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Updated: 2 months 3 days ago

Spot Report by OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM):“DPR” members threaten SMM at gunpoint near Lukove

Fri, 29/07/2016 - 23:51

The SMM saw fresh tracks, assessed as caused by an infantry fighting vehicle leading south from “DPR”-controlled Lukove (72km south of Donetsk). At 13:47, while following the tracks, it was stopped by two armed “DPR” members who blocked the road with a camouflaged-style jeep (vehicle #1) and pointed their guns at the SMM. They ordered the SMM to leave the area, which they did.

At 13:49, when leaving the area, a second camouflaged-style jeep (vehicle #2), approached from a side road at high speed, almost hit the lead SMM vehicle and came to an abrupt stop in front of the patrol, blocking its way. At the same time, the two armed “DPR” members in vehicle #1 blocked the SMM from behind. Three armed “DPR” members jumped out of vehicle #2 and pointed their guns at the first SMM vehicle in a very aggressive manner and screamed at the driver to open the vehicle door. One “DPR” member made a “cut throat” sign to the SMM and took photographs of both SMM vehicles and the drivers.

The SMM was ordered to follow the “DPR” members to a checkpoint in Prymorske (76km south of Donetsk, 5km south of Lukove). One of the “DPR” members in vehicle #2 kept his gun pointed at the SMM for the duration. At this point the patrol called the SMM Regional Security Officer, who in turn informed the Joint Centre for Control and Co-operation.

At the checkpoint in Prymorske, nine armed “DPR” members surrounded the first SMM vehicle, swearing and making threatening gestures. One armed “DPR” member stated twice that SMM members should be shot. Another armed “DPR” member twice struck the front left wing of the first patrol vehicle with his rifle butt leaving two dents.

At 14:00, the SMM was released from the area and returned safely to its base in Mariupol.

 

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 28 July 2016

Fri, 29/07/2016 - 19:11

This report is for the media and the general public.

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region compared with the previous day. The largest concentration of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region was recorded during night hours in the area of Horlivka and Svitlodarsk, while during the day the Donetsk city area was most kinetic. The SMM followed up on reports of civilian casualties in Novoazovsk, shelling in Troitske, and conducted crater analysis in Novotoshkivske. The Mission monitored queues at entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line, the situation of civilians living near the contact line, and facilitated repairs to essential infrastructure on both sides of the contact line in Shchastia, Krasnyi Lyman, Pryshyb, Zolote, and Maiorsk. The SMM monitored all crossing points at the administrative boundary line between Kherson and Crimea, as well as a religious procession in Kyiv. The SMM crossed the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge for the first time since 1 July. The Mission’s freedom of movement was restricted on two occasions, one on each side of the contact line.*

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations[1] in Donetsk region compared with the previous day.  

Whilst in Horlivka (“DPR”-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk) on the night of 27-28 July, the SMM heard a total of 18 explosions assessed as outgoing rounds at a range of 1 to 5km north and north-west of its position, as well as two assessed as outgoing 122mm artillery rounds 0.3-0.5km east of its location in the south-west of the city. In the same period, the SMM heard six explosions assessed as impacts of 82mm mortar rounds 1-2km north of its position. Whilst in Svitlodarsk (government-controlled, 57km north-east of Donetsk), within four hours the SMM heard 70 explosions: 25 assessed as outgoing 82mm mortar rounds 1-1.5km south-south-east, 45 as mortar round impacts at a range of 4 to 6km south-south-east and east-south east of its location. The SMM also heard bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire from the same distances and directions. In the evening hours of 28 July, the SMM heard fighting north and west of the city, including: two explosions assessed as outgoing mortar rounds, two as impacts 2-3km north-north-west of its position 7km north of the city and heavy machine-gun fire 4-6km west-south-west of its position in the city.

Within about 90 minutes on the same night, the SMM heard 20 undetermined explosions 8-10km north of its position in Donetsk city centre. 

On 28 July, positioned at the “DPR”-controlled Donetsk central railway station (6km north-west of Donetsk city centre), the SMM heard 53 undetermined explosions at a range of 4 to 8km north-east and one undetermined explosion 4-6km north-west of its position. Positioned in government-controlled Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk), the SMM heard six undetermined explosions 10-12km south-east of its position, one explosion assessed as an outgoing 120mm mortar round and at least four assessed as outgoing 82mm mortar rounds as well as numerous continuous bursts of small-arms fire at a range of 0.6 to 3km south-east of its position.

The SMM camera in Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) recorded two rocket-assisted projectiles and one burst of direct tracer fire fired west to east within about two hours on the night of 27 July. During the day on 28 July, positioned in Mariupol (government-controlled, 102km south of Donetsk), the SMM heard 30 undetermined explosions at an unknown distance east of its position.

In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations compared with the previous day, with a total of four undetermined explosions, with the majority assessed as live-fire training in an area outside the security zone, in “LPR”-controlled Shymshynivka (27km south-west of Luhansk).

The SMM followed-up on reports of civilian casualties, shelling, and conducted crater analysis on both sides of the contact line. On 27 July, the SMM visited the hospital in Novoazovsk to follow up on two residents of Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove, “DPR”-controlled, 23km north-east of Mariupol) who other residents had told the SMM were injured during shelling on the night of 24-25 July. The SMM spoke to a 32-year-old man who had sustained shrapnel wounds to his leg and hand. Medical staff told the SMM that a woman (approximately 80 years old) had been transferred to a hospital in Donetsk city by her relatives, and the shrapnel wounds to her back were not serious.

North east of Ukrainian Armed Forces positions on the eastern outskirts of government-controlled Troitske (65km west of Luhansk), near Shchorsa Street, the SMM observed two completely destroyed houses and several others abandoned. The SMM could also observe mine warning signs on both sides of the street. In late May, the SMM had seen the aftermath of a booby-trap that injured a woman in that area (see SMM Daily Report 26 May 2016). The SMM assessed that at least one of the houses was recently destroyed as the ruins were still smouldering. According to a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer present, the house was destroyed in shelling on the night of 26-27 July. In government-controlled Novotoshkivske (53 km north-west of Luhansk) the SMM conducted crater analysis; a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) was also present. In a field, about 1.5km from the contact line, the SMM saw three craters which it assessed as fresh. One crater was assessed as caused by a multiple-launch rocket system rocket (MLRS; BM-21 Grad, 122mm) fired from an easterly direction, another as caused by a grenade launcher (AGS-17) round fired from an easterly direction and the other as caused by a recoilless gun (SPG-9) projectile, fired from a westerly direction.

In relation to the SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that crashed during the night of 25 July, while flying over government-controlled Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk) (see SMM Spot Report 26 July 2016), the SMM continued to follow up on the incident and conducted a mini UAV flight over the possible crash site. No further UAV debris or indications of the possible cause of the crash were seen. The SMM is unable to deploy a ground patrol in the area due to security concerns.

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, in accordance with the Package of Measures and its Addendum, as well as the Minsk Memorandum.

In violation of withdrawal lines, aerial surveillance imagery revealed the presence on 26 July of 16 towed artillery pieces in areas close to “LPR”-controlled Buhaivka (37km south-west of Luhansk).

Beyond the respective withdrawal lines and outside assigned areas the SMM observed: at the train station in government-controlled Rubizhne (84 km north-west of Luhansk), three towed howitzers (2A65 Msta-B, 152 mm) and a recovery vehicle; 13 tanks (T-64) in a static position at a training ground near “LPR”-controlled Myrne (28km south-west of Luhansk). Aerial surveillance imagery available to the SMM revealed on 26 July the presence of: 20 artillery pieces (18 towed and two self-propelled) and 34 tanks in areas near “LPR”-controlled Myrne (28km south-west of Luhansk); 17 MLRSs, eight artillery pieces (five self-propelled, three towed), 15 tanks and 52 armoured vehicles near “LPR”-controlled Miusynsk (62km south-west of Luhansk); six towed artillery weapons and 15 tanks in areas near “LPR”-controlled Mala Martynivka (32km south-west of Luhansk); and 24 tanks in Buhaivka.

The SMM observed weapons that could not be verified as withdrawn, as their storage does not comply with the criteria set out in the 16 October 2015 notification. At Ukrainian Armed Forces holding areas, the SMM observed 21 towed howitzers (six 2A36 Giatsint-B, 152mm and 15 2A65 Msta-B, 152mm) and 30 tanks (T-64). The SMM noted as missing 22 towed howitzers (six 2A36 Giatsint-B, 152mm, and 16 2A65 Msta-B, 152mm).

