Central Europe

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The SMM observed an increase in ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport and in the general area of Starohnativka. In the Luhansk region, the SMM observed sporadic ceasefire violations and conducted crater analysis in several locations. The SMM facilitated ceasefires, which enabled the continuation of water pipeline repairs in the Donetsk region, and the works were successfully completed in one area.

The number of ceasefire violations observed at and around “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled Donetsk airport (9km north-west of Donetsk) increased in comparison with the previous day. Between 08:00 and 13:00hrs, the SMM, from its position at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) observation point at “DPR”-controlled Donetsk railway station (8km north-west of Donetsk city centre), heard a total of 46 explosions and 13 rounds of automatic grenade launcher (AGL), as well as multiple bursts of small arms and heavy-machine gun (HMG) fire, at distances ranging between 3 and 15km to the south, south-west, west, north, and north-east of its position[1].

The SMM followed up on information about shelling around the government-controlled area of Starohnativka (51km south of Donetsk). The SMM was not able to reach this area due to security reasons but monitored the situation in nearby locations. In a “DPR”-controlled area approximately 10km south-west of Starobesheve (“DPR”-controlled, 32km south-east of Donetsk), at 12:00hrs, the SMM saw a convoy of five self-propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm) accompanied by a covered military-type truck moving south-west towards the line of contact. While following the convoy, the SMM observed two armed men approaching from the south at a distance of approximately 200m and heard multiple bursts of small arms forcing the SMM to withdraw. A representative of the city hospital in Starobesheve, confirmed that two civilian casualties were admitted to the hospital. In government-controlled Mykolaivka (39km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM spoke separately to two men, who informed that they heard sounds of shelling occurring around midnight, until 10:00hrs on 11 August. The Ukrainian Armed Forces commander in Mykolaivka subsequently corroborated the information, adding that self-propelled and rocket artillery calibre 122mm (BM-21 Grad type) had impacted around the government-controlled areas of Starohnativka, Novohnativka (41km south-west of Donetsk) and Bohdanivka (42km south of Donetsk).

The SMM observed eight fresh craters in a residential area of Telmanove (“DPR”-controlled,  67km south-east of Donetsk) and assessed that all of them were caused by a multiple launched rocket system (MLRS) calibre 122mm (BM-21 Grad type) fired from a westerly direction. In the village, the SMM saw the funeral procession for a 62-year old woman from Telmanove, who was hit by shrapnel during shelling on 10 August.

Repairs to water pipelines in the Donetsk region were resumed after two days interruption in locations between “DPR”-controlled Spartak (9km north-west of Donetsk city centre) and government-controlled Avdiivka (14km north of Donetsk), and between government-controlled Maiorsk (45km north-east of Donetsk) and “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk) (see SMM Daily Report, 10 August). In both areas, the SMM facilitated a local ceasefire to enable repairs to be carried out by Voda Donbassa workers. Despite continuous SALW and HMG fire observed by the SMM, all works in “DPR”-controlled Spartak were successfully completed with water running again. In “DPR”-controlled Horlivka the workers finished their activities for the day at 16:15hrs. The head of Voda Donbassa office in Horlivka stated that he would organise two additional teams of workers (raising the number of workers to 40) in order to finish all repairs in the coming days.

In Mariupol, the SMM facilitated dialogue between Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Shyrokyne and representatives of the Mariupol local administration including the State Emergency Services of Ukraine, a representative of the local civil military co-operation office, the police and others. Fifty participants discussed within working groups issues of security as well as administrative, legal and social challenges faced by the displaced population of Shyrokyne.  

At the northern entrance of government-controlled Shchastia (20km north of Luhansk), at 12:45hrs, the SMM saw dark smoke plume south of its position. Later while in town, the SMM spoke with a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer who said that the smoke was coming from south of the bridge that had been shelled at 12:10hrs by a 82mm mortar.

In the vicinity of “Lugansk People’s Republic” (“LPR”)-controlled Krasnyi Liman (45km north-west of Luhansk), at 12:25hrs, the SMM heard one grenade launcher detonation that impacted approximately 60m north of its position.

In “LPR”-controlled Dovhe (23km north-west of Luhansk) the SMM followed up on information received from the “head” of the local administration about shelling that had occurred at 07:30hrs on 10 August. The SMM observed an impact near civilian areas, caused by two anti-tank rounds fired from approximately 1.5km north of the impact. The SMM observed that three walls of one building were penetrated and shell fragments remained on the ground.

The SMM followed up on information received from Ukrainian Armed Forces representatives to the JCCC that Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoints located in government-controlled Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-west of Luhansk) had been shelled between 22:35 and 01:30hrs on 10 August. The SMM saw around 35 fresh craters in the vicinity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint before the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge. The SMM assessed that the craters were caused by 120mm mortars originating from the south. The SMM also analysed four other impacts that were caused by 82mm mortars in the vicinity of the other checkpoint located in the town. Another impact was observed in a garden close to a civilian residence caused by a self-propelled gun (SPG9).

The SMM visited for the first time two “LPR” heavy weapons holding areas and revisited one “LPR” and one Ukrainian Armed Forces heavy weapons holding areas, whose locations comply with the respective withdrawal lines. At one Ukrainian Armed Forces site, the SMM observed that the same number and type of weapons previously recorded were in situ.  At one “ LPR” site visited by the SMM for the first time, the SMM found only food and uniforms. At another “LPR” site visited for the first time, the SMM observed eight empty military trucks and one MTLB armoured personnel carrier. At another “LPR” location, the SMM observed that all previously recorded weapons were in situ. The SMM was escorted by one “LPR” military police vehicle with two “LPR” members during its visits to all three sites*.

The SMM observed the following weapons’ movements/presence in areas that are in violation of respective withdrawal lines. In a government-controlled area, the SMM observed a small convoy of three towed 122mm howitzers (D-30).

At a press conference on the mobilization process in Kherson, attended by the SMM, the municipal and regional military enlistment officials informed that the sixth wave of mobilization only reached 32 per cent of 1,843 draftees planned. The officials also said that four cases of mobilization evasion had been filed in court the previous week.

In front of the Hilton Hotel in Kyiv city centre, the SMM monitored a public gathering of approximately 50 demonstrators, mainly middle-aged men, who complained that their salaries had not been paid by hotel management. Nine police officers and five hotel security staff were present. The demonstration ended peacefully.

The SMM monitored a peaceful demonstration in front of the state railway administration in Lviv. Approximately 70 persons, mainly middle-aged women, protested against alleged attempts of the state railway company to deprive them of their land close to the railway tracks. The event was covered by a number of journalists and overseen by 11 police officers, and ended peacefully.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation in Dnepropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Odessa, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi.

*Restrictions on SMM monitoring, access and freedom of movement:

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by the parties and security considerations, including the presence – and lack of information on the whereabouts – of mines, and damaged infrastructure. The security situation in Donbas is fluid and unpredictable and the ceasefire does not hold everywhere. Self-imposed restrictions on movement into high-risk areas have impinged on SMM patrolling activities, particularly in areas not controlled by the government. Most areas along the Ukraine-Russian Federation international border, particularly those controlled by the “LPR”, have been placed off limits to the SMM.

Delayed access:

At a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint in government-controlled Smolianynove (60km north-west of Luhansk), the checkpoint personnel inspected the trunk of the SMM’s vehicle.

Denied access:

At a checkpoint about 5km west of “LPR”-controlled Donetskyi (49km north-west of Luhansk) the SMM was not allowed to proceed further by an “LPR” member who cited security reasons in the area due to anti-tank mines placed on the road.

