Since the beginning of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine, the Kremlin has dramatically intensified its efforts to silence independent reporting in Russia.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 23 November, 2023 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Russia, Ukraine
The United States will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 16 November, 2023 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Three years after the fraudulent presidential election that inspired so many Belarusians to take to the streets and demand a democratically elected government that respects their human rights, the United States continues to stand with the brave people of Belarus and to support their demand to hold the Lukashenka regime to account.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 8 September, 2023 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus
One of the most egregious recent examples of the Kremlin’s attack on media freedom is the arrest on completely spurious charges of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who remains wrongfully detained.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 11 May, 2023 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus, RFOM, Russia, Ukraine
One day Belarus will be free. The question is how many people will have to suffer before that day comes?
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 11 May, 2023 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The first steps toward security and stability for the people of Belarus remains for the Belarusian authorities to release all those unjustly imprisoned, to end the campaign of violence against peaceful protesters, and to hold perpetrators to account.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 11 May, 2023 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Without free, independent media, people cannot make informed decisions or hold leaders accountable.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 4 May, 2023 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Russia
The new year was rung in with Russia’s missile salvos targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, cutting off power to hospitals and denying heat to freezing civilians.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 29 March, 2023 | Topics: Statements, Ukraine Crisis | Tags: Belarus, Russia, Ukraine
We invoke paragraph 12 of the 1991 Document of the Moscow meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the (then) CSCE in order to establish a fact-finding mission of experts to examine the human dimension issues identified above.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 23 March, 2023 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements, Tolerance and Non-discrimination | Tags: Belarus, Moscow Mechanism
We call on Belarus to comply with its human rights obligations and OSCE commitments.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 9 March, 2023 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The United States calls on Belarusian authorities to cease all politically-motivated prosecutions and to end the repression of all Belarusians.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 9 March, 2023 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
It is deeply regrettable that the Lukashenka regime continues to flagrantly violate and abuse human rights and fundamental freedoms in Belarus.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 16 February, 2023 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The number of political prisoners in Belarus continues to grow and now numbers well over 1,400.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 26 January, 2023 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The Belarusian regime has imprisoned now close to 1,500 political prisoners and kept them in the worst conditions of detention, often involving torture, often sending many of these political prisoners to intensive care units as a result of mistreatment that occurs.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 8 December, 2022 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
RIght now it seems as though the Lukashenka regime is making decisions that seem more in the interests of President Putin and his cronies than in the Belarusian people.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 17 November, 2022 | Topics: Statements, Ukraine Crisis | Tags: Belarus, Russia, Ukraine
The Belarusian authorities have further increased harassment and intimidation efforts by widening of the scope of the death penalty to vaguely defined “attempted terrorist activities”.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 10 November, 2022 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Moscow Mechanism
The Lukashenka regime continues to employ brutal tactics to suppress dissent.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 15 September, 2022 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Russia’s war against Ukraine must continue to be the key focus in weekly discussions in the FSC, just as it is in the PC.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 7 September, 2022 | Topics: Arms control, Statements, Ukraine Crisis | Tags: Belarus, FSC, Russia, Ukraine
The United States stands with the people of Belarus as they pursue a democratic, sovereign, and prosperous future.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 1 September, 2022 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
We call on Belarus to implement the Moscow Mechanism Expert Mission’s recommendation to release all political prisoners immediately, including Pratasevich and Sapega, to stop its repression of the pro-democracy movement in Belarus, and to allow for free and fair elections.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 28 July, 2022 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus
If your government feels threatened by a discussion with a political opponent, I would say that says much more about the state of affairs in Belarus than about the conduct of diplomacy in the OSCE.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 26 May, 2022 | Topics: Statements | Tags: Belarus
I think it is fair to say that the situation with regards to media freedom in the OSCE region has gone from terrible to worse than terrible.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 19 May, 2022 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Russia, Ukraine
The United States, along with our allies and partners, will continue to hold the Lukashenka regime to account for its ongoing attacks on human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 12 May, 2022 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Right of Reply to Belarus on the Russian Federation’s Ongoing Aggression Against Ukraine As delivered by Ambassador Michael Carpenter to the Permanent Council, Vienna March 24, 2022 Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, with regards to the intervention, just now, from the Belarusian representative, where he says that his country has no plans to attack Ukrainian ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 24 March, 2022 | Topics: Statements, Ukraine Crisis | Tags: Belarus, Russia, Ukraine
You are a co-aggressor, your territory has been used as a launch pad for a vicious, barbaric attack on a neighboring state, and you bear responsibility for that.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 7 March, 2022 | Topics: Statements, Ukraine Crisis | Tags: Belarus, Crimea under Russian Occupation, Russia, Ukraine
We again call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 3 February, 2022 | Topics: Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
A non-transparent referendum is neither a viable – nor a credible – path forward for Belarus.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 27 January, 2022 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Is Belarus intending to request ODIHR’s legal assessment of the proposed changes to the Belarusian constitution?