The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles in the security zone. In government-controlled areas the SMM saw: on 27 July, in Karlivka (25km north-west of Donetsk), two covered armoured personnel carriers (APC; BTR-type) parked on the north-western side of the road, five stationary APCs (one BTR-60, two BRDM, one BTR-4) in and near Popasna (69km west of Luhansk); on 28 July, north of Solodke (33km south-west of Donetsk) a southbound flatbed truck transporting an infantry fighting vehicle (BMP-1); on the H20 road north-east of Berezove (31km south-west of Donetsk), a stationary APC (BTR), partially covered with camouflage netting facing south; near Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk) two stationary APCs (Spartan) each mounted with a machine gun; a stationary APC (BRDM) inside the yard of a house in Lopaskyne (23km north-west of Luhansk) and one stationary APC (BRDM-2) near government-controlled Shchastia (20km north of Luhansk).

In non-government-controlled areas the SMM saw: five APCs (MTLB) and what it assessed to be a mobile jamming station (R-330T) on the northern outskirts of “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve (58km north-east of Donetsk) and a Ural truck towing an APC (BTR-2) near “LPR”-controlled Khriashchuvate (10km south-east of Luhansk), moving north. Aerial surveillance imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence on 26 July of 13 armoured vehicles (AVs) near “DPR”-controlled Telmanove (67km south-east of Donetsk) and four AVs near government-controlled Novohnativka (40km south of Donetsk).

The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure on both sides of the contact line. The SMM monitored repairs to railway tracks and overhead wires between Horlivka and Maiorsk (government-controlled, 45km north-east of Donetsk), including a successful test of the repaired line. The SMM also monitored the cleaning of the river canal at the Shchastia (20km north of Luhansk) power plant; repairs to the water pump station in “LPR”-controlled Krasnyi Lyman (30km north-west of Luhansk) and to the gas pipeline near “LPR”-controlled Pryshyb (34km north-west of Luhansk). In Zolote (60km north-west) repair work on electrical power lines resumed and demining teams were present.

The SMM continued to observe queues at entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line. On 27 July the SMM monitored the traffic going through the government checkpoint on the H15 road south of government-controlled Marinka (23km south-west of Donetsk). The SMM noted a 1.6km vehicle queue (280 civilian vehicles) and ten pedestrians in the area between the last “DPR” checkpoint and the first government checkpoint, queuing to enter government-controlled areas, which did not move from 12:20 to 13:30, when it advanced 100m before again coming to a standstill. The SMM saw no traffic in the opposite direction. The SMM also saw 15 empty buses parked on the roadside in the area before the checkpoint. Four hours later, at the same checkpoint, the SMM saw 200 civilian vehicles still queuing to enter government-controlled areas and no traffic in the opposite direction. In the afternoon, at least ten people from vehicles at the front of the queue told the SMM that they had been waiting since between 05:00 and 06:00, while two other people said they had been waiting since 23:00 the previous day. When the SMM left the area between the checkpoints at 18:45, less than two hours before the closing time of the government checkpoint, at least 200 cars were still in line.

The SMM crossed the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (16km north-east of Luhansk) without restriction from “LPR” members for the first time since 1 July. At the bridge on 28 July, in the morning the SMM saw around 200-220 people waiting to enter government-controlled areas at the Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint. The SMM observed an employee of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine assisting an elderly disabled woman to cross the checkpoint. In the afternoon, at the same checkpoint, the SMM saw approximately 220 people queuing to enter government-controlled areas and approximately 100 people queuing in the opposite direction. The SMM saw woman (approximately 50 years old) being treated in the parking lot by an employee of the State Emergency Service, who said she had fainted due to the heat and was taken from the bridge on a stretcher. After having received first aid, she seemed to be able to proceed further on her own.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation of civilians living near the contact line. In “LPR”-controlled Krasnyi Luch (56km south-west of Luhansk) and areas of Zolote, residents complained of limited and irregular water supply.

The SMM monitored the situation at the administrative boundary line between Kherson region and Crimea at the three crossing points in Kalanchak, Chaplynka and Chonhar (95, 90 and 162km south-east of Kherson, respectively). On 24 and 26 July the SMM noted a calm situation at all three crossing points and that while Asker members were present at all three, they were not conducting any activities.

In Kyiv, the SMM monitored the religious procession organized by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kyiv Patriarchate. In the morning, the SMM saw some 2,000 people (predominantly middle-aged women) gather around the St. Volodymyr's Cathedral and assessed that over 1,500 people were inside. The access to the cathedral grounds was controlled by police and National Guard officers operating metal detectors and searching those who were entering. Around mid-day, some 800 clerics exited the cathedral and led the procession of some 14,000 people along the Shevchenko Boulevard. The procession reached the Saint Volodymyr Hill (Volodymyrska Hirka) where a religious service was held. The SMM noted that Maidan self-defence activists - with insignia of the 10th Maidan sotnia - were assisting the police. The Ukrainian Red Cross was providing medical assistance to procession participants in the vicinity of the St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral. The SMM observed them assisting one elderly female who fainted and several other people who felt unwell, including a priest. The SMM estimated that there were in total approximately 1,800 uniformed personnel (police and National Guard) securing the events. Throughout the day and all along the route, the SMM noted a calm situation and all events passed off peacefully. Earlier that day, the SMM monitored a religious ceremony at the Pechersk Lavra monastery for participants of the religious procession organized by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (see SMM Daily Report, 27 July 2016) with about 200 participants (clergy and believers). The ceremony marked the closure of the religious procession. The SMM noted the presence of about 40 police officers at the entrance of the monastery.

 

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

The SMM’s monitoring is restrained by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, and by restrictions of its freedom of movement and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations.

 

Denial of access: 

  • Ukrainian Armed Forces officers prevented the SMM from monitoring the area along the railway line near Lomonosova Street in government-controlled Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk), citing demining work in the area.
  • An armed man demanded the SMM leave its location in “LPR”-controlled Pryshyb (34km north-west of Luhansk), citing an earlier 120mm mortar round explosion near the SMM’s position. The JCCC was informed.
 

[1] Please see the annexed table for a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations as well as map of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions marked with locations featured in this report. * 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”.

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OSCE Representative condemns incidents directed at journalists and independent voices in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Fri, 29/07/2016 - 16:46

VIENNA, 29 July 2016 – Continuing intimidation and violence against journalists and independent voices is unacceptable and could further weaken media freedom and freedom of expression in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Dunja Mijatović, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, said today.

“I am following with great concern the extremely worrying situation in the country which could lead to self-censorship,” Mijatović said. “People engaged in investigative reporting and expressing different opinions, even provocative ones, should play a legitimate part in a healthy debate and their voices should not be restricted.”

Mijatović noted that the latest events open a very worrying chapter on the safety of journalists.

They include:

• Verbal attacks on writer and journalist Nenad Veličković;

• Verbal attacks on Borka Rudić, General Secretary of the Association of BiH Journalists; • Verbal threats on journalist Mirjana Radanović;

• Threats and insults against journalists of FTV Mreža magazine;

• Threats against Dragiša Sikimić, editor-in-chief and the owner of the web portal MojaHercegovina.info;

• Verbal and physical assaults on BN TV, ATV and HIT TV crews;

• A physical attack on a BN TV camera operator; • An assault on Nermin Bisa, editor-in-chief of 24sata.info;

• Verbal threats against freelance journalist Vuk Bačanović; and

• Offensive and discriminatory verbal attacks on Selma Učanbarlić, a journalist from the Centre for Investigative Reporting.

“This trend needs to be immediately reversed. Public condemnation at the highest level is needed in order to send a clear message that such threats, including hate speech, against journalists, academics and writers are not tolerated in a democratic society,” Mijatović said. “Investigations into these incidents, which include death threats transmitted by social media, need to be commenced immediately.”

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. For PDF attachments or links to sources of further information, please visit http: www.osce.org/fom/257086

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OSCE Project Co-ordinator lights up central Tashkent with 20 solar-powered street lamps

Fri, 29/07/2016 - 15:49

TASHKENT, 29 July 2016 - A central area of Tashkent is to be lit by 20 autonomous street light systems fully powered by solar energy as part of a pilot project officially launched today by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

The Co-ordinator is supporting the host country in the area of green economy policies, including the analysis of costs and benefits in using environmentally-friendly and sustainable systems in street lighting and urban planning.

Senior Project Officer at the OSCE Project Co-ordinator Hans-Ullrich Ihm said that urban street lighting powered by solar energy is one of many possibilities that contribute to preserving our environment by reducing the consumption of fossil fuel and emissions. He added that the Project Co-ordinator strives to support the government in implementing policies advocating for such technologies.

