Consultative Forum

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the human rights institution of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), an intergovernmental body working for stability, prosperity and democracy in its 57 participating States. ODIHR is active throughout Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and North America. It promotes democratic elections, respect for human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and the rule of law. All OSCE States have agreed that lasting security cannot be achieved without respect for human rights and functioning democratic institutions. They have committed themselves to a comprehensive catalogue of human rights and democracy norms. These form the basis of what the OSCE calls the human dimension of security. ODIHR is tasked with assisting governments in meeting their commitments in the field of human rights and democracy. To this effect, ODIHR observes elections, promotes and monitors respect for human rights, and runs democracy assistance projects throughout the OSCE region. The Office works closely with the OSCE’s other institutions and field operations, as well as a large number of partners among governments, international organizations and civil society.