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 21 January, 2022 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements, Tolerance and Non-discrimination | Tags: Belarus
The United States condemns the December 14 politically motivated convictions of Belarusian opposition figures.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 16 December, 2021 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security and the fundamental wisdom and integrity of the Helsinki Principles are as relevant now as they were when enshrined more than 40 years ago.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 2 December, 2021 | Topics: Statements | Tags: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine
Belarus must cease these actions, commit to regional stability, abide by international law, and reestablish good relations with its neighbors. This can be the only path forward.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 11 November, 2021 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Human Rights, Statements, Tolerance and Non-discrimination | Tags: Belarus, European Union, Poland
It is unfortunate that we no longer have our Public Affairs Section or our USAID offices in Minsk, because these were opportunities for dialogue.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 4 November, 2021 | Topics: Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
We remain deeply concerned by the Lukashenka regime’s continued repressive actions to silence dissent and crack down on civil society, as evidenced by decisions taken last week.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 4 November, 2021 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Moscow Mechanism
Since the publication of the Moscow Mechanism report, almost a year ago, the situation in Belarus has deteriorated.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 4 November, 2021 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
We condemn the politically motivated conviction and shameful sentencing on September 6 of Belarusian democratic opposition figures Maria Kalesnikava and Maksim Znak.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 16 September, 2021 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements, Tolerance and Non-discrimination | Tags: Belarus
Three days ago, we marked the one-year anniversary of the August 9 fraudulent presidential election in Belarus and the subsequent violent crackdown by the Lukashenka regime. Today, our thoughts remain with Belarusians who continue to peacefully demand respect for their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 12 August, 2021 | Topics: Elections, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Elections, Free and Fair Elections
The United States shares the concerns of our Lithuanian and European allies regarding the significant uptick in migrants and asylum seekers irregularly crossing from Belarus to Lithuania.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 5 August, 2021 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Human Rights, Statements, Tolerance and Non-discrimination | Tags: Belarus, Lithuania
One year ago, the world witnessed the incredible strength and courage of the Belarusian people as hundreds of thousands gathered in squares across the country to peacefully protest authoritarianism and call for new free and fair elections.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 29 July, 2021 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The human rights situation in Belarus continues to deteriorate. The abuses and repression of pro-democracy activists, independent media, and civil society continue to grow.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 15 July, 2021 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements, Tolerance and Non-discrimination | Tags: Belarus
The repression and severe abuses against pro-democracy activists, independent media, members of the opposition, and civil society based on politically-motivated charges continue to grow.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 10 June, 2021 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The United States strongly condemns the forced diversion to Minsk of a flight between two EU member states and NATO Allies which appears to have been based on false pretenses and the subsequent arrest in Minsk of journalist Raman Pratasevich and Sofiya Sapega
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 25 May, 2021 | Topics: Statements | Tags: Belarus
In the face of massive, systematic and brutal violence following the 2020 presidential election in Belarus, 17 OSCE participating states invoked the OSCE Moscow Mechanism to look into serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Belarus.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 20 May, 2021 | Topics: Elections, Statements | Tags: Belarus
We are particularly concerned by the authorities’ provocative, politically-motivated arrest of members of the Belarusian Polish community.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 16 April, 2021 | Topics: Statements | Tags: Belarus
I look forward to the day when we will no longer need to raise pressing human rights challenges in Belarus in this chamber, but today is not that day.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 25 March, 2021 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The United States is proud to support today’s renewed calls for genuine dialogue between Belarusian authorities and the political opposition.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 18 March, 2021 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Today, I would like to honor a new generation of women in white clothes, this time from Belarus, who just like the Suffragettes did, are standing up for civil and political rights, and by so doing, shaping the future of their country.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 11 March, 2021 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The United States expresses its deep concern regarding the February 16 raids on the homes and offices of Belarusian journalists, human rights defenders, civil society leaders, and independent workers’ organizations in Minsk and elsewhere across the country.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 18 February, 2021 | Topics: Elections, Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The “All-Belarusian People’s Assembly” is neither genuine nor inclusive of Belarusian views.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 11 February, 2021 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Statement on the 51st Round of the Geneva International Discussions (Conflict in Georgia) As delivered by Deputy Chief of Mission Courtney Austrian to the Permanent Council, Vienna December 17, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United States welcomes the successful effort to convene the 51st round of the Geneva International Discussions in Geneva on December ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 17 December, 2020 | Topics: Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Human Rights Violations in Belarus As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna December 17, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. Mr. Chairperson, at the final PC of the year, it is appropriate that we take stock of events in Belarus since the fraudulent August 9 presidential election. We continue to ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 17 December, 2020 | Topics: Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Joint Statement on Belarus Statement Delivered by H.E. Päivi Laivola de Rosière, Ambassador of Finland, to the OSCE Ministerial Council Tirana, Albania (remotely, via Zoom) December 4, 2020 I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the following 36 participating States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 4 December, 2020 | Topics: Elections, Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