Conditional access:

The SMM was escorted by one “LPR” “military police” vehicle with two “LPR” members during its visit to three “LPR” heavy weapons holding areas.

[1] For a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations, please see the annexed table.

* Please see the section at the end of this report entitled “Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement” for further information.

• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 10 August 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 9 August 2015
• Spot Report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM): OSCE vehicles in Donetsk city damaged by fire

Please note that this report is for media and the general public.

SUMMARY

KAMENSK-SHAKHTINSKIY, Russian Federation - The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall cross-border traffic slightly increased at both BCPs.

DETAIL

OM’s staff composition

The OM is currently operating with 18 staff members, consisting of 17 permanent international observers (incl. the Chief Observer) and one first-responder (an OSCE staff or mission member deployed to another mission for a short period of time), who is performing the duties of an administrative assistant. Nine staff members are currently on leave.

Cross-border movements common to both BCPs

The profile of the people crossing the border remains unchanged and can be categorised as follows:

1.     Families on foot or travelling by car and buses, with a lot of luggage, often accompanied by elderly people;

2.     Adults (usually of younger age) with no luggage or empty cars;

3.     People wearing military-style clothes with or without backpacks, crossing on foot or in vehicles.

Compared to last week, the average number of entries/exits slightly increased overall from 10,509 to 10,531 per day for both BCPs; the average net flow went from minus 276 (i.e. more exits from the Russian Federation) to plus 29 (i.e. more entries into the Russian Federation). The Donetsk BCP continued to experience more traffic than the Gukovo BCP. The cross-border movements registered at both BCPs accounted for just under thirty-three per cent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The majority of the vehicles crossing the border have number plates issued in the Luhansk region, including a number of articulated trucks and long-distance coaches commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation.

Common observations at the BCPs

The situation at both BCPs remained calm. The OM continued to observe that the Russian Federation Border Guard and Customs Service conducted checks and controls.

Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation. In addition to regular bus connections, the Observer Teams (OTs) continued to observe bus connections on irregular routes. Often the buses do not state their route; instead they just have a sign on the windshield saying “Irregular”. Among the irregular lines observed by the OTs the following destinations were noted: three buses bound for Kharkiv, three buses on the route Luhansk-Krasnodon, one bus on the route Krasnodon-Moscow, two buses on the route Luhansk-Kiev, two buses bound for Anapa and one on the route Luhansk-Sevastopol.  

During the reporting period, the number of men and women in military-style dress, crossing the border in both directions, decreased from 208 to 180 at both BCPs. These people continued crossing the border individually or in groups and on foot or using different types of transport (in addition to vehicles, some used buses, but also bikes and motorbikes). Approximately ninety three per cent of this category’s crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP. The OTs continued to observe that from time to time persons in military-style dress have travelled across the border by bus, which makes it more difficult for the OTs to observe their movement across the border. The OTs also continued to observe physically fit young and middle-aged men in civilian clothing, with short haircuts, many of whom carry camouflage-coloured backpacks.

Furthermore, the OTs continued to observe vehicles with Ukrainian license plates, including articulated trucks, with “Donetsk People’s Republic / Lugansk People’s Republic” (“DPR/LPR”) stickers on their license plates replacing the Ukrainian flag.

During the reporting week, the OM continued to observe a high number of trucks, crossing the border in both directions, including intense cargo truck traffic at both BCPs and dumper trucks transporting coal from the Luhansk region to the Russian Federation through the Gukovo BCP. While the majority of the trucks are registered in the Luhansk region, the OTs also observed trucks registered in the Russian Federation and Republic of Belarus that crossed the border. During the reporting week, the OTs have observed that the number of trucks registered in the Republic of Belarus has decreased from 104 to 76; these trucks were observed crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. Sixty-seven of these trucks crossed at the Donetsk BCP, with nine such crossings recorded at the Gukovo BCP. In addition to that, during the reporting week the OT observed two trucks registered in Poland and one registered in the Czech Republic, crossing the border at the Donetsk BCP. Separately, the OTs also observed tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The number of tanker trucks has decreased from 50 last week to 43 this week. The majority of these trucks (37) crossed at the Donetsk BCP, while the remaining six crossed at the Gukovo BCP. These trucks for the most part had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in the Russian language.

Military movement

At the two BCPs the OM did not observe military movement, apart from the movement of Russian Federation Border Guard Service vehicles transporting BCP personnel and supplies.

Observation at the Gukovo BCP

The traffic flow at the Gukovo BCP has increased compared to last week. A daily average of 3,062 entries and exits was recorded, which accounted for just over nine per cent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The net flow went from minus 15 (i.e. more exits from the Russian Federation) to plus 96 (i.e. more entries into the Russian Federation) on average per day.

During the reporting period, the OM observed a total of 13 persons in military-style clothing crossing the border at the Gukovo BCP, 5 of whom left for Ukraine while 8 entered the Russian Federation.

As in previous weeks, the OM observed dumper trucks transporting coal from the Luhansk region to the Russian Federation. As reported previously, the OTs saw Russian Federation Border Guard and Customs Service personnel checking that the trucks were empty while leaving the Russian Federation.

The OTs continued to pick up on the sound of trains running on the train tracks located approximately 150 metres south-west of the BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 19 occasions; the OTs estimated that 9 trains were going to the Russian Federation and 10 trains were bound for Ukraine. Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees in between the train tracks and the BCP.

Observation at the Donetsk BCP

During the reporting period the activity at the Donetsk BCP slightly decreased compared to last week. The daily average of 7,469 entries and exits accounted for just over twenty-three per cent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The net flow changed from minus 260 to minus 67 (i.e. more exits from the Russian Federation) on average per day. During the reporting week, the OT observed 167 persons in military-style clothing crossing the border at the Donetsk BCP individually and in groups; 97 persons entered the Russian Federation while 70 left for Ukraine.

During the reporting week the OTs noted four ambulances crossing in both directions at the Donetsk BCP. All four ambulances had Ukrainian registration number plates. No wounded persons were observed in any of these four ambulances.

On 5 August at 20:18hrs the OT heard multiple automatic rifle shots coming from a west-north-westerly direction.

On 7 August at 06:11hrs the OT observed a van arriving at the BCP from the Russian Federation side. The vehicle bore an inscription “Funeral service Vozneseniya” in the Russian language. After undergoing border formalities, it crossed the border to Ukraine.

On 10 August at 17:00 hrs the OT observed a truck coming from Ukraine to the Russian Federation. On its side, there was an inscription “Humanitarian aid from Novosibirsk”.

The wooden benches with a net-like cover over them that were installed last week at the entrance to the BCP are still present. The benches and the cover provide a place for people crossing the border to rest and stay in the shade during the long wait. 

• Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 4 August 2015
• Spot Report by OSCE Observer Mission: A thirty-third Russian convoy of 52 vehicles crossed into Ukraine and returned back through Donetsk Border Crossing Point
• Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 28 July 2015

VIENNA, 12 August 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today called on the authorities in Turkmenistan to release journalist Saparmamed Nepeskuliev.
 
“According to information available to my Office, Nepeskuliev has been detained for more than a month without any charges brought against him,” Mijatović said. “Based on the long-standing and constructive co-operation between the authorities in Turkmenistan and my Office, I call for his release.” 

According to reports, Nepeskuliev, a freelance journalist and contributor to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) Turkmen Service and Alternative Turkmenistan News, was detained on 7 July and is being held in a temporary detention facility in Turkmenistan’s Balkan Province. Nepeskuliev’s relatives were informed that he has been charged for illegal drug possession but no formal charges have yet been made.
 
