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Kreiranje pozitivnih poruka kao način borbe protiv nasilnog ekstremizma na internetu, u fokusu OSCEovog kursa

OSCE - Fri, 05/02/2016 - 17:58

SARAJEVO, 5. februar 2016. godine – Misija OSCE-a u Bosni i Hercegovini je tokom ove sedmice organizovala seriju kurseva o upotrebi interneta i društvenih medija za kreiranje afirmativnih poruka kao odgovor na sadržaje na internetu koji promoviraju nasilni ekstremizam.  Posljednji u nizu ovih kurseva završen je danas u Sarajevu.

Kursevi  su organizirani s ciljem upoznavanja učesnika sa inovativnim načinima za izradu odgovarajućih pozitivnih poruka kao odgovora na potencijalnu radikalizaciju pojedinaca kroz izvore na internetu.

Na ovim kursevima, koji  su održani u Tuzli, Banjaluci, Mostaru i Sarajevu učestvovalo je više od 100 učesnika, članova Koalicija za borbu protiv mržnje, nastavnika, predstavnika vjerskih zajednica i lokalnih medija.

„Organizovanjem ovih kurseva, Misija OSCE-a u BiH želi podstaći korisnike interneta, kako mlađe tako i starije, da nauče razlikovati iskrene lične stavove od destruktivnih sadržaja,“ izjavio je ambasador Jonathan Moore, šef Misije OSCE-a u Bosni i Hercegovini. „Sloboda govora se mora zaštititi, ali moramo biti svjesni prijetnje koju sa sobom nosi nasilni ekstremizam i načina na koji se sadržaji na internetu mogu tumačiti i manipulisati“.

Dženan Buzadžić, predavač na kursu istakao je da bi društvo moralo odgovoriti na poruke koje šire radikalne grupe i to kroz kreiranje i plasiranje afirmativnih i poruka koje osuđuju bilo kakvo nasilje. „Grupe koje zagovaraju nasilje aktivno koriste društvene medije, te bi  društvo u cjelini moralo biti aktivnije u sprječavanju daljeg širenja nasilnog ekstremizma“.

Ljubica Bajo, koordinatorica vannastavnih aktivnosti na Koledžu ujedinjenog svijeta u Mostaru, navela je da su djeca u velikoj mjeri tehnološki naprednija od svojih nastavnika. „Moramo promijeniti naš pristup prema djeci i raditi na razvoju njihovog kritičkog razmišljanja, te ih naučiti da bi informacije trebalo da prikupljaju iz više od jednog izvora.“

Kursevi su organizovani u sklopu projekta Misije OSCE-a u Bosni i Hercegovini pod nazivom “Podrška dijalogu za sprječavanje nasilnog ekstremizma u BiH”. Ovaj projekat doprinosi široj kampanji „Ujedinjeni u borbi protiv nasilnog ekstremizma“ (#United CVE) koja naglašava sveobuhvatan pristup OSCE-a u sprječavanju nasilnog ekstremizma i radikalizacije koja vodi ka terorizmu.

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30hrs, 4 February 2016

OSCE - Fri, 05/02/2016 - 17:29

This report is for media and the general public

The SMM observed a relatively low number of ceasefire violations in Donbas. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons. The Mission encountered freedom-of-movement restrictions, the majority in areas not under government control.* Zaitseve residents told the SMM that the nearby crossing point was closed to vehicular traffic. The SMM learned that a large number of people crossed the contact line near Stanytsia Luhanska.

For the second consecutive day, the SMM recorded a relatively low number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region[1]. Positioned in a “DPR”-controlled area 6km north-west of Donetsk city centre between 8:50 and 15:30hrs,[2] the SMM heard a number of bursts and single shots from light and heavy machine-guns 2-4km to the west and north-west. Whilst facilitating and monitoring repairs to gas pipelines in government-controlled Marinka (23km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM heard three undetermined explosions 1-3km to the south-east and nine undetermined explosions (assessed as training related) 20km to the west. An SMM mirror patrol in nearby “DPR”-controlled Oleksandrivka (20km south-west of Donetsk) heard four mortar explosions 3-8km to the west.

At 07:07hrs, an SMM camera in Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) captured images showing three undetermined explosions in the area of Kominternove (23km north-east of Mariupol). Later in Kominternove, residents told the SMM that there had been fighting in the area the previous evening at approximately 17:00-18:00hrs. The SMM observed a house with a shell-damaged roof, which a resident said was the result of shelling the previous evening. Near “DPR”-controlled Zaichenko (26km north-east of Mariupol), 3.5km north-east of Kominternove, between 12:48 and 13:10hrs the SMM heard eight undetermined blasts and explosions, small-arms-and-light-weapons fire and anti-aircraft gun fire 5-7 km to the north-west.

Positioned 2km north of “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve (58km north-east of Donetsk) for an hour, the SMM heard two undetermined explosions 10-12km to the west-south-west; two undetermined explosions 6-10km to the west; and, two undetermined explosions 5-7km to the north-north-west.

In the area around government-controlled Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk), the SMM recorded two explosions. Whilst in the town at 9:44hrs, the SMM heard one undetermined explosion approximately 1km to the south. A few minutes later, positioned in an area not controlled by the Government, approximately 1km south-east of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, another SMM patrol heard an undetermined explosion, and saw a rising plume of smoke, 50m to the north-east. The Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) later told the SMM that the explosion had been caused by a dog that had activated a booby-trap. Near government-controlled Shchastia (20km north of Luhansk), the SMM at 10:50hrs heard an undermined explosion 5-10km to the south-west. A short time later, it heard an additional four undetermined explosions 5-10km to the south. Other ceasefire violations were assessed to have been part of live-fire training near government-controlled Trokhizbenka (33km north-west of Luhansk) and near “LPR”-controlled Shymshynivka (27km south-west of Luhansk).

Close to a checkpoint in “LPR”-controlled Krasnyi Lyman (30km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM analysed a fresh crater, which it assessed to have been caused by an 82mm mortar. Crater analysis was inconclusive as to the direction of flight. An armed “LPR” member present told the SMM that it was one of approximately 20 rounds that had been fired at the checkpoint the previous evening from nearby Trokhizbenka. The SMM observed no other craters in the area. Later in Trokhizbenka, the SMM examined two fresh craters. The SMM assessed that undetermined rounds fired from the south had caused the craters. Earlier a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer at the JCCC told the SMM that approximately 50-82mm mortar and automatic grenade launcher rounds had been fired at the checkpoint. The SMM observed no other craters.

In relation to the implementation of the Addendum to the Package of Measures, the SMM revisited one Ukrainian Armed Forces permanent storage site whose location corresponded with the withdrawal lines and noted that all weapons previously verified as withdrawn to this site were present.

Beyond the withdrawal lines – but outside storage sites – the SMM observed the following Addendum-regulated weapons: two disassembled mortars (PM-38, 120mm) close to “DPR”-controlled Stepanivka (75km south-east of Donetsk).

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of heavy weapons foreseen in the Minsk Package of Measures. The SMM has yet to receive the full information requested in the 16 October 2015 notification. The SMM revisited locations known to the SMM as heavy weapons holding areas, even though they do not comply with the specific criteria set out for permanent storage sites in the 16 October 2015 notification.

In government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM revisited such locations and observed 32 self-propelled howitzers (20 2S3 Akatsiya, 152mm and 12 2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm); six anti-tank guns (D-48, 85mm); and, four surface-to-air missile systems (9K35 Strela-10, 120mm). In addition, the SMM recorded the following Addendum-regulated weapons: 27 tanks and one mortar (2B11, 120 mm), the latter for the first time. The following weapons previously recorded at these sites were missing: six anti-tank guns (D-48, 85mm); ten Addendum-regulated mortars (2B11, 120 mm); and, four Addendum-regulated tanks.

In areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines not controlled by the Government, the SMM revisited such locations and observed five self-propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm); six towed howitzers (D-30, 122mm), five of which were hitched to trucks loaded with ammunition boxes; six multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS, BM-12 Grad, 122mm); and, four anti-tank guns (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm).   

In violation of the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM observed the following heavy weapons: four towed howitzers (2A65, 152mm) near government-controlled Kremenivka (27km north of Mariupol).

The SMM continued to monitor the situation affecting the civilian population near the contact line. Residents of Zaitseve (50km north-east of Donetsk) – including the deputy head of the village council – told the SMM that the nearby Maiorsk checkpoint had been closed to all traffic on 3 February, preventing them from reaching their places of employment and/or evacuating their families and possessions from an area increasingly affected by fighting. They said Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel had allowed pedestrians – but not vehicles – to cross on 4 February. At a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint close to the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, the checkpoint commander told the SMM that approximately 2,000 people had crossed the bridge in both directions in the morning. Eleven people waiting to cross expressed their concern to the SMM that the crossing point could be closed because of fighting. An armed “LPR” member at a checkpoint on the other side of the bridge told the SMM that approximately 2,000 people had crossed in both directions in the previous 24 hours. He attributed such a high number to people’s fears that the crossing point may be closed.

Close to the administrative boundary line, just outside the village of Chonhar (161km south-east of Kherson), the SMM on 3 February observed a new pylon and heard the sound of electric current flowing through the high-voltage line suspended from it. The line had been inactive since the pylon then in place was destroyed on 20 November 2015 (see Daily Report, 23 November 2015).

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

*Restrictions to SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to the fulfilment of its mandate

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by the parties and security considerations, including mine threats, damaged infrastructure, and the unpredictability of the situation in Donbas. “LPR” members continue to prevent the SMM from monitoring many areas alongside the border in parts of Luhansk region not controlled by the Government.

Denial of access:

  • Ukrainian Armed Forces refused to allow the SMM to enter a military compound near government-controlled Pryvilne (31km north of Mariupol);
  • An armed “DPR” member in charge of a heavy weapons holding area allowed only two monitors and one language assistant to enter the site.

Delay:

  • Armed “DPR” members delayed the SMM for 33 minutes at a checkpoint near Zaichenko.

Conditional access:

  • Armed “DPR” members insisted on opening the trunks of SMM vehicles at a checkpoint near Debaltseve;
  • Fifteen kilometres north-east of Luhansk, armed “LPR” members insisted on inspecting SMM monitors’ identification and seeing their patrol plan;
  • Armed “LPR” members at the Stanytsia Luhanska Bridge insisted on seeing and photographing SMM monitors’ identification.

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

[2] All times in this report are in Eastern European Time

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OSCE/ODIHR final report on Armenia’s Constitutional Referendum recommends inclusive electoral reform

OSCE - Fri, 05/02/2016 - 16:31
Thomas Rymer Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Armenia, Constitutional Referendum, 6 December 2015: Final Report

The final reporby the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Armenia’s 6 December 2015 Constitutional Referendum concluded that the legal framework generally provides a solid basis for the conduct of referenda, but further steps should be taken to bring legislation closer in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards.

The report of the ODIHR expert team, published on 5 February 2016, recommends that electoral reform be carried out in an inclusive manner and that all stakeholders make reasonable efforts to build a broad consensus around the reform. It also recommends the review of electoral dispute resolution procedures, so as to provide all stakeholders with effective remedy.

While noting efforts by the authorities to improve the confidence in the voter register, the report suggests addressing persistent concerns with the accuracy of the voter lists. It further recommends the introduction of effective and consistent safeguards against potential multiple voting.

During the campaign, basic freedoms of association, expression, assembly and movement were largely respected. However, in noting that considerable public funds were used during the campaign, the report recommends strengthened campaign finance regulations to enhance transparency and guarantee equality of opportunity for all interested parties.

In noting the limited capacity of the media regulatory body, the report encourages efforts to enhance its oversight role both during and outside of the campaign period. It also notes that measures should be taken to ensure full transparency of media ownership.

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OSCE/ODIHR Director Link urges states to recognize serious harm female genital mutilation does to both women and societies at large

OSCE - Fri, 05/02/2016 - 12:38

WARSAW, 5 February 2016 – Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), today called on OSCE participating States to strengthen their responses to female genital mutilation as a form of violence against girls and women.

“In September 2015, at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit, the 193 Member States, including OSCE participating States, unanimously agreed on the goal of eliminating female genital mutilation by 2030,” Director Link said. “Today, ahead of tomorrow’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, as on every other day, states have to be conscious of their obligation to work systematically to eradicate female genital mutilation, a form of violence used to harm women, both psychologically and physically, and to embed patriarchy.”

While welcoming the measures many participating States have already introduced in their legal and policy frameworks to prevent and combat female genital mutilation, the ODIHR Director said that more work should be done by governments to ensure their frameworks are in complete compliance with international standards and OSCE commitments in this field.

“Participating States need to take a holistic approach to the problem, not only through efforts to prevent the practice, but also to raise awareness among both women and men of its horrible effects, to provide medical and psychological assistance to victims, and to facilitate the sharing of effective practices in combating these cruel acts,” Director Link said.

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OSCE Representative launches innovative compilation on safety of female journalists online

OSCE - Fri, 05/02/2016 - 09:32

VIENNA, 5 February 2016 – “On 25 July 2013, I got my first rape threat. That was a Thursday. By Sunday, police had collected 300 A4 pages of threats that had been made against me.” - Journalist Caroline Criado-Perez, on her experience with online abuse.

The situation described above is indeed shocking but, unfortunately, far from unique. Criado-Perez, and other journalists, scholars and free speech advocates share their experiences with, research on and solutions to online abuse in a ground-breaking new publication issued today by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media.

The book, New Challenges to Freedom of Expression: Countering Online Abuse of Female Journalists (available at www.osce.org/fom/220411) reflects and expands on the recommendations issued by the Representative following an OSCE expert meeting held in Vienna in September 2015.

“The contributions in this publication written by Criado-Perez’ and other free speech advocates show the severity and the magnitude of the abuse female journalists are subjected to,” said OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović. “Online abuse of female journalists has become a clear and present threat to journalism, free media and freedom of expression.”

The publication presents research, discusses the damaging effects on journalism and free speech, outlines the international human rights framework and state obligations, and identifies key factors in the effective prevention of and response to online abuse of female journalists. It also puts the issue into a broader context of misogyny and violence against women in our societies, calling for responses at all levels of decision and policy-making to address the root causes of this problem.

“We cannot tolerate an environment in which female journalists and bloggers in particular are coerced into silence,” Mijatović said. “This compilation will serve to bring the stories of real women to the foreground of the debate of online abuse of female journalists, hopefully contributing to a debate involving many stakeholders on how this problem can be tackled.”

Contributors to the publication are: Zorana Antonijević, Caroline Criado-Perez, Aina Landsverk Hagen, Alison Bethel McKenzie, Elisa Lees Munoz, Snježana Milivojević, Courtney C. Radsch, Sejal Parmar, Elana Newman, Susan Drevo, Bradley Brummel, Gavin Rees, Bruce Shapiro and Becky Gardiner.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media has engaged in numerous activities to raise awareness and generate solutions to end the online abuse of female journalists. More information is available at http://www.osce.org/fom/179486

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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Tajik border troops complete OSCE-supported search and rescue training course

OSCE - Fri, 05/02/2016 - 09:26

DUSHANBE, 5 February 2016 – Seventeen officers from the Main Directorate of Tajik Border Troops graduated today from a two-week training course on search and rescue at the Gissar Training Centre, Tajikistan. The course was organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan.