OSCE Ministerial – Belarus Side Event Closing Remarks As prepared for delivery by DAS George Kent to the OSCE Side Event on Belarus Tirana, Albania (remotely, via Zoom) December 3, 2020 As we conclude today’s event, I want to express my government’s thanks to our UK colleagues, the other co-sponsors, and Minister Kofod of Denmark ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 4 December, 2020 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
On Human Rights Violations in Belarus As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 19, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. The European Union is right. And we follow on behind their statement. The right to peaceful assembly is one that Americans jealously defend. But it’s more than that, Mr. Chairperson. ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 19 November, 2020 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Right of Reply to the Report under the Moscow Mechanism in Relation to Belarus As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 5, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’ve listened closely to the discussions that have been held from some of the other countries and I think it’s ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 5 November, 2020 | Topics: Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Moscow Mechanism
U.S. National Statement on the Report under The Moscow Mechanism in Relation To Belarus As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 5, 2020 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the United States thanks OSCE Moscow Mechanism Rapporteur Professor Wolfgang Benedek for his compelling, thorough, and exceptionally well documented report. ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 5 November, 2020 | Topics: Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Moscow Mechanism
Joint Statement on the Report under The Moscow Mechanism in Relation to Belarus Statement Delivered by H.E. René Rosager Dinesen, Ambassador of Denmark to the Permanent Council, Vienna November 5, 2020 Mr Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following delegations who, acting together, on 17 September invoked the Moscow Mechanism ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 5 November, 2020 | Topics: Elections, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Moscow Mechanism
Statement to the Permanent Council
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 15 October, 2020 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Statement to the Permanent Council
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 8 October, 2020 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Statement by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 1 October, 2020 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Moscow Mechanism
Statement at the Human Dimension Webinar
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 28 September, 2020 | Topics: Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Human Rights, Moscow Mechanism
Press Release issued on September 17, 2020
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 17 September, 2020 | Topics: Human Rights, Press Releases, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Joint Statement by Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the UK, and the United States
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 17 September, 2020 | Topics: Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Statement by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 17 September, 2020 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Elections, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Statement by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III to the Permanent Council
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 3 September, 2020 | Topics: Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Statement to the Permanent Council
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 3 September, 2020 | Topics: Statements | Tags: Belarus, Russia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine
Media Note by the Office of the Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 29 August, 2020 | Topics: Elections, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Statement by Deputy Secretary Stephen E. Biegun to the Special Permanent Council
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 28 August, 2020 | Topics: Elections, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Press Release on Ambassador Gilmore Denouncing Belarusian Internet Blockage. Released August 12, 2020
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 12 August, 2020 | Topics: Elections, Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, Press Releases, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Statement delivered to the Permanent Council on July 23, 2020
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 23 July, 2020 | Topics: Elections, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Statement delivered at the Permanent Council on May 7, 2020 marking World Press Freedom Day.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 7 May, 2020 | Topics: Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey
A joint statement delivered to the Permanent Council announcing this year’s Democracy Defender Award winner.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 12 March, 2020 | Topics: Statements | Tags: Belarus
Statement delivered at the Permanent Council on the Parliamentary Elections in Belarus.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 21 November, 2019 | Topics: Elections, Statements | Tags: Belarus
Statement delivered at the Human Dimesnsion Implementation Meeting 2019 under Any Other Business.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 27 September, 2019 | Topics: Statements | Tags: Belarus, Turkmenistan
U.S. Statement delivered at HDIM 2019 Working Session 6 on the Freedom of Assembly
Read More» By | 19 September, 2019 | Topics: Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Crimea, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine
U.S. Statement on Fundamental Freedoms of Free Expression and Media delivered at HDIM's Working Session 1.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 16 September, 2019 | Topics: Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Statement at HDIM Working Session 3: Freedom of the Media (Part 2)
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 11 September, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan
We have been following with deep concern reports regarding the response by government authorities to peaceful public demonstrations that took place in several locations in Belarus over the last weekend.