In a letter to the authorities in Turkmenistan on 29 July Mijatović expressed concern that Nepeskuliev’s family is not allowed to meet him and that the journalist has not been provided with legal counsel.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

• Charges against journalists covering events in Ferguson, USA, should be dropped, OSCE media freedom representative says
• OSCE Representative condemns killing of journalist in Azerbaijan, calls on President Aliyev to ensure safety of journalists and free media
• OSCE media freedom representative condemns attack on journalist, calls on authorities in Skopje for swift investigation

PODGORICA, 12 August 2015 - Strengthening mechanisms for implementing gender equality at the local level was the focus of a seminar organized in Podgorica by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro on Tuesday. The seminar follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed last November 2014 by the Capital City’s authorities, the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights and the Mission on implementing gender equality.

The seminar focused on gender equality principles, gender-sensitive language, the international and national legal framework, and highlighted best practices at the local level. Participants noted that a local action plan for gender equality would serve as a useful tool for strengthening the implementation of gender equality standards and its monitoring.

The seminar provided guidelines and recommendations for the working draft of the Capital City’s Local Action Plan for Gender Equality. A planned second seminar, and subsequent meetings and public discussions, will review the draft further before it enters the procedure for finalization in the Capital City’s Assembly. 

The OSCE Mission will continue supporting the efforts of the Working Group on the draft Plan. The Working Group, formed by the Capital City, consists of representatives of the local authorities and civil society. 

• OSCE Mission to Montenegro condemns deliberate damage done to official vehicle of public service broadcaster RTCG
• OSCE-supported seminar for journalists on work of law enforcement institutions held in Podgorica
• OSCE-supported seminar for journalists and NGO representatives on implementation of Free Access to Information Law held in Bijelo Polje

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by the parties and security considerations*. The overall situation at and around Donetsk airport remained tense. The SMM observed a significant increase in ceasefire violations in areas east and north of Mariupol, particularly in the wider area of Starohnativka.

The situation continues to be volatile at and around the destroyed “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled Donetsk airport (9km north-west of Donetsk). Between 13:00 and 18:00hrs, the SMM, from its position at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) observation post at Donetsk railway station (“DPR”-controlled, 8km north-west of Donetsk) heard a total of 14 explosions consistent with mortar or artillery impacts, two incidents of sporadic small arms fire and one airburst 2-7km north, north-east, west and north-west of its position.

The security situation remains calm in Mariupol, however there was a significant increase in ceasefire violations in areas east and north of the city, particularly in the area of government-controlled Starohnativka (51km south of Donetsk). The SMM followed up on reports from a “DPR” member on heavy shelling on 9 August in and around “DPR”-controlled Styla (34km south of Donetsk). In “DPR”-controlled Starobesheve (32km south-east of Donetsk), a representative of the city hospital told the SMM that three “DPR” members had been killed and an unspecified number of civilians had been wounded in the shelling. The SMM also monitored the situation near “DPR”-controlled Styla and observed no military activity, but it could not enter the village due to security concerns. In government-controlled Mykolaivka (39km south-south-west of Donetsk) between 14:40 and 15:25hrs, the SMM heard a total of 11 explosions including two explosions assessed as incoming 82mm mortar rounds and a few bursts of small-arms and light-weapons (SALW) including heavy machine gun (HMG) and grenade launcher fire 2km north and 2-3km east of the village.

A Ukrainian Armed Forces officer at the JCCC headquarters in Soledar informed the SMM of the attack in Starohnativka with heavy weapons over the reporting period. According to the interlocutor, 400 armed persons attacked Ukrainian Armed Forces positions and in response the Ukrainian Armed Forces was forced to use heavy weapons prohibited according to Minsk.

In government-controlled Dzerzhynsk (58km north of Donetsk) the SMM visited three sites shelled on 8 August, based on a report from a Ukrainian Armed Forces representative at the JCCC in Dzerzhynsk. The SMM conducted crater analysis and concluded that they had been caused by 152mm calibre artillery from a south-south-easterly direction. Between 10:35 and 10:55hrs, the SMM heard four incoming mortar rounds and two bursts of machine-gun fire.

In government-controlled Sopyne (16km east of Mariupol), at 08:00hrs, the SMM heard sporadic SALW fire 4km north-east of its position, consistent with the direction of “DPR”-controlled Sakhanka (24km north-east of Mariupol). Later at 09:58hrs, the SMM heard one undetermined explosion in the area of Shyrokyne. The SMM visited government-controlled Lebedynske (16km east of Mariupol), where the resident in the village informed the SMM of shelling on 9 August. The SMM analysed three out of ten craters at the outskirts of the village and concluded that they were caused by 120mm mortars fired from an easterly direction. Between 14:28 and 15:11hrs the SMM heard a total of 22 explosions east of its position and a round of heavy-machine gun (HMG) fire and one burst of a 33mm anti-aircraft gun. In government-controlled Vodiane (24km north of Mariupol), at 17:05hrs, the SMM heard sounds consistent with SALW fire in the distance to the east of its position.

In government-controlled Trokhizbenka (33km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM heard ten explosions of artillery north of its location.

In government-controlled Troitske (69km west of Luhansk) the SMM followed up on information from a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer about alleged shelling on 9 August. At two sites, the SMM analyzed a total of eight craters and assessed them to have been caused by artillery gun (122mm) fire originating from the east and north-east.

In government-controlled Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk), a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer at the JCCC showed the SMM a crater which he said was a result of shelling during the night of 8 August. The SMM analyzed the crater and assessed it to have been caused by 120mm mortar from a south-westerly direction.

The SMM revisited two Ukrainian Armed Forces heavy weapons holding area whose locations comply with the respective withdrawal lines. At the first area the SMM observed that all previously recorded weapons were again missing as during the previous visit on 24 July (see SMM Daily Report 24 July). At the second area, 17 howitzers were missing and the serial numbers of one of the present 11 howitzers did not match the number recorded during last SMM visit (see SMM Daily Report 24 July). The SMM also revisited two “DPR” heavy weapons holding areas, whose locations comply with the respective withdrawal lines. At the first “DPR” area, the SMM verified that all previously registered weapons were present. At the second “DPR” area six previously registered self-propelled howitzers 122mm (Gvozdika) were missing.

The SMM observed the following weapons in areas that are non-compliant with the Minsk withdrawal lines: in a government-controlled area, one main battle tank (MBT), and one tank (T-64, 125mm calibre).

On 8 August, at Kulykove Pole in Odessa, the SMM monitored the weekly demonstration and commemoration of victims of 2 May 2014 events attended by 50 anti-Maidan activists, mostly middle aged to elderly women and the counter-demonstration attended by 15 pro-Maidan activists, mostly men of different ages. Seventy police officers formed a line around the anti-Maidan group, separating them from the pro-Maidan group. There were verbal exchanges but no physical contact between the groups and the gatherings ended peacefully.

On 8 August, in Kyiv the SMM monitored a public protest on Independence Square (the Maidan). The gathering consisted of approximately 20 middle-aged males and females who were holding Ukrainian, Georgian and Chechen flags and displaying banners expressing their concerns about Russian policies in Ukraine and in Chechnya. No police officers were present. The gathering ended peacefully.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation in Kharkiv, Dnepropetrovsk, Kherson, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi.