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Italy to chair the OSCE in 2018

Fri, 29/07/2016 - 14:25
257031 Communication and Media Relations Section Holger Dreiseitl

Italy is to chair the OSCE in 2018, following a consensus decision of the OSCE’s 57 participating States on 27 July 2016. “This decision fully represents the recognition of our country’s commitment and desire to actively contribute to peace and stability in Europe,” said Italy’s Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni in Rome, welcoming the decision.

“A solution to the crisis in and around Ukraine and the protracted conflicts in the OSCE area (Nagorno-Karabakh, Georgia and Transdniestria); the flows of migrants and refugees; and a strengthened partnership with countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean, will be at the core of our agenda during our Chairmanship,” added Gentiloni.

In the run up to its Chairmanship, Italy will join the OSCE Troika consisting of the previous, current and succeeding OSCE Chairmanships on 1 January 2017. Italy will therefore next year work closely with Germany (2016 Chair) and Austria (2017 Chair) in its function as Chair of the Contact Group with the OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.
 

Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council, Germany’s Ambassador Eberhard Pohl thanked Italy for its readiness to chair the Organization in 2018.

“The OSCE is dependent on the resolve and good will of its participating States, each and every one, to contribute to the well-functioning of this Organization,” said Pohl. “One way to translate the commitment to co-operative security in Europe into real action is to take on the responsibility as Chairmanship. We are looking forward to Italy’s leadership of this Organization and we wish our Italian partners all the best for the important period of preparations in the coming 17 months.” 

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OSCE/ODIHR final report on early parliamentary elections in Serbia recommends comprehensive review of legislation and ensuring the level playing field for contestants

Fri, 29/07/2016 - 13:17
Serbia, Early Parliamentary Elections, 24 April 2016: Final Report

The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Serbia’s 24 April October 2016 early parliamentary elections recommends a comprehensive review of legislation to further improve election process.  

The report, while finding the elections were efficiently administered and held in a competitive environment, spells out key areas that would benefit from such a review, including unclear rules on candidate registration, inadequate regulation of campaign finance, deficiencies and loopholes in dispute resolution mechanisms, an absence of sanctions for some violations and the lack of provisions on election observation.

The report, published on 29 July 2016, notes that, while fundamental freedoms were respected and candidates were able to campaign freely, biased media coverage, undue advantage of incumbency and a blurring of the distinction between state and party activities hindered a level playing field for contestants. To this end, the report recommends specific campaign regulations, including the introduction of ceilings on campaign expenditures and preventing the misuse of administrative resources and the abuse of office.  

In noting the absence of an effective mechanism for monitoring media conduct during the campaign, the report recommends clarifying the competences of the media regulatory body in investigating and sanctioning breaches of legislation in a timely manner.

A review of the election appeals system to guarantee an effective and timely remedy for all complaints, and particularly in cases related to electionday irregularities and election results, is also among the report’s recommendations.

Additional recommendations relate to providing unrestricted access of citizen and international observers to the entire electoral process, including voting, counting and tabulation, and enhancing the transparency of the tabulation of results.

 

 

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OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports summer school on topical issues of police reform

Fri, 29/07/2016 - 11:55

BISHKEK, 29 July 2016 – Some 30 police officers of different ranks from seven regions of Kyrgyzstan are taking part in a summer school training programme, which closes tomorrow in Issyk-Kul, on the topical issues of police reform, conducted by the Kyrgyz Association of Women Police and the Interior Ministry, with the support of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.  

The training course, which began on 18 July 2016, aimed at enhancing the knowledge of the police on the regulatory and legal changes enacted as part of the police reform. The participants will also improve their capacity in the field of human rights and gender equality.

As part of the ‘Police reform measures’ adopted by the Kyrgyz Government in 2013, basic provisions such as the framework for comprehensive evaluation of police activities and mechanisms for the interaction between police and civil society institutions were developed with the support of OSCE experts and approved by the Government in 2015. These provisions create a legal basis for the openness and accessibility of the police, as well as co-ordination of actions by police and civil society in ensuring public safety and preventing crime.

"One of the main objectives of the police reform is to build the capacity of the police by enhancing their knowledge on the regulatory and legal changes in order to achieve sustainable results,” said Pavel Khalashnyuk, acting Head of the OSCE Centre’s Police Matters Programme. “The OSCE Centre in Bishkek is ready to provide extensive support to such training courses."

Kaana Aidarkul, Head of the Kyrgyz Association of Women Police, said: “Our Association played the main role in the development of the police reform regulatory framework. With the support of the OSCE Centre, members of our Association train police officers to apply these provisions, as well as to enhance their communicative and professional competences with respect to human rights and gender equality."

The summer school was organized as part of the OSCE Centre’s police reform project.

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OSCE Office in Tajikistan donates audio-visual material to enhance interactive teaching at Police Academy

Fri, 29/07/2016 - 09:34

DUSHANBE, 29 July 2016 – The OSCE Office in Tajikistan today donated audio-visual equipment to the Police Academy of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs with the aim of supporting the Academy’s lecturers to use interactive teaching techniques on the investigation of crimes related to the trafficking of human beings.

The equipment includes a computer, a projector, a screen, speakers, a printer, and an Uninterruptible Power Supply device (UPS). An external hard disk drive was also donated to allow for the storing of an electronic library of thematic video films and other informational resources in this field.

“This equipment will improve the teaching of the Course on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, and will therefore enable the police to more effectively address this serious social problem,” said Fabio Piana, Deputy Head of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan.

Karim Soliev, the first Deputy Director of the Police Academy, thanked the OSCE for its continued support in building the capacity of future law enforcement staff and Police Academy cadets in combating human trafficking and domestic violence in Tajikistan. “This equipment is of great help to lecturers who will now be able to apply more interactive teaching techniques,” he said.

In previous years, the OSCE has provided expert support to the Police Academy, including the development of the Lecturer’s Guidelines on teaching this specialized and compulsory 20-hour course. The OSCE has also trained the team of lecturers on modern interactive teaching techniques and has recently updated the Course on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings with regard to new legislation in this field.

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OSCE promotes ‘green’ women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas of Kazakhstan

Fri, 29/07/2016 - 09:27
257046 Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Astana

The fourth in a series of five OSCE-supported training seminars for women entrepreneurs working in the field of green technology started on 29 July 2016 in Arnasai village, Central Kazakhstan.

The training seminar, organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in close co-operation with the Coalition for Green Economy and G-Global Development brought together some 20 participants from rural areas of the Central Kazakhstan region to raise their awareness on the use of modern green technologies in effective horticulture, such as energy and water-saving methods, drip irrigation, solar greenhouses and vermicultivation.

“We believe that the role of women in promoting green businesses in the rural areas is crucial and enormous. This is due to the fact that most of them are involved in agriculture and household management activities, which nowadays remain one of the few opportunities to support the family and community in remote regions,” said György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “Thus, the Office stands ready to provide its continuous expert support to such initiatives aiming at better information- and technology-sharing.”

The event is part of the Office’s multi-year efforts to promote green growth, environmental security and women’s empowerment in economic activities.

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 27 July 2016

Thu, 28/07/2016 - 17:14

This report is for the media and the general public.

The SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with the previous day. The largest concentration of ceasefire violations was recorded in the area north of Donetsk city centre and Svitlodarsk. The SMM conducted crater analysis in Dokuchaievsk and Novotoshkivske. Concerning the 25 July incidents with the SMM mini UAV, the Russian Federation Armed Forces representative to the JCCC told the SMM that those responsible had been identified and disciplinary measures had been taken. The Mission continued to observe heavy weapons in violation of respective withdrawal lines. The SMM could not access proposed areas for disengagement in Petrivske, and continued to note the presence of unexploded ordnance. The Mission’s freedom of movement was restricted on four occasions, all in areas outside government control.*

The SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations [1] in Donetsk region compared with the previous day.  

During the night of 26-27 July, whilst in Donetsk city centre, the SMM heard 100 undetermined explosions 5-8km north and north-west of its position. During the day of 27 July, the SMM heard 11 undetermined explosions and bursts of heavy machine-gun-fire 2-8km north-east and north-north-east of its position.

Whilst in Svitlodarsk (government-controlled, 57km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard 20 explosions: ten assessed as 82mm outgoing mortar rounds, ten as mortar round impacts. The SMM heard ten explosions assessed as outgoing infantry fighting vehicle (BMP-1) cannon fire (73mm) and ten explosions assessed as impacts of automatic-grenade-launcher rounds, all 1-6km south-south-east of its position.

