New ODIHR publication supports independent monitoring of surveillance at peaceful assemblies

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) launched a new publication about surveillance of peaceful assemblies, examining the human rights implications of surveillance and strategies for independent monitoring.

Surveillance may deter people from joining peaceful protests and can put human rights defenders at risk. As artificial intelligence and remote identification tools expand authorities’ ability to track individuals, transparency and independent oversight are essential to protecting civic space.

“Authorities need to explain how surveillance tools are used and what safeguards are in place to protect the public. Effective oversight is essential to ensuring that these technologies are used in line with human rights standards,” said Igor Bandović, Director of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy.

The ODIHR side event brought together experts and practitioners to discuss surveillance of civic space and during protests. Participants explored legislative safeguards, oversight by national human rights institutions and civil society initiatives to strengthen accountability.

The event took place on the sidelines of the 2026 Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. It forms part of ODIHR’s work to promote freedom of peaceful assembly and support human rights defenders across the OSCE region.