening institutional safeguards. Judges described the concrete risks they face, from politically motivated disciplinary proceedings to opaque appointment processes. Civil society participants described the increasingly shrinking civic space and how attacks on activists undermine accountability and public oversight. Despite differences between countries, participants recognized that these trends threaten democratic resilience across the region. Participants concluded that judicial independence cannot be protected without meaningful accountability and transparency, that reforms must involve civil society from the outset to maintain public trust and legitimacy, and that international standards can be enforced most effectively when they are translated into practical tools. * The EU’s Eastern Partnership Countries are: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. However, the EU is currently not engaging with representatives of Belarus public bodies and state-owned enterprises.

17 Conference on rule of law and the independence of administrative justice, Warsaw, Poland, 29–30 October 2025 Piotr Dziubak The event helped highlight the specific challenges administrative courts face and the importance of working together to improve the safeguards that protect judicial independence.” Varazdat M ikaelyan Judge of the Administrative Court of the Republic of Armenia The conference further increased cooperation between judges and civil society. As several participants noted, aspiring autocrats often target both groups simultaneously, using state power to silence critics and undermine institutional checks. By building trust between these communities, the conference helped reinforce a shared understanding that judicial independence and civic activism are mutually reinforcing goals. The discussions also resulted in the development of the framework for a new ODIHR tool to strengthen judicial independence in administrative justice. Participants identified safeguards for administrative courts, as well as the need for integrity mechanisms that are trusted by both the judiciary and the public. For many judges, this was a rare opportunity to discuss openly the challenges they face. Civil society organizations emphasized that hearing similar concerns from across the region validated their own work and showed that threats to judicial independence occur in both developed and transitional democracies. Participants also stressed that international organizations like ODIHR play a critical role not only in offering expert advice, but in creating platforms where people from diverse (and even adversarial) backgrounds can collaborate safely and constructively. ODIHR will continue this work as it develops the new tool and supports participating States in strengthening administrative justice systems across this region. The conference was funded by two ODIHR projects: Stronger Democratic Institutions in Eastern Partnership Countries, an ODIHR project supported and funded by the EU and co-financed by France, Italy, Norway, and Switzerland, and Strengthening Inclusive and Accountable Democratic Institutions in the OSCE Region.

18 Supporting trial monitoring to strengthen the rule of law across the OSCE region1.5 T rial monitoring is a valuable tool for strengthening the rule of law and promoting transparency, both key elements of robust democracies. Respect for fair trial rights is enshrined in the commitments made by all OSCE participating States and ODIHR’s mandate. Trial monitoring can be particularly useful for assessing the judicial response to extraordinary events, such as trials of those arrested during mass protests or demonstrations. Publication of the Trial Monitoring Report, Kazakhstan in 2025 marked the completion of a two-and-a-half- year trial monitoring project, and contributes to a better understanding of how these cases were handled by the authorities. At the invitation of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, ODIHR monitored 39 cases related to the so-called January 2022 protests for their fairness and respect for fair trial rights. The cases involved 139 defendants and more than 400 court hearings. The monitoring, conducted in line with ODIHR’s trial monitoring methodology and following well- established principles of impartiality and objectivity, offered an objective assessment of Kazakhstan’s response to the January 2022 protests. This included an analysis of how the cases were processed by the judiciary, with a particular focus on the defendants’ fair trial rights and the rights of victims if violations took place. The recommendations contained in the report aim to support national stakeholders in further strengthening fair trial rights and can also be used by civil society and activists in Kazakhstan when advocating for judicial reforms and respect for fair trial rights. ODIHR also hosted the 2025 annual trial monitoring meeting in Warsaw, which, as each year, offered a platform for practitioners from across the OSCE region involved in trial monitoring to share experiences and perspectives on trial monitoring activities. The meeting also covered other areas of monitoring, such as the work of judicial councils and judicial appointments. Since the publication of Trial Monitoring: A Reference Manual for Practitioners in 2012, a number of OSCE field operations have requested training on trial monitoring Panellists at the ODHR Warsaw Human Dimension Conference side event, ‘Trial monitoring — an effective tool for supporting justice reform and judicial accountability’, Warsaw, Poland, 10 October 2025 Piotr Dziubak Piotr Dziubak

19 The event was exceptionally well designed, and the exchange of experiences was both insightful and very much needed for practitioners working on trial monitoring in challenging environments. I particularly appreciated the constructive atmosphere and the openness of all participants.” Darko A vramovski Executive Director of the All for Fair Trials Coalition Attending the annual trial monitoring meeting was important to us, since we are looking at ways to expand our project to other locations. It has been a valuable experience to be able to engage in discussions and learn from experienced monitors.” Eleni Sirri Legal and Criminalization Coordinator at the Greek NGO, Border Violence Monitoring Network (BVMN). The organization uses trial monitoring as a tool to stop the criminalization of migration. methodology. In 2025, ODIHR supported a two-day advanced training for experienced trial monitors from the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. * The training covered best practices in trial monitoring and updates on specific trial monitoring focus areas for the Mission, including war crimes, domestic violence, corruption and property cases. On the margins of the 2025 Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, an ODIHR side event highlighted how trial monitoring contributes to respect for fair trial rights and accountability. Discussions underscored the vital role of civil society, particularly in documenting and monitoring war crimes cases, and enhanced participants’ understanding of ODIHR’s trial monitoring methodology. Participants of the Annual Trial Monitoring Meeting 2025, Warsaw, Poland, 25–26 November 2025 OSCE/Łukasz Lech * There is no consensus among OSCE participating States on the status of Kosovo and, as such, the Organization does not have a position on this issue. All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text should be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.