The SMM camera in Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) recorded two undetermined explosions, seven bursts of direct tracer fire from south-south-west to north-north-east, followed by two rounds of direct tracer fire from east to west and two bursts and two rounds of direct tracer fire from north-east to south-west.

In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations compared to the previous day, with a total of 18 undetermined explosions, with the majority having been assessed as live-fire training in areas outside the security zone, in Vrubivskyi (“LPR”-controlled, 22km south-west of Luhansk) and Azarivka (“LPR”-controlled, 32km SW of Luhansk)

The SMM conducted crater analysis on both sides of the contact line. In front of a residential building in Dokuchaievsk (“DPR”-controlled, 30km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM saw a fresh crater and assessed it as caused by an unknown weapon fired from a west-south-westerly direction. The SMM saw broken windows at the south-eastern and south-western façade of the building, assessed to be the result of a blast wave. According to the family living in the building, shelling had occurred in the evening of 26 July. In Novotoshkivske (government-controlled, 53km west of Luhansk), the SMM observed two fresh craters near a Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint. The SMM assessed the first crater as caused by an 82mm mortar round fired from a south-easterly direction. The second crater was assessed as caused by a grenade launcher (AGS-17) round fired from a westerly direction. Both craters were located about 3km away from the contact line. According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces officer present at the checkpoint, shelling occurred on 25 July.

In relation to an SMM mini UAV being targeted in two separate instances with small arms fire in “LPR”-controlled areas (see SMM Spot Report 26 July 2016), on 25 July in Luhansk city an “LPR” member told the SMM that “LPR” members were looking into the incident and that disciplinary measures would be taken against those responsible. At the JCCC headquarters in Soledar (government-controlled, 79km north of Donetsk) the Russian Federation Armed Forces representative to the JCCC told the SMM that the two responsible “LPR” members had been identified and disciplinary measures had been taken.

In relation to the SMM long-range UAV that crashed during the night of 25 July while flying over government-controlled Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk) (see SMM Spot Report 26 July 2016), the SMM is continuing to follow up on the case, including with the JCCC, the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and “DPR” members, to confirm information and establish a possible cause of the crash.

The SMM tried to reach an area proposed for disengagement in Petrivske (“DPR”-controlled, 41km south of Donetsk). At a Ukrainian Armed Forces position about 2km east of Petrivske, the officer in charge told the SMM that the area 500 metres further east towards the contact line was mined and that safety for the SMM patrol could not be guaranteed. Near the “DPR” checkpoint at the northern entrance to Petrivske, the SMM observed for the first time four mine signs (red with white Cyrillic letters reading “Mines”).

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, in accordance with the Package of Measures and its Addendum, as well as the Minsk Memorandum.

In violation of withdrawal lines, the SMM observed one mortar (2B9 Vasilek, 82mm) mounted on a military truck (UAZ) in Trokhizbenka (32km north-west of Luhansk), and six towed howitzers (2A65 Msta-B, 152mm) and three anti-tank guns (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm) near Vodiane (42km south-west of Donetsk).

Beyond withdrawal lines and outside assigned areas the SMM observed one tank in a static position at a training ground near “LPR”-controlled Uspenka (23km south-west of Luhansk), 13 tanks in a static position in at a training ground near “LPR”-controlled Myrne (28km south-west of Luhansk) and 16 tanks near Yelyzavetivka (40km south-west of Donetsk).

The SMM revisited permanent storage sites whose locations corresponded with the withdrawal lines. At Ukrainian Armed Forces sites, the SMM observed 39 tanks (T-72, T-64) and three mortars (2B9 Vasilek, 82mm) missing. The SMM revisited a heavy weapons permanent storage site in “LPR”-controlled areas and noted that seven towed howitzers (D-30, 122mm) were missing.

The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles in the security zone, namely three amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicles (BMB1) mounted with an anti-tank guided missile system each in the area of government-controlled Krasnohorivka (21km west of Donetsk).

The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure at the Shchastia (20km north of Luhansk) power plant and on the water pipeline in “LPR”-controlled Krasnyi Lyman (30km north-west of Luhansk). In Zolote (60km north-west) repair works on electrical power lines were cancelled as the demining work had not taken place.

The SMM monitored the arrival in Kyiv and conclusion of the religious procession organized by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (see SMM Daily Report 27 July 2016). The SMM noted a large presence of police and National Guard officers, and metal detectors for screening the procession participants along the route in central Kyiv. Around mid-day, the SMM monitored a religious service at the Saint Volodymyr Hill (Volodymyrska Hirka) with some 25-30,000 participants (75 per cent women, of different ages). In the afternoon, the SMM saw a procession of some 15,000 people arrive at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, the final destination of the procession. There, the SMM saw some 550 law enforcement officers, including anti-riot police and from the National Guard. Throughout the day and all along the routes, the SMM noted a calm situation and all events passed off peacefully.

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

The SMM’s monitoring is restrained by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, and by restrictions of its freedom of movement and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations.

Denial of access: 

  • Armed “LPR” members stopped the SMM at the “LPR” forward position north of the “LPR” checkpoint at Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (16km north-east of Luhansk) and did not allow the patrol to pass. The SMM informed the JCCC.
  • An armed “LPR” member at “LPR”-controlled Voznesenivka (formerly Chervonopartyzansk, 69km south-east of Luhansk) insisted on seeing SMM’s patrol plan, which the SMM did not show. He then asked the SMM to move away from the area. The SMM informed the JCCC.

Delay:

  • Armed “DPR” members at a checkpoint at the northern entrance to “DPR”-controlled Petrivkse (42km south of Donetsk) prevented the SMM from passing through. The SMM informed the JCCC. After a 20-minute delay the SMM was allowed to proceed further.

Conditional access:

  • An armed “LPR” member at a checkpoint in “LPR”-controlled Slovianoserbsk (28km north-west of Luhansk) visually inspected of the SMM vehicle trunks before the SMM could proceed further.

[1] Please see the annexed table for a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations as well as map of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions marked with locations featured in this report. 

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OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier, in Moldova, calls for swift and full implementation of confidence-building measures

Tue, 26/07/2016 - 19:54

CHISINAU / TIRASPOL, 26 July 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Moldova today had talks with high-level Moldovan officials as well as with representatives from the Transdniestrian leadership. Steinmeier also visited the offices of the OSCE Mission in Moldova on both sides of the Dniester/Nistru River, in Chisinau and Tiraspol, and acknowledged their valuable work towards the Transdniestrian conflict settlement process. 

In Chisinau, Steinmeier met with Speaker of Parliament Andrian Candu, Prime Minister Pavel Filip, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Galbur, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration and Moldovan Political Representative Gheorghe Balan. During these talks Steinmeier was joined by his Special Representative for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process Ambassador Cord Meier-Klodt and the Acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Moldova Stephen Young.

Speaking to the media at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Filip, Steinmeier stressed the importance of the role of the OSCE and the unified approach of all international partners, while calling on the sides to remain fully committed to the settlement of this long-standing conflict. “The success in the settlement process fundamentally depends on the resolve of the sides to achieve progress to the benefit of the people. But it is also a result of the remarkable unity of international mediators.” Besides the OSCE, the international mediators are the Russian Federation and Ukraine, as well as the European Union and the United States of America as observers.

“With a view to the Transdniestrian conflict we have recently made considerable efforts to inject new momentum to the negotiation process between the sides which had come to a standstill for quite some time,” Steinmeier said. He continued that it was a priority now to ensure a sustainable effect of the 5+2 talks which resumed in Berlin on 2 and 3 June 2016.

“We must now, as a first step, tackle those problems that can be solved pragmatically in order to enhance the trust between the sides that is necessary for more far-reaching measures.” As examples of such confidence-building measures, Steinmeier referred to the re-connection of telecommunication networks, the apostilisation of Transdniestrian university diplomas and progress on the car license plate issue.

At his talks in Tiraspol with representatives of the Transdniestrian leadership, Pavel Prokudin and Vitaly Ignatiev as well as with the speaker of the Supreme Soviet Vadim Krasnoselsky, Steinmeier called on the sides to implement the Berlin Protocol from June 2016 in a swift and comprehensive manner. Steinmeier, during his visit, also re-affirmed the parameters of the settlement process, which is the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Moldova with a special status for Transdniestria. 

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 25 July 2016

Tue, 26/07/2016 - 18:01

This report is for the media and the general public.