*Restrictions on SMM monitoring, access and freedom of movement:

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by third parties and security considerations, including the presence – and lack of information on the whereabouts – of mines, and damaged infrastructure. The security situation in Donbas is fluid and unpredictable and the ceasefire does not hold everywhere. Self-imposed restrictions on movement into high-risk areas have impinged on SMM patrolling activities, particularly in areas not controlled by the government. Most areas along the Ukraine-Russian Federation international border, particularly those controlled by the “LPR”, have ordinarily been placed off limits to the SMM. 

Denied access:

-   The SMM was prevented from passing a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint near government-controlled Zolote (60km north-west of Luhansk).The SMM left the checkpoint due to nervous signalling of a soldier.

-   At a checkpoint near government-controlled Troitske (Popasna area) (69km north-west of Luhansk), a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer denied the SMM passage.

Delay:

-   At a checkpoint in “LPR”-controlled Donetskyi (40km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM was allowed to proceed after 20 minutes, having made a call to the relevant “LPR” member.

For a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations, please see the annexed table.

• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 9 August 2015
• Spot Report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM): OSCE vehicles in Donetsk city damaged by fire
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 7 August 2015

BELGRADE, 11 August 2015 - The current escalation of violence in eastern Ukraine is alarming and against the spirit of the Minsk Agreements, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić said today following reports of fighting in several areas in the Donetsk region. He reminded all sides of their responsibility to adhere to the ceasefire and prevent further civilian casualties.

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) today reported that there was a significant increase of ceasefire violations yesterday in areas east and north of Mariupol. The area in and around Starohnativka is of particular concern at the moment.

SMM monitors were again fired upon this afternoon in eastern Ukraine.

“Security and freedom of movement is crucial for the SMM to fulfill its mandate,” said Dačić. “Once again, I strongly condemn any incidents or actions that hamper the SMM’s work,” he said. Inviolability of SMM property should be fully ensured, Dačić stated, and condemned the incident in which four armoured SMM vehicles were destroyed in a fire in Donetsk on Sunday.

• All sides in eastern Ukraine must ensure safety and freedom of movement of SMM monitors, says OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Dačić
• Today's agreement on withdrawal of weapons gives boost to the whole process, says OSCE CiO Dacic after meeting with the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk
• No alternative to Minsk Agreements, says CiO Dačić during visit to OSCE operations in Kyiv

VIENNA, 11 August 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned the recent killing of journalist Rasim Aliyev in Azerbaijan, following a letter she wrote to the President of Azerbaijan, calling on the authorities to ensure journalists’ safety and reverse the rapidly deteriorating media freedom situation in the country.

According to reports, Aliyev, a freelance reporter and chairman of the media monitoring group the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety in Azerbaijan, was brutally beaten by a group of people in Baku on 8 August. He suffered multiple injuries and died in hospital on 9 August.

“This latest tragic incident once again proves it is high time that the authorities heed the warnings of international organizations and the calls of civil society to engage in meaningful dialogue and stop denying the seriousness of the situation,” Mijatović wrote in a letter today to the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

The Representative noted President Aliyev’s condemnation of the act and his calling for an investigation. Mijatović said she raised the issue of intimidation and imprisonment of journalists and members of the media in Azerbaijan numerous times during the past year, including the issue of impunity from prosecution of assailants.

“Unfortunately, almost nothing has been done,” Mijatović wrote in her letter to the President. “The latest tragic death of Rasim Aliyev is the ultimate reminder to all of us that the vicious circle has to be broken and something has to be done.”

More than ten members of the media, including journalists, bloggers and social media activists, are in prison or in pre-trial detention today in Azerbaijan. They include:

• Khadija Ismayilova, a reporter for Radio Azadliq, on charges of inciting a person to commit suicide, illegal business dealings and abuse of power;
• Rasul Jafarov, a free expression and free media advocate and human rights defender, on charges of embezzlement, illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, abuse of power;
• Seymur Hazi, a columnist for the newspaper Azadliq, on a charge of hooliganism;
• Omar Mamedov and Abdul Abilov, bloggers, on charges of illegal storage and sale of drugs;
• Parviz Hashimli, a journalist, on charges of smuggling and illegal storage and sale of firearms;
• Nijat Aliyev, editor-in-chief of the azadxeber.az news website, on various charges, including drug possession and inciting hatred;
• Rashad Ramazanov, an independent blogger, on charges of illegal storage and sale of drugs.

The Representative also pointed to the fact that the perpetrators are still at large in the cases of Elmar Huseynov, the founder and editor of the independent weekly news magazine Monitor who was killed in 2005, and Rafiq Taghi, writer and newspaper columnist who died after being stabbed by an attacker in 2011.

The Representative reiterated her offer to assist Azerbaijan in much-needed improvements to media freedom and safety of journalists.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

• OSCE Representative says excessive court measures against television station in Georgia may pose a threat to media pluralism
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KYIV, 11 August 2015 – Ambassador Vaidotas Verba, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, and Kalman Mizsei, Head of the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine), signed a memorandum of co-operation to support Ukraine in the fields of security and justice sector reform.

The document formalizes agreements to support Ukraine in ensuring legislative and governance reforms are transparent and inclusive; judicial reforms are in line with international standards and best practice; and that police reforms are comprehensive and enjoy public support.

To that end the two sides, among other things, agreed to regularly exchange information; organize joint events, including training courses and information campaigns; and to co-operate in developing and implementing programs for sustainable institutional and capacity building in security and justice sector reform.

“Jointly we can do more to help Ukrainians in building a professional and human rights-oriented law enforcement system, and transparent and effective justice,” said Ambassador Vaidotas Verba, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. “The OSCE’s experience in developing educational and training capacities in those areas reinforce the EUAM’s expertise in providing a strategic advice for reforms and institutional development.”

“For us, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine is a natural partner. Our partnership has been built on the positive experience of work from the past year”, said Kalman Mizsei, the Head of EUAM. “Our joint efforts will work towards building up the sustainable Ukrainian security services delivering the rule of law and law enforcement, enhancing their legitimacy in all areas and communities of Ukraine and thus in increasing public confidence and trust, in full respect for human rights,” added the Head of EUAM.

Background

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine was established in 1999 to plan, implement and monitor projects to help the country enhance its security and stability, develop its legislation, institutions, and practices in line with democratic standards. The goal is to support the country in adapting legislation, structures, and processes to the requirements of a modern democracy built on a secure environment for its people. The projects are planned in response to requests by Ukrainian partners, including governmental and non-governmental institutions.

EUAM is an unarmed, non-executive civilian mission with an initial mandate of two years. The Mission aims to strengthen and support the reform of the civilian security sector in Ukraine and thus contributes to the planning and implementation of those reforms. EUAM was deployed in Ukraine by the deсision of the EU Council on  July 22, 2014 on the invitation of the Ukrainian government to support, advise and mentor the relevant Ukrainian state agencies on civilian security sector reform, including rule of law and law enforcement.

• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 9 August 2015
• Spot Report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM): OSCE vehicles in Donetsk city damaged by fire
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 7 August 2015

This report is provided for the media and the general public.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations. Luhansk region remained tense, with the SMM observing shelling in several areas. The area around Donetsk airport continues to be relatively calm, though heavy fighting was observed by the SMM in Shyrokyne. The SMM observed a 41-truck convoy being unloaded in Luhansk.

Donetsk airport and its environs were relatively calm for the fourth consecutive day. Both Ukrainian Armed Forces and Russian Federation Armed Forces personnel at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) observation post at “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled Donetsk railway station (8km north-west of Donetsk city) told the SMM that there were no significant incidents during the night of 18-19 June. The SMM observed incoming artillery hits (possibly 122mm or 152mm calibre), airbursts, mortars (outgoing and incoming), as well as small arms and light weapons (SALW) fire in the area of Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol).

