Freedom of Peaceful Assembly

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. 

ODIHR has been monitoring the exercise of freedom of peaceful assembly across the OSCE region since 2011. To date, it has observed nearly 150 assemblies of different types in 36 participating States across six monitoring cycles.

Monitoring focuses on assemblies that, due to their nature, size or complexity, may present particular challenges for both organisers and authorities. Events are selected independently by ODIHR.

During monitoring, ODIHR observes how assemblies unfold in practice, including interactions among participants, authorities, and other relevant actors.

Findings are brought together in thematic reports, which identify trends, highlight good practices and point to areas where the right to peaceful assembly may be at risk. Participating States are invited to comment before publication.

The Panel of Experts on Freedom of Assembly and Association is an advisory and consultative body that enables ODIHR to assist OSCE participating States more effectively in implementing their OSCE commitments on freedoms of peaceful assembly and of association.