ODIHR helps states to protect the fundamental human right to freedom of assembly in law and in practice by supporting human rights-compliant legislation, training law enforcement and monitoring gatherings on the ground.
ODIHR’s Guidelines on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly, developed with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, are based on the principle that peaceful assemblies are legal and no permission should be needed to gather. Any restrictions must be lawful, have a legitimate aim and be necessary, proportionate and non-discriminatory.
