Expert meeting: Developing indicators for the full and equal enjoyment of the freedom of peaceful assembly by all

ODIHR is organizing the expert meeting on developing indicators for the full and equal enjoyment of the freedom of peaceful assembly by all, which will take place on 8 and 9 July 2019 in Vienna. The event will bring together up to 25 representatives of civil society groups, academia and OSCE field operations with experience in the area of freedom of peaceful assembly. The meeting will aim to facilitate the exchange of experiences and good practices among the participants to develop indicators, based on which the full and equal enjoyment of the freedom of peaceful assembly could be measured independently within the OSCE region.

The ODIHR Guidelines on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly explicitly acknowledge that states and relevant authorities must not discriminate against any individual or group on any grounds. Yet full and equal enjoyment of the freedom of peaceful assembly by all members of society remains a challenge in a number of OSCE participating States, often due to lack of awareness and unduly restrictive legislation or practice. 

The expert meeting will be held in light of these commitments, and will aim at producing concrete recommendations for the improvement of the exercise of freedom of assembly for all women and men, including Roma and Sinti, persons with disabilities, youth, LGBTI and members of other minority groups.