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared to the previous day. The largest concentration of ceasefire violations was again recorded in the Yasynuvata-Avdiivka area. The SMM followed up on reports of casualties and conducted crater analysis in Novooleksandrivka, Kominternove, Novozvanivka and Avdiivka. The SMM observed a weapons system in violation of the respective withdrawal line, as well as armoured combat vehicles and an unmanned flying vehicle in the security zone. In Soledar, a representative from the JCCC did not facilitate the provision of security assurances for repair work on essential infrastructure. The SMM continued to note the presence of unexploded ordnance. It monitored two border areas not controlled by the Government. The Mission’s freedom of movement was restricted on five occasions, including two episodes during which shots were fired at an SMM unmanned aerial vehicle, all in areas outside government control.*

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations [1] in Donetsk region compared to the previous day.  

Positioned in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata (17km north-east of Donetsk) over the course of the day, the SMM heard 129 undetermined explosions, mainly 4-7km west-south-west and 6-10km north. In the afternoon, positioned 2km south-west of government-controlled Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk), the SMM heard 36 explosions assessed as outgoing 82mm mortar rounds 4km south-east.

Positioned in government-controlled Mariupol (102km south of Donetsk) on the evening of 24 July, the SMM heard 14 undetermined explosions and a ten-minute episode of constant explosions at an undetermined distance to the north-east. Immediately following the explosions, the SMM camera in Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) recorded 12 bursts of direct tracer fire from south-west to north-east, followed later by three undetermined explosions and 33 bursts of direct tracer fire from south-west to north-east; all to the east-north-east.

On the night of 24 July through the early morning of 25 July, whilst in government-controlled Svitlodarsk, the SMM heard 64 explosions: 17 assessed as 82mm mortar round impacts, 42 assessed as automatic-grenade-launcher round impacts, and three assessed as outgoing and two as impacts of 122mm artillery rounds, all 5-6km east-south-east of its position.

In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations than on the previous day, with a total of 17 single shots of small-arms fire and five bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire recorded throughout the region. On two separate occasions, the small-arms fire targeted an SMM mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near “LPR”-controlled Kalynove (58km west of Luhansk) and “LPR”-controlled Kadiivka (formerly Stakhanov, 50km west of Luhansk).* On both occasions, while shots were fired from less than 1km from the SMM’s position, the UAVs were landed safely, without sustaining any damage.

The SMM conducted crater analysis and followed up on reports of civilian and military casualties on both sides of the contact line. In “DPR”-controlled Kominternove (23km north-east of Mariupol), the SMM observed a fresh crater and shrapnel marks on the south-west facing wall of a shed. It assessed that the crater had been caused by an 82mm mortar round fired from a south-westerly direction. The wood around the crater was smouldering and the SMM noted a pungent odour coming from the crater. At a second site, the SMM observed shrapnel damage to the walls of a house which it assessed as having been caused by a mortar or a grenade fired from an undetermined direction. The SMM observed traces of blood on the ground several metres from the house. At a third site, the SMM observed a fresh crater in a garden but was unable to conduct analysis due to the soil being too soft. An elderly woman, the owner of the house, had a minor injury to her arm. According to a JCCC Russian Federation Armed Forces officer and a “DPR” member present at the site, the craters were caused by shelling on the night of 24 July.

At the last Ukrainian Armed Forces checkpoint before entering Kominternove, the SMM observed eight fresh craters. The SMM assessed that seven of them had been caused by mortar rounds (one 120mm the others undetermined calibre) fired from a north-easterly direction and one had been caused by an 82mm mortar round impact, fired from a south-easterly direction. Seven of the rounds had impacted on unpaved surfaces and one, assessed as a 120mm mortar round, on an improvised military shelter. A Ukrainian Armed Forces officer from the JCCC and a Ukrainian Armed Forces representative were present at the scene.

In Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk), the SMM observed a hole in a fence and the western facing wall of a house. The SMM assessed the hole as having been caused by a projectile of unknown calibre, fired from a westerly direction. The SMM also observed a fresh crater in the garden of the house and assessed the impact as having been caused by a grenade fired from an unknown direction. At another house, the SMM spoke with an elderly woman who had a minor injury on her neck which she claimed had been caused by a window broken due to shelling on 23 July. The SMM observed that one of the windows of the house was broken.

At a hospital in government-controlled Popasna (69km west of Luhansk), the SMM followed up on reports of Ukrainian Armed Forces casualties from shelling on 23 July in the area of government-controlled Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk) and Popasna. Medical staff showed the SMM medical records which indicated that 11 soldiers were admitted to the hospital with injuries and one was declared dead shortly after being admitted.

On 24 July a Ukrainian Armed Forces medical officer in Avdiivka told the SMM that two Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers had died in a grenade attack on the Avdiivka industrial zone and a third had been taken to a hospital in government-controlled Pokrovsk (formerly Krasnoarmiisk, 55km north-west of Donetsk). The SMM observed two body bags being transferred to a morgue. Medical staff at a hospital in Avdiivka told the SMM that on 17 July one wounded civilian and one soldier had been admitted to the hospital and on 18 July another wounded soldier had been admitted.

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, in accordance with the Package of Measures and its Addendum, as well as the Minsk Memorandum.

In violation of the respective withdrawal lines, aerial imagery revealed the presence of a surface-to-air missile (9K33 Osa, 120mm) near government-controlled Tonenke (19km north-west of Donetsk) on the night of 22 July. The weapon was later observed traveling through a residential area.

Beyond the withdrawal line, but outside assigned areas the SMM observed one anti-aircraft missile system (9K33 Osa, 120mm) near government-controlled Novoaidar.

Beyond the withdrawal lines, the SMM observed weapons that could not be verified as withdrawn, as their storage does not comply with the criteria set out in the 16 October 2015 notification. In government-controlled holding areas, the SMM observed 12 multiple launch rocket systems (BM-21 Grad, 122mm) and 12 self-propelled howitzers (2S3 Akatsiya, 152mm). The SMM noted as missing 12 multiple launch rocket systems (BM-21 Grad, 122mm) and 11 self-propelled howitzers (2S3 Akatsiya, 152mm) that were previously recorded in these areas.

The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles, an anti-aircraft weapon, and a UAV in the security zone. In government-controlled areas the SMM noted: one armoured personnel carrier (APC; BTR-80) in Nyzhnoteple (26km north of Luhansk), one APC (BRDM) mounted with a heavy machine-gun (KPVT, 14.5mm) in Novozvanivka, and three infantry fighting vehicles (BMP) and a military truck mounted with an anti-aircraft cannon (ZU-23, 23mm) near Orikhove (57km north-west of Luhansk). In “LPR”-controlled Kadiivka, the SMM noted one APC (MTLB). The SMM observed what it assessed to be a white UAV near “LPR”-controlled Znamianka (36km north-west of Luhansk), which flew towards and over the SMM position from the west and then proceeded east-south-east, before turning back west.

The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure at the Shchastia (20km north of Luhansk) power plant.

At the headquarters of the JCCC in government-controlled Soledar (79km north of Donetsk), the Russian Federation Armed Forces representative did not facilitate the provision of security assurances (see SMM Daily Report 21 July) for repair work to be conducted on power lines near the water filtration station between Avdiivka and Yasynuvata, as well as for repair work in three other areas within the security zone. He stated that the requests for security guarantees should be addressed to “DPR” directly.

The SMM continued to observe the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO). In government-controlled Lobacheve (17km north-west of Luhansk), a man in his twenties informed the SMM that he had discovered a piece of UXO while mowing grass in a nearby field. The man led the SMM to the field where it observed an unexploded rocket-propelled grenade stuck in the ground. The SMM informed the JCCC of the presence and location of the UXO.

The SMM monitored two border areas not controlled by the Government. At the border crossing point near “DPR”-controlled Uspenka (73km south-east of Donetsk), the SMM observed eight vehicles (four with Ukrainian licence plates, three with Russian Federation ones, and one with a “DPR” plate) and six trucks (five with Ukrainian licence plates and one with a Russian Federation licence plate) waiting to exit Ukraine. At the “DPR”-controlled Ulianivske (61km south-east of Donetsk) border crossing point for pedestrians, the SMM observed a man and a woman (both mid-thirties) exiting Ukraine.

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

The SMM’s monitoring is restrained by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, and by restrictions of its freedom of movement and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations.

Denial of access: 

  • In the morning, an armed man stopped the SMM at the “LPR” checkpoint immediately south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (16km north-east of Luhansk) and did not allow the patrol to pass. The SMM informed the JCCC.
  • At the same checkpoint, later in the afternoon, an armed man again prevented the SMM from accessing Stanytsia Luhanska bridge. The SMM informed the JCCC.

