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Cyprus holds closing meeting as Chair of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation

OSCE - Wed, 03/13/2024 - 11:49

VIENNA, 13 March 2024 – Today, the closing session of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) under the Chairpersonship of Cyprus was held in the presence of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Andreas Louka.

In his statement, the Permanent Secretary underlined Cyprus’ firm commitment to international law and the rule of law, which cannot be replaced by the use of force. This also applies to Russia’s war against Ukraine, which not only has a devastating impact on Ukraine and its people, but also affects the security and stability of the whole region.

As FSC Chair, Cyprus οrganised four Security Dialogues on topics relevant to the mandate of the FSC, which were welcomed by the overwhelming majority of the participating States:

  • Humanitarian Mine Action with a focus on Victim Assistance;
  • Human Security in Armed Conflicts with a focus on gender-based violence;
  • Security and Environment; and
  • Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and the integration of the gender perspective in the fulfilment OSCE politico-military commitments and activities.

Numerous prominent keynote speakers and expert panellists participated in these dialogues. The US Assistant Secretary of Defence for International Security, Ms Celleste Wallander, the Ministers of Environment of Cyprus and Malta, Ms Maria Panayiotou and Ms Miriam Dalli, as well as the Cyprus Commissioner for Gender Equality, Ms Josie Christodoulou, were among them. These speakers followed the address made by Cyprus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Konstantinos Kombos, during Cyprus’ inaugural session as FSC Chair.  

Permanent Secretary Louka also mentioned the close and fruitful co-operation between Cyprus as FSC Chair and Malta as 2024 OSCE Chair-in-Office. This resulted in a joint meeting of the two decision-making bodies of the Organization, the FSC and the Permanent Council, on security and the environment, and a side event for the 2024 International Women’s Day, co-organized by Cyprus, Malta and the OSCE Secretariat on the role of men in achieving gender equality.

In closing remarks, Mr Louka referred to the OSCE as the most important regional platform of dialogue and co-operation, which was created to prevent war and build bridges. He also underscored the importance of preserving multilateralism and the values upon which a rules-based international order is founded.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE hosts workshop on virtual asset regulation and enforcement for Armenian officials

OSCE - Wed, 03/13/2024 - 09:24
564587

An introductory workshop on virtual asset regulation and enforcement took place in Yerevan, Armenia from 11 to 13 March. The event, organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), brought together 23 participants representing various state agencies to learn more about crucial aspects of virtual asset management and combatting financial crimes associated with cryptocurrencies.

During the workshop, participants engaged in practical case studies, including on the topics of tracing accounts with blockchain analytics and exploring crypto crime trends. Sessions also covered compliance with international standards like FATF's Risk-Based Approach and Moneyval recommendations, along with discussions on risk assessment for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). More advanced topics covered in the workshop included blockchain-based funding mechanisms and monitoring VASP activities to combat crypto-related crimes, as well as exploring emerging typologies of blockchain-based crimes.

Throughout the workshop, participants actively engaged in discussions, shared experiences, and exchanged best practices to enhance their capacity in regulating and enforcing virtual asset-related laws and policies.

"This workshop served as a pivotal platform for state agencies to collaborate and enhance their capabilities in addressing the challenges posed by virtual assets," said Gurban Babayev, Economic Adviser at OCEEA. "We are confident that the insights gained and the networks established during this event will contribute significantly to our collective efforts in combatting financial crimes in the digital era."

The workshop is part of an OSCE-led extra-budgetary project on “Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets”, funded by Germany, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States. The project supports OSCE participating States in building national capacities to mitigate criminal risks related to virtual assets and cryptocurrencies.

Categories: Central Europe

Georgian officials receive training on investigating crypto-related crimes

OSCE - Wed, 03/13/2024 - 09:16
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In a bid to enhance Georgian law enforcement’s capacity to tackle crypto-related crimes, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), brought together 25 representatives from various law enforcement agencies for a specialized training session on crypto-asset investigations from 11 to 13 March.

Over the course of the three-day training held in Tbilisi, participants were equipped with fundamental techniques and practical tools essential for conducting effective investigations in the realm of cryptocurrency-related crimes. Drawing from real-world scenarios, it included in-depth sessions on basic methods for tracing criminal transactions across diverse blockchain networks. Participants were also exposed to a series of case studies highlighting best practices and providing insights into specialized analytics software and open-source tools pertinent to the field.

This initiative underscores Georgia's commitment to combatting illicit activities facilitated by cryptocurrencies and the importance of international co-operation in addressing the challenges posed by the evolving landscape of financial crime.

