Ireland at the OSCE

A different participating State holds the Chairpersonship of the OSCE for one year and bears overall responsibility for executive action and co-ordination of OSCE activities. The Chairperson-in-Office is the Foreign Minister of the participating State that holds the Chairpersonship.

Under the direction of the Secretary General, the Secretariat provides operational support to the Organisation. The Secretariat’s mandate includes: support of OSCE field activities, maintaining contacts with international and non-governmental organisations, co-ordinating OSCE economic and environmental activities, OSCE activities in the politico-military field, administrative, financial and personnel services, conference and language services, information technology and press and public information.

Consisting of over 300 parliamentarians from OSCE participating states, the Parliamentary Assembly seeks to promote parliamentary involvement in the activities of the Organisation.

ODIHR is the principal institution responsible for the promotion of human rights and democracy in the OSCE area, and is based in Warsaw. ODIHR also deploys election observation missions to OSCE participating States to assess the implementation of OSCE commitments relating to elections.

HCNM seeks early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States, and is based in The Hague.

RFOM observes media developments in OSCE participating States and provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression, and is based in Vienna.

OSCE field operations work closely with local authorities and civil society to assist with political processes, prevent or settle conflicts and promote human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.