Institutions of Democracy - 1994 - Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has become a leading global institution for election observation and democracy promotion. Founded in 1990 as the Office for Free Elections, it initially facilitated the exchange of election-related information among participating states. Responding to the wave of democratic transitions in the early 1990s, its mandate expanded to encompass human rights, the rule of law, and broader democratic principles. Since its inception, ODIHR has conducted hundreds of election observation missions, establishing itself as a cornerstone of global democratization efforts and a vital force against democratic backsliding.
In this recording, Dame Audrey Glover, who served as ODIHR’s head from 1994 to 1997, reflects on the organization’s growth, impact and challenges faced. She discusses its expanded mandate, which now includes monitoring the entire electoral process, promoting media freedom, advocating for minority rights and gender equality among others, which have solidified ODIHR’s reputation as the region’s foremost institution for election observation. Despite challenges such as funding limitations, attempts to undermine its reports, and disparities in observer participation, ODIHR remains steadfast in its mission. Dame Audrey emphasizes the importance of ODIHR’s work in defending democracy during times of conflict and instability, underscoring its commitment to impartiality, transparency, and the protection of human rights.
Dame Audrey Glover became the Director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights in Warsaw from 1994-97. She previously served as UK Agent before the European Court of Human Rights and later from 1985-89 Legal Adviser to the British Military Government in Berlin. From 1998 she headed the UK Delegation to the UN Human Rights Commission for two terms of 3 years. In 2004 she was appointed Senior Adviser to the Ministry of Human Rights in Iraq. Since then, she has headed over 20 OSCE election observation missions. She was a Trustee of the Prison Reform Trust for 13 years and is currently chair of the Trustees of the Foreign Policy Centre
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