"As we navigate the dynamic terrain of financial technology, it is imperative for Georgia to prioritize strengthening its national law enforcement capacities, especially when it comes to investigative and tracing capabilities pertaining to crypto-assets," said Maksym Mishalov Dragunov, Assistant Project Officer at OCEEA.

“This is the third training on investigation of virtual assets for Georgian authorities, and the OSCE will continue to support Georgia’s efforts to combat money laundering, particularly through virtual assets and cryptocurrencies,” he added.

The course is part of an OSCE-led extra-budgetary project on “innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets”, funded by Germany, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States. The project supports OSCE participating States in building national capacities to mitigate criminal risks related to virtual assets and cryptocurrencies.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE gathers youth, local authorities in Albania to encourage engagement for better air quality and health

OSCE - Tue, 03/12/2024 - 15:16
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About 70 members of Youth Councils and local authorities from the municipalities of Elbasan, Shkodra and Roskovec actively engaged in a comprehensive training seminar on improving air quality in their communities.

The main objective of the workshops that took place from 5 to 12 March 2024 was to educate young participants about the main sources of air pollution and to encourage them to propose measures and initiatives to improve air quality. The training sessions featured presentations from the OSCE Presence in Albania, municipal focal points and the Environmental and Territorial Management Institute (ETMI). Prof. Besnik Bare, a distinguished member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, held a special session emphasizing the critical link between air pollution and public health.

The members of the Youth Councils acknowledged their key role as advocates for environmental protection within their territories and committed to share the knowledge gained during the workshops with other youth, especially those from vulnerable groups.

The activities were part of the extra-budgetary project of the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities “Responses to security risks from climate change in South-Eastern Europe”, which, in Albania, is co-ordinated by the OSCE Presence with ETMI as implementing partner.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE side event on “Advancing Gender Equality in Organized Crime Prevention and Exit Strategies” on the margins of the 68th Commission on the Status of Women

OSCE - Tue, 03/12/2024 - 14:23
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On 11 March 2024, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department co-organized a side event with the OSCE Chairpersonship of Malta on "Empowering Women for Justice: Advancing Gender Equality in Organized Crime Prevention and Exit Strategies," on the margins of the 68th Commission on the Status of Women. The event was hosted by the Permanent Mission of Malta and co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Albania, Canada, Italy, Sweden and the Republic of Tajikistan to the United Nations. 

Drawing on the findings and recommendations of the OSCE report on “Understanding the role of women in organized crime”, the side event was an opportunity to discuss the various roles women play in organized crime groups and what is required to develop a more gender-sensitive criminal justice response to transnational organized crime. Reflecting the whole-of-society approach that underpins gender-inclusive approaches to organized crime, the side event brought together over 90 participants including policymakers, criminal justice practitioners and civil society. 

Opening the event, Ambassador Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta to the UN, emphasized that "achieving and promoting gender equality at all stages of the fight against transnational organized crime is a priority for the OSCE Chairpersonship of Malta. Gender mainstreaming is essential to understanding the root causes of transnational organized crime, to enhancing prevention and response efforts, and to empowering witnesses and victims to seek justice."

OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid underscored that "OSCE research shows that women’s agency in organized crime is often not recognized. This leads to women being underrepresented in and sometimes largely absent from prevention, exit and witness protection initiatives. A cultural shift and strong commitment by national authorities to gender mainstreaming is needed to promote responses to organized crime that fully recognize and address the different roles played by women and men. The OSCE supports its participating States in implementing this commitment.”

This was the first Commission on the Status of Women side event to focus on women’s role in organized crime, marking an important step towards improving the recognition of women’s agency in organized crime and their subsequent representation in prevention and exit initiatives.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE trains directors and staff members from women resource centres in Tajikistan on social enterprise development

OSCE - Tue, 03/12/2024 - 08:22
564488 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

Creating models to establish social enterprises and diversify sources of income to ensure sustainability were among the skills learned by twelve women at a training course for 26 representatives of OSCE-supported Women’s Resource Centres (WRCs). The course, held from 26 February to 1 March 2024, was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, which provides comprehensive support to victims of domestic violence in the regions through a network of 14 WRCs, established by OSCE in close partnership with local authorities.  

Participants learned the theoretical foundations for creating a social enterprise, practical skills in how to devise organizational, operational and financial plans, and make financial and investment analyses and risk assessments. Other topics focused on setting the goals and mission of a social enterprise, concepts of social entrepreneurship, their purpose and vision, and market understanding. 

Marifat Khidiralieva, Director of the Woman’s Resource Centre in Khuroson said: “The course contributed to the growth of motivation and interest in social business. We plan to further apply the acquired knowledge in practice, develop a project on social business and involve the vulnerable women from our region.”