In government-controlled Volnovakha (35km south-west of Donetsk) the head of administration told the SMM that the 16 June decree adding amendments to the T-144 order on crossing between government and non-government-controlled areas is not yet in force (The amendments include, inter alia, electronic permits replacing the paper-based system).

The SMM observed eight trucks marked “Humanitarian Aid of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation” in a government-controlled area to the north of Horlivka (36km north-east of Donetsk) proceeding south towards “DPR”-controlled areas.

The Luhansk region remains tense with shelling heard in several places.

A convoy of 41 trucks (with “Humanitarian aid convoy from the Russian Federation” written on the sides) was observed by the SMM entering Luhansk city and cargo was seen being unloaded at three different warehouses. Twenty-six trucks were observed by the SMM at one location, five trucks at a second and seven trucks at a third location. Three additional trucks with what the “LPR” said was approximately 30 tons of medication were directed towards an “LPR” “ministry of health” storage facility. The SMM monitored some unloading of medication, but did not observe the entire process.

The SMM revisited Ukrainian Armed Forces and “DPR” heavy weapons holding areas, the locations of which are in compliance with Minsk withdrawal lines. At two Ukrainian Armed Forces holding sites some weapons remained in situ, though the following weapons were missing: one self-propelled howitzer (152mm 2S3 Akatsiya), eight anti-tank guns (100mm 2A19 MT-12 Rapira), and five multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) (122mm BM-21 Grad). One Ukrainian Armed Forces holding area was inaccessible due to poor road conditions. Though the SMM was prevented from entering one “DPR” heavy weapons holding area by the “DPR” “commander” citing ongoing training at the site, the SMM saw two MLRS (BM-21 Grad) and 20-25 “DPR” members at this location*. At another “DPR” heavy weapons holding area, the SMM saw that six self-propelled howitzers (Gvozdika 122mm), previously recorded at this location, were in situ.

Despite claims that the withdrawal of heavy weapons was complete, the SMM observed the following weapons’ movements in areas that are in violation of Minsk withdrawal lines: in areas under the control of the “LPR”, the SMM observed 33 self-propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvozdika 122mm), 12 towed howitzers (D-30 122mm) said by an “LPR” member at the site to be a training area; 15 main battle tanks (MBT) (T72 and T64) taking part in what the SMM assessed was an exercise; six 100mm anti-tank guns (T-12 Rapira), 11 MLRS (BM-21 Grad) and six 152 mm towed howitzers (2A65 Msta-B); one Ural truck with a mounted anti-aircraft machine-gun (ZSU-23) and six T-64 tanks (five at one location). In government-controlled areas, the SMM observed one 120mm artillery tube hidden under camouflage; and one MBT (T-64) and one MBT (T-72) being transported by trucks. In “DPR”-controlled areas, the SMM saw a concentration of 24 MBTs (T-72) undertaking what the SMM assessed to be training manoeuvres. In “DPR”-controlled areas, an SMM unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detected four howitzers, 11 armoured personnel carriers, a concentration of 11 MBTs in the area of Michurine (63km south of Donetsk) and a further ten MBTs around Komsomolske (43km south of Donetsk).

The head of the Dniprovsky police department in Kherson confirmed to the SMM that investigations are ongoing into an alleged explosion at the residence of the head of the Kherson regional state administration. The incident is being investigated by the regional investigative department for organized crime as an act of terrorism under Article 258 part II of the Criminal Code. According to the deputy head of the regional state administration, the incident occurred on the night of 13 June.  

The SMM saw approximately 50 persons (mostly younger men) who identified themselves to the SMM as members of Pravyi Sektor (Right Sector) and 70 civil society activists (mostly men) block the entrance to the regional tax administration building in Lviv. The protest (ongoing since 8 June) was against what civil society members said were irregularities in the appointment of the head of the tax office. Six police officers and eight guards from a private security company observed proceedings. The protest ended peacefully. Civil society members later suspended protests, as the authorities announced their intention to restart the appointments process.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation in Kharkiv, Dnepropetrovsk, Odessa, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk and Kyiv.

* Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement:

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by third parties and security considerations, including the presence of mines, the lack of information on whereabouts of landmines, as well as damaged infrastructure. The security situation in Donbas is fluid and unpredictable and the ceasefire does not hold everywhere. Self-imposed restrictions on movement into high risk areas have impinged on SMM patrolling activities, particularly in areas not controlled by the government.

Delay:

• In government-controlled Komyshuvakha (66km west-north-west of Luhansk) SMM monitors were requested to provide their nationalities by Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint personnel. They were asked if there were any nationals from the Russian Federation amongst them, and if there were, the SMM would not be allowed to travel further. After a five-minute delay, the SMM was allowed to proceed.
• At a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint near government-controlled Berezove (35km south-west of Donetsk), personnel recorded the names of SMM monitors. The monitors were allowed to proceed after a seven-minute delay.
• The SMM was initially prevented from passing a checkpoint by “LPR” members in “LPR”-controlled Smile (32km north-west of Luhansk). The SMM was allowed to proceed after a ten-minute delay.

Prevented access:

• The SMM was prevented from entering “LPR”-controlled Slovianoserbsk (28km north-west of Luhansk) by an “LPR” “special unit” despite being given assurances previously by the “LPR” “commendatura” of the village that the SMM could enter.
• Near government-controlled Lebedynske (16km east-north-east of Mariupol) the SMM was stopped at a checkpoint by Ukrainian Armed Forces. The latter called superiors for instruction and denied the SMM passage.
• At a checkpoint on the northern outskirts of Mariupol, the Ukrainian Border Guard commander did not allow the SMM to proceed without escort. As the alternative would have entailed a long detour, the SMM agreed to the escort.
• The SMM was prevented from entering one “DPR” heavy weapons holding area by the “DPR” “commander” citing ongoing training at the site.

Interference with UAV:

• The SMM UAV was subject to jamming in the “DPR”-controlled areas of Novoazovsk (40km east of Mariupol), the settlement of Parus (25km east of Mariupol) and Svobodne (55km south-west of Donetsk).   

For a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations, please see the annexed table.

• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 17 June 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 16 June 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 15 June 2015

VIENNA, 19 June 2015 – The mandate of the OSCE Observer Mission at the Russian checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk has been extended by three months to 30 September 2015, following a consensus decision taken by all 57 OSCE participating States yesterday.

The Mission has been on the ground since 29 July 2014 and is tasked with monitoring and reporting on the situation including movements across the Russian-Ukrainian border at the Russian checkpoints at Gukovo and Donetsk.

The Mission is currently comprised of 20 civilian observers, who operate 24/7 in teams.

The Chief of the Observer Mission, Paul Picard, will continue to provide regular reports through the Chairmanship to the Permanent Council. 

• Spot Report by OSCE Observer Mission: A twenty ninth Russian convoy of 50 vehicles crossed into Ukraine and returned back through the Donetsk Border Crossing Point
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KYIV, 19 June 2015 - A roundtable discussion to promote co-operation between the Ukrainian authorities and Kyiv-based embassies and consulates to prevent human trafficking was held today with the support of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.

The event brought together representatives from the visa sections of foreign embassies and consulates in Ukraine with the aim of increasing their awareness of trafficking and to discuss the role of embassies and consulates in combating this crime.

Particular attention was paid to co-operation with the law enforcement authorities, including the specialized anti-trafficking unit within the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, the State Migration Service and the State Border Guard Service, especially in light of the new human trafficking risks brought on by the current situation in Ukraine.