20 Supporting Ukraine’s democratic readiness1.6 F uture elections in Ukraine will take place in a highly complex and challenging context in the OSCE region. Years of war have profoundly affected the country’s institutions, infrastructure and society, while, at the same time, reinforcing Ukraine’s commitment to democratic governance and European integration. Preparing for credible, inclusive and secure elections in this environment is not just a technical task, but a central element of sustainable recovery for the future. Over 2025, ODIHR significantly deepened its engagement with Ukrainian counterparts to support this process. This work was grounded in OSCE commitments and ODIHR’s mandate to assist participating States in bringing their electoral legislation and practice into line with international standards, while fully respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and decision- making authority. ODIHR’s approach focused on sustained, structured cooperation. Building on past observation missions and recommendations, the Office worked closely with the Central Election Commission (CEC), legislators, civil society and international partners to facilitate informed dialogue on the conditions necessary for elections. A milestone in this engagement was a conference organized by ODIHR and the Central Election Commission in Kyiv in December, in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems and International IDEA, dedicated to reviewing the implementation of ODIHR electoral recommendations. The event brought together election administrators, parliamentarians, civil society organizations and international experts, creating a rare space for open, technically-grounded discussion at a critical moment of reform planning. The recommendations of ODIHR are an important reference point for us as we prepare for Ukraine’s future elections. This cooperation allows us to look honestly at existing challenges, learn from international experience and ensure that our preparations are aligned with democratic standards, even under extremely difficult circumstances.” Oleh D idenko Chair of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine Panel discussion at the expert dialogue ‘On the Path to the EU: Overview of OSCE/ODIHR Recommendations on Elections in Ukraine’, Kyiv, Ukraine, 15 December 2025 International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)

21 ODIHR complemented this dialogue with legal analysis and advisory support, helping Ukrainian stakeholders assess which elements of the electoral framework may require adjustment, including displacement, accessibility, security constraints and the use of technology. Importantly, this work acknowledged that not all challenges can be addressed through legislation alone, highlighting the need for institutional capacity building and realistic implementation timelines. Lessons from this work underscore the importance of early engagement, transparency and inclusive dialogue in post-conflict settings. Elections held under extraordinary conditions require not lower standards, but greater clarity about what is feasible, how to manage risk and how to maintain public trust. ODIHR plans to expand its technical cooperation with Ukraine in 2026, through legislative reviews, expert consultations and continued support to the CEC and other stakeholders. By investing in preparedness now, ODIHR and its Ukrainian partners are laying the groundwork for elections that can be a credible milestone in Ukraine’s democratic recovery, security and European future. Panel discussion at the expert dialogue ‘On the Path to the EU: Overview of OSCE/ODIHR Recommendations on Elections in Ukraine’, Kyiv, Ukraine, 15 December 2025 International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)

22 Supporting NHRIs to adapt and respond effectively to challenges1.7 N ational Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) work to promote and protect the human rights of everyone in their countries and play a vital role in ensuring security and building trust in our democratic societies. However, growing numbers of NHRIs across the OSCE region are facing challenges and threats from the ever- shrinking civic space and pressures on human rights, hindering their ability to perform effectively. NHRIs therefore need to adapt rapidly, maintain service delivery under pressure and recover their operational capacity while safeguarding staff well-being and institutional integrity. ODIHR’s Strengthening the Resilience of NHRIs and responding to Threats – Guidance Tool guides NHRIs on how to build and maintain long-term resilience and prepare themselves to respond to threats. It identifies NHRIs strengths and provides actionable recommendations for both NHRI leaders and staff to build and maintain long-term resilience. It includes guidance on crisis and risk management, as well as checklists for developing resilience strategies and action plans. Using this publication as a basis, ODIHR has developed dedicated workshops on resilience building and risk management, and a training course on crisis management for NHRIs.Strengthening the Resilience of NHRIs and Responding to Threats Guidance Tool ODIHR Training on Crisis Management for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), Warsaw, Poland, 14–15 October 2025 OSCE/ODIHR

23 Although we cannot predict crises, with successful management we can reduce the negative impact on human rights. The training was highly informative and interesting, and provided theoretical and practical insights, strategic understanding and engagement with a lot of colleagues from different backgrounds.” Representative of the NHRI of Montenegro This was high-quality training with modern training methods that helped my understanding and ability to digest the knowledge shared, and it was very insightful for delivering our NHRI’s mandate.” Representative of the Greek NHRI Effective crisis management reduces the harm caused by disruptive events, safeguards beneficiaries and stakeholders, enables faster recovery and helps to preserve institutional reputation, public trust and operational continuity. It is essential for NHRIs to anticipate potential threats, build up institutional resilience and be better prepared to handle any crisis while continuing their work. In this context, in October, ODIHR organized a training course for NHRIs on crisis management, to equip them with the knowledge, tools and strategies to learn from past experiences and better respond to future crises. A new initiative for ODIHR, this course was targeted at senior- and management-level NHRI staff. Twenty-two representatives of 17 different NHRIs from across the OSCE region and a representative of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) took part. The training was designed to help participants understand how to navigate crises while continuing to fulfil their human rights mandate. Through group exercises, interactive discussions and exploration of real scenarios, participants learnt about identifying their vulnerabilities and the crises that could arise, how to distinguish between types of crises and the core elements of a crisis and its phases. The course demonstrated gaps in NHRI crisis management planning and the need for more training and support for NHRIs from ODIHR in this area. Participants noted both the absence of crisis management plans in their institution and their ad hoc, reactive responses when a crisis occurs. This event built on the ODIHR’s previous work to improve the institutional resilience of NHRIs, which has become increasingly important in recent years. Participants reported that the course greatly improved their understanding of crisis management and committed to implement what they had learned within their NHRIs. ODIHR Training on Crisis Management for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), Warsaw, Poland, 14–15 October 2025 OSCE/ODIHR OSCE/ODIHR OSCE/ODIHR