“This training was a logical continuation of a series of trainings on social entrepreneurship that contribute to ensuring income and improving the well-being of WRCs and beneficiaries. I hope that WRCs will achieve success in helping vulnerable groups of the population,” said Gulsha Jumakhonov, an OSCE local expert.

The Director of the WRC “ASTI” in Khujand, Mukhbira Tyuryaeva explained that: “During the course, we looked at the goals and mission of a social enterprise and forms of business implementation. We analyzed what types of clients there are and what to consider when working with clients and also the importance of teamwork in social business.”

The training course is being implemented as part of the OSCE Programme Office’s project ‘Supporting and Strengthening the Women’s Resource Centres in Tajikistan’, funded by the United States of America, Finland, Norway, Germany, and Andorra.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media condemns further crackdown on media freedom in Russia

OSCE - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 18:02

VIENNA, 8 March 2024 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, has condemned the imprisonment of Roman Ivanov, a journalist with RusNews, an online media outlet, and expressed concern regarding other setbacks related to freedom of expression and media freedom in the Russian Federation.

Reports indicate that on March 6, a court in the Moscow region sentenced Roman Ivanov to seven years in prison for allegedly disseminating "false" information about the Russian military. Ivanov's prosecution appears to be linked to his online posts sharing information of public interest related to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

"The ongoing abuses targeting the safety of media workers, media freedom, and overall freedom of expression within the Russian Federation are deeply troubling," stated Ribeiro. "I call for the immediate release of all detained journalists and stress the imperative to cease the suppression of their legitimate work."

Ribeiro also expressed concern over recent legislative measures banning advertising on the platforms of individuals and organizations labelled as "foreign agents," and permitting property confiscation for the dissemination of "false" information about the Russian military or any action deemed to "discredit" it. Additionally, she noted ongoing efforts to brand media outlets and freedom of the press organizations as "undesirable," resulting in the subsequent suppression of their operations. "I once again urge the Russian authorities to uphold all OSCE commitments aimed at respecting, promoting, and safeguarding the freedom to seek, receive, and disseminate information regardless of borders and to cease the pervasive practice of eliminating critical voices," Ribeiro emphasized. "It is crucial that the authorities ensure that their laws, policies, and practices pertaining to media freedom fully comply with international obligations and commitments."

Earlier, amidst a range of adverse developments, Ribeiro condemned the prosecution of another RusNews journalist, Maria Ponomarenko, who received a six-year prison sentence. She also denounced the designation of the ARTICLE 19 international freedom of expression organization as "undesirable" and reiterated the necessity of repealing legislation targeting "foreign agents."

See Representative’s previous statements here, here and here.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities urges co-operation on national minority issues in south-eastern Europe

OSCE - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 13:59
564464 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities High Commissioner on National Minorities encourages Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue with reforms to secure representation and inclusion of national minorities Courageous high school students from the municipality of Jajce in Bosnia and Herzegovina named winners of 2018 Max van der Stoel Award

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov visited Bosnia and Herzegovina from 4 to 6 March 2024 to attend the Regional Conference on Co-operation on matters related to National Minorities in Sarajevo.

The Conference gathered representatives of national minorities and government authorities responsible for national minority issues from south-eastern Europe. It was an opportunity to discuss good governance and exchange experiences, ideas, challenges and good practices related to the integration of diverse societies.

The event was organized by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Human Rights and Refugees Ministry, with the co-operation of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and with the support of other OSCE field operations in the region.

The High Commissioner called on authorities and representatives to seize the opportunities presented by this event. “Let us embrace future opportunities to forge a new era of regional co-operation and understanding on national minority issues in south-eastern Europe. This is possible because co-operation is our language,” Abdrakhmanov said. The High Commissioner is hopeful that such meetings will become a regular occurrence.

While in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the High Commissioner took the opportunity to meet with government authorities, including Human Rights and Refugees Minister Sevlid Hurtić, as well as national minority representatives and civil society organizations in Mostar.

Categories: Central Europe

Targeting of dissent in the Russian Federation is alarming and fundamentally undermines human rights and democracy, human rights office ODIHR says

OSCE - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 12:54

WARSAW, 8 March 2024 – Targeted campaigns of arrest and prosecution as well as imprisonment of many of those who express dissent continues to intensify, raising fears for the safety of those imprisoned and growing concerns for the democratic future of the Russian Federation, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.