“The main purpose of our annual event is to update consular officials on the new human trafficking trends in Ukraine and response efforts by authorities and NGOs,” said Ambassador Vaidotas Verba, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. “This is an opportunity to enhance co-operation among all the stakeholders, including visa sections of foreign embassies and consulates located in Ukraine, in order to improve assistance to victims of this crime, or to the people who are in risk of being trafficked.”

The meeting was attended by the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Ambassador Madina Jarbussynova, who emphasized the importance of identifying victims of human trafficking and prevention work among communities of internally displaced people  and in eastern Ukraine.

Ambassador Jarbussynova said: “The Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings recognises the need to undertake initiatives to better understand the situation on the ground and to prevent human trafficking as a consequence of the current crisis situation in Ukraine. In 2015, in co-operation with the Project Co-ordinator, we launched a training programme for the staff of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine on how to monitor trends related to the trafficking of human brings in the context of a crisis situation.”

The meeting was organized at the request of the Ukrainian Ministry of Social Policy in its capacity as a National Anti-Trafficking Co-ordinator. The meeting is part of a project aimed at helping to prevent trafficking in human beings and cybercrime and to prosecute those responsible.

• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 17 June 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 16 June 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 15 June 2015

TIRANA, 19 June 2015 - The international observers deployed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities will present their preliminary statement of findings and conclusions on the 21 June local elections in Albania at a press conference in Tirana on Monday.

The preliminary statement will be delivered by Ambassador Audrey Glover, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, and Stewart Dickson, Head of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities delegation. Declan McDonnell, Spokesperson for the members of the Congress delegation from the EU Committee of Regions, and Ron Laufer, Deputy Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, will also participate in the press conference.

The international observation mission comprises some 200 observers, including 168 lomg- and short-term observers deployed by the OSCE/ODIHR and 24 observers from the delegation of the Congress, including members of the EU Committee of the Regions. Altogether, the observers come from 32 countries.

Live stream of the press conference is available at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/albania-local-press-conference and on the OSCE/ODIHR homepage at http://www.osce.org/odihr.

Journalists are invited to attend the press conference on Monday, 22 June, at 15:00, in the Balsha Conference Room of the Tirana International Hotel, Scanderberg Square, Tirana.

For further information contact:

Thomas Rymer, OSCE/ODIHR, mobile:  +355 69 238 7269 or +48 609 522 266, thomas.rymer@odihr.pl

Renate Zikmund, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, mobile: +33 (0)6 59 786 455, renate.zikmund@coe.int

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BUDAPEST, 18 June 2015 – Political leaders have to take decisive action to counter anti-Semitism in Hungary, Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), and Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Anti-Semitism, said today in Budapest.

Director Link and Rabbi Baker were speaking on the second day of a two-day visit for meetings with senior government officials, as well as with representatives of civil society and the Jewish community in Hungary.

“OSCE commitments highlight the important role played by political leaders in countering anti-Semitism, but talk is not enough – what’s needed is action,” Director Link said. “We see many opportunities to demonstrate such leadership in Hungary and are very concerned about worrying expressions of anti-Semitism in public discourse. We are here to discuss what more can be done to bring about positive change and establish effective, comprehensive and sustainable responses to anti-Semitism.”

The two held meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó and other officials to discuss what measures can be undertaken to implement the Prime Minister’s stated zero-tolerance policy towards anti-Semitism in Hungary.

“Anti-Semitism, manifest more in extremist rhetoric than violent incidents, has contributed to the sense of anxiety and uncertainty felt by many Hungarian Jews,” said Rabbi Baker. “A number of highly publicized projects in recent years have cast doubt on the government’s willingness to deal clearly with its past, a particularly sensitive matter since the Hungarian Jewish community is almost entirely composed of Holocaust survivors and their descendants.”

András Heisler, the President of the Federation of Jewish Communities (Mazsihisz) stressed to the visiting officials the importance of international co-operation in fighting anti-Semitism.

“We welcome the OSCE visit and see it as a reinforcement of our efforts to make our voice heard on challenges related to anti-Semitism and the Holocaust,” Heisler said. “Last year, a strong stance by Jewish organizations, coupled with international support, resulted in an attitudinal change in the Hungarian Government, which made positive gestures, including the renovation of synagogues, homes for the elderly and rural Jewish cemeteries.”

Link and Baker welcomed the government’s inclusion of educational programmes as part of these initiatives, and noted the significance of its ongoing dialogue with the Jewish community on matters of concern.

“While more work must still be done, and recognizing that continued public support for the Jobbik Party reflected in opinion surveys is a cause for special concern, there has been a marked improvement in the situation compared to a year ago,” said Rabbi Baker.

“I recognize that the Hungarian Government has recently undertaken measures to demonstrate its commitment in this area,” said Director Link. “These are important initial steps, and I call on the Government to do what is necessary to address Hungary’s Holocaust history accurately and contemporary manifestations of anti-Semitism effectively. ODIHR is ready to assist the authorities with awareness-raising and capacity-building measures.”

The importance of developing adequate and comprehensive responses to anti-Semitism was emphasized at a high level event in November to mark the 10th Anniversary of the OSCE’s Berlin Conference on Anti-Semitism. The visit by the ODIHR Director and Personal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism is the direct result of a Ministerial Council Declaration in Basel in December, in which OSCE participating States pledged to enhance their efforts to counter anti-Semitism.

For further information, please contact Thomas Rymer, ODIHR Spokesperson, at +48 609 522 266.

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VIENNA, 19 June 2015 - Two months on the OSCE’s #WeCooperate campaign is drawing to a close, having reached an audience of nearly three million people with the message that co-operation is the path to peace and security.

The campaign aimed to show that everyone has a stake in building security, as all aspects of the OSCE’s work touch the daily lives of people in its region. It encouraged hundreds of people to send photos, videos, short texts and tweets highlighting co-operation in all its forms - from civil society projects to day-to-day team work.

With the support of United Nations and European Union agencies, other international organizations and institutions, academic and youth networks, #WeCooperate quickly spread through social media networks, becoming itself a great example of co-operation reaching out to people well beyond the OSCE region.

“I thank all those who supported the cause and joined the campaign,” said OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier. “The creativity and innovation which people demonstrated in their contributions was inspiring for us all. Their enthusiasm underscores the importance of the OSCE’s continuing engagement with youth.”

Every two weeks the OSCE announced a new #WeCooperate winner, awarding different prizes to highlight various areas of the OSCE work.

The prize handed out first by the OSCE – a solar backpack – went to the ‘Mehr-Shavkat’ Public Fund based in Aravan, Kyrgyzstan, for their photo on a project on empowering women in the agricultural sector.

The prize given out second by the OSCE – a GoPro camera – went to Master’s Degree student Viola Schipfer in Vienna, who submitted many creative entries highlighting co-operation in her day-to-day life.

A quiz rewarded four lucky winners with a spot prize to meet Finland’s contestants for the Eurovision Song Contest in person at Vienna’s Hofburg Palace.

The campaign’s main prize – a trip to an OSCE event - went to Shend Mulliqi from Prishtinë/Priština, whose entries highlighted the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship and passion in achieving goals.

#WeCooperate stories are worth telling – and the OSCE will continue doing so, because co-operation matters!

Learn more about the campaign at: www.osce.org/home/164876

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KYIV, 19 June 2015 – The Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, Alexander Hug, will visit Bonn, Germany, on 22 - 24 June and Brussels, Belgium, on 24 – 25 June.

