In December 2024, the Venice Commission recognized citizen election observers as human rights defenders. The decision was approved by the Council for Democratic Elections at its 81st meeting on 5 December and adopted by the Venice Commission at its 141st Plenary Session on 6–7 December in Venice. The Commission emphasized the crucial role of election observers in protecting democratic processes and a wide range of fundamental rights, including the right to vote, stand for election, and the freedoms of expression, assembly, and access to information. It also acknowledged the increasing risks observers face—such as discrimination, defamation, repression, and violence—and called for stronger protection mechanisms at both national and international levels.