Officers from border detachments at the Tajik-Afghan border attended the training course in the mountainous area of Khoja Obigarm, some 50 kilometres north of Dushanbe and more than 2,000 metres above sea level. During the training, participants enhanced their knowledge on the development and planning of a search and rescue operation and rapid assessment of avalanche conditions in the patrolling area. They also learned about border surveillance and patrolling mountainous areas in winter conditions and how to use winter equipment for patrolling.  

“The OSCE is continuing to improve the professionalism and skills of Tajik border guards under the Patrol Programming and Leadership Project by focusing on providing high-quality training courses,” said Fejzo Numanaj, Head of the OSCE Office’s Politico-Military Department in Tajikistan.

The course was conducted as part of the third phase of the Patrol Programming and Leadership Project, aimed at enhancing the capacities of Tajik and Afghan border staff in detecting and intercepting illegal cross-border movements.

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30hrs, 3 February 2016

OSCE - Thu, 04/02/2016 - 17:37

This report is for media and the general public

The SMM observed a number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region, and several in Luhansk region. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons. The Mission encountered freedom-of-movement restrictions, the majority in areas not under government control.* It observed new mobile checkpoints in Luhansk region. The SMM continued to monitor the situation affecting the civilian population near the contact line, and saw civilians frustrated at checkpoint queues in Donetsk region. The SMM observed a demonstration in Odessa and visited a border crossing point in Kharkiv region.

On 2 February the SMM recorded a number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region[1]. While in “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve (58km north-east of Donetsk) between 19:11 and 20:41hrs, [2] the SMM heard 102 undetermined explosions and two bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire in areas 7-15km north-west of its position. In “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk), between 19:00 and 19:30hrs, the SMM heard 23 undetermined explosions, including 120mm mortar, 10km north of its position. In government-controlled Svitlodarsk (57km north-east of Donetsk) between 16:23 and 17:45hrs, the SMM heard approximately 100 undetermined artillery explosions 10-12km south-west of its position and 15 bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire 2-5km south-east of its position. While in “DPR”-controlled Donetsk city, between 17:02 and 19:21hrs, the SMM heard four undetermined explosions 8-10km west-north-west and north-west of its location.

On 3 February, positioned at “DPR”-controlled Donetsk railway station (6km north-west of Donetsk city centre) between 07:55 and 14:58hrs the SMM heard 37 undetermined explosions, and two bursts of small-arms fire in areas 3-8km to the west and north-west. In government-controlled Marinka (23km south-west of Donetsk), between 10:44 and 13:50hrs, the SMM heard five undetermined explosions in areas 1-2km south-south-east.

In Luhansk region the SMM recorded several ceasefire violations. The SMM, positioned in government-controlled Novoaidar (49km north-west of Luhansk), heard multiple outgoing artillery explosions in an area 2-3km north-west of its position between 16:50-17:00hrs and six explosions and bursts of small-arms fire in an area approximately 2-3km south-west of its position earlier in the day, all of which were assessed to be training exercises. The SMM also observed live-fire exercises in government-controlled Spivakivka (61km north-west of Luhansk).

In Vodiane (19km north-east of Mariupol) a Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier told the SMM that they had exchanged fire with “DPR” members situated in Kominternove (23km north-east of Donetsk) the previous evening between 19:30 and 20:00hrs, following what he said was an attempt by “DPR” members to enter Vodiane. An exchange of fire around that time and area was recorded by the SMM camera placed in Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol). Residents in Kominternove told the SMM that they had heard an exchange of fire the previous evening. The SMM was unable to travel directly between Kominternove and Vodiane as an unmanned makeshift barricade blocked the road.*

The SMM monitored the withdrawal of weapons regulated by the Addendum to the Package of Measures. In violation of the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM saw a stationary tank 5km north-west of its position, 2km north of “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve. The SMM also saw fresh tracks from what it assessed to have been a tank in Kominternove.

Beyond the withdrawal lines and outside storage sites the SMM observed the following Addendum-regulated weapons: 15 stationary tanks near “LPR”-controlled Myrne (28km south-west of Luhansk).

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of heavy weapons foreseen in the Minsk Package of Measures. The SMM has yet to receive the full information requested in the 16 October 2015 notification. The SMM revisited locations known to the SMM as heavy weapons holding areas, even though they do not comply with the specific criteria set out for permanent storage sites in the 16 October 2015 notification.

In government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM revisited such locations and observed: 24 anti-tank guns (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm) and 67 towed howitzers (18 2A65 Msta, 152mm; 18 Giatsint B, 152mm; six D-30, 122mm; eight 2S3 Akatsiya, 122mm, one of which had been recently added, and 17 2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm). The SMM also observed for the first time that seven towed howitzers 2S3 Akatsiya, 122mm and one 2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm were missing.

The SMM observed the presence of other hardware: one anti-aircraft gun (23mm calibre) on a ZIL vehicle in the area of government-controlled Pryovrazhne (19km north-east of Mariupol); five armoured vehicles (BDRM-2) in the area of government-controlled Pavlopil (26km north-east of Mariupol); one infantry fighting vehicle (BMP-1) near government-controlled Marinka.

Between “LPR”-controlled Luhansk city and “LPR”-controlled Uspenka (23km south-west of Luhansk) the SMM observed new mobile checkpoints at every main road junction – four in total - each manned by two to three armed men.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation affecting the civilian population near the contact line. Near a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint on the H15 road (23km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM was stopped by approximately 20 civilians standing in the road, who shouted their frustration at the SMM for the length of time they said they had been waiting to cross into government-controlled areas. The SMM observed 100 civilian vehicles. The SMM passed the checkpoint and noted that it appeared to be closed temporarily, with personnel not letting civilians through. From a short distance a short time later, the SMM observed that vehicle traffic began to move through the checkpoint.   

Outside the Odessa city council building, while a session was underway inside, the SMM observed some 100 pro-Maidan activists (20 per cent women) including 22 members of the Right Sector (Pravyi Sektor) and Odessa self-defence wearing camouflage-type clothing and members of the Svoboda and Batkivshchyna parties outside the building who demanded that the council adopt a memorandum critical of what it said was Russian Federation involvement in Ukraine. Eight police officers were present, with 60 members of the National Guard in buses nearby. The SMM observed a disturbance when one male demonstrator was placed in a police vehicle. Some shouting and shoving between police and members of Right Sector ensued but quickly passed when news of the adoption of the memorandum reached the demonstrators, who then dispersed.

At the Hoptivka border crossing point  (40km north of Kharkiv), border guards told the SMM that a woman had been apprehended on 21 January after attempting to enter Ukraine using an “LPR” “passport”. According to them, the woman had exited Ukraine through Luhansk. The woman was released after her identity had been verified and she had paid a fine, the guards said.

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

*Restrictions to SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to the fulfilment of its mandate

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by the parties and security considerations, including mine threats, damaged infrastructure, and the unpredictability of the situation in Donbas. “LPR” members continue to prevent the SMM from monitoring many areas alongside the border in parts of Luhansk region not controlled by the Government.

Denial of access:

  • Armed “DPR” members at two different checkpoints in Lukove (41km north-east of Mariupol) denied the SMM access to the centre of the village.
  • Armed “LPR” members denied the SMM access to an “LPR” camp in Almazna (55km west of Luhansk).
  • Armed “LPR” members at a checkpoint in Sokilnyky (38km north-west of Luhansk) denied the SMM access to the village.
  • Armed “LPR” members denied the SMM access to a site in Luhansk city where weapons were allegedly stored. The SMM informed the JCCC, although after 20 minutes of waiting for access, the SMM left.

Delay:

  • Armed “DPR” members delayed the SMM for 22 minutes at a checkpoint Prymorske (39km north-east of Mariupol).
  • An armed “LPR” member stopped the SMM in Slovianoserbsk (28km north-west of Luhansk) and denied it access to Krasnyi Lyman (30km north-west of Luhansk) and Pryshyb (33km north-west of Luhansk). The SMM contacted an “LPR” “commander” who told the SMM they could proceed. The SMM continued after 37 minutes.