Delay:

  • An armed man stopped the SMM from entering a compound in the eastern industrial area of Luhansk city. After 30 minutes the SMM was allowed to enter.

Other impediments:

  • While conducting a flight near “LPR”-controlled Kalynove (58km west of Luhansk), four shots were fired at an SMM mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from an assault rifle. The UAV was landed safely and the SMM informed the JCCC.
  • Later in the day, an SMM mini UAV was shot at eight times by small-arms fire near “LPR”-controlled Kadiivka (formerly Stakhanov, 50km west of Luhansk). The UAV was landed safely and the SMM informed the JCCC.

[1] Please see the annexed table for a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations as well as map of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions marked with locations featured in this report. 

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Spot Report by OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine: SMM long-range UAV crashes in Donetsk region, mini UAV comes under fire in Luhansk region

Tue, 26/07/2016 - 17:45

This report is for media and the general public.

At 23:51 on 25 July, while flying over government-controlled Avdiivka, approximately 600m north-west of the contact line and 12.5km north of Donetsk, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) experienced a loss of signals with the Ground Control Station and the SMM lost all communication with the UAV.

After thirty minutes from the loss of communication with the UAV, a Ukrainian Armed Forces liaison officer in the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) informed the SMM that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had identified a crash site. At 08:00 on 26 July, the Ukrainian Armed Forces Major General, Head of the Ukrainian side to the JCCC, informed the SMM that Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers had retrieved the UAV.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces later handed over to the SMM the UAV’s tail rotor and the anti-jamming equipment that had been located in the tail.

At 12:48 on 25 July, the SMM conducted a flight of its mini UAV on the southern edge of “LPR”-controlled Kalynove (58km west of Luhansk). The SMM heard four shots which it assessed as being fired from an assault rifle targeting the UAV. At the time of the incident, the UAV was flying 800 metres south-west of the launch site. The shots were fired from a location assessed as less than one kilometre west of the SMM’s position. On 23 July, the SMM observed four artillery systems in the area (SMM Daily Report 25 July). The SMM managed to land the UAV, which did not sustain any damage, and proceeded to leave the location safely.

At 14:05 on 25 July, while attempting to conduct another flight with the same mini UAV south-west of “LPR”-controlled Kadiivka (formerly Stakhanov, 50km west of Luhansk), the mini UAV again came under fire approximately four minutes into its flight (some 300 metres west from the launch site), this time by eight shots from what was assessed as a pistol. The shots were assessed having been fired from a location 300-500m west of the SMM’s position. The SMM was able to retrieve the UAV, which did not sustain any damage. As the SMM was leaving the scene, it saw two armed men coming out of a wooded area. Earlier that day, the SMM observed tracks consistent with either a self-propelled howitzer (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm) or an armoured personnel carrier (MT-LB) leading to the wooded area. The patrol returned safely to its base in Kadiivka.

The SMM informed the JCCC about all three incidents and asked them to take follow-up action.

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Athletes discuss gender-based violence at OSCE-supported event in southern Kyrgyzstan

Tue, 26/07/2016 - 14:57

OSH, Kyrgyzstan, 26 July 2016 – Some 25 athletes and sport trainers today discussed gender-based violence at an OSCE-supported roundtable discussion attended by a world amateur boxing champion (1986) and former member of parliament, Orzubek Nazarov.

At the event organized by the Ensan-Diamond NGO with support of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, participants discussed how violent behaviour at training venues might impact social relationships further in life. Gender equality, gender-based stereotypes and promoting positive images of masculinity without resorting to violence, were among the main topics of the discussion.

“Preventing gender based-violence and promoting gender equality is at the centre of OSCE human rights commitments and comprehensive approach to security,” said Anete Erdmane, OSCE Human Dimension Officer at the Osh Field Office. “The initiative aims at supporting Kyrgyzstan in achieving positive change through dialogue and engagement with men.”

Jamilya Kaparova, director of Ensan-Diamond, said: “The nature of sports training and overall culture of masculinity can contribute to an increased aggression among athletes. Such behaviour can result in gender-based violence and negatively affect family and community members. To reach out to this important audience and promote positive role models, we have invited Mr. Nazarov who has been an outspoken advocate for gender equality.”

The roundtable discussion follows a similar event which also took place in Osh in November 2015.

The initiative was held in line with the OSCE’s efforts to assist Kyrgyzstan in implementing its National Action Plan for 2015-2017 on gender equality. The National Action Plan foresees developing a culture of aversion to gender discrimination and violence against women and men at all levels of society.

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OSCE Office in Tajikistan’s training series highlights role of parents in the fight against terrorism

Tue, 26/07/2016 - 14:27

DUSHANBE, 26 July 2016 – The Parents Against Terrorism training series, organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, started yesterday in Kulyab in the country’s Khatlon region with the aim of enhancing the knowledge and understanding of the local population about Violent Extremism and Radicalization that lead to Terrorism (VERLT) in order to build the community’s resilience to this phenomenon.

The trainees came from different layers of society, representing local government bodies, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, as well as the local population. The course was led by local trainers from civil society, the Ministry of Labour, Migration, and Employment, and the Committee on Religious Affairs.

“The government of Tajikistan is seriously concerned about the growing threat of global terrorism and violent extremism,” said Khurshed Kenjaev, a representative of the Security Council under the President, in his opening remarks. “It is taking solid preventative measures to tackle this phenomenon, since it cannot be the sole responsibility of law enforcement agencies to deal with the threat.” 

Ivan Ene, OSCE Field Officer in Kurgan Tyube, said: “Countering violent extremism and radicalization that may lead to terrorism requires a holistic approach. The intervention of law enforcement agencies to dissolute the problem of violent extremism and terrorism is effective to only a certain extent, therefore, if we want to apply more effective measures to fight this phenomenon, we need to engage and use the capacity of local communities and parents.”

The course focuses on the role of mothers as “positive agents of change” within Tajik culture. They are informed about the early signs of violent extremism and radicalization that may lead to terrorism. The training participants were also briefed on the violent extremist groups that are believed to be active in Tajikistan.

In the coming days, similar training sessions will be held in Kurgan-Tyube and Shaartuz. A similar activity was organized across Tajikistan in 2015 and recently held in Sughd region. 

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OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Frank-Walter Steinmeier to visit Moldova on Tuesday

Mon, 25/07/2016 - 18:45

CHISINAU, 25 July 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier, is traveling to Moldova and will have talks in Chisinau and Tiraspol on 26 July 2016.

As the Spokesperson of the German Federal Foreign Office said in Berlin today, the visit to Moldova aims at strengthening the momentum that has recently been reinvigorated in the negotiation process on the settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict. On 2-3 June 2016 in Berlin the negotiators of the 5+2 Process met for the first time after a period of two years, and committed to undertaking concrete steps, including in the fields of ecology, education, transportation and telecommunications.

“We hope that there is a chance to bring this long-standing conflict step by step closer to a settlement,” said the Spokesperson.

In Chisinau, Steinmeier will meet with Speaker of Parliament Andrian Candu, Prime Minister Pavel Filip, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Galbur, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration and Moldovan Political Representative Gheorghe Balan.

In Tiraspol, the Chairperson-in-Office will meet a representative of the Transdniestrian leadership, Pavel Prokudin, Speaker of the Supreme Soviet, Vadim Krasnoslesky and the Transdniestrian Political Representative, Vitaly Ignatiev.

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 24 July 2016

Mon, 25/07/2016 - 17:29

This report is for the media and the general public.

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region on 23 July compared to 22 July and more on 24 July compared to the previous day. On both 23 and 24 July, ceasefire violations occurred mostly at daytime and focused in Yasynuvata. In Luhansk region, the SMM noted a sharp increase in the level of violence on 23 July compared to 22 July and a relatively low number of ceasefire violations on 24 July. The SMM recorded no ceasefire violations in Stanytsia Luhanska. The SMM followed up on reports of casualties and conducted crater analysis in Novooleksandrivka, Berdianske, Krasnohorivka, and Donetskyi. The SMM attempted to visit the proposed disengagement areas west of Petrivske, but could not do so due to the presence of mines. It observed weapons in violation of the withdrawal line and numerous armoured combat vehicles in the security zone. The SMM observed new mine hazard signs in Stanytsia Luhanska and Petrivske. Its freedom of movement was restricted on nine occasions, all in areas outside government control, including a border area.*

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations [1] in Donetsk region on 23 July compared to 22 July and more on 24 July compared to 23 July.  

