Publications

Application of communication skills in the work of judges and the Service for providing assistance and support to victims and witnesses of criminal acts

In 2019, in response to numerous requests for guidance on issues related to judicial independence falling outside the geographic and thematic scope of the Kyiv Recommendations, ODIHR initiated a comprehensive consultative and expert-driven process to ensure that its recommendations on judicial independence respond effectively to current challenges. The inaugural meeting of a core group of experts convened in Warsaw, followed by extensive further assessment of the thematic areas in focus. The Recommendations on Judicial Independence and Accountability (Warsaw Recommendations) are the result of this review process.

The publication is intended for representatives of the Ministry of Interior who, in their daily work, are in contact with witnesses and victims of criminal acts.  The aim of the publication was to add a psychological aspect to the international and domestic regulations and other acts that make up

This report provides an analysis of data collected in 2022 and 2023 by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo trial monitoring programme on the use of detention on remand against adult defendants in Kosovo.

The manual for training of civil society activists who wish to strengthen the work of environmental protection agencies was developed by the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine on request from the Sate Environmental Inspectorate. Available in Ukrainian language. 

Given the ongoing erosion of democratic and constitutional standards and the rule of law across the world, and declining public trust in democratic institutions, it is essential to strengthen democratic institutions and processes by promoting openness, transparency, inclusiveness and accountability in lawmaking. Contemporary lawmaking displays a number of weaknesses, including a lack of proper policy discussions, impact assessments or public consultations before drafting a law and the practice of sidelining democratic institutions throughout the legislative process. In principle, lawmaking procedures and practices should follow democratic principles, adhere to the rule of law and comply with international human rights obligations and standards. A democratic lawmaking process not only leads to better laws but usually improves the implementation of the adopted laws, ultimately enhancing public trust in democratic institutions and processes.

The Guide aims to raise awareness among criminal justice practitioners of the implications that the investigation of cybercrimes and other crimes involving electronic evidence can have for human rights, and to support them to uphold human rights in their daily investigative work.

This publication has been developed by the Technical Working Group on Self-Regulation and supported by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro. In order to help solve the challenge of responsible reporting on hate speech, the Manual offers answers to the questions 1) how to detect hate speech in public space and 2) in what way- which method- to report on hate speech, while respecting the high standards of investigative and professional journalism in the public interest. The publication is available only in Montenegrin.

International Legal Standards, Regional Criminal Legislation, Application and Measures for Improving Protection of Victims’ Rights