24 Strengthening electoral processes through targeted follow-up to advance inclusion and gender equality1.8 I n 2025, ODIHR’s election follow-up activities continued to bridge the gap between recommendations and reform, assisting participating States in translating commitments into measurable improvements in their electoral processes. Building on decades of observation experience, ODIHR continues to refine its approach to post-election engagement, ensuring that follow-up is not just a procedural step but becomes a catalyst for sustainable institutional change. At the heart of ODIHR’s follow-up work are consultations with national authorities, election administrators, parliaments, civil society organizations and oversight institutions. These dialogues provide a platform to jointly assess progress on recommendations and identify practical entry points for reform. In 2025, ODIHR conducted 11 follow-up visits to assist countries in implementing ODIHR recommendations and provided 12 legal reviews in 7 countries on different aspects of election-related legislation. Throughout the year, particular focus was placed on enhancing women’s political participation and integrating a stronger gender perspective into all aspects of electoral reform. ODIHR’s election final reports include gender- related recommendations, which address the persistent barriers faced by women voters and candidates, including unequal financing, online harassment and under-representation in decision-making bodies. Having a dedicated follow-up meeting on gender, alongside the traditional civil society roundtable, was an important opportunity to discuss a topic that is often overlooked among all the issues plaguing electoral integrity in Poland. The variety of stakeholders present allowed for frank conversation, which resulted in practical solutions on how to increase the participation of women in the election administration, as well as in public life in general.” Zofia Lutkiewicz President, Political Accountability Foundation Consultation meeting on gender-related ODIHR electoral recommendations, Warsaw, Poland, 27 November 2025 Piotr Dziubak Piotr Dziubak

25 Organizations advocating for greater women’s participation use ODIHR recommendations as advocacy tools, strengthening their ability to monitor reforms and contribute to public debate. ODIHR also organizes multi- stakeholder roundtables dedicated to promoting gender-responsive electoral frameworks. They bring together civil society organizations, election management bodies, academics and parliamentary partners. The discussions often lead to meaningful commitments, such as improved collection of gender-disaggregated data, gender audits of election management bodies or political parties, or the inclusion of provisions that ensure equitable access to the campaign for women candidates. Several lessons emerge from this work. First, achieving meaningful reform requires sustained engagement throughout the entire electoral cycle; short-term actions are most effective when anchored in long-term institutional partnerships. Second, integrating a gender angle cannot be treated as a parallel track; mainstreaming gender across all follow-up discussions and technical advice increases both the quality and inclusivity of outcomes. Finally, the reforms are most successful where authorities embrace an inclusive approach, recognizing the value of ODIHR’s impartial expertise and the essential contributions of civil society. Consultation meeting on gender-related ODIHR electoral recommendations, Warsaw, Poland, 27 November 2025 Piotr Dziubak Piotr Dziubak Piotr Dziubak

26 Mobilizing male politicians to empower women in politics1.9 A cross the OSCE region, men remain significantly over-represented in parliaments, governments and party leaderships. At the same time, gender equality in politics is still too often seen as a ‘women’s issue’. At a time of stagnation and organized backlash against gender equality, achieving gender-responsive, inclusive institutions depends in large measure on whether male politicians use their power and privilege to drive change rather than preserve the status quo. Recognizing these challenges, in 2025 ODIHR published the Sarajevo Tool for Engaging Male Politicians in Achieving Gender Equality in Politics. Building on an expert meeting held the previous year in Sarajevo, this tool explains the fundamental importance of men’s engagement and offers practical recommendations for male politicians as individual leaders, party actors, parliamentary leaders and members of government. It is designed as a hands-on resource that can be used in national strategies, party reforms, parliamentary initiatives and leadership training. The tool has been translated into Bosnian and promoted by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina to support its use across South-Eastern Europe. ODIHR then used the global platform of the 69th Commission on the Status of Women to promote the use of this new tool. A side event, jointly organized by ODIHR, the European Union, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Finland and Germany, brought together politicians, gender equality institutions and civil society to present the Sarajevo Tool and exchange good practices. ODIHR also contributed to the OSCE Chairpersonship Conference on Gender Equality in May, including a dedicated session on engaging men and boys for gender equality. Sarajevo Tool for Engaging Male Politicians in Achieving Gender Equality in Politics — at a glance Why? To inspire male politicians from being passive supporters to accountable, transformative leaders for gender equality in politics. Who? This tool is for both male and female politicians, party strategists, parliamentary leaders and gender equality institutions. How? Concise explanations, questions for reflection, checklists and action-oriented recommendations tailored to different political roles.3 Sarajevo Tool for Engaging Male Politicians in Achieving Gender Equality in Politics When men take on care work, foster healthy relationships and commit themselves to non-violence, they help build communities where everyone can thrive, with dignity, balance and genuine opportunity.” Dr. Dag Schölper Executive Director, Bundesforum Männer/Federal Forum Men, Berlin, Germany

