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Autonomous Institutions

ODIHR logo (OSCE)

ODIHR logo (© OSCE)

Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), based in Warsaw, is the principal OSCE body for human rights. It supports democratic election process through its election observation and technical missions. It provides technical assistance on building of democratic institutions, monitoring adherence to human rights and strengthening of civil society and Rule of Law. ODIHR monitors, evaluates and assists participating States in implementing of their human rights commitments. Since 1994 the Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues within ODIHR is the main OSCE structure dealing with information and contacts exchange between participating States in this area and with assistance in implementation of projects on Roma and Sinti.

High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM), based in Hague, was established in 1992 to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States. HCNM works independently on all parties concerned and engages in pre-emptive negotiations striving for dialogue, confidence building and cooperation.

Representative on the Freedom of the Media (RFoM), based in Vienna, assists participating States in supporting of free, independent and pluralistic media. RFoM monitors the media development in all participating States and advocates for fulfilment of OSCE principles and commitments in this area.