Panel of Experts on Freedom of Assembly and Association
Freedom of peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right that can be enjoyed and exercised by individuals and groups. The Panel of Experts on Freedom of Assembly and Association, established in 2006, seeks to enhance the promotion and protection of this right in countries across the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The main role of the panel is to provide advice, guidance and recommendations to the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
The panel assists the ODIHR in reviewing draft and adopted legislation issued by OSCE participating states, concerning freedom of peaceful assembly, to ensure its compliance with international standards and OSCE commitments. Moreover, ODIHR draws on the expertise of the panel when conducting capacity-building activities. These activities are aimed at enabling civil society representatives, including human rights activists, to improve their knowledge of standards on freedom of assembly, while also enhancing their ability to monitor and report on this issue.
The newly appointed 16 members of the panel come from a variety of backgrounds, including academia, legal professions, assembly policing and civic and human rights activism. They will start their term on 1 January 2023.
Read the OSCE press release the panel's appointment
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
ODIHR, which is based in Warsaw, was established in 1991 and is one of the world's major human rights organizations. It is active throughout Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and North America.
The Office provides support, assistance and expertise to participating states and civil society to promote democracy, rule of law, human rights and tolerance and non-discrimination in the OSCE Region. ODIHR observes elections, reviews legislation and advises governments on how to develop and sustain democratic institutions.
Read more about ODIHR’s activity
Professor Adam Bodnar — a renowned expert on human rights