OSCE/ODIHR Annual Report 2019 - PART 2: Civil society and the security sector are better able to advance democracy and human rights

The human dimension is anchored in the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security. It is underpinned by civil society, which plays a vital role in ensuring respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy across the 57 participating States of the OSCE.

Through its work and partnerships, ODIHR bridges the gap between national authorities and civil society organizations. By encouraging and assisting governments to genuinely engage civil society in decisionmaking processes, the Office helps to increase respect for human rights and thus strengthen the security of the entire region.  The impact stories below cover areas from promoting the role of young women as future leaders, to building coalitions of and between civil society organizations, and training human rights defenders and police to meet the challenges of protecting human rights in the digital age. The full report is available here.