Central Europe

476506 Andrii Dziubenko SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

An educational series of videos on cyber hygiene rules for civil servants, produced with the support of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator, was presented at an event in Kyiv on 26 January 2021. Nine episodes lasting from 3 to 7 minutes are placed on the Dia.Osvita digital education platform of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

“Modern governance is impossible without information technologies, but these technologies create new risks, as criminals or terrorists seek to find and exploit digital vulnerabilities to damage or disrupt governmental information systems. The scale of possible damage from IT-facilitated crime has increased immensely in the past years,” noted Henrik Villadsen, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. “Educating officials about those risks and about things they can and must do to enhance digital security of their offices is a key step in building the country’s resilience to modern threats”.  

The videos cover main threats that may arise in cyberspace, including hacking, spreading of malware, phishing, and social engineering hoaxes used by criminals to trick users into compromising their digital security. Basic notions of what users should pay attention to while using common IT services are highlighted and explained. They include ways to enhance security of browsing the Internet, safety tips for e-mail services, issues related to the use of mobile devices and free Wi-Fi services. Tips on disinformation campaigns on the web are also included.    

Watching the series enables the civil servants working with the central authorities and at the local level to get additional scores in the state retraining system of officials. The series is an initial part of the training programme for civil servants and local government officials to be developed and launched later this year.

This educational instrument was developed in co-operation with the National Agency of Ukraine for Civil Service and Ukrainian School of Governance in the framework of the project “Strengthening Ukrainian State Authorities’ Cyber Hygiene and Cybersecurity Capacity”. The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, with financial support from the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the German Federal Foreign Office, implemented the project.

SUMMARY

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons slightly increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.  

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.

Update on COVID-19 measures

Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are adhering to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities.

OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS

Persons crossing the border                                                                                                                                                                              

The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:

1. Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage.
2. Persons in military-style outfits.
3. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.

The average number of entries/exits slightly increased from 6,356 to 6,417 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 433 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.

Responding to the COVID-19 situation, the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March 2020. Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border (which entered into force on 19 March), are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April 2020, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was eight, compared to nine last week; six persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another two persons crossed into Ukraine. These individuals crossed the border on foot.

Families with a significant amount of luggage

The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, two families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while no families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when two families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and one family crossing into Ukraine.

Bus connections                                         

Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (324 compared to 320 observed during the previous week). There were 170 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 154 bound for Ukraine.

On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (756 compared to 642 during the previous reporting week); 412 at the Gukovo BCP and 344 at the Donetsk BCP, 395 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 361 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Belarus and trucks with “LPR” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (42 compared to 45 during the previous reporting week). These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane. All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.

Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP decreased from 88 to 67. The entire number of 67 scanned trucks (100 per cent) was bound for Ukraine.

Minivans

The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (99 compared to 84 observed during the previous week); 60 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 39 into Ukraine.

Trains

The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 21 occasions; the OTs assessed that 11 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining ten trains were travelling to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).

Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.

Other observations

The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with ”LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis.

On 21 January at 11:23, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a helicopter type Mi8/Mi17 flying from the east to a north-easterly direction. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 22 December 2020 to 26 January 2021, please see the attachment here.

[1]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation for the previous two weeks.

[2]Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).

476533

The OSCE Presence in Albania, in close partnership with the Albanian State Police and with the support of the Central Election Commission and the General Prosecutor’s Office, organized a series of training courses for about 6,000 police officer across Albania. The training courses, which started on 26 January 2021 and will run until mid-March, address the role of the police in the electoral process and comes ahead of the 25 April parliamentary elections.

Opening the training course series, Vincenzo Del Monaco, Head of the OSCE Presence, said: “As the new Head of the OSCE Presence, I am delighted to add to the continued support that the OSCE Presence is offering to Albanian institutions to organize and administer elections in line with internationally recognized practices that reflect the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.”

General Director of the Albanian State Police, Ardi Veliu, said: “I thank the OSCE Presence, the Central Election Commission and the General Prosecutor’s Office for their contribution in this training, and want to assure the citizens that the police are focused on the correct implementation of the law and the law only.” 

About 145 high- and mid-level police officers, including the deputy general director, directors of departments, regional police, and border police directors, as well as chief of commissariats and deputy local directors on order and public safety will undergo training from 26 to 28 January. The training will then target about 170 trainers, who will in turn start the cascade training for about 6,000 police officers. In addition, the Presence has prepared an information booklet regarding the role of the police in the electoral process, which will be distributed to all relevant police officers.

The OSCE Presence has organized election-related training for the Albanian State Police before each local and general election since 2005, while ensuring an increased ownership of the training activities by the State Police.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Between the evenings of 22 and 24 January, the SMM recorded 364 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region. The majority of these ceasefire violations were bursts and shots of small-arms, heavy-machine-gun and 30mm cannon fire recorded on the morning of 23 January close to the disengagement area near Petrivske. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 45 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Between the evenings of 22 and 24 January, the Mission recorded two ceasefire violations in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded no ceasefire violations in the region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle near non-government-controlled Spartak, Donetsk region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and saw people in the latter area during daytime.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure. On 24 January, it recorded a ceasefire violation near the Donetsk Filtration Station (DFS), near the time when a bus with DFS workers was driving from the station to Yasynuvata.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission observed a peaceful gathering in Lviv to mark the Day of the Unity of Ukraine.
• The Mission monitored the security situation in south-east Kherson region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a border crossing point outside government control near Izvaryne, Luhansk region.*

SARAJEVO, 25 January 2021 - In light of the dire situation facing migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) calls upon authorities at all levels of government to develop and agree upon sustainable and human rights-compliant solutions to the growing humanitarian crisis.