“We are gravely concerned at the prosecution and conviction of those voicing dissent in Russia, whether individually or as a group. This is affecting numerous dissenters, from human rights defenders and civil society leaders to political opponents and critics of the war in Ukraine,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “The Russian authorities have committed to respect democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and it is essential that they allow Russian citizens to exercise their fundamental rights.”

Legal restrictions adopted in the name of national security and fighting extremism are arbitrarily limiting the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. Amendments to legislation on freedom of assembly allow the authorities to use increasingly restrictive measures on peaceful protests, in practice leading to mass arbitrary arrests and the use of excessive police force.

We are also seeing the ongoing detention and imprisonment of political opponents and human rights defenders who are doing their utmost to monitor and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country. This has led to the unjust imprisonment or convictions of activists and human rights defenders including Alexei Gorinov, Grigory Melkonyants, Oleg Orlov, Aleksandra Skochilenko and others, as well as opposition leaders, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin, and the late Alexei Navalny. Many non-governmental organizations have even been liquidated, a disproportionate restriction on the freedom of association.

ODIHR reiterates its regret at the decision of the authorities not to issue an invitation to observe the forthcoming presidential election, depriving the country’s citizens and institutions of an impartial, transparent, and comprehensive assessment by an international body. The Office emphasizes the importance of independent citizen election observers in this context. ODIHR also condemns the decision of the Russian Federation to hold the presidential election in the territories of Ukraine it occupies, which are being organised contrary to international law and are therefore illegal.

ODIHR reminds the Russian authorities of their international obligations and OSCE commitments to respect human rights and the rule of law, and to ensure accountability for human rights violations.

Categories: Central Europe

Consistent use of criminal intelligence in criminal proceedings, in focus of the OSCE Mission workshop in Trebinje

OSCE - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 12:03
Досљедна употреба обавјештајних података у кривичном поступку у фокусу дводневне радионице Мисије ОЕБС-а. Željka Šulc

The OSCE Mission to BiH organized a two-day workshop gathering more than 40 representatives from prosecutor’s offices, law enforcement agencies as well as institutions across the country in Trebinje, titled "Instituting and Facilitating Regular Inter-Agency Meetings and Briefings Between Agencies and Prosecution," concluding today.

The workshop addressed structural requirements and improved inter-agency cooperation by making intelligence-led policing (ILP) more relevant, ensuring consistent use of criminal intelligence, information and analyses in criminal proceedings, and facilitating regular meetings and briefings between law enforcement agencies and the prosecution.

"A consistent application of the ILP approach will ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina is well-equipped to implement robust, holistic, and effective strategies to combat serious crime," said Đorđe Đogović, Project Manager at the OSCE Mission to BiH. "The integration of criminal-intelligence information and analysis in criminal proceedings provides invaluable insights for law enforcement and judicial decision-making, enhancing the understanding of complex criminal activities and aiding in the pursuit of justice," he added.

This workshop is part of the OSCE Mission to BiH project titled "Enhancing Intelligence-led Policing to Combat Serious Security Threats and Crimes, (ILP Project)" implemented with the generous support of Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, and Turkiye.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media concludes visit to European Institutions and NATO

OSCE - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 11:42

BRUSSELS, 8 March 2024 – Teresa Ribeiro, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), concluded a three-day visit to Brussels. Her itinerary included high-level meetings with Commissioners of the European Union (EU), the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, the European External Actions Service (EEAS), NATO and representatives from civil society.

During her visit, Ribeiro engaged in discussions with European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová; the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi; EEAS Managing Director Michael Siebert; and the Permanent Representative of Belgium to the EU, Willem van de Voorde. Their discussions centred around the pressing challenges to media freedom across EU Member States and the broader OSCE region. Topics included recent regulatory changes impacting the media and information landscape, such as the Media Freedom Act, the Digital Services Act, the Anti-SLAPP Directive, and the AI Act. Ribeiro underscored the importance of media freedom in maintaining security, a sentiment reiterated in discussions with NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, Carmen Romero.

Throughout the meetings, there was a focus on exploring opportunities to enhance co-operation between the OSCE and EU to promote independent and pluralistic media, ensure the safety of journalists, and to foster healthier information spaces.

Ribeiro also participated in the "Women in Public Life" Conference, hosted by Jourová, ahead of International Women’s Day 2024. Alongside fellow panelists Maria Ressa, Matthew Caruana Galizia and others, she emphasized the need to address gender-based violence against journalists to safeguard democracy's core principles of pluralism.

Prior to her visit, Ribeiro met with the Chair of the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA). Shortly, she will be meeting with the EU Special Representative on Human Rights and the newly appointed Director of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA). These engagements also underline a concerted effort to address pressing issues surrounding media freedom and fundamental rights within the European context.