Positioned in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata (16km north-east of Donetsk), during the day on 23 July, the SMM heard sporadically: 122 undetermined explosions, including 36 within 40 minutes, at locations ranging 1-7km from west-south-west to north of its position, and two outgoing salvos of multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS; five and 12 rockets, respectively) 3-5km north-north-west of its position. The following day, the SMM heard 294 undetermined explosions and uncountable bursts and single shots of heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire, all at locations ranging 1-7km from west-south-west to north of its position.

On 23 July, whilst in “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve (58km north-east of Donetsk) the SMM heard two undetermined explosions and one explosion assessed as impact of a round from an unknown weapon, 2-3km south-south-west and west of its position.

The SMM camera in Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol), during the night of 23-24 July, recorded one undetermined explosion and two explosions assessed as outgoing mortar (unknown calibre) rounds from a westerly direction, as well as 29 bursts of direct tracer fire from west-south-west to east-north-east, and eight bursts of direct tracer fire from east to west.

Positioned in Donetsk city centre, in the morning hours of 24 July, the SMM heard 11 undetermined explosions 5-8km north of its position. Positioned at the “DPR”-controlled Donetsk central railway station (6km north-west of Donetsk city centre), during the afternoon hours, the SMM heard 55 undetermined explosions, including 27 recorded within seven minutes, 3-8km north, north-east, and north-west of its position.

In government-controlled Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk), in the afternoon of 24 July, the SMM heard 16 explosions assessed as outgoing mortar rounds (82 and 120mm) and seven undetermined explosions, all 1.5-5km north-east and south-east of its position.

Positioned in “DPR”-controlled Kominternove (23km north-east of Mariupol) the SMM heard eight explosions assessed as outgoing mortar rounds (unknown calibre) at an undetermined distance north of its position.

In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded a sharp increase in the number of ceasefire violations on 23 July compared to 22 July, and a relatively low number of ceasefire violations on 24 July.

On 23 July, positioned north-east of government-controlled Popasna (69km west of Luhansk), the SMM heard one loud undetermined explosion and saw a plume of smoke 10-15km south of its position. Positioned west of Popasna, the SMM heard ten undetermined explosions and one impact assessed as caused by an unknown artillery system, at undetermined distances south-south-east of its position. Positioned 2km south of Popasna, the SMM heard, within 40 minutes, 50 explosions, most assessed as mortar rounds impacting at locations 1.5-4.5km east-south-east of its position.

Whilst in “LPR”-controlled Kadiivka (formerly Stakhanov, 50km west of Luhansk) the SMM heard, within 20 minutes on 23 July, 19 explosions assessed as 120mm artillery rounds 7-12km south-west of its position. Positioned in government-controlled parts of Zolote (60km north-west of Luhansk) the SMM heard seven loud undetermined explosions 10-15km south-west of its position. Positioned north of “LPR”-controlled Pervomaisk (58km west of Luhansk) the SMM heard six loud undetermined explosions, assessed as caused by 122mm weapons of unknown type, 5km south of its position.

On 23 July, whilst south of “LPR”-controlled Kalynove (60km west of Luhansk) the SMM heard, within 20 minutes, 35 explosions assessed as outgoing artillery rounds 2-3km north-west of its position, and four explosions assessed as outgoing self-propelled howitzer (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm) rounds: one fired from the middle of an inhabited area just 500m north and three at a distance of 300m north of its position. In very close proximity of residential areas in Kalynove, the SMM saw four 122mm artillery systems, three of them assessed as self-propelled howitzers, firing. The following day, north-east of Kalynove, the SMM heard five to seven explosions assessed as automatic-grenade-launcher fire 2km west of its position, and observed tracks of heavy weapons assessed as artillery, in a stone quarry east of Kalynove. 

On 23 July, south of government-controlled Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk), the SMM heard, between 12:04 and 13:15, about 80 explosions, most assessed as incoming artillery (unknown type) fire, 3.6-4km east of its position. Positioned north of Novozvanivka, the SMM heard three undetermined explosions 2.8-3.8km south-east of its position.

The SMM followed up on civilian and non-civilian casualties. On 22 July, in Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk) a man in his eighties said that his wife had been injured by shelling on 16 July. The SMM saw a wound in her left leg. The man also showed the SMM five small craters in his garden, which the SMM assessed as caused by automatic grenade launcher (AGS) rounds fired from different directions. On 23 July, local police in Popasna informed the SMM that a couple had been injured by setting off a booby trap near government-controlled parts of Zolote on 19 July. Medical staff at a hospital in Avdiivka told the SMM that a woman had experienced severe blood loss due to a bullet wound that she had suffered while being in the industrial zone of Avdiivka on the night of 21-22 July. On 23 July, in Novozvanivka the SMM saw a wounded soldier transported by an armoured personnel carrier (APC; MT-LB) from the area where the SMM observed shelling on the same day and transferred to a civilian ambulance. The military personnel present told the SMM that other wounded soldiers were being transported from the same area to the road section where the SMM saw the ambulance waiting. In government-controlled Teple (31km north of Luhansk) six residents (women in their fifties, men in their thirties) separately told the SMM that on 20 July a 55-year-old man had died while trying to cut two pieces of UXO (82 and 120mm mortar shells) that he had found near his house.

The SMM conducted crater analysis on both sides of the contact line. On 23 July, in government-controlled Berdianske (18km east of Mariupol), the SMM observed at least 14 similar fresh craters, some 150m north of the SMM camera site. The SMM conducted analysis on four craters which it assessed as caused by 120mm mortar rounds fired from a north-easterly direction. In Soniachnyi neighbourhood of government-controlled Krasnohorivka (21km west of Donetsk), the SMM conducted analysis on six fresh craters near a five-story apartment building. The SMM saw four of the six fresh craters in an open field near the building, three assessed as caused by tank rounds and one as caused by an 82mm mortar round, all fired from an easterly direction. The SMM assessed one fresh crater at the playground of a school near the building as caused by an 82mm mortar round, and another crater on the north-east-facing exterior wall of the school assessed as caused by a 125mm tank round, fired from a north-easterly and easterly direction, respectively. The SMM saw that Ukrainian Armed Forces had an observation post on the last floor and roof of the school. The previous day, the SMM had observed fresh caterpillar tracks originating at the Krasnohorivka brick factory and continuing 6km south to government-controlled Marinka (23km south-west of Donetsk) where the tracks turned east onto a residential street towards the contact line. In “LPR”-controlled Donetskyi (49km west of Luhansk) the SMM saw a fresh crater on the road 100m from an “LPR” compound, which the SMM assessed as caused by an automatic grenade launcher round fired from a westerly direction. On 24 July, in Popasna the SMM saw three fresh craters assessed as caused by 122mm artillery rounds fired from an east-south-easterly direction.

The SMM attempted to visit proposed disengagement areas. On 23 July, the SMM attempted to monitor the proposed disengagement areas west of “DPR”-controlled Petrivske (40km south-east of Donetsk), but could not reach there due to the presence of mines. The patrol saw mine hazard signs along the main road. However, after two months, the SMM could travel from Petrivske to Donetsk via “DPR”-controlled Styla (34km south of Donetsk) as the road had been demined.

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, in accordance with the Package of Measures and its Addendum, as well as the Minsk Memorandum.

In violation of the respective withdrawal lines, on 23 July, in very close proximity of the residential areas in Kalynove, the SMM saw four 122mm artillery systems, three of them assessed as self-propelled howitzers, firing.

Beyond the withdrawal lines, the SMM observed weapons that could not be verified as withdrawn, as their storage does not comply with the criteria set out in the 16 October 2015 notification. In “DPR”-controlled holding areas, the SMM noted six MLRS (BM-21 Grad, 122mm), six towed howitzers (D-30, 122mm), six self-propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvodzika, 122mm), and four anti-tank guns (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm). The SMM noted two mortars (PM-38, 120mm) present for the first time.