Read More» By | 30 March, 2017 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media has been a vocal and courageous advocate for freedom of expression, both on- and off-line.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 1 December, 2016 | Topics: Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Hungary, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan
In Vienna in 1989, all participating States committed to, “respect the right of everyone to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State, and to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.” This right is still not fully respected in all participating States. Let me make it ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 27 September, 2016 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Russia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
In establishing the Representative on Freedom of the Media in 1997, the OSCE participating States recognized that “free, independent, and pluralistic media are essential to a free and open society and accountable systems of government.”
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 22 September, 2016 | Topics: Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Freedom of association is necessary for the fullest exercise of the freedoms of expression and of religion or belief, and for the conduct of free and fair elections. It is a cornerstone for the rights of persons seeking to form independent trade unions.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 21 September, 2016 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Freedom of Assembly & Association, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan
In many participating States, the exercise of peaceful assembly and association is subject to undue and serious restrictions.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 21 September, 2016 | Topics: Freedom of Assembly & Association, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, United States
Elections are an essential element of democracy and a cornerstone of democratic institutions. The U.S. greatly appreciates the OSCE’s invaluable role in election observation – indeed, this organization has developed what is known as the “gold standard” for its methodology on evaluating elections.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 19 September, 2016 | Topics: Elections, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, United States
The actions of some participating States in the past few weeks do not appear consistent with OSCE commitments on free expression.
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 11 February, 2016 | Topics: Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Kazakhstan
The United States joins other participating States in welcoming the peaceful conduct of the October 11 presidential election in Belarus. We were, however, disappointed that the election fell significantly short of Belarus’ OSCE commitments and international standards for holding democratic elections, as demonstrated by reports from the OSCE ODIHR and Parliamentary Assembly election observation mission. ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 15 October, 2015 | Topics: Elections, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The United States, for several years, has used this agenda item to follow up on the invocation of the Moscow Mechanism concerning Turkmenistan and Belarus. The United States believes it is important that we continue to use our human rights mechanisms – and that means we, the participating States, need to take action based on the outcomes of ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 2 October, 2015 | Topics: Elections, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Turkmenistan
For many years, and as recently as May, the United States has used the Permanent Council to call on the government of Belarus to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally, and to restore fully their political and civil rights. Consequently, the United States welcomes the August 22 release from prison in Belarus of Mikalai ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 3 September, 2015 | Topics: Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The United States is concerned by recent developments in the treatment of political prisoners in Belarus. On May 4, former presidential candidate Mikolai Statkevich was sentenced to harsher prison conditions and increased security measures for alleged violations of prison rules. Mr. Statkevich is serving a six-year sentence related to his participation in peaceful protests following ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 7 May, 2015 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Statements | Tags: Belarus
The United States for several years has used this agenda item to follow up on the recommendations made by the fact-finding missions resulting from the invocation of the Moscow Mechanism concerning Turkmenistan and Belarus. Because the conditions that gave rise to invocations of the Mechanism remain ongoing, my delegation will again address these serious issues. ...
Read More» By U.S. Mission OSCE | 3 October, 2014 | Topics: Civil Society and NGOs, Human Rights, Statements | Tags: Belarus, Turkmenistan
