Democratization
The OSCE helps its participating States build and consolidate democratic institutions. This means helping governments become more responsive, accountable and representative.
As one of the world’s principal regional human rights bodies, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) works with government institutions, political parties and parliaments, and assists civil society in policy-making. ODIHR also supports the efforts of participating States in increasing the participation of women and youth in politics, strengthening parliaments, developing multiparty political landscapes, improving the integration of migrants and modernizing population-registration systems.
A number of OSCE field operations also actively work in supporting democratic institutions in their countries of operation. Some of their activities include:
- Running public information, awareness-raising and outreach campaigns;
- Working with government structures and civil society organizations on capacity building;
- Working with government institutions and civil society to encourage civic participation;
- Supporting parliamentary bodies in the oversight of the security sector;
- Providing an informal and non-partisan forum for government, political parties and constituents;
- Supporting media reform; and
- Helping further electoral and political processes in line with international standards.