Conditional access:

  • Armed “LPR” members at a mobile checkpoint south of the Stanytsia Luhansk bridge (16km north-east of Luhansk) stopped the SMM and checked its patrol plan before allowing the SMM to proceed.

Other impediments:

  • En route from Kominternove (23km north-east of Mariupol) to Vodiane (19km north-east of Mariupol) the SMM encountered again an unmanned makeshift barricade which prevented it to travel further.

[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 to SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to the fulfilment of its mandate”.

[2] All times in this report are in Eastern European Time

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OSCE Secretary General and Europol Director discuss need to address threat of trafficking children migrants

OSCE - Thu, 04/02/2016 - 17:18

Vienna, 4 February 2016 – OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier today discussed trafficking of human beings with Director of Europol Rob Wainwright.  The conversation focused in particular on the plight of minors who are the most vulnerable group within the migrant and refugee population.

A recent Europol report estimated at least 10,000 unaccompanied child refugees had disappeared since their arrival on the continent, with many believed to have fallen into the hands of trafficking syndicates.

Zannier stressed that in the current migration and refugee crisis, it is essential to reconcile approaches that safeguard both state and human security along migration routes.

“Protection and security are not mutually exclusive”, said the Secretary General. “On the contrary, criminal law enforcement against traffickers must go hand in hand with the protection of trafficked persons. Protection of the human rights and dignity of all migrants is an essential component of good migration governance.”

The OSCE Secretary General and the Director of Europol agreed on the need to intensify international cooperation in order to prevent more children falling prey to human trafficking networks.  For its part, the OSCE, which has a long-standing experience in combatting trafficking in human beings, is ready to play an active role to help address this challenge.  
 

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Note to editors

The OSCE established a Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (OSR) in 2003.  OSR has carried out significant work at both the policy and programmatic levels to assist participating States in implementing their political commitments in this field.

In 2015, it convened the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons conference, with a specific focus on human trafficking along migration routes (included panel on reducing unaccompanied minors’ vulnerability to human trafficking). The event served as a privileged forum for exchanging best practices and improving co-ordination of efforts among national and international stakeholders.

The OSR has also been involved in projects having an impact at the grass-roots level, including supporting the social and professional integration of children without parental care in Moldova, and on searching and protecting unaccompanied minors on the move in the Schengen area.

The Special Representative has taken the lead in anti-trafficking work in crisis situations in the OSCE region, working closely with the Ukrainian government and the OSCE missions to create joint initiatives to strengthen the capacity of the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to report on alleged incidents and spot human trafficking trends.

The OSCE Special Representative recommends in particular that OSCE participating States take the following measures:

  • Implement targeted awareness raising campaigns to prevent child trafficking in countries of origin, transit and destination
  • Promote timely and pro-active identification of potential child victims along migratory trails and prosecution of traffickers
  • Ensure the protection of children’s rights -- taking into consideration the best interests of the child.
  • Provide unconditional access to education and health care for vulnerable children
  • Provide Special rehabilitation programmes and psychological assistance for child victims.

In 2016-2017, OSR will conduct, in cooperation with Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units in Vicenza, Italy, an innovative simulation-based learning exercise for approximately 200 practitioners, who will engage in real-time scenarios to identify and investigate human trafficking along migratory trails.  The OSR will also develop policy guidance on how to prevent the exploitation of adults and children in global supply chains.

OSR will continue to foster political dialogue through events such as the 2016 Alliance conference, which will focus on trafficking for forced criminality, as well as to raise awareness through strategic visits to refugee/displaced persons’ “hotspots” in Lampedusa[1] and Eastern Ukraine.

 

[1] Lampedusa is one the major identification and first reception centres for migrants and refuges in the Mediterranean region.

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OSCE Chairperson and German Foreign Minister Steinmeier calls for immediate end to fighting in Ukraine

OSCE - Thu, 04/02/2016 - 11:03

BERLIN, 4 February 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier today expressed deep concern following the recent increase in ceasefire violations in Eastern Ukraine and  called upon all sides to fully comply with the ceasefire and to immediately end all fighting.

Referring to reports from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, which in recent days have noted a rapid deterioration in the security situation in the Donetsk region and the use of heavy weapons, Steinmeier said: “The implementation of the Minsk Agreements is the only way forward and to this end a sustainable ceasefire is imperative.”

Steinmeier, commending the dedication of the monitors of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, stressed that SMM must be able to fulfill its mandate without restrictions: “The monitors must be given freedom of movement, and all the sides must ensure their safety and security”.

 

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30hrs, 17 January 2016

OSCE - Mon, 18/01/2016 - 20:06

This report is for media and the general public.

Whilst areas at and around Donetsk airport remained largely calm, the SMM continued to note ceasefire violations elsewhere, in particular in areas north-east of Mariupol, and around Horlivka. An SMM patrol came under small-arms fire in Marinka. The Mission experienced multiple freedom-of-movement restrictions*, mainly in areas not controlled by the Government.  

The SMM observed the security situation in Donbas. At a “DPR”-controlled location 6km north-west of Donetsk city centre between 9:30 and 14:30hrs[1] on 17 January, the Mission heard four undetermined explosions 2.5-3.5km to the north-north-west.

The situation remained tense in and around “DPR”-controlled Kominternove (23km north-east of Mariupol). Positioned immediately south-west of the village between 11:45 and 11:57hrs on 16 January, the SMM heard 30-35 single shots of small-arms and three bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire to the west-south-west. At 12:53hrs, the SMM heard one undetermined explosion and at 13:22hrs, three undetermined explosions, 10-15km to the south-south-west. The following day at the same position, the SMM heard one shot of small-arms 1km to the south. Also on 17 January – positioned on the outskirts of nearby “DPR”-controlled Oktiabr (29km north-east of Mariupol) – the SMM heard one explosion to the south-west. An armed “DPR” member present told the SMM that the explosion had been caused by a tank round impacting in Kominternove. Whilst in government-controlled Chermalyk (31km north-east of Mariupol) at 11:14hrs, the monitors heard three single shots of small-arms to the east.

In “DPR”-controlled Telmanove (50km north-east of Mariupol), the SMM on 16 January observed that part of the hospital building was occupied by armed “DPR” members, and sandbags and ammunition boxes were placed around the entrance and at windows. The Mission monitors noted that another building in the town was similarly fortified.

In government-controlled Novohryhorivka (53km north of Mariupol), the SMM on 16 January heard two undetermined explosions 5-7km to the south-east.

On the northern outskirts of “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve (58km north-east of Donetsk) between 15:02 and 15:04hrs on 16 January, the SMM heard 10 undetermined explosions 8-10km to the north-west.

In “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk) between 12:10 and 12:50hrs on 16 January, the SMM heard several bursts of small-arms fire 2km to the west.

In Luhansk region, the SMM observed a number of ceasefire violations: on 16 January, three explosions and multiple bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire near “LPR”-controlled Myrne (41km south-west of Luhansk), and 30 explosions near “LPR”-controlled Alchevsk (40km west of Luhansk), both of which it assessed as training related; and, on 17 January, two small explosions near “LPR”-controlled Krasnyi Lyman (30km north-west of Luhansk)[2].

On 16 January, a five-person SMM patrol – facilitating the repair of critical infrastructure in government-controlled Marinka (23km south-west of Donetsk), 1.5km from the contact line – heard what it assessed to have been one or two small-arms rounds. Having left the area, the SMM noted that the rear window in one of its vehicles was shattered. No bullets were found in the trunk, which is separated from the rest of the vehicle by armoured plating. (See Spot Report 16 January 2016.)

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of heavy weapons foreseen in the Minsk Package of measures. The SMM has yet to receive the full information requested in the 16 October 2015 notification.

The SMM revisited locations known to the SMM as heavy weapons holding areas, even though they did not comply with the specific criteria set out for permanent storage sites in the 16 October 2015 notification.