During the visit Alexander Hug will be available for individual media interviews on the Mission’s monitoring of the implementation of the Minsk package, latest activities, expansion plans and the security situation in Ukraine.

For further details please contact Iryna Gudyma, Senior Press Assistant, mobile: +38 067 402 17 16, e-mail: Iryna.Gudyma@osce.org.

• OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv tomorrow
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 17 June 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 16 June 2015

BUDAPEST, 19 June 2015 – Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, ahead of Saturday’s World Refugee day, called today on countries in the OSCE region to ensure the dignified treatment and human rights of all individuals wanting to cross borders.   

“Ahead of World Refugee Day, we have to be aware of our responsibility to treat refugees and migrants humanely,” Director Link said. “States should continue to work to ensure that the human rights of all individuals – including refugees and other migrants – are respected within their countries, as well as to find ways to prevent discrimination against these vulnerable groups.”

The 57 OSCE participating States have committed themselves to combat discrimination, where existing, against asylum seekers and refugees, as well to support efforts to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees and displaced persons, with the aim of finding durable solutions.

“As recent events in and around the OSCE have raised the question of the treatment of refugees to the top of policy agendas, the authorities in participating States have to ensure that the solutions they adopt comply completely with their OSCE commitments and other international human rights standards and obligations,” said Director Link.

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An OSCE-supported training seminar to improve communication channels between the courts and the public took place on 19 June 2015, in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The one-day workshop was co-organized by the OSCE Office in Astana in co-operation with the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It aimed improve communication channels between the courts and the public with a particular focus on using media outlets.

The workshop gathered 30 judges from specialized administrative courts countrywide. An expert from the Russian Federation and national media experts discussed best practices on communication between the courts and media, ways of responding to legal cases that draw public attention and delivering public presentations.

The event is part of the Office’s activities on providing expert support to the government and civil society of the host country in the field of access to information and media freedom.

• Court press officers in Kazakhstan attend OSCE-supported training seminar
• Training seminar on enhancing communication between court press-services and media
• Access to information focus of OSCE-supported roundtable discussion in Kazakhstan

This report is provided for the media and the general public.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations*. The situation at and around Donetsk airport was relatively calm, with fewer ceasefire violations recorded by the SMM compared to previous days.

The situation at and around Donetsk airport was relatively calm. Between 08:00 and 10:00hrs and between 12:00 and 13:00hrs, at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) observation point at Donetsk central railway station (“Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled, 8km north-west of Donetsk city centre), the SMM observed a total of 17 explosions caused by incoming and outgoing artillery and mortar fire as well as small-arms and light-weapons (SALW) fire. The SMM assessed that the explosions occurred at locations to the north, north-west, north-east and west and at distances ranging between 2 and 10km from its position.[1]

From observation points located 1.5 and 3.5km west of Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol), the SMM heard sporadic sounds consistent with the use of small-arms fire and a number of undetermined detonations, especially to the north, north-east and east of its position.

In “DPR”-controlled Donetsk city, the SMM monitored a protest of about 200 mostly middle aged and elderly women who gathered at the “DPR” “government” building and demanded an end to shelling, the withdrawal of “DPR” military equipment as well as the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the area of the Oktiabr mine (“DPR”-controlled, 2.2km south-west of Donetsk airport), and to be accommodated in safe locations. The SMM did not see any “police” present at the event, which ended peacefully.

In Dimitrov (government-controlled, 61km north-northwest of Donetsk), the secretary of the city council told the SMM that financial aid granted by the government to unemployed internally displaced persons (IDPs) 420 UAH monthly, had been suspended, affecting just under 10 per cent of the 18,000 registered IDPs.

In Raihorodok (government-controlled, 126km north of Donetsk), 12 inhabitants, seven women and five men, told the SMM that there were several security incidents such as houses and fences damaged by bullets occurring from exercises in the military shooting range in the village, which resulted in residents refraining from leaving their buildings. The SMM observed several houses and gates which had bullet impacts.

The SMM met a Rinat Akhmetov Foundation representative in Donetsk city who said that on 13 June its humanitarian convoy consisting of 26 trucks was denied access to “DPR”-controlled areas by the Ukrainian Armed Forces 43th battalion "Patriot" at Maiorsk (government-controlled, 44km north of Donetsk) despite having all necessary documentation.

The SMM visited Kominternove (government-controlled, 23km north-east of Mariupol) for the first time since 9 March and spoke to 17 inhabitants, men and women. They said restrictions of freedom of movement remains their main concern as they are not allowed to cross the nearby checkpoint #15 in Vynohradne (government-controlled, 10km east of Mariupol) and are redirected to the distant checkpoint #12, located at Hnutove (“DPR”-controlled, 19km north-west of Mariupol), which adds three hours to a journey to Mariupol.

In the Luhansk region the SMM recorded ceasefire violations in the areas of Bakhmutivka, Sievierodonetsk, Muratove and Bobrove (government-controlled, 40, 74 and 50 and 56km north-west of Luhansk) and Donetskyi (“Lugansk People’s Republic” (“LPR”)-controlled, 50km north-west of Luhansk), involving heavy artillery and SALW.

At 11:20hrs, at the entrance to Toshkivka (government-controlled, 60km north-west of Luhansk), two members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces told the SMM that 40 minutes before the SMM’s arrival two big calibre shells impacted the road nearby. The SMM from their vehicle observed two fresh impact sites, one on the road and one in the field at about 50 metres in the northern direction, which had at least three metres diameter.

In Popasna (government-controlled, 69km north-west of Luhansk), inhabitants said to the SMM that water supply was restricted to late at night and early in the morning. The director of the Western Water Company said to the SMM that repair works were initiated near Popasna on 13 June but halted on 14 June following shelling which had slightly injured a worker. He expected the works to resume on 16 June.

In Miusynsk (“LPR”-controlled, 62km south-west of Luhansk) the SMM met a member of the “municipal council” who said that, as of 1 July, six of the seven coal mines are expected to resume extracting activities.

The SMM visited the house of elderly and persons with disabilities in Rovenky (“LPR”-controlled, 55km south of Luhansk), where the head nurse said that the institution is fully dependent on humanitarian aid but that continued medicine shortages remained a concern, as did the lack of salaries for the staff since February. She added that the institution continues to work under Ukrainian legislation.

The SMM revisited six “DPR” heavy weapons holding areas, whose locations comply with the respective withdrawal lines. At four of them, all weapons previously observed were in situ. At a fifth site, nine mortars (120mm) were missing while the sixth one was abandoned and ten, previously recorded, towed artillery (D-30, 122mm) were missing.

Despite claims that the withdrawal of heavy weapons was complete, the SMM observed weapons in areas that are in violation of withdrawal lines according to the Minsk Package. In “DPR”-controlled areas, the SMM observed one truck-mounted anti-aircraft gun, 11 main battle tanks (MBTs) (T-64) and seven MBTs (T-72), as well as nine armoured personnel carriers (BMP 1).  On 14 June, in “DPR”-controlled areas, the SMM unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spotted eight MBTs, three howitzers (Gvozdika 2S1) and 16 armoured personnel carriers, while in government-controlled areas it observed two MBTs. On 15 June, in “DPR”-controlled areas, the SMM UAV spotted three artillery pieces (122mm) and one mortar position, and in government-controlled areas one mortar position.

The head of the forensic department at Dnepropetrovsk’s morgue said to the SMM that the bodies of 16 soldiers had been returned from the ATO zone between 8 and 15 June and staff of the Mechnikov regional hospital in Dnepropetrovsk said that 28 servicepersons had been admitted to the hospital between 9 and 14 June.

