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OSCE Blog: Security Matters

  • The ripple effect of judicial delays
    23 October 2024
    by Eirini Patsea, Programme Co-ordinator, Regional Trial Monitoring Project
    Justice delayed is more than justice denied—along with eroding trust in the justice system, and weakening the social contract, it sets off a chain reaction that affects the mental health of all involved parties.  It is burden for victims, witnesses and defendants, and for society as a whole.
  • Involving women in organized crime prevention and exit initiatives
    3 October 2024
    by Alena Kupchyna, Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats
    Organized crime is one of the most serious security threats the OSCE region faces today. To effectively prevent and fight it, it is crucial to understand who is involved and what they do. Yet our view of organized crime is hampered by stereotypes that assign specific gender roles to those involved. We put men in the central roles as leaders, enforcers and foot soldiers, and portray women as victims or as subject to the whims of men. It is true that organized crime exploits, and impacts, women disproportionately. However, focusing solely on women’s victimization obscures a more complex reality, which includes women playing important roles across organized crime groups.
  • Blunting the cutting edge of crime: OSCE helps combat cybercrime in Central Asia
    2 September 2024
    by Martha Stickings and Juraj Nosal, Transnational Threats Department
    Many aspects of our lives have been changed fundamentally by the rapid evolution of digital technologies. While these innovations have brought about many benefits and opportunities, they have also enabled the rise of new security threats. Digital transformation has had a profoundly negative effect on criminal activity. New technologies have become useful aids in ‘traditional’ crimes, such as fraud or trade in illegal substances, while also creating entirely new forms of crime, like ransomware.
  • Reflections on findings of the OSCE's Western Balkans Trial Monitoring project and its upcoming regional report
    30 May 2024
    by Eirini Patsea, Programme Co-ordinator, Regional Trial Monitoring Project
  • 2024 – a momentous year for election observation
    5 February 2024
    by Matteo Mecacci, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR)
    In 2024, almost half the world’s population is set to vote in elections taking place in more than 50 countries. But why do they matter so much? And how can we make sure the elections taking place this year are above board? Democratic elections are a time for our civil and political rights to come to the fore, playing a decisive role in the choice of our governments.
  • The future of crypto: The delicate dance between innovation and regulation
    26 January 2024
    by Vera Strobachova-Budway, Kurban Babayev, Maksym Mishalov Dragunov
    Cryptocurrencies and virtual assets are paving the way for a new era in money and asset handling, but like any innovation, they carry with them vulnerabilities and risks. Striking the right balance between unfettered innovation and regulation is one way the OSCE is helping participating States to build a more secure future.
  • Fighting corruption with political will for a more peaceful, prosperous and secure future
    12 December 2023
    by Ralf Ernst
    According to the United Nations, more than 5% of global GDP (about $3.6 trillion) is lost annually due to corruption. Corruption represents one of the greatest challenges to peace, prosperity and security. It undermines the rule of law, reduces state income and erodes public trust in institutions. Revenue lost to corruption could be spent on education, health care and other public services to support the most vulnerable.
  • Agents of change: Young people as drivers for a safer tomorrow
    8 August 2023
    by Mara Garavini Seisselberg and Eni Gjergji
  • Corruption in healthcare — a threat to healthy societies
    31 May 2023
    by Kahramon Sanginov, Team Leader, Regional Trial Monitoring Project, Mission in Kosovo
  • Generating and harnessing political will to end human trafficking
    11 April 2023
    by Valiant Richey, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings
    Human trafficking is a direct affront to individual dignity and freedom. The sheer scale of this crime makes it one of the greatest social challenges of our time.