In government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM revisited such holding areas and observed: 36 towed howitzers (2A36 Giatsint-B, 152mm), 18 towed howitzers (2A65 Msta-B, 152mm), 24 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS, 9K51/BM-21 Grad, 122mm), 21 anti-tank guns (15 2A29/T-12 Rapira, 100mm and six 2A19/T-12 Rapira, 100mm), six howitzers (2C1 Gvozdika, 122mm), 11 howitzers (2S3 Akatsiya, 152mm), and two Addendum-regulated mortars (2B9 Vasilyok, 82mm). In total, three towed howitzers (2A65 Msta-B, 152mm) and five MLRS (9K51/BM-21 Grad, 122mm) were missing from these sites.

In “DPR”-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM revisited such holding areas and observed: two towed artillery pieces (122mm, D-30), five self–propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvodzika, 122mm), two towed howitzers (2A29/MT-12 Rapira, 100mm), and nine MLRS (9K51/BM-21 Grad, 122mm). In total, three self-propelled artillery pieces (2S1 Gvodzika, 122mm) and two MLRS (9K51/BM-21 Grad, 122mm) were missing from these sites.

The SMM also noted the presence of 10 Addendum-regulated mortars (nine PM-38, 120mm, and one 2B11, 120mm), and an additional five 120mm mortars being towed by military-type cargo trucks – neither in a heavy weapons holding area nor a permanent storage site – in “DPR”-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines.

The SMM monitored the presence of other hardware. It observed: on 16 January seven infantry fighting vehicles (BMP-1), two armoured personnel carriers (APC, MT-LB), one mounted with a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun, and a military-type truck in “LPR”-controlled Khoroshe (35km west of Luhansk); on 16 January five infantry fighting vehicles (BMP-2) and four MT-LBs near “DPR”-controlled Khartsyzk (26km east-north-east of Donetsk); on 16 January three military trucks, one of which was towing a ZU-23 anti-aircraft gun near government-controlled Viktorivka (70km west of Luhansk); on 17 January seven BMP-2s; six MT-LBs, one with a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun, two with APC (BTR-80) towers and 14.5mm machine guns; four trucks (three with empty mortar towing frames); and, one military-type truck with a trench-digging excavator, near “LPR”-controlled Yurivka (26km south-west of Luhansk).

The “chief of police” in “LPR”-controlled Pervomaisk (57km west of Luhansk) told the SMM on 16 January that an unidentified assailant armed with an assault rifle had shot three elderly people, killing one, near the town on 13 January. He said the three people had been attacked between government and “LPR” checkpoints along the contact line, having just crossed from a government-controlled area where they had collected their pensions.

The SMM continued to monitor border crossing points not controlled by the Government. In “LPR”-controlled Dovzhanske (84km south-east of Luhansk), the SMM on 16 January observed over a 15-minute period one bus leaving Ukraine and no vehicles entering. In “DPR”-controlled Ulianivske (61km south-east of Donetsk), on 16 January it observed over a five-minute period no vehicles crossing the border. In “DPR”-controlled Uspenka (73km south-east of Donetsk) on 17 January, the SMM observed over a 20-minute period six Ukrainian-registered civilian cars, 10 male and female pedestrians and one bus arriving from the Russian Federation, whilst four civilian vehicles, 12 pedestrians and 23 civilian trucks – most of them bearing Ukrainian number plates – waited to cross into the Russian Federation. A truck driver told the SMM that crossing procedures had been simplified following the resolution of technical problems a few weeks ago. In “DPR”-controlled Marynivka (78km east of Donetsk), the SMM on 17 January observed over a 10-minute period three cars leaving Ukraine.

On 16 January at the activists’ tent settlement north of the Chonhar crossing point (167km south-east of Kherson) at the administrative boundary line between Kherson region and Crimea, one of the “Crimean blockade” leaders told the SMM that the activists would withdraw from the checkpoints that day. He said, however, a presence would be maintained to “oversee” and ensure border guards and customs officers enforced legally-mandated limits on the amount of goods entering Crimea. On 17 January, the SMM observed no blockade at the Kalanchak crossing point (95km south-east of Kherson). Three “blockade” activists sitting in a civilian car parked close to the crossing point (outside of the border guard-controlled area) told the SMM that they had received instructions from their superiors earlier that day to suspend  all activities at the checkpoints and to only monitor the situation at the crossing point. Later that day, the SMM observed a similar situation at the Chaplynka crossing point (90km south-east of Kherson).

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

*Restrictions to SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to the fulfilment of its mandate

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by the parties and security considerations, including mine threats, damaged infrastructure, and the unpredictability of the situation in Donbas. “LPR” members continue to prevent the SMM from monitoring many areas alongside the border in parts of Luhansk region not controlled by the Government.

Denial of access:

  • In “DPR”-controlled Kominternove (29km north-east of Mariupol), an armed “DPR” member on 16 January refused to allow the SMM to proceed to “DPR”-controlled Vodiane (19km east-north-east of Mariupol), saying there was on-going shooting in the area.
  • At a “DPR checkpoint south-west of “DPR”-controlled Oktiabr (29km north-east of Mariupol), armed “DPR” members on 17 January refused to allow the SMM to proceed to “DPR”-controlled Telmanove (50km north-east of Mariupol), saying “authorization” was required.
  • At a live-fire training range near “LPR”-controlled Myrne, armed “LPR” members on 16 January denied the SMM access.
  • Armed “LPR” members at a checkpoint in “LPR”- controlled Kalynove (58km west of Luhansk) on 17 January refused to allow the SMM to proceed, saying the SMM could only monitor within the boundaries of the town.

Delay:

  • At a “DPR checkpoint west of “DPR”-controlled of Oktiabr (29km north-east of Mariupol), armed “DPR” members delayed the SMM for 18 minutes, asking that the SMM monitors present their IDs and photographing the IDs.
  • Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel on 16 January delayed the SMM at a checkpoint near government-controlled Troitske (69km west of Luhansk) for 20 minutes, initially waiting for their commander to arrive and then seeking approval from superiors by radio.
 

[1] All times are in Eastern European Time unless otherwise specified.

* Please see the section at the end of this report entitled “Restrictions to SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to the fulfilment of its mandate”.

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

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OSCE Representative lauds launch of new Freedom of Expression strategy in Norway

OSCE - Mon, 18/01/2016 - 16:19

OSLO, 18 January 2016 – Participating in the launch of the Norwegian Foreign Ministry’s new strategy for freedom of expression, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today lauded Norway’s initiative.

“I very much welcome the initiative by the Norwegian government to implement a comprehensive approach on how to promote freedom of expression in its foreign and development policy,” Mijatović said. “This should serve as an example for other states.”

The strategy, presented by Foreign Minister Børge Brende, is an effort to strengthen Norway’s international work in this field, focusing on independent media, protection of journalists and access to information.

“Freedom of expression and independent media are under growing pressure,” Brende said. “Norway will increase its support to independent media and this new strategy puts freedom of expression at the heart of Norway’s foreign and development policy.”

The strategy was presented at a panel discussion in which Brende, Mijatović and David Kaye, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, participated. More information about the strategy is available at https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/promote_freedom/id2470543/

During her visit to Oslo, Mijatović will also participate in a panel discussion on surveillance and sources protection, hosted by the Norwegian PEN, Association of Norwegian Editors, Norway’s Press Association and International Commission of Jurists, Norway.

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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Spot Report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM): Small-arms fire hit SMM vehicle in Marinka

OSCE - Sun, 17/01/2016 - 00:41

This report is for media and the general public.

