The National Democratic Institute today denounced the occupation of Crimea. “NDI stands unequivocally with all Ukrainians in their aspirations for a sovereign and democratic future,” said Chairman Madeleine K. Albright. The Institute calls for respect of international law and commitments and encourages all possible U.S. and European steps to express solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Published March 4, 2014

Violent protests rocked Bosnia-Herzegovina in early February—the worst since the war ended in 1996. They started in the industrial city of Tuzla—hit by sudden job losses over factory closures—and quickly spread to the capital, Sarajevo, as well as other cities. Thousands of people demonstrated against government inaction over longstanding—and growing—levels of unemployment, corruption and poverty. According to the World Bank, youth unemployment nearly tops 60 percent.

NDI honored Gene Eidenberg, a longtime friend and member of its Board of Directors for nearly a quarter century, at a memorial event held Feb. 1 at the Decatur House in Washington, DC. He died in December.

“Gene had a deep and abiding commitment to democracy and to democratic politics – that people everywhere deserved a political voice no less than food and shelter,” said NDI President Kenneth Wollack, one of a number of speakers who reflected on different aspects of Mr. Eidenberg’s life.

The South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections (SSuNDE) "commends the signatories for signing the cessation of hostilities" in South Sudan, in a Jan. 27 statement. SSuNDE, a nonpartisan civil society group and NDI partner, urges the signatories to "commit themselves to the signed peace agreement without violation, find a pathway for the remaining outstanding issues to be discussed, and build confidence in the mediating team."

See the full statement or read below.