The OSCE’s Autonomous Institutions

The OSCE encompasses three important institutions that contribute to the combined efforts of the OSCE.

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Warsaw was established in order to strengthen efforts to implement and adhere to the OSCE human dimension principles and commitments. ODIHR assists the participating States in democratisation efforts and in promoting respect for human rights. A central part of ODIHR’s work is election observation and assisting participating States in holding free and fair elections and provide expertise on legal and constitutional matters. 

The High Commissioner on National Minorities

The High Commissioner on National Minorities ensures the adherence to OSCE commitments regarding national minorities. The High Commissioner deals with early warning and gets involved in a situation if there are tensions involving national minorities, which could develop into a conflict. The High Commissioner’s office is based in The Hague.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

The Representative on Freedom of the Media’s main task is to assist participating States to abide by their commitments to freedom of expression and free media. The office is based in Vienna.