Surveillance of Peaceful Assemblies: Human Rights and Independent Monitoring

About the event

The use of surveillance technologies during public assemblies is becoming an important human rights issue across the OSCE region.

This side event, held during the second 2026 Supplementary Human Dimension Implementation Meeting, will explore how such technologies are used in the context of protests and public gatherings, and the human rights questions they raise.

Tools such as facial recognition, biometric identification and other forms of digital surveillance are increasingly deployed during public assemblies. While they may be introduced for public safety purposes, their use can raise concerns about legality, necessity, proportionality and oversight. They may also discourage people from taking part in peaceful assemblies.

Purpose of the event

The event will present ODIHR’s ongoing research on surveillance in the context of public assemblies.

ODIHR is currently preparing a research paper examining the use of surveillance during public assemblies and approaches to its independent monitoring across the OSCE region. The study analyses accountability gaps, oversight mechanisms and safeguards, and will offer practical recommendations to help participating States ensure that surveillance practices comply with OSCE human dimension commitments and international human rights standards.

The side event will provide an opportunity to discuss the findings of the forthcoming research, exchange experiences and explore ways to safeguard both public security and fundamental freedoms.

Background

ODIHR supports OSCE participating States in protecting the right to freedom of peaceful assembly.

As part of its mandate, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) monitors public assemblies, reviews national laws and practices against international human rights standards, and provides guidance to help ensure that assemblies can take place freely, safely and without undue interference.

Participation

All participants registered for the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting II: Safeguarding Civic Space in the Digital Age, taking place on 11–12 May 2026 in Vienna, are welcome to attend this side event.

Information on how to register for SHDM II is available here.