The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles and anti-aircraft weapons in the security zone. In government-controlled areas the SMM noted: one anti-aircraft gun (ZU-23) and one APC (BTR-80) in Trokhizbenka (32km north-west of Luhansk), on 22 and 23 July respectively; on 23 July, a stationary APC (BTR-60) near Komyshuvakha (68km west of Luhansk); on 23 July a ZU-23 towed by an Ural truck near Heivka (27km north-west of Luhansk); and three stationary APCs (one BRDM-2 and two BTR-60) east of Popasna. The SMM observed on 24 July: a stationary infantry fighting vehicle (IFV; BMP-2) in Nyzhnie (56km north-west of Luhansk); three APCs (BTR-80) and four high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles with heavy machine-guns (15.7mm) mounted on top near Raihorodka (34km north-west of Luhansk). In “DPR”-controlled areas the SMM noted: five IFVs (BMP-1) and two APCs (MT-LB) moving east in Debaltseve (58km north-east of Donetsk), on 22 July. The next day at Lenina Street in the centre of Debaltseve, the SMM saw fresh multiple tracks assessed as caused by at least four IFVs (BMP). The SMM also noted multiple sets of fresh tracks assessed as caused by armoured vehicles on the asphalt road from government-controlled Netailove to Karlivka (22 and 26km north-west of Donetsk, respectively).

The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure in Avdiivka where, on 23 July, the SMM together with the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) facilitated and monitored repairs to a power line.

The SMM observed the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and new mine hazard signs. Near a Ukrainian Armed Forces compound between Stanytsia Luhanska and Malynove (16 and 19km north-east of Luhansk, respectively), on 23 July, the SMM noticed six new mine hazard signs - white board with “Mines” written in Cyrillic - recently placed on the side of the main road. On 23 July, in government-controlled Zolote-4, a 60-year-old woman showed the SMM an unexploded under barrel grenade, which, she said, had been there for two-three months. On 23 July, the SMM observed mine hazard signs - red with white letters - along the southern side of the main road in Petrivske and on the main road towards “DPR”-controlled Viktorivka (42km south-west of Donetsk). On 24 July, near a checkpoint in “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM saw a remnant of a recoilless gun (SPG-9) ammunition, assessed as five to ten days old.

The SMM monitored the situation of civilians at entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line. On 22 July, at a “DPR” checkpoint in Horlivka, the Russian Federation Armed Forces officer at the JCCC and an armed “DPR” member at the checkpoint told the SMM that 20-30 civilian cars had stayed in the area between government-controlled Maiorsk (45km north-east of Donetsk) and Horlivka checkpoints overnight, refusing to return to “DPR” areas after the closing time. On 24 July at the same checkpoint, the SMM observed 360 civilian cars and around 115 people queuing to travel towards government-controlled areas and 76 civilian cars and 42 people queuing in the opposite direction. The SMM observed 48 civilian vehicles and around 170 pedestrians in the area between the checkpoints waiting to travel towards government-controlled areas.

On 23 July, at the government checkpoint north of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge the SMM noted, between 09:10 and 10:10, that 249 pedestrians crossed the checkpoint into government-controlled areas and 269 pedestrians crossed in the opposite direction. The SMM saw 65 people waiting at a shelter at the checkpoint and that drinking water was available. On 24 July, at the “LPR” checkpoint south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge the SMM observed a queue of around 350 civilians waiting to travel towards government-controlled areas. The SMM noted that drinking water was available. Several pedestrians (men and women, aged 40 to 70) complained about having to wait more than 2.5 hours due to the slow checking of documents.                                                                 

The SMM monitored border areas not controlled by the Government, and encountered a restriction there. The SMM visited four border areas in “LPR”-controlled areas and noted a generally calm situation. On 23 July, the SMM monitored the pedestrian border crossing point in Sievernyi (50km south-east of Luhansk). On 24 July, the SMM visited the border crossing point in Dovzhanskyi (84km south-east of Luhansk) and the pedestrian border crossing point in Novoborovytsi (79km south of Luhansk), which the SMM saw that it continued not to be staffed by armed “LPR” members. In Izvaryne (52km south-east of Luhansk), armed members denied the SMM access to the border crossing point.*

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

The SMM’s monitoring is restrained by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, and by restrictions of its freedom of movement and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations.

Denial of access: 

  • On four separate occasions, two each on 23 and 24 July, armed members denied SMM passage at the “LPR” checkpoint immediately south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (16km north-east of Luhansk) when the SMM refused to show its patrol plan (in the Russian language). The SMM informed the JCCC.
  • On 23 July, in “LPR”-controlled Molodizhne (63km west of Luhansk), armed members prevented the SMM from flying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the area of Kalynove, saying that his superiors had not granted permission. The SMM informed the JCCC.
  • On 23 July, at a “DPR” checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Mykolaivka (39km north-east of Mariupol), armed members denied SMM passage, without any explanation.  The SMM informed the JCCC.
  • On 23 July, at a “DPR” checkpoint east of Tavrycheske (35km north-east of Mariupol), armed members denied SMM passage, citing orders to do so. The SMM informed the JCCC.
  • On 24 July, 100m before the border crossing point in Izvaryne, two armed “LPR” members, after stopping the SMM and writing down the SMM vehicles’ plate numbers, and the names and ID numbers of the SMM members, denied further passage to the SMM, citing special instructions from their superiors. The SMM informed the JCCC.
  • On 24 July, armed members denied the SMM access to a compound in “LPR”-controlled Luhansk city for the third consecutive day (See SMM Daily Report 23 July). They again told the SMM to wait for permission from their superiors. After 25 minutes of waiting, they denied the SMM access. The SMM informed the JCCC.

[1] Please see the annexed table for a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations as well as map of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions marked with locations featured in this report. 

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OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Frank-Walter Steinmeier to visit Moldova on Tuesday

Mon, 25/07/2016 - 16:06

CHISINAU, 25 July 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier, will visit Moldova on 26 July.

In Chisinau, Steinmeier will meet with Speaker of Parliament Andrian Candu, Prime Minister Pavel Filip, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Galbur, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration and Moldovan Political Representative Gheorghe Balan.

In Tiraspol, the Chairperson-in-Office will meet with representatives of the Transdniestrian leadership, Pavel Prokudin and Vadim Krasnoselsky, as well as the Transdniestrian Political Representative, Vitaly Ignatiev.

Media representatives are invited to a press briefing with the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier and Prime Minister Filip on Tuesday, 26 July, at 10:00 at the Government Building in Chisinau, (entrance from Mitropolit G. Banulescu-Bodoni Street); and to a press opportunity with Steinmeier in Tiraspol, on Tuesday, at approximately 16:00 at the Tiraspol Office of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, 1 Furmanov Street.

For more information, please contact the OSCE Mission to Moldova Press Office at + 373 22 887846 (landline), or e-mail: MtMpress@osce.org.

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OSCE Office in Tajikistan organizes first regional forum for promoting women’s political participation in Khujand

Mon, 25/07/2016 - 13:14
256286 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Office in Tajikistan

The OSCE Office in Tajikistan on 24 July 2016 organized the first regional forum for promoting women’s political participation in Khujand, with the aim of increasing community outreach, engaging women leaders in the region and supporting women’s empowerment in political and public life.

The forum brought together 40 experts from political parties, local authorities, international organizations and civil society members, and is designed as a platform for dialogue between women politicians and communities. They will work to motivate young girls who aspire to become leaders or hold decision-making positions in public life, and aim to gain support from communities and local authorities for the advancement of women in political life.

“Our project aims to build strong support for women leaders, to tackle gender stereotypes, to surface and articulate the aspirations, choices and skills of women and girls of Tajikistan, so that they can realize their full potential in public and political life,” said Vesna Ivanovikj-Castarede, Head of the Democratization Unit at the OSCE Office. 

Shanjeev Thiruchelvam, OSCE Field Officer in Khujand, said: “Both male and female community leaders, politicians and civil society representatives have expressed keen interest in the continued work of the Sughd Women's Forum, which recognizes, and aims to provide opportunities to develop female leadership in Sughd public life.”

Similar forums are to be organized across the country. 

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OSCE Representative welcomes revision of Law of War manual in USA improving protection for journalists

Mon, 25/07/2016 - 13:07

VIENNA, 25 July 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today welcomed the revision of United States Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual, which better recognizes the status and role of journalists under the law of war.

“Updating the manual and deleting problematic provisions which could endanger members of the media covering armed conflicts was a much-needed and welcome step,” Mijatović said. “Journalists are civilians and should be treated and protected as just that.”

The first version of the Law of War Manual, released in June 2015, provides guidelines for members of the US military. The manual said that journalists in general are to be considered civilians, but that they also may be “members of the armed forces, persons authorized to accompany the armed forces, or unprivileged belligerents”. The term “unprivileged belligerents” could have allowed military commanders to detain journalists indefinitely outside the rules of war without charge or trial.

The original version of the manual also included provisions which likened war reporting to spying, and censorship. In the updated version of the manual, these provisions have been abolished.

“Working as a journalist in a conflict zone is a very dangerous job. This revised manual is one of many efforts needed to improve journalists’ safety,” Mijatović said.

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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