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.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Media Freedom Representative deeply concerned about ongoing harassment of media workers in Azerbaijan

OSCE - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 16:57

VIENNA, 7 March 2024 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, has expressed grave concern after the detention of 14 staff members from the independent online media outlet, Toplum TV, yesterday.

Reports indicate that on 6 March, police conducted a search at Toplum TV's editorial office on unspecified grounds, seizing equipment, sealing the media platform's premises and detaining 14 employees. While most were released from police custody in Baku by midnight, at least three remain detained and face allegations of smuggling. Furthermore, on the same day, unauthorized renaming of Toplum TV's YouTube account and the disappearance of video records were reported.

"The repeated imposition of severe measures against media personnel in Azerbaijan is deeply troubling," stated Ribeiro. "Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear of reprisal." She highlighted these events in the context of recent arrests of journalists from the Abzas Media platform, as well as Kanal 13 and Kanal 11 online media channels, which she previously raised with the Azerbaijani authorities.

"I call on authorities to release all detained media workers. All OSCE participating States committed themselves, including through the 2018 Ministerial Council Decision on the Safety of Journalists, to fostering a safe working environment and ensuring the protection of journalists," emphasized Ribeiro.

Ministerial Council DECISION No. 3/18 SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS: MC.DEC/3/18 (osce.org)

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.

Categories: Central Europe

Fostering dialogue between Roma civil society and Ukrainian government discussed in Warsaw

OSCE - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 14:57
564278 Representatives of Ukrainian Roma civil society, national authorities and international experts discussed ways to tackle war-related challenges facing Roma communities at a conference hosted by ODIHR in Warsaw. 7 March 2023. Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

Engaging civil society and the Ukrainian government in a constructive dialogue to tackle the issues reported by Roma over the past two years of war was the focus of discussions hosted this week in Warsaw by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

Following a workshop on 6 March that brought together Roma civil society representatives and human rights defenders to map out war-related challenges experienced by Ukrainian Roma, the Roma activists joined state representatives and international experts for a conference the next day, to discuss co-operation to ensure better protection for Ukrainian Roma. ODIHR organized both events together with the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, while conference organizers also included the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs and Freedom of Conscience and the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.

The challenges facing Roma, including forced displacement, prejudice and socio-economic difficulties, continue to raise serious concerns, and protecting their human rights must be a priority, participants said. State efforts should be supported by civil society as well as local and international partners to develop policies that help improve the lives of Roma.

“This conference is a well-suited and timely platform provided by ODIHR to take stock of the human rights situation of Ukrainian Roma affected by Russia’s war against Ukraine,” said Ihor Lossovskyi, Deputy Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs and Freedom of Conscience. “The challenges are extremely complex and in order to address them, we need to join efforts with civil society and partners for co-operation and work together to find solutions.” 

Mykhailo Spasov, representing the Ukrainian Ombuds Office, emphasised the necessity of safeguarding the rights of Roma without any discrimination. “This group of population continues to experience particular challenges linked to prejudice,” he said at the conference. “Today’s event allows us to identify appropriate ways to address these issues.”  

“Roma people affected by forced displacement should be provided equal access to essential services,” said Rada Kalandiia, manager of the Romodrom Integration Centre in Mukachevo, western Ukraine. “Besides, the war has exacerbated the already difficult socio-economic situation of Roma. The authorities need to work together with civil society to better tackle these issues.”

ODIHR has a mandate to facilitate dialogue among OSCE participating States and civil society to ensure protection for Roma communities at risk, in line with the 2003 Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area. Since February 2022, ODIHR has been providing support to Ukraine, including by conducting human rights monitoring of displaced Roma, including women, in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. The Office also invested efforts to help build the capacity of Roma and pro-Roma human rights defenders, and facilitated Roma participation in OSCE human dimension events.

Categories: Central Europe

Advanced crime analysis: OSCE supports Albanian State Police analysts

OSCE - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 14:27
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The OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Presence in Albania provided the Albanian State Police with additional crime analysis software licences and conducted an advanced training programme in Tirana, Albania, from 26 February to 8 March 2024. Building on the previous introductory training programme held in December 2023, this initiative was tailored for 40 junior analysts from the Intelligence and Criminal Archives Directorate of the Albanian State Police.

Expanding on the fundamentals of intelligence-led policing and crime analysis, participants delved into strategic risk assessment and advanced crime analysis. This advanced programme equipped participants with specialized analytical skills critical to their roles and focused on the practical application of a wide range of analytical tools.