On 16 January at 10:44hrs [1], an SMM patrol comprised of three monitors, one paramedic and one language assistant in two armoured vehicles arrived at a field in the vicinity of government-controlled Marinka (23km south-west of Donetsk) – some 1.5km from the contact line – to conduct a general assessment of the damages to a gas pipeline. Six Ukrainian Armed Forces officers of the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC), one Ukrainian Armed Forces civil-military administration member, five members of a demining team and five workers of a gas pipeline company were present. At 11:40hrs, while monitoring at the site, the SMM heard the sound of one or two shots. In the same moment, the SMM saw a hole in the trunk window of one of the vehicles, which was parked, facing a west-south-westerly direction (the rear facing an east-north-easterly direction). At the moment the shots were heard, one monitor and one language assistant were inside the damaged vehicle and one monitor was outside the vehicle in a distance of about 1-2m. One monitor and one paramedic were inside the other vehicle parked 10m from the damaged vehicle. Another SMM patrol, positioned in the “DPR”-controlled outskirts of Donetsk city about 20km south-west of the Donetsk city centre on the other side of the contact line, did not hear any firing at the time of the incident.

The SMM left the area immediately. Subsequently, the SMM noted that the damaged trunk window was totally shattered. This window was not bullet-proof, whereas a bullet-proof pane divides the trunk and the passenger cabin of the car. No bullet or projectile was recovered from inside the vehicle. Beside the trunk window no other damage was observed inside or outside of the vehicle.

There were no injuries to SMM members. The SMM returned safely to its base in Donetsk city at 13:28hrs.

The SMM informed both Ukrainian and Russian representatives at the JCCC about the incident asking them to take follow-up actions. The Mission will report about JCCC follow-up actions in its regular public reporting.

[1] All times referred to in this report are in Eastern European Time.

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OSCE Chief Monitor in Ukraine, reacting to incident near Marinka, demands respect for security and mandate of SMM monitors

OSCE - Sun, 17/01/2016 - 00:13

KYIV, 17 January 2016 – The Chief Monitor of the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Ertugrul Apakan condemned yesterday’s incident in which small-arms fire disrupted the work of the Mission’s monitors near Marinka in eastern Ukraine, and issued the following statement:

“We received the news that SMM monitors who were facilitating the restoration of critical infrastructure near Marinka, just south-west of Donetsk city, were exposed to small-arms fire. The incident comes just nine days after their colleagues in non-government-controlled Horlivka were removed from their vehicles and forced to the ground at gunpoint.

“Given that these monitors are unarmed; that they have come to Ukraine with the aim of the normalization and stabilization of the security situation; and, that essentially they are peace-makers; these incidents – and others before them – are entirely unacceptable.

“Every day, SMM monitors are tasked to verify the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the security zone, the centrepiece of the Minsk agreements. Ensuring and guaranteeing the security and safety of SMM monitors is therefore not only a matter of the well-being of those monitors. It is also a prerequisite for peace in the interest of all segments of people in the country. 

“If monitors are unable to perform their duties, there can be no security and there can be no stabilization.  The process for achieving normalization demands that SMM monitors’ security be respected, that they be guaranteed safe access and freedom-of-movement throughout the country, and that all sides respect the mandate under which they operate.”

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30hrs, 15 January 2016

OSCE - Sat, 16/01/2016 - 17:05

A number of ceasefire violations were recorded in Donetsk and Luhansk. The Mission facilitated the delivery of urgently needed haemodialysis equipment for patients in Horlivka hospital no.2. The SMM observed damage to houses in Kominternove and was prevented from entering a building and adjacent yard in the village by “DPR” members. An SMM unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was damaged by small-arms fire in Luhansk region.

The SMM observed a number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region. From a position at “DPR”-controlled Donetsk railway station (6km north-west of Donetsk city centre), the SMM heard one explosion and several bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire in an area 3-4km north of its position between 7:55 and 14:00hrs.[1] Between 17:10 and 18:53hrs on 14 January, while in the forward patrol base in “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard 45 mortar impacts (possibly 82mm), three shots – possibly from an automatic grenade launcher (AGL) – and an exchange of small-arms fire in an area 3-4km west of its location.

On 15 January two residents in an area 2km south of “DPR”-controlled Shyroka Balka (34km north-north-east of Donetsk, 7km west of Horlivka) told the SMM that they had heard incoming and outgoing mortar and artillery rounds in the area on the nights of 13 and 14 January. The SMM did not however, observe recent damage in the area.

In Luhansk, the situation remained relatively calm. The SMM, positioned near government-controlled Novoaidar (49km north-west of Luhansk) heard firing, which they assessed as anti-aircraft gunfire and/or fire from an armoured personnel carrier (BTR) and AGL shots, in an area to the east of its position. The SMM also heard explosions and shots assessed as training exercises near “LPR”-controlled Kruhlyk (31km south-west of Luhansk) and also near government-controlled Mykolaivka (75km north-west of Luhansk).

An SMM UAV was hit by small-arms fire over “LPR”-controlled Stakhanov (49km west of Luhansk) as it attempted to observe a factory complex occupied by armed “LPR” members.* Although the UAV’s observation capacity was lost, it was able to return to the take-off location. The UAV has been rendered inoperable due to the damage sustained. 

In relation to the implementation of the Addendum to the Package of measures, the SMM revisited Ukrainian Armed Forces’ permanent storage sites whose locations corresponded with the withdrawal lines. The SMM observed one tank (T-64) in addition to all weapons previously verified as withdrawn to one site. At another site, one tank (T-64) was missing and another tank, not listed in the inventory, had been added.

Beyond the withdrawal lines and outside storage sites, the SMM observed the following Addendum-regulated weapons: approximately 25 tanks near “LPR”-controlled Kruhlyk (31km south-west of Luhansk) and 35 tanks (T-72 and T-64) near “DPR”-controlled Ternove (57km east-north-east of Donetsk).

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of heavy weapons foreseen in the Minsk Package of measures. The SMM has yet to receive the full information requested in the 16 October 2015 notification.

The SMM continues to visit locations known to the SMM as heavy weapons holding areas, even though they did not comply with the specific criteria set out for permanent storage sites in the 16 October notification.

In government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM revisited such holding areas and observed eight multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) (9P140 Uragan, 220mm).

In “DPR”-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines the SMM observed six howitzers (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm) and 10 mortars (PM-38, 120mm), which are regulated under the Addendum to the Package of Measures.

The SMM observed the presence of other hardware: in an area 27km north-north-west of Mariupol, four Ukrainian Armed Forces trucks transporting ammunition boxes, which the SMM assessed as 82mm mortar boxes, in the direction of Mariupol; near “DPR”-controlled Ternove, a UAZ jeep with black registration plates, five trucks (four Ural, one Kamaz), and a total of 28 “DPR” members on training exercises or undertaking construction works.

The SMM continued to monitor the security and humanitarian situation in “DPR”-controlled Kominternove (23km north-east of Mariupol) and surrounding areas. In the town, the SMM observed damage to homes consistent with shelling. One elderly woman showed the SMM the severely damaged roof of her home, assessed to have been caused by a large calibre round. The SMM also observed the wall of another house assessed as having been penetrated by an anti-tank guided missile fired from the south-west. The SMM analysed three fresh craters on a road near a “DPR” checkpoint, assessed as having been caused by 82mm mortar, but it could not determine the direction of fire. A “DPR” member showed the SMM a recent impact to a house said to be from an anti-tank guided missile (fagot). The Mission observed damage, but could not determine the direction of fire. Residents in Kominternove and in nearby Vodiane (19km north-west of Mariupol) told the SMM that they heard a loud explosion in the early hours of 15 January, which was corroborated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and a “DPR” member. Residents said that their supply of food is irregular and that they lack medicine. Although gas is supplied to the village, residents told the SMM that they repair the lines themselves as specialized teams cannot enter due to movement restrictions and uncertainty as to who is responsible for repairs in this area. “DPR” members denied the SMM entry to a building and adjacent yard that they were guarding.*

Following dialogue facilitation efforts the Mission monitored the delivery of urgently needed haemodialysis equipment to hospital No. 2 in “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk). The equipment, provided by the non-governmental organization (NGO) “Association Internationale de Coopération Médicale”, will allow 46 patients to receive dialysis. The chief doctor of the hospital had told the SMM on 15 December of the critical need for such equipment (see SMM Daily Report, 16 December 2015).

