Diplomatic Pouch

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has opened an election observation mission for the early presidential election in Uzbekistan on 9 July. The mission will consist of a core team of 11 international experts and 24 long-term observers, with 250 short-term observers to be requested. The mission will monitor all aspects of the election, including pre- and post-election developments, and assess compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections. Meetings with representatives of state authorities, political parties, civil society, the media and the international community will form an integral part of the observation. An interim report will be published two weeks prior to the election, with a final report containing recommendations to be published some months after the election.

By Umida Tukhtasheva The referendum held in Uzbekistan on 30 April 2023 led to the adoption of the new Constitution. Strengthening the right to seek,...

Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights Continues to Advocate for Human Rights and Justice Amidst Global Challenges, Says Executive Director Judith Abitan

By Gulnoza Rakhimova The participation of international organizations and foreign observers in elections is essential for the open and transparent conduct of democratic elections. At...

The chemical industry of Uzbekistan plays an important role in diversifying exports and attracting companies who have left the Russian market.

15th century Qur'an sells for over £7 million at Christie's auction in London

By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta Three times its national currency was devalued within a year…. What is happening with the economic situation of the country? The pharaonic...

Interethnic conflicts pose significant human rights challenges that require a concerted effort from governments, civil society organizations, and the international community to address. These conflicts occur when groups of people from different ethnic backgrounds clash due to differences in culture, religion, or language, and often result in human rights violations on a massive scale, including forced displacement, torture, rape, and even genocide. To prevent violations in inter-ethnic conflicts, it is essential to address the root causes of the conflicts and to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and respect for human rights. Governments and other actors must take proactive measures to prevent conflicts from escalating and to hold those responsible for violations accountable.

Diplomat Magazine and Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague celebrate 10 years of successful collaboration in hosting diplomatic events and delegations. The hotel's location, facilities and proximity to many embassies in The Hague have made it a popular choice for overnight stays for many visiting diplomats. The hotel hosts dozens of diplomatic events, including Food Festivals in collaboration with embassies and the Diplomat Magazine, National Day receptions, press conferences, business lunches and other get-together events for the diplomatic community. The hotel has also renovated its lobby and kitchen, and is building a live cooking unit for live cooking during breakfast, demonstrations or for future food festivals. Quality and flexibility have been some of the main keys to the hotel's success in hosting diplomatic events.

Employers should not rely solely on Certificates of Conduct (VOGs) when assessing the reliability of job candidates, according to legal experts Jan Dop and Erika van Zadelhof. VOGs, which detail an individual's criminal record, are a "snapshot" and offer "false security", the pair wrote in Dutch legal publication Accountancy Vanmorgen. They suggested that periodic applications for VOGs could help employers ensure staff remain suitable for their roles, but warned that this would not cover all risks, as employees could still commit offences. Continuous screening is required in certain industries, including childcare and taxi services.