27 At the same time, ODIHR worked to turn these ideas into concrete commitments. In November 2025, together with the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Parliament of Montenegro, ODIHR organized a two- day workshop for parliamentarians, party representatives and municipal councillors. Structured around the Sarajevo Tool, the workshop supported participants in analysing barriers to women’s political participation, reflecting on male power and privilege in politics and formulating personal and institutional commitments to advance gender equality in politics. Male political leaders committed to conducting gender audits of political parties, developing party policies on gender equality, advancing party self- regulation such as gender-sensitive Codes of Conduct and supporting party quotas and representation targets within party bodies. Getting men into the arena of the struggle for gender equality is absolutely crucial, and this workshop showed how to do it. I’m leaving with concrete tools to challenge stereotypes, and I’m genuinely grateful for that.” Jovana D ragović President of the Women’s Association of the Europe Now Movement in Montenegro Workshop for parliamentarians, party representatives and municipal councillors, Budva, Montenegro, 18–19 November 2025 Workshop for parliamentarians, party representatives and municipal councillors, Budva, Montenegro, 18–19 November 2025 OSCE/Saša Gavrić OSCE/Saša Gavrić

28 Improving parliamentary oversight to strengthen democracy in the OSCE region1.10 P arliamentary oversight is a cornerstone of democratic governance and a long-standing commitment of OSCE participating States. Oversight stands alongside representation and lawmaking as one of the three core functions of parliament, essential for ensuring that the executive remains accountable, transparent and responsive. ODIHR supports participating States in strengthening the institutional conditions that enable effective oversight, including through comparative analysis, guidance and peer exchange. In 2025, ODIHR released Parliamentary Oversight of the Executive in the OSCE Region, an extensive mapping of oversight mechanisms. Drawing on input from parliaments across the OSCE region, the publication provides a clear, accessible overview of existing rules, practices and institutional challenges, serving as a practical resource for legislators and parliamentary staff seeking to improve oversight procedures. To accompany the launch, ODIHR and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly hosted a webinar entitled Checks and Balances in Action: Strengthening Accountability through Parliamentary Oversight in the OSCE Region. Members of parliament Ulrik Nilsson and Marina Pendeš as well as Jorum Duri from Transparency International shared their experiences and challenges, while ODIHR presented the publication’s key findings. The webinar underlined ODIHR’s role as a knowledge hub, and set the stage for deeper regional cooperation on the topic and follow-up with parliaments across the OSCE region. Democracy needs good losers and decent winners; parties that respect each other. The fundamental thing is that, next time, the situation may be reversed. Then you will be treated in the same way you treated your opponents. To learn from this, it is vital to research the core of a situation and not dwell too much on the political conclusions. Only by finding the root cause [of an ethical/ oversight situation] will it be possible to learn from what’s happened and to avoid it in the future.” Ulrik N ilsson Member of the Swedish ParliamentParliamentary Oversight of the Executive in the OSCE Region Shutterstock/7th Son Studio

29 Building on this, in November, ODIHR and OSCE Field Operations jointly organized a conference that brought together members of parliament, senior parliamentary staff and representatives of OSCE Field Operations to strengthen regional cooperation on effective and inclusive parliamentary oversight. The event aimed to reaffirm oversight as a core parliamentary function, facilitate peer exchange on practical tools and innovations, and promote gender-sensitive and integrity- based approaches to accountability. The conference culminated in a visit to the Polish parliament, providing a hands-on perspective on committee-based accountability. Tangible outcomes included the identification of practical challenges by participants and development of concrete proposals for enhancing the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight in their countries. ODIHR now intends to develop a dedicated line of support to strengthen parliamentary oversight systems across the OSCE region. These activities demonstrate the readiness of participating States to engage in constructive peer learning and demonstrated ODIHR’s valued role in supporting accountable, transparent and inclusive legislatures. Improving Moldova’s parliamentary oversight framework In 2025, ODIHR reviewed the Moldovan parliament’s Draft Code on the Organization and Functioning of Parliament, focusing on strengthening parliamentary oversight. The Opinion offers concrete and practical recommendations to reinforce oversight tools, ensure timely executive cooperation and enhance the role of the opposition. It also encourages stronger engagement with independent oversight bodies and civil society, along with more robust oversight over budgets, human rights, the security sector and emergency powers. This assistance aims to help Moldova strengthen democratic accountability by establishing a more effective, transparent, gender-sensitive, inclusive and participatory oversight framework in line with international good practice. Parliamentary Oversight conference, Warsaw, Poland, 3–4 November 2025 OSCE/ODIHR OSCE/ODIHR Shutterstock/MMCXIII

30 Boosting parliamentary integrity in practice ODIHR helps national parliaments across the OSCE region to strengthen their integrity systems and foster public trust in democratic institutions. The Office has been providing tailored assistance to the National Assembly of Armenia, the Assembly of North Macedonia, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the State Great Khural of Mongolia, to support the development of parliamentary Codes of Ethics and reform existing integrity frameworks, ensuring the changes consider the different experiences of women and men. ODIHR’s comprehensive, practical support to parliamentary committees includes legal opinions, facilitating cross-party dialogue within parliaments and presenting comparative analysis and good practices from across the OSCE region. ODIHR has also developed innovative tools to assist parliaments, and in 2025 organized a study visit for parliamentary working groups from Armenia, North Macedonia, and Ukraine to the parliament of the United Kingdom to discuss international good practice in strengthening the integrity of parliamentary work. Subsequently, in 2025 the National Assembly of Armenia drafted a Code of Ethics, the Assembly of North Macedonia is amending its existing Code and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is introducing legislative changes while developing detailed guidelines to support the implementation of its Code. ODIHR will continue its cooperation with the State Great Hural of Mongolia to further improve the parliamentary integrity system. The Assembly of North Macedonia is strengthening its integrity framework and has established a cross-party working group, recognizing that the Code of Ethics applies to all MPs and that broad ownership is essential to increasing citizens’ trust in public institutions. The working group is currently amending the Code of Ethics and its accompanying guidelines. The study visit to the UK parliament was extremely valuable, as it allowed us to engage with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and discuss well-established practices that can be meaningfully adapted to our national context.” Mile L efkov Chairperson of the Committee on Rules of Procedure and Mandatory-Immunity Issues of the Assembly of North Macedonia Study visit of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the National Assembly of North Macedonia to Westminster, United Kingdom, 9 September 2025 Mark Yarovyi