In Kharkiv, the SMM observed a rally at the Constitution Square. The participants, nearly 100 students of mixed gender, aged between 20 and 25, protested against an attack which reportedly occurred in a local university dormitory on 11 June when 30 unidentified masked men indiscriminately assaulted students, resulting in six wounded students, four Jordanian nationals and two Ukrainians, with two being in critical condition. The police said to the SMM that five people had been arrested in connection with the incident and an investigation was underway. Some 70 police officers were present at the event which ended peacefully.

On 14 June, the SMM monitored the weekly gathering of anti-Maidan activists at Kulikove Pole in Odessa where approximately 90 activists, mostly women, gathered to commemorate the victims of the events of 2 May 2014. Another group of 20 pro-Maidan, mostly men, gathered and shouted insults to the anti-Maidan activists. Some 120 police were present and kept both groups separated. The event ended peacefully.

In Odessa, on 13 June, the SMM visited the office of the head of the communist party and confirmed earlier media reports that it had been occupied the previous day by Pravyi Sektor (Right Sector) and Odessa self-defence. The SMM observed four Pravyi Sektor activists, wearing camouflage uniforms with a baseball bat and truncheon who said that there were five-six additional activists inside. On 15 June, the SMM saw Ukrainian and Pravyi Sektor flags still outside the premises and met the head of the Pravyi Sektor, who denied the SMM access to the building. On the phone, the police told the SMM that an investigation had been launched under Article 356 (unsanctioned action) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The SMM observed the opening of the exhibition “Cyborgs” at the World War II museum in Kyiv, commemorating the sacrifices made by Ukrainian servicepersons who fought to protect the Donetsk airport. The event was attended by some 250 people of different ages.  

On 14 June, the SMM visited the local vehicle market in Ivano-Frankivsk, following media reports that the regional military commissariat had been delivering calls for medical examination for mobilization to male visitors. The SMM did not observe representatives of the military commissariat during their visit but armed guards of the vehicle market told the SMM that approximately 40 people in camouflage and police uniforms were verifying the identification of men, checking them against drafting lists and delivering notifications for medical examination. The deputy military commissar confirmed to the SMM that such notices for medical examination were being delivered at the vehicle market.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation in Kherson, Lviv and Chernivtsi.

* Restrictions on SMM monitoring, access and freedom of movement:

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by third parties and security considerations including the presence of mines, the lack of information on whereabouts of landmines, as well as damaged infrastructure. The security situation in Donbas is fluid and unpredictable and the ceasefire does not hold everywhere. Self-imposed restrictions on movement into high risk areas have impinged on SMM patrolling activities, particularly in areas not controlled by the government.

Delay:

- At a “DPR” heavy weapons holding area, a “DPR” armed member said that his commander had not authorized the SMM to enter the facility. Some 45 minutes later the SMM was allowed to enter. 

Prevented access:

- At another “DPR” holding area, while one SMM monitoring officer was allowed to enter, access was denied to the accompanying language assistant.

[1]  For a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations, please see the annexed table.

• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 14 June 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 12 June 2015
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 11 June 2015

As a part of their effort to improve status of women and girls, including through Gender Responsive Budgeting, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the UN Women signed a Memorandum of Understanding today, on 16 July 2015, with Mayors and representatives of the Prijedor City and municipalities of Lukavac, Odžak and Šamac.

The Memorandum formalizes the agreement on implementing the “Initiative for the Introduction of Gender Responsive Budgeting at the Local Level” project. The Project aims to better reflect the gender equality concerns of the programmes and budgets at the local level, strengthen oversight of local government policies, programmes, plans and budgets toward gender equality commitments as well as facilitate the replication of good practices and lessons learned.

The Director of the OSCE Mission’s Human Dimension Department, Kendall  Palmer, noted that the OSCE Mission to BiH recognizes gender equality as a substantive element of peace, democracy and security. “The process of introducing gender-responsive budgeting also foresees the participation and co-operation of the executive and representative branches of government, as well as citizens. Therefore, other aspects of governance are expected to improve co-operation between assemblies/councils’ bodies, the executive branch and citizens.”

Anne-Marie Esper Larsen of UN Women said: “Gender-responsive budgeting is a fantastic tool for modern management not least in the public sector. In local governments it gives mayors and the budget committees an excellent starting point for achieving results that will benefit all citizens of their communities – men as well as women. Including gender aspects in design of policies and budgets is a modern way of bringing communities towards political goals set by the local government.”

“In UN Women we are pleased that the mayors of Lukavac, Šamac, Odžak and the city of Prijedor have shown timely political leadership by committing their staff to GRB training and we are confident that the four municipalities and its citizens will benefit substantially from the training,” said Larsen.

Gender-responsive budgeting is a governmental planning, programming and budgeting methodology that contributes to the advancement of gender equality and the fulfilment of the human rights of women.

The project will last from 16 June to 31 December 2015.

• OSCE Mission supports improved social protection through establishment of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Social Workers Union
• Human security in focus as Gender Equality Week concludes at the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Head of OSCE Bosnia and Herzegovina Mission calls on authorities to implement Roma Action Plans, marks International Roma Day in Kakanj

VIENNA, 16 June 2015 – Journalists’ safety is a cornerstone of free media, not least in times of conflict, and must be ensured and strengthened, participants said today at a two-day conference on journalists’ safety and conflict reporting in Vienna. The attendees also stressed the importance of tackling the issue of propaganda, pointing to free and independent journalism as one tool.

The conference “Journalists’ Safety, Media Freedom and Pluralism in Times of Conflict”, organized and hosted by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, brought together some 400 journalists, media experts, and government and civil society representatives from OSCE participating States. The participants discussed journalists’ safety and journalism ethics, conflict reporting, measures to deal with propaganda, and media regulation. 

Keynote speaker Roy Gutman, Middle East Bureau Chief for McClatchy Newspapers and Pulitzer Prize winner for International Reporting for his coverage of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1993, said journalism plays a vital role in exposing the origins of conflicts and stressed the need for knowledge of humanitarian laws for journalists.

“Covering conflicts as a journalist is always a challenge but the hardest thing is to determine who’s telling the truth and who’s lying,” Gutman said. “One must be aware that it often takes time to find your compass as a journalist in these extreme conditions, and perhaps the best way of doing that is to have knowledge of humanitarian laws.”

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić, during his speech at the closing plenary session, stressed the importance of condemning any attack on members of the media.

“Violence against journalists in its various forms is a harsh violation of the freedom of expression and of the media, the very foundations of every democratic society,” Dačić said

“It is our deepest belief that freedom of expression is a prerequisite for a free and democratic society,” Dačić said. “Therefore, it is very important to condemn most vehemently every manifestation of violence against media representatives and freedom of the media.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, said that safety of journalists must be ensured at all times, before, during and after times of conflict. She also stressed measures to deal with the vicious tool of propaganda, which is always part of conflict coverage.

“We need to join our forces and voices to ensure journalists’ safety at all times, and especially in times of conflict,” Mijatović said. “At the same time, we must counter propaganda and the best way to do that is ensuring free media and promoting good, independent journalism.”

During the conference the attendees put forward suggestions and proposals on what could and should be done to make life safer for media in conflict zones. Based on the discussions at the conference, the Representative will issue her recommendations on journalists’ safety, media freedom and pluralism in times of conflict.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

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• OSCE media freedom representative to host conference on journalists’ safety and conflict reporting, on 15-16 June in Vienna