Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

:For other uses, see OSCE (disambiguation).

Institutions

The decision making bodies of the organization are the Summit, Ministerial Council and Senior Council, with the Permanent Council the regular decision-making body, under the leadership of the Chairman-in-Office (CiO), who holds the position for one year. For 2005, the CiO is the Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel.

Related Topics:
Slovenian - Dimitrij Rupel

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The OSCE headquarters are located in Vienna, Austria. The Organization also has offices in Copenhagen, Geneva, The Hague, Prague and Warsaw.

Related Topics:
Vienna - Austria - Copenhagen - Geneva - The Hague - Prague - Warsaw

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The OSCE employs close to 440 persons in its various Institutions. In the field, the Organization has about 750 international and 2,370 local staff.

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The office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, established in December 1997, acts as a watchdog to provide early warning on violations of freedom of expression in OSCE member states. The Representative also assists member states by advocating and promoting full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments regarding freedom of expression and free media. The current incumbent is Miklos Haraszti of Hungary.

Related Topics:
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media - Freedom of expression

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The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, is the oldest OSCE institution, established in 1990. It is based in Warsaw, Poland, and is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation, democratic development, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and rule of law. OSCE/ODIHR has observed over 150 elections and referenda since 1995, sending more than 15,000 observers. It has once operated outside its own area. A 43-member OSCE team offered technical support for the October 9, 2004 presidential election in Afghanistan.

Related Topics:
OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights - October 9 - 2004 - Afghanistan

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