31 Juljana Bilbilaj, Project Coordinator, Institute for Political Studies, Albania, speaker at the regional conference Safeguarding Electoral Integrity in the Western Balkans: Strengthening Oversight and Trust in Warsaw, 16–17 September 2025 Maida Bahto-Kastendzic, Project Coordinator, Press and Online Media Council, Bosnia and Herzegovina, participant in the regional conference Experience of the 2024 Romanian Elections: Strengthening Electoral Integrity in the Western Balkans in Bucharest, 11–12 March 2025 Strengthening electoral reforms in the Western Balkans1.11 I n 2025, ODIHR continued to assist institutions and civil society in the Western Balkans in implementing election recommendations through its Support to Electoral Reforms in the Western Balkans project. The 2021- 2025 cycle of the project, initially funded by the EU and the Austrian Development Agency, was extended with support from Germany, Norway and France. The project addressed key areas of the electoral process, including election administration, voter registration, the role and work of the media during election campaigns, the ability of parties and candidates to freely campaign, and the capacity and independence of electoral dispute- resolution bodies. Assistance was delivered through targeted legal and technical support, topical regional workshops and structured exchanges of good practice and comparative experience at both the regional and sub-regional level. Activities were designed to reinforce existing reform mechanisms and strengthen cooperation among institutions, civil society and other stakeholders, with a particular focus on the participation of women, national minorities and people with disabilities. In January 2026, ODIHR will launch the third phase of the project, which will run until the end of 2028 and is currently funded by the EU and Norway. From 2021 to date: Over 90 expert papers 14 national workshops 10 regional conferences 571 participants 45% women 834 expert working days supporting project beneficiaries 65% women 164 institutions and civil society organizations collaborating with the project 3 ODIHR election handbooks translated into 6 languages Publication of Election Administration Gender Audits — a toolkit Mihai Colfescu Magdalena Starowieyska Magdalena Starowieyska

32 Promoting gender parity as a democratic standard1.12 W omen’s representation in national parliaments across the OSCE region has nearly tripled since 1995. Yet, in 2025, only one participating State — Andorra — had reached gender parity. On average, women’s representation in the OSCE region is stagnating at 36.9% according to data from November 2025 from IPU Parline. Not only is progress towards parity slowing, but in some participating States, hard-won gains are being rolled back. In line with CEDAW General Recommendation No. 40, which defines the equal representation of women and men as a human rights obligation rather than a long-term aspiration, ODIHR worked in 2025 to support parliaments, governments and political parties in translating parity commitments into concrete institutional reforms. At the centre of this effort was ODIHR’s new Gender Parity Roadmap , launched at the 2025 Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. The roadmap sets out the seven practical steps that states can take to advance parity in political representation. Gender Parity Roadmap 1. Conduct national assessments and adopt action plans. 2. Anchor gender equality in politics in constitutional and legal frameworks. 3. Introduce or strengthen gender-targeted measures such as quotas and parity laws. 4. Hold political parties accountable for candidate selection and internal culture. 5. Transform parliaments into gender-sensitive institutions. 6. Frame gender equality in politics as the shared responsibility of women and men. 7. Monitor, review, revise and innovate to sustain progress over time.Gender Parity Roadmap Seven steps towards the equal and meaningful representation of women and men in politics Advanced course on gender equality in politics for staff of institutional mechanisms for gender equality from across Europe and Central Asia, Stockholm, Sweden, September–November 2025 Government Offices of Sweden Government Offices of Sweden

33 To support parliaments in applying the roadmap, ODIHR and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly organized a webinar for members of parliament, parliamentary staff and civil society from across the OSCE region. The webinar presented the seven-step approach, highlighted the link to CEDAW General Recommendation 40 and showcased concrete reforms already under way in several OSCE countries, including parity laws and party funding incentives to parliamentary gender action plans and data-driven monitoring. To strengthen the institutions that drive national policy towards gender parity, ODIHR, UN Women and the Government Offices of Sweden delivered a dedicated course for staff of institutional mechanisms for gender equality from across Europe and Central Asia. Three months of online learning culminated in a four-day intensive workshop in Stockholm and covered international standards, barriers to women’s political participation, policy tools and strategies for making gender equality in politics a national policy priority. A visit to the Swedish Parliament highlighted how long-term reforms and political have made the Riksdag a global benchmark for gender- balanced representation. Participants were therefore able to develop concrete ideas on how to integrate gender parity into their national strategies. Recognizing the role of political parties as gatekeepers to elected office, ODIHR also engaged with party leaderships in Luxembourg, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Tajikistan. All these activities demonstrated that sustainable change depends on the alignment of political commitment, technical guidance and institutional capacity. In this context, ODIHR’s Gender Parity Roadmap provides both a framework for action and practical steps to reach the goal of gender parity. Gender audits go beyond the question of gender parity within political bodies. They also look at how parties approach gender equality as a fundamental principle of governance and policymaking. Political parties are vital for a functioning democracy, and gender equality is vital to democracy itself.” Yuriko B ackes Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Luxembourg Conference on gender audits for political parties, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 15 December 2025 UN Women Bosnia and Herzegovina UN Women Bosnia and Herzegovina UN Women Bosnia and Herzegovina UN Women Bosnia and Herzegovina