“This advanced training programme marks a significant milestone in the ongoing co-operation between the OSCE and the Albanian State Police,” said Neritan Nallbati, Director of the Criminal Police Department. “It not only reinforces the foundation laid by previous capacity-building efforts, but also provides the Albanian State Police with critical software tools, including i2 Analyst's Notebook licenses. These licenses will enable analysts to apply their newly acquired skills in practice, further improving operational efficiency and effectiveness.”

This multi-stage initiative aligns with the recent restructuring of the Albanian State Police Intelligence and Criminal Archives Directorate. The restructuring resulted in the creation of an information analysis sector operating at the national and local levels, consisting of junior analysts who required specialized training.

This activity is part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project "Building intelligence-led policing capacities at regional and national levels in the OSCE area", funded by Germany.

Categories: Central Europe

For better policing: Regional conference to advance gender equality in law enforcement

OSCE - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 11:43

SKOPJE, 7 March 2024 – Gender and security will take centre stage at a conference hosted by the OSCE Mission to Skopje and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Skopje on 7 and 8 March. The conference brings together law enforcement agencies from the region to exchange experiences and best practices in achieving gender equality within law enforcement.

“North Macedonia has introduced a very successful Gender Mentoring Programme with our support,” said Ambassador Kilian Wahl, Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje. “Since 2018, this programme has led to an 18% increase in women in senior management positions in the police force. We strongly believe this success should be replicated elsewhere.”

“Several studies show that women play an important role in building a stable and democratic society. With greater involvement of women in the police force at all levels, the functioning of the institution as a whole will improve. In this manner, internal cohesion and the security institutions’ capacity is strengthened,” said President Stevo Pendarovski while addressing the conference.

“Fortunately, we're not starting from scratch. The OSCE Mission to Skopje provides support through the Gender Mentoring Programme, which is already yielding results and brings changes to the institutional culture of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. But this program should not be just a one-time activity, but part of the standard institutional training in the Ministry,” he added.

In his address, Minister of Internal Affairs Panche Toshkovski welcomed the efforts of the OSCE Mission to raise public awareness about the gap that “still exists between men and women in the security professions, and the commitments undertaken to overcome this problem.”

“The struggle to empower female police officers continues. Our colleagues lead that fight precisely through continuous development and improvement of their knowledge in order to make women in the police force more visible, and in particular through the OSCE Mission-supported Gender Mentoring Programme,” said Minister Toshkovski. “The programme has trained more than 150 police officers in various professional skills, thereby raising awareness for the issue of gender diversity in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and of the equal involvement of women in the police service.”

The Director of OSCE/ODIHR, Matteo Mecacci, said that the security sector can only respond to diverse security needs of societies when it ensures gender equality within its own institutions through an inclusive working environment in which diversity is welcome.

“Law enforcement institutions must strive to become gender equality employers and this means fostering diversity in the workforce and making sure that all staff, regardless of their gender, enjoy the same opportunities and benefits, and are meaningfully included in the work of the institutions themselves. However, despite the growing number of female officers, present in public security institutions, women remain vastly underrepresented in this sector, in particular at the senior level,” said Mecacci.

The participants, including representatives from North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Kosovo, demonstrated a strong commitment to continuing the progress toward gender equality in law enforcement, recognizing the importance of collaboration, training, and institutional support.

Categories: Central Europe

Water, Women, and Security: OSCE co-hosts “Women in Water Diplomacy Global Network Forum” in Vienna

OSCE - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 09:44
564305 "Women, Water Management and Conflict Prevention — Phase III" Women in Water Management in Central Asia and Afghanistan

Addressing the need for women’s empowerment in the water sector, the “Women in Water Diplomacy Global Network Forum” took place in Vienna from 4 to 7 March.

The event, which gathered more than 80 water management experts and networks from across the globe, provided a platform for exchange on best practices and experiences on gender mainstreaming and addressing strategic challenges related to water management and security among women water professionals from around the world.

“Despite evidence that women’s engagement in the water sector is very effective, a gender gap still persists,” said OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid as part of her opening remarks. “We must ensure that the water sector becomes more gender aware and that women are given the necessary skills and tools they need to advance their careers in this sector.”

The Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities co-organized the Global Network Forum in partnership with the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) and the Environment Law Institute (ELI).

Alongside water management experts, global networks including the OSCE-SIWI-CAREC Women in Water Management in Central Asia and Afghanistan Network, the Women-in-the-Nile Network and other counterparts from Africa, North America and South America, joined the event.

“I am particularly proud that the Women in Water Management Network in Central Asia and Afghanistan now represents a best practice and a unique opportunity for all of us to engage in open discussions to learn from each other and exchange on current challenges in the water sector,” said Ambassador Bakyt Dzhusupov, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.