The Mission monitored demining works in areas close to civilian infrastructure. In government-controlled Zolote (60km north-west of Luhansk), the head of the demining team from the Ministry of Emergency Services showed the SMM two areas near the Karbonit water supply plant that are being demined. Work started on 29 December and will continue until 29 February. According to him, it is more difficult to carry out demining in winter as the equipment does not work well under cold weather conditions.

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

*Restrictions to SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to the fulfilment of its mandate

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by the parties and security considerations, including mine threats, damaged infrastructure, and the unpredictability of the situation in Donbas. “LPR” members continue to prevent the SMM from monitoring many areas alongside the border in parts of Luhansk region not controlled by the Government.

Denial of access:

  • “DPR” members denied the SMM entry to a building and adjacent yard they were guarding in Kominternove (23km north-west of Mariupol).

Delayed access:

  • Armed “LPR” members stopped the SMM near the checkpoint south of the bridge to government-controlled Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk), recorded the names of patrol members and vehicle registration numbers, delaying the SMM for 15 minutes.

Other impediments:

  • The SMM UAV was hit by small-arms fire over “LPR”-controlled Stakhanov (49km west of Luhansk) rendering it inoperable.

[1] All times referred to in this report are in Eastern European Time

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

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OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine opens Forward Patrol Base in Stanytsia Luhanska

OSCE - Sat, 16/01/2016 - 13:36

KYIV, 16 January 2016 - The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) today opened a new Forward Patrol Base in the Luhansk region, becoming the Mission’s eighth such Base in the Donbas.

The new Base in Stanytsia Luhanska will extend the monitors’ presence in the areas where most incidents take place, thereby enabling the Mission to follow up on the incidents faster and more efficiently.

“As with the other Forward Patrol Bases established by the SMM earlier, this Base in Stanytsia Luhanska will help us enhance our monitoring and reporting, and contribute to easing tensions in the east,” said Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug.

Forward Patrol Bases differ from SMM offices or hubs as they are located closer to the contact line and accommodate a smaller number of monitors who are rotated on a weekly basis.

Previously the SMM has opened Forward Patrol Bases in the following locations - four in government-controlled areas: Volnovakha, Krasnoarmiisk, Svitlodarsk (Donetsk region) and in Novoaidar (Luhansk region); as well as three in areas outside of government control: in Stakhanov (Luhansk region), and in Horlivka and Debaltseve (Donetsk region).

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The provisions of Minsk agreement have been agreed, they must and can be implemented - OSCE Principal Deputy Chief Monitor in Ukraine

OSCE - Fri, 15/01/2016 - 22:09
216496 Iuliia Poberezhna Iryna Gudyma Daily updates from the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Thematic Reports from the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine -- The Facts

There’s no alternative to the Minsk agreement and implementing this document is needed, desirable and easy, said Alexander Hug, the Principal Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, as he visited Kominternove and Shyrokyne in the Donetsk region on 15 January 2016.

Assessing the general security situation in the region, he saw the damage caused by a recent shelling incident that reportedly took place in Kominternove . He also met the residents of the village.

“One of the basic aims of Minsk is to create a Security Zone – a zone that is ‘without danger’. Children, women and men in Kominternove rely on forces on both sides to make this a reality. However I hardly need to spell it out: this zone is still full of danger,” said Hug.

A commitment to the agreement is needed from all sides, Hug stressed, noting that the SMM is ready to support the sides in implementation. “The SMM is strengthening its presence in eastern Ukraine not only geographically by opening new Forward Patrol Bases, but also by technical means. Today I saw a SMM camera that recently went into operation in Shyrokyne, giving us a 24/7, 360° view of the area.”
 

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OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General welcome UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism

OSCE - Fri, 15/01/2016 - 19:57

BERLIN / VIENNA, 15 January 2016 — OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier today welcomed the presentation by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.

Steinmeier, who yesterday presented the programme of Germany’s 2016 OSCE Chairmanship to the OSCE Permanent Council, stressed the need to step up efforts to counter terrorism, and in particular the spread of violent extremism and terrorist radicalization among young people.

“I welcome the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism and its call for enhanced regional co-operation,” said Steinmeier. “We will put the implementation of the OSCE Ministerial Declaration on this subject, adopted last month in Belgrade, high on our agenda. The OSCE Ministerial Declaration provides the sort of regional blueprint to counter violent extremism that the UN Plan of Action recommends adopting.”

“The OSCE’s comprehensive and co-operative approach to security is particularly well suited to prevent and counter violent extremism conducive to terrorism,” said Secretary General Zannier. “We will continue our close collaboration with the United Nations in support of its new Plan of Action and further implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.”

Countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism has been a strategic focus area for the OSCE in recent years, with a number of its activities contributing directly or indirectly to addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, as outlined by the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

On 4 December 2015 at the annual OSCE Ministerial Council in Belgrade the Organization’s 57 participating States adopted a Declaration on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization that Lead to Terrorism, and a Declaration on Reinforcing OSCE Efforts in the Wake of Recent Terrorist Attacks.
 
Secretary General Zannier and Serbia’s 2015 OSCE Chairmanship also launched an Organization-wide campaign in 2015 with the slogan ‘OSCE United in Countering Violent Extremism’ (#UnitedCVE) to underscore that the OSCE stands together as one in countering violent extremism that leads to terrorism.

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30hrs, 14 January 2016

OSCE - Fri, 15/01/2016 - 18:45

This report is for media and the general public.

The SMM observed a number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In particular, the Mission noted continued shelling in Horlivka, and a significant number of ceasefire violations in the outskirts of Kominternove. In Luhansk region, the SMM observed fresh craters assessed to have been caused by mortar fire. The Mission continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repair of critical infrastructure.

The SMM observed a number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region [1]. Positioned 6km north-west of Donetsk city centre, the SMM recorded 12 undetermined explosions and multiple bursts of small-arms fire at locations 2.5-5km north-north-west of its position. In “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk), the Mission recorded ceasefire violations at night on the third consecutive day. In the evening of 13 January, the SMM heard several explosions, assessed as impacts and outgoing rounds of artillery and mortar fire, and saw launch of flares (undetermined) and anti-aircraft tracers, both at locations 3-4km west of its position.

Positioned on the highway E58, 2km west of Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol), between 12:43 and 13:14hrs [2], the SMM heard more than 20 undetermined explosions and an exchange of fire consisting of anti-aircraft-gun, small-arms fire, mortar and artillery at locations 5-10km north-east or north-north-east of its position. Whilst on the highway E58 500m west of the government-controlled checkpoint near Lebedynske (16km north-east of Mariupol), between 13:42 and 14:30hrs, the SMM heard a total of 38 explosions (including six outgoing rounds and 16 impacts of artillery fire), 430 shots and 168 bursts of small-arms, heavy-machine-gun and anti-aircraft-gun fire, 5-10km north-east of its positions. The SMM assessed that most of the ceasefire violations occurred in the wider area of “DPR”-controlled Kominternove and Vodiane (23 and 19km north-east of Mariupol, respectively).

Whilst in “LPR”-controlled Kalynove (58km west of Luhansk) and Smile (32km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM recorded multiple bursts of small-arms and heavy-machine-gun fire. The SMM also continued to observe firing incidents assessed as part of live-fire exercises. For example, positioned near “LPR”-controlled Myrne (28km south-west of Luhansk), the SMM heard four explosions and one burst of heavy-machine-gun fire and assessed that they occurred at a training area in “LPR”-controlled Shymshynivka (27km south-west of Luhansk). In “LPR”-controlled Donetskyi (50km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM saw two fresh craters in a field 250m from residential buildings and assessed them to have been caused by 120mm mortar. Due to the possible presence of anti-personnel mines in the area, the SMM was unable to conduct crater analysis. An “LPR” member present told the SMM that four mortar shells had impacted in the town earlier in the day.