34 Advancing democratic lawmaking in the OSCE region to strengthen democracy and the rule of law1.13 A cross the OSCE region, there is mounting pressure to legislate effectively, inclusively and transparently in response to complex, new policy challenges. ODIHR supports OSCE participating States in strengthening the quality of their lawmaking processes by promoting greater openness, transparency and inclusivity at every stage. In 2025, ODIHR helped lawmakers translate democratic lawmaking principles into practice, drawing on the 2024 Guidelines on Democratic Lawmaking for Better Laws, which distil ODIHR’s extensive experience into actionable recommendations. Their rapid uptake in the OSCE region and beyond demonstrates not only the global relevance of the standards they set but also their high quality. In the OSCE region, ODIHR has used the Guidelines to promote change in how legislators initiate, develop, consult, draft, adopt, scrutinize and evaluate laws. Three countries with which ODIHR worked closely in 2025 — North Macedonia, Montenegro and Turkmenistan — illustrate the growing impact of ODIHR’s activities in this field. In North Macedonia, in collaboration with ODIHR’s CHANGE project and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, members of parliament (MPs) and parliamentary staff learned how to embed gender considerations at every stage of the legislative cycle. In a shift from awareness to application, lawmakers practised incorporating gender analysis into draft laws and evaluating the real- life impact of legislation on women and men. The training was closely linked to the parliament’s Action Plan on Advancing the Equality of Women and Men (2025–2027), enabling participants to assess progress so far, identify implementation challenges and define immediate priorities. This hands-on training with the Guidelines led to deeper commitment among MPs to implement gender-responsive scrutiny. In Montenegro, ODIHR supported implementation of the recommendations from their 2024 Comprehensive Assessment of the Lawmaking Process in Montenegro. This focused on incorporating post-legislative scrutiny (PLS) into democratic oversight as an important means of assessing whether laws work as intended. ODIHR trained parliamentary staff on integrating PLS into their oversight work, helping them to hone their skills in identifying which laws require review and in evidence gathering and analysis, running consultations with affected communities and translating findings into meaningful recommendations. This is one of the best training courses of the many (…) I have attended.” MP Jovana Trencevska North Macedonia workshop participantGuidelines on Democratic Lawmaking for Better Laws

35 This practical support reflects ODIHR’s approach of combining legal analysis with hands-on capacity building. This assistance is already influencing ongoing institutional reform, with the Montenegrin Parliament now actively considering how to embed PLS mechanisms into legislation. By promoting the more systematic integration of gender equality and inclusiveness into the legislative process as standard considerations, ODIHR helped governments and parliaments to develop practical skills to conduct evidence-based decision- making, strengthening respect for democratic principles across the region. ODIHR will continue to use the Guidelines as a benchmark for assessments, a foundation for training and a practical tool that participating States can use to build legislative systems that deliver better laws and better outcomes for their citizens. Participants in the training course ‘From Lawmaking to Action: Advancing gender sensitivity in the Parliament of North Macedonia’, Skopje, North Macedonia, 12–13 November 2025 Eva Jovanova Eva Jovanova

The engagement of citizens in public life is vital for any pluralistic democracy to function and to provide long-term social cohesion and security. A vibrant civil society is therefore essential to ensure that democratic principles as well as human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected across the OSCE region. ODIHR builds bridges between national authorities and civil society organizations, fostering constructive dialogue and meaningful engagement to make sure that policymaking is inclusive and that every voice is heard. The impact stories in this section highlight ODIHR’s activities to support a wide range of civil society and security sector actors, from human rights defenders and survivors of human trafficking to law enforcement and prison staff, helping to prevent and address human rights violations, reinforce democratic resilience, and build safe and inclusive societies. Supporting civil society to strengthen democracy and guarantee human rights and security PART II

38 Diaspora organizations at the heart of Ukraine’s post-war recovery2.1 U krainian civil society organizations — particularly those led by women — have demonstrated remarkable resilience, flexibility and grassroots leadership ever since the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Across Europe, women-led diaspora organizations have become vital to the humanitarian response as well as to shaping Ukraine’s inclusive and democratic recovery. They support displaced communities, maintain close links with civil society efforts in Ukraine and promote human rights and inclusion by involving refugees, including ethnic minorities, LGBTI communities and people with disabilities. Despite their contributions, many of these organizations face mounting challenges, including declining funding, institutional barriers, and limited access to decision-making spaces. In response, ODIHR supported women-led diaspora organizations through a workshop held in partnership with the Ukrainian House in Warsaw. The workshop brought together Ukrainian women leaders from civil society working in Czechia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine, and focused on strengthening their skills in advocacy and inclusive policymaking. Participants addressed structural and psychological challenges, and shared strategies for navigating institutional systems and building stronger support networks to reinforce long-term cooperation and resilience. Feedback showed a positive impact, with 70 per cent of participants planning to adjust their work to use their new knowledge. The workshop helped to strengthen the role and visibility of women-led diaspora organizations as key actors in Ukraine’s recovery. It also encouraged new collaboration between established diaspora organizations, refugee-led groups and host-country civil society. In addition, discussions highlighted the need for more flexible, long-term funding, greater recognition of diaspora organizations as partners in decision- making, and concrete responses to the structural and psychological pressures faced by frontline leaders. The cross- border, multi-stakeholder network created during the workshop has already led to follow-up activities and ongoing engagement with diaspora communities. Recognizing the wider regional security implications, this initiative reflects ODIHR’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine. It forms part of ODIHR’s programme Supporting the Human Dimension of Security in Ukraine in Times of Crisis (2023-2027), and builds on earlier work, including the 2023 expert report on diaspora engagement and the 2024 joint training course for the Ukrainian diaspora delivered with Warwick University. Workshop on strengthening the role of women-led diaspora organizations in advancing inclusive reconstruction in Ukraine, Warsaw, Poland, 29–30 May 2025 OSCE/Ignacio Garcia Martinez, Lola Girard OSCE/Ignacio Garcia Martinez, Lola Girard