Key highlights of the Forum include:

  • Identifying synergies, networking and cooperation opportunities for water professionals in the context of peace building and security
  • Addressing inclusive water governance
  • Anticipating challenges, taking a systemic perspective and investing in the next generation of water diplomats

The Women in Water Diplomacy Global Network Forum aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Building on the collective expertise and collaboration of women in the water sector, the event has the potential to make a tangible impact on inclusive forward-looking water governance and contribute to the Water Action Agenda derived from the UN 2023 Water Conference.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Chair-in-Office concludes Council of Europe visit

OSCE - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 17:12

STRASBOURG, 6 March 2024 - The Chair-in-Office of the Organization for Co-operation and Security in Europe (OSCE), Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, Ian Borg, concluded a productive visit to the Council of Europe (CoE) today. He called both the OSCE and the CoE “beacons of stability and hope”. The visit allowed him to provide an overview of Malta’s key priorities during its Chairpersonship of the OSCE for the year 2024.

Minister Borg reiterated Malta’s unwavering commitment to uphold and safeguard the principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris. “These commitments and shared obligations are not optional, but integral to the functioning of the OSCE”, Minister Borg said.

Under the motto “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security”, Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship aims to bolster the organisation’s capabilities and leverage its unique position to address contemporary challenges to the region’s security.

Chair-in-Office Borg noted both the OSCE and the CoE have several goals in common, promoting regional security and stability on the basis of shared values and commitments towards human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Minister Borg emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between the OSCE and the Council of Europe, particularly as Malta gears up for its CoE Presidency from May to November of 2025.

He noted, “Our focus in the OSCE on areas such as media literacy, gender-based violence, human trafficking, youth engagement, and the safety of journalists not only reflects our commitment to these pressing issues, but also allows us to strengthen co-operation and dialogue between the OSCE and the CoE on several priority themes that are directly relevant to both organisations”. 

When addressing the Committee of Ministers’ Deputies of the CoE, Minister Borg underscored the critical role of both organizations in navigating the complexities of the current security landscape. The Chair-in-Office noted “in this challenging period, the importance of our organizations is most pronounced. Never before has the need for our collective efforts been so urgent. In the face of adversity, our organizations stand as beacons of stability and hope. Our shared mission takes on new significance as we confront the pressing issues of our time.”

Chair-in-Office Minister Borg held meetings with the Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić, the Liechtenstein Chair of the Committee of Ministers, HE Domenik Wagner, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Mr Theodoros Rousopoulos together with the Secretary General of the PACE, Despina Chatzivassiliou-Tsovilis.

Categories: Central Europe

Application of Election Technologies and Improvement of Understanding of Election Processes, in focus of CEC Representatives' Study Visit to Partners in Albania

OSCE - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 13:54
564128 Željka Šulc

From 3 to 6 March 2024, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) organized a study visit for representatives of the BiH Central Election Commission to the Central Election Commission of Albania. This visit provides insights into the application of election technologies and electoral processes. Albania has successfully integrated new election technologies into its systems for number of years.

Ilirjan Celibashi, State Election Commissioner of the Republic of Albania, emphasized the importance of increased communication and exchange of good practices. "The study visit of our Bosnian and Herzegovinian colleagues presents an opportunity to foster regional communication and connect the Election Commission of Albania with other Election Commissions in the region. Regional cooperation is vital to address common challenges and ensure mutual support. Therefore, establishing a regular platform for the exchange of information and experiences can foster a robust and professional network."

Irena Hadžiabdić, President of the BiH Central Election Commission, said: "Amidst discussions on electoral reform and the upcoming pilot project for the use of electoral technologies in the next elections, the experiences of other countries, particularly the lessons learned from Albania, are invaluable. We extend our sincere gratitude to the OSCE Mission to BiH and the Election Commission of Albania for organizing this study visit."

The study visits to the Central Electoral Commission of Albania featured presentations on the experiences of electoral implementation bodies and other institutions involved in the political/legislative processes preceding the pilot project implementation. Topics included procurement modalities, staff training, data transfer, cyber security, and other issues pertaining to the introduction of election technologies

“As we navigate the complexities of electoral processes, it's imperative that we remain open to learning from the experiences of others. By drawing insights from diverse perspectives, we can fortify our efforts towards meaningful election reform,” said Ahmed Rifatbegović, National Political Officer at the OSCE Mission to BiH. “Embracing reform not only strengthens the integrity of our democratic institutions but also reinforces public trust in the electoral system.”