Of particular concern is the situation in Una Sana Canton, where many migrants, refugees and asylum seekers live in inhumane and dangerous conditions, particularly in and around Velika Kladusa and Bihac. Though recent actions taken to accommodate some individuals in the former Lipa Temporary Reception Centre provide some encouragement, further human suffering will only be prevented through urgent and co-ordinated action by state, entity and cantonal level authorities. Harsh winter conditions further exacerbate these issues, with many migrants, refugees and asylum seekers forced to sleep rough, with little shelter, food, or other necessities.

Reports of violent pushbacks and other human rights violations at the BiH border further concern the Mission. According to the Border Violence Monitoring Network, many of the pushbacks in 2020 involved some form of violence, ranging from verbal abuse and physical assault, to theft, extortion, and rape, which is utterly unacceptable.

On Monday 25 January, in order to better understand these allegations, Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the BiH Mission, met with representatives of non-governmental organizations Amnesty International, Danish Refugee Council, Are You Syrious, Save the Children, No Name Kitchen and Puz. The Mission reminds all authorities that they must uphold their obligations under international human rights treaties and domestic law and recalls the importance of democratic oversight in this respect. In addition, a credible and effective monitoring mechanism that holds authorities accountable must be established, including relevant international and national human rights institutions and members of civil society.

The OSCE Mission to BiH remains available to assist authorities in engaging in productive political dialogue in order to improve this situation, and stands ready to support the much-needed improvement of co-ordination efforts between cantonal, entity, and state level authorities.

WARSAW, 25 January 2020 – Recognizing the vital importance of reflecting the experience and knowledge of survivors in all endeavours to combat human trafficking, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has launched the International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC) to assist countries across the OSCE region increase and improve their anti-trafficking efforts.

“The insight and expertise we are gaining from our new advisors make today a milestone in ODIHR’s work to combat human trafficking,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “Listening to survivors of trafficking is vital to understand their needs and give them real support. But our final aim must be to prevent these terrible crimes from taking place.”

The advice, guidance and recommendations provided by ISTAC will assist ODIHR in its work to support countries from across the OSCE region in strengthening their national legal, policy and regulatory anti-trafficking frameworks and reinforcing a victim-centred approach. Through their own experience and work, many ISTAC members are also models of survivor leadership who can help foster the development of national and international survivor networks.

“When we support the growth and leadership development of survivors, we open ourselves to the possibility of becoming a world in which trafficking ceases to exist,” said ISTAC Chair Lisa C. Williams. “Self-empowering opportunities allow survivors to move beyond the trauma of their lived experiences towards a greater understanding of their worth and ability to become life-affirming contributors to society.”

All OSCE countries have made numerous commitments to combat trafficking in human beings, and ODIHR has been active in this area for more than two decades. In its 2020 report on the human rights challenges caused by COVID-19, ODIHR noted that the outbreak of the pandemic across the OSCE region increased the vulnerability of those already at risk of becoming victims of trafficking in human beings, particularly women and girls. At the same time, the pandemic had a hugely negative impact on the ability of countries to respond swiftly or effectively to trafficking, leaving survivors in dire need of support.

ODIHR was joined at today’s launch by Siobhan Mullally, the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially in Women and Children, HRH Princess Eugenie, Kari A. Johnstone, Acting Director, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office), U.S. Department of State, Valiant Richey, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, as well as anti-trafficking activists from across the region. All speakers highlighted the importance of taking the experiences and challenges faced by survivors into account when developing policy to prevent and combat human trafficking.

Survivors’ first-hand observations and expertise helps us identify gaps and opportunities based on their experiences, said OSCE Special Representative Valiant Richey. "Their voices can help mobilize the most important ingredient in the fight against human trafficking: political will."

ISTAC members are appointed for a two-year renewable term. The 21 members are: Kendall Alaimo (USA), Trisha Baptie (Canada), Mariaam Bhatti (Ireland), Zita Cabais (France), Daniella De Luca (Spain), Jerome Elam (USA), Marina Gorbunova (Uzbekistan), Regina Lee Jones (Norway), Angelina Kurdenok (Russian Federation), Diane Martin (UK), Ronny Marty (USA), Timea Nagy (Canada), Sandra Norak (Germany), Mercy Obade (Denmark), Itohan Okundaye (Finland), Maria Oringo (Netherlands), Bukola Oriola (USA), Lisa Williams (USA), Shandra Woworuntu (USA), Hyab Yohannes (UK), and Laurent Ziegler (Austria).

Communication and Media Relations Section

The OSCE, in close co-