39 My organization is constantly looking for different ways to protect and promote women’s rights, and, at the moment, we are trying to motivate more women to get involved in politics. That would be better not only for them, but for the whole society. The event at ODIHR showed me how much I still have to learn. I won’t keep that new knowledge to myself though; I will pass it on to ensure it can help as many people as possible.” The organization I work for is small, but we are working hard to raise awareness about the issue of imprisoned Ukrainian civilians. People just don’t know this problem exists. We invite people, members of the public, to write letters and postcards to the prisoners, so they know they haven’t been forgotten. ODIHR’s workshop was very important to me. It has brought me new contacts, but, above all, it has given me hope, strength and inspiration to continue my work.” For Ukraine to keep protecting democracy it is absolutely crucial to support its activists with networking and training. Thank you, ODIHR, for seeing and responding to this need!” Oksana D avydenko Head, Skrynia Korysnych Sprav NGO, Ukraine Lusiena Z inovkina International Affairs Officer, Civilians in Captivity, Germany Kateryna P avlova ODIHR trainer and Chief Operating Officer at Crisis Simulation for Peace (CRISP), Germany Workshop on strengthening the role of women-led diaspora organizations in advancing inclusive reconstruction in Ukraine, Warsaw, Poland, 29–30 May 2025 OSCE/Ignacio Garcia Martinez, Lola Girard

40 Increasing trust in our democracies by strengthening the right to freedom of peaceful assembly2.2 O ver the last 15 years, ODIHR has monitored close to 150 peaceful assemblies in 36 OSCE participating States, helping them meet their human dimension commitments and ensure greater respect for the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, a core right that underpins all democratic societies. The effective facilitation of peaceful assemblies plays an important role in maintaining public order, reducing the risk of escalation and ensuring the safety and security of all involved. The findings from these visits, which include challenges, examples of positive practice and recommendations, have been published in six reports . Recognizing the need for continuous dialogue at the national level between all stakeholders, in 2025 ODIHR trained staff from the ombuds offices of Slovakia and Georgia on the use of ODIHR’s longstanding assembly monitoring methodology. The training was designed to build the skills of national monitors (from civil society and/or national human rights institutions) to observe peaceful assemblies independently, use the collected data for advocacy purposes and ensure stronger accountability of law enforcement. Accountability, openness and dialogue between state authorities and civil society organizations are key to ensuring that all people can freely exercise the right to peaceful assembly, and ODIHR’s work in the area of assembly monitoring and capacity building responds to the growing understanding of It was a real pleasure to take part in the training, which we found not only inspiring but also very useful for our future work. We truly appreciated the opportunity to join and to learn from your extensive expertise. The interactive and hands-on approach allowed us to try things out in a way that made the experience even more meaningful. Even today, we heard only positive feedback in the corridors. Your visit clearly left a strong and motivating impression on us all.” a participant in the training course in Slovakia Training on independent monitoring of freedom of peaceful assembly for staff of the Public Defender of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia, 22–23 July 2025 Office of the Public Defender of Georgia their important role in ensuring respect for this fundamental right. ODIHR’s workshops on assembly monitoring improve knowledge of how assemblies should be facilitated by state authorities and how their observation can help law enforcement, municipal authorities and other relevant stakeholders to meet their obligations and increase the safety of individuals and the security of us all.

41 In 2025, ODIHR conducted assembly monitoring visits to Kyrgyzstan and Slovakia. In Kyrgyzstan, ODIHR observed a protest against violence against women, held on the occasion of International Women’s Day in Bishkek. In Bratislava, the team monitored an assembly held in support of democracy in Slovakia. During these visits, ODIHR met local authorities, including law enforcement officials and municipalities, to discuss how peaceful assemblies are facilitated. ODIHR also engaged with local civil society organizations, assembly organizers and NHRIs to hear their views on cooperation with the local authorities and overall respect for freedom of peaceful assembly in the country. The findings will be included in the forthcoming 7th peaceful assembly monitoring cycle report, which will include recommendations to state authorities on identified shortcomings. This work supports participating States in balancing public order considerations with fundamental freedoms in a way that strengthens democratic security. A protest against violence against women, held on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 8 March 2025 OSCE/Tomasz Filipiak OSCE/Tomasz Filipiak OSCE/Anete Erdmane

42ODIHo IHigxmzi erh Lyqer VmklxwGsqtpmerx Gsyrxiv;ivvsvmwq Tspmgmrk SWGISHMLV ;vemrmrk Gsyvwiw jsv Pe^ Irjsvgiqirx Advancing human rights in counter-terrorism investigations to increase security for all2.3 R espect for human rights is integral to all police operations and is critical to successful counter-terrorism investigations. In response to evolving terrorist threats and broader security risks, effective counter-terrorism action requires approaches that are both operationally sound and fully compliant with human rights. To ensure policing is effective both in the short and long term, it is vital to pay consistent attention to the rights and security needs of everyone in the society a police officer serves. For all those working on counter- terrorism, the failure to protect human rights can itself become grounds for further terrorism. Such failures not only harm individuals, but also undermine trust in institutions and can exacerbate security risks. Respecting the human rights of everyone involved — victims, witnesses, terrorism suspects and police officers — is crucial to ensuring that innocent people are not wrongly suspected and harmed, and that perpetrators are treated fairly, and prosecuted and convicted appropriately. To successfully address the security threats caused by terrorism, compliance with human rights principles is therefore imperative.. ODIHR is mandated to provide technical assistance and advice on ensuring counter-terrorism measures are implemented in line with international human rights obligations. At the request of participating States, ODIHR also conducts training in this area for law enforcement officials. Over the course of two decades, ODIHR has delivered over 60 training courses for security sector actors in the OSCE region, training some 1200 officials across Western and South- Eastern Europe and Central Asia to make their work more effective and our societies safer. In the face of terrorism, institutions have the undeniable responsibility to ensure the safety and security of their people. This task requires decisive, timely and effective measures, and such measures must remain firmly rooted in the rule of law, uphold accountability and respect the inherent dignity of every individual.” Ambassador G erard M cGurk Head of OMiK Human Rights in Counter-Terrorism Investigations: Advanced training for law enforcement, Pristina, Kosovo, 3 June 2025 OSCE/OMiK