Participants also had the opportunity to share experiences with representatives from the Central Election Commission, the Agency for the Protection of Personal Data and the Agency for Identification Documents, Records and Data Exchange.

This study visit is part of the OSCE Mission to BiH's broader project, "Improving the Integrity of Electoral Processes in 2024 and 2026 in accordance with the recommendations of the ODIHR and international standards." This project is implemented with the support of the Governments of the Kingdom of Norway, United Kingdom, USA, and Germany.

Categories: Central Europe

Now is the time for electoral reform in Albania, says head of international human rights office ODIHR

OSCE - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 17:37

TIRANA, 5 March 2023 – While the willingness of the Albanian authorities to renew their commitment to electoral reforms ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections is to be welcomed, the national authorities need to make use of the current opportunities to finalise and implement them, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today.

“It is encouraging to see the progress Albania has made in many areas, and how open the authorities are to engage with ODIHR’s recommendations,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “But unfortunately, we have not seen any headway on the legal reforms needed to address our recommendations. Now is the time to take action, prior to next year’s elections.”

ODIHR has made a number of recommendations following recent elections to improve the democratic process. A number of these require changes both in legislation and in implementation. Priority recommendations emphasise the need to further strengthen the effectiveness of the election administration, campaign finance oversight, and media regulation as well as take additional measures against misuse of public resources and other violations.

ODIHR stands ready to support the authorities and assist the parliamentary ad-hoc committee on electoral reform in any way possible within its mandate. The Office also offers to provide an in-depth legal analysis of the election code or any proposed changes to relevant legislation.

During his two-day visit to Tirana this week, ODIHR’s Director met with President Bajram Begaj, Prime Minister Edi Rama, Interior Minister Taulant Balla, Foreign Affairs Minister Igli Hasani, Justice Minister Ulsi Manja, and Central Election Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi, as well as members of the parliamentary opposition. Discussions focused on support ODIHR can offer in the area of elections as well as many other areas of its mandate, to help strengthen Albania’s democratic institutions. A fruitful discussion with the OSCE Presence in Albania centred on cooperation with ODIHR to work further on human rights issues in the country.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE concludes Explosive Ordnance Disposal Level 3 course for specialists from Central Asia and Serbia

OSCE - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 07:39
563902 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 23 February 2024, eighteen mine action specialists and practitioners from the military, law enforcement, security services, and humanitarian agencies of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Serbia completed a three-week regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal course (EOD Level 3) at the Regional Explosive Hazards Training Centre of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense in Chimteppa.

During the EOD Level 3 course participants enhanced their skills in conducting render-safe procedures, demolitions up to 50 kg net explosive quantity on a wide range of specific types of explosive ordnance on which they have been trained, tape and line, dearmer, and rocket wrench techniques through a series of theoretical classes and practical exercises.

The closing ceremony at the National Library of Tajikistan in Dushanbe was attended by high-level representatives of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense, Tajikistan National Mine Action Centre, the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan, and the United States Army Central.

Carrie Lee, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, warmly welcomed graduates from across Central Asia and highlighted that their participation reflects the collective commitment to eradicating the dangers of unexploded ordnance and bringing safety and hope to communities throughout the region.

David Silva, Command Sergeant Major of the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosives Command, emphasized the ongoing partnerships between U.S. Army Central, U.S. Central Command, and the Tajikistan Ministry of Defense EOD forces. The collaborations, including Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and Humanitarian Mine Action engagements, have demonstrated the Tajikistan EOD forces' outstanding knowledge and technical proficiency in utilizing specialized tools and robotics platforms. 

Major General Sayorabek Bachabekzoda, Head of the Department of Engineering Troops of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Tajikistan highlighted the importance and relevance of explosive hazards for the region, particularly in Tajikistan. He stressed the importance of concerted efforts in mitigating these risks and working towards a safer environment for the population.

Major-General Muhabbat Ibrohimzoda, Director of the Tajikistan National Mine Action Centre, contributed to the dialogue by providing insights and perspectives on mine action-related initiatives. 

Ihar Kuzminich, Head of Countering Security Threats and Regional Cooperation Unit of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, emphasized that the joint activities are in line with the OSCE's wider mandate and the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding with the Tajik Ministry of Defense. These activities foster political dialogue, mobilize relevant actors, and develop a platform for joint action to address security issues in Central Asia. 

The project aligns with the broader role of the OSCE with a focus on the crucial area of humanitarian mine action, aiming to make a lasting difference in addressing the risks and impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war. By fostering collaboration and leveraging collective efforts, the project contributes to enhancing safety, promoting stability, and improving the lives of communities affected by explosive hazards in the region.

Categories: Central Europe

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