Freedom of peaceful assembly constitutes a key part of OSCE’s human dimension commitments. It is one of the important human rights issues that ODIHR is addressing through its monitoring and capacity-building activities that aim to assist OSCE participating States in complying with international human rights standards.

ODIHR’s comprehensive toolbox in the area of freedom of peaceful assembly includes mutually reinforcing assistance tools, one of which is independent monitoring of peaceful assembly.

Independent monitoring of peaceful assemblies provides a vital source of independent information on the activities of assembly participants and law enforcement actions, fostering public debate and dialogue between state authorities and civil society. It serves as a diagnostic tool for reforms, ensuring the free exercise of peaceful assembly in line with human rights standards, contributing to police accountability, preventing violations, and providing early warnings for potential conflicts or security issues.