43 ODIHR training curricula are based on two ODIHR publications: Countering Terrorism, Protecting Human Rights: A Manual helps familiarize senior policymaker and security sector actors with the human rights standards anchored in international law that are relevant to combating terrorism and violent extremism. It forms the basis for ODIHR’s foundational training on The Protection of Human Rights while Countering Terrorism Effectively. Human Rights in Counter- Terrorism Investigations, A Practical Manual for Law Enforcement Officers, a joint publication by ODIHR and the OSCE Transnational Threats Department/Strategic Police Matters Unit (TNTD/SPMU), examines the human rights issues that may arise at different stages of a counter-terrorism investigation as well as the ways in which protection of human rights can increase its effectiveness. It forms the basis for ODIHR’s advanced training on Human Rights in Counter- terrorism Investigations.Countering Terrorism, Protecting Human Rights A Manual Countering Terrorism, Protecting Human Rights ODI H R A Manual In 2025, ODIHR was requested to run its advanced course on human rights in counter-terrorism investigations for 15 security sector representatives in Belgium and, jointly with the OSCE Mission in Kosovo (OMiK), for 14 security sector representatives in Kosovo.* Participants included middle- and senior-level law enforcement officials working on counterterrorism, specialised prosecutors, national crisis management agencies and military intelligence services. Both courses were requested as follow-ups to ODIHR’s standard training on protecting human rights while countering terrorism effectively, that were delivered in 2024. The highly interactive courses were led by a team of human rights and counter- terrorism policing experts. Participants learned about the human rights risks surrounding intelligence and information gathering and analysis, special investigation techniques, arrest and detention, searches, and interviewing techniques. Bringing together authorities from different backgrounds, who often have limited opportunities for direct exchanges, also facilitated sharing of experiences and good practices for tackling the human rights challenges that arise in their work. Participants praised the training for providing practical guidance on how to incorporate human rights considerations systematically into decision-making processes. They also highlighted their improved knowledge and skills, as well their own, greater commitment to protect human rights standards in their counter-terrorism investigations. Through this work, ODIHR supports participating States in addressing security threats in a manner that strengthens institutional legitimacy and public confidence. Human Rights in Counter-Terrorism Investigations: Advanced training for law enforcement, Brussels, Belgium, 19 November 2025 Strengthening human rights compliance of counter-terrorism measures, Warsaw, Poland, 9 October 2025 OSCE/Maximilian Scheid Piotr Dziubak * There is no consensus among OSCE participating States on the status of Kosovo and, as such, the Organization does not have a position on this issue. All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text should be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.

44 Addressing the security needs of Roma communities2.4 V iolence and threats against Roma and Sinti continue to pose serious risks to the safety and security of these communities, creating a sense of fear and social exclusion. Hate crimes, often following recognizable patterns, not only isolate and alienate Roma and Sinti communities and hinder their economic, social and political progress, but undermine social cohesion and increase the risk of wider societal tensions and violence. In response to a request from the Spanish authorities, ODIHR translated its guide Understanding Anti- Roma Hate Crimes and Addressing the Security Needs of Roma and Sinti Communities into Spanish. The publication was launched in Madrid together with the Spanish Ministry of Interior’s National Office for Combating Hate Crimes and took place during the Spanish Government’s 2025 Year of the Roma People that marked the 600th anniversary of the Roma community’s arrival on the Iberian Peninsula. This support contributes to community- focused security approaches that build trust and help prevent escalation. The launch event brought together representatives of national security sector institutions and civil society to discuss challenges and best practices in identifying, investigating and responding to anti-Roma hate crimes in Spain. Discussions addressed the barriers to reporting hate-motivated incidents and explored strategies for recognizing, recording and prosecuting incidents with a bias motivation. ODIHR presented the guide’s nine practical steps for authorities to better address anti-Roma bias and meet the security needs of Roma and Sinti communities. The guide gives practical guidance for police, prosecutors and other authorities on building trust with Roma and Sinti communities, improving communication, ensuring respectful and bias-free interactions, and engaging with community representatives and support services for conflict prevention. It aims to strengthen the capacity of criminal justice institutions to deliver more effective hate-crime responses, victim-centred protection and community-focused security measures. Participants highlighted the relevance of the publication for shaping future policies to combat intolerance, discrimination and hate crimes against Roma and Sinti. Partner institutions reaffirmed their commitment to distribute the guide to all regional prosecutors, integrate its content into law enforcement training and make the publication available through institutional websites. Working with ODIHR on this initiative showed the value of shared expertise. This event also underlined Spain’s commitment to combating hate crimes and anti-Roma racism, thus strengthening democratic resilience. By making the Roma Security Guide accessible in Spanish, we have equipped our institutions and security forces with the tools to respond effectively and sensitively to the needs of Roma communities.” Pilar M uniesa Tomás responsible for the Statistical and Victim Attention System of the Directorate General for Coordination and Studies, Secretariat of State for Security, Ministry of Interior of SpainD e l i t o s d e o d i o a n t i r r o m a n