In relation to the implementation of the Addendum to the Package of measures, the SMM revisited Ukrainian Armed Forces permanent weapons storage sites whose locations corresponded with the withdrawal lines. At one site, all weapons previously verified as withdrawn to the site were present, while at other sites, the SMM observed that two mortars (2B9, 82mm), three anti-tank guns (D-44, 85mm) and one tank (T-64) were missing and the serial number of one tank (T-64) did not match those provided in the inventory.

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of heavy weapons foreseen in the Minsk Package of measures. The Mission has yet to receive the full information requested in the 16 October notification.

The SMM revisited an “LPR” heavy weapons permanent storage site and noted that all weapons previously verified as withdrawn to this site were present.

The SMM continues to revisit locations known to it as heavy weapons holding areas, even though they do not comply with the specific criteria set out for permanent storage sites in the 16 October 2015 notification.

In government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM revisited such holding areas and observed: 23 anti-tank guns (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm) and 26 tanks (T-64).

The SMM continued to monitor the security situation in Kominternove. At a “DPR” checkpoint south-west of Kominternove, the Mission observed 15 anti-tank mines, protected by concrete blocks on the right side of the road, which had not been present on previous visits. In government-controlled area of the vicinity of Kominternove, the SMM observed a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (ZSU-23-4) and two military trucks.

The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repair of critical infrastructure. In “LPR”-controlled Slovianoserbsk (28km north-west of Luhansk), the Mission continued to facilitate repairs of nearby water pipelines and pumps (see: SMM Daily Report 30 December 2015).

The SMM continued to monitor civilian movement across the contact line. At an “LPR” checkpoint south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (16km north-east of Luhansk), an armed “LPR” member told the SMM that 1,000 people crossed the bridge from “LPR”-controlled area to government-controlled area and another 1,000 people had crossed the checkpoint in the opposite direction during the past 24 hours. The SMM observed that “LPR” members were conducting repair works of the handrails of the wooden bridge.

The SMM continued to follow up on tensions between two religious communities in Ptycha village (148km north-east of Lviv, Rivne region; latest: see SMM Daily Report 12 January). On 12 January, in Rivne city (211km north-east of Lviv), representatives of the Rivne regional directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs told the SMM that 28 complaints and requests for assistance regarding the confrontation in Ptycha had been submitted to the police since April 2015, including eight criminal cases. The interlocutor added that police officers were presently guarding the church in Ptycha on a 24-hour basis until the tension finally subsides. Later on the same day, the SMM revisited Ptycha, where it observed a calm situation and several police officers inside two police vehicles parked in  front of the church.

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

*Restrictions to SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to the fulfilment of its mandate

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by the parties and security considerations, including mine threats, damaged infrastructure, and the unpredictability of the situation in Donbas. “LPR” members continue to prevent the SMM from monitoring many areas alongside the border in parts of Luhansk region not controlled by the Government.

Denial of access:

  • At a checkpoint in Oktiabr (“DPR”-controlled, 29km north-east of Mariupol), “DPR” members did not allow the SMM to proceed further to the north, explaining they did not receive an order to let the SMM pass.

Delayed access:

  • At a checkpoint in “DPR”-controlled Olenivka (23km south of Donetsk), a “DPR” member in camouflage uniform held the SMM for 12 minutes, demanding to see the SMM members’ national passports.
 

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

[2] All times are in Eastern European Time unless otherwise specified.

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Austria’s Muttonen appointed OSCE PA Special Representative for Central and Eastern Asia

OSCE - Fri, 15/01/2016 - 15:20

COPENHAGEN, 15 January 2016 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ilkka Kanerva (MP, Finland) has appointed Austrian parliamentarian and OSCE PA Vice-President Christine Muttonen to serve as the Assembly’s Special Representative for Central and Eastern Asia. 

The position will help support the active participation of OSCE participating States in Central Asia, as well as Mongolia, in the work of the Assembly; encourage expanded parliamentary dialogue and co-operation among countries in the area; promote the values of parliamentarism; and increase contacts with OSCE field presences and other organizations in the area, among other functions.

“The countries of Central Asia, along with our newest participating State, Mongolia, are in the eastern portion of the OSCE area, but are at the heart of the OSCE, itself. This position will strengthen the Parliamentary Assembly’s work in assisting these countries, learning from these countries, and promoting partnerships between these countries across all aspects of human security. I greatly welcome Vice-President Muttonen’s leadership on these issues,” President Kanerva said.

In accepting the appointment, Muttonen said:

“I very much look forward to working closely with the Central Asian states and Mongolia, and especially with their parliaments, to promote more active engagement and co-operation within the Parliamentary Assembly. This part of the OSCE area faces a range of specific challenges, from the threat of terrorism to resource management, but also great potential for advances in the political, economic and cultural spheres. The PA can play a crucial role in addressing all of these elements, and I look forward to facilitating that. I also look forward to actively reaching out to the larger East Asian region.”

The mandate of the OSCE PA Special Representative for Central and Eastern Asia is to: 

•    Encourage active participation by parliamentarians from Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan), as well as Mongolia, in the work of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to strengthen parliamentarism in the region;
 
•    Liaise with and support the work of the OSCE field missions in the region, as well as relevant OSCE institutions, international and regional organizations and diplomatic missions; 

•    Encourage closer contacts between the parliaments in the region to promote greater intra-regional co-operation in all three OSCE dimensions; 

•    Promote knowledge of the OSCE and its core principles in the OSCE’s Asian Partner for Co-operation countries, notably through building inter-parliamentary ties; 

•    Report to the President of the Assembly on developments in the region, including opportunities for enhanced parliamentary dialogue and further inter-parliamentary co-operation among the Central Asian states and Mongolia, as well as with Eastern Asia. 


Muttonen currently serves as a Vice-President of the OSCE PA and the Deputy Head of the Austrian Delegation to the Assembly. A long-serving member of her national parliament, she was recently named the Chairperson of its Central Asia and Mongolia Friendship Group. At the OSCE PA’s 2015 Autumn Meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Muttonen chaired a special roundtable with the Heads of OSCE field presences in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. 

On 15 January, Muttonen participated in a Regional Working Group on Central Asia at OSCE headquarters in Vienna. She met with senior OSCE officials working on the region, including several heads of OSCE field presences.

There are currently eight other OSCE PA Special Representatives. Each holds a mandate pertaining to a specific issue within the Assembly’s work or to a specific geographical area represented in the Assembly.

Click here for a full listing.

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Ukraine Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin to attend Special Session of OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday, 14 January

OSCE - Wed, 13/01/2016 - 15:20

Ukraine Minister for Foreign affairs Pavlo Klimkin to attend Special Session of OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday, 14 January

VIENNA, 13 January 2016 – Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin will attend this year’s first Special session of the OSCE Permanent Council, at which the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, German Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, will outline Germany’s priorities for its OSCE Chairmanship.

Minister Klimkin will participate in the Permanent Council debate following the address by Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier, and give a press briefing tentatively at 15:10 in Room 201 (second floor) at the Hofburg.

Journalists wishing to attend are required to send an e-mail confirming their attendance to press@osce.org, no later than 13 January at 17:00. However, journalists who have already registered to cover the address and the press briefing of the Chairperson-in-Office do not need to register separately for Minister Klimkin’s news conference.

Minister Klimkin’s press conference will be broadcast live at through Periscope on @osce.

 

The OSCE Permanent Council is a decision-making body gathering representatives of all 57 OSCE participating States. It convenes weekly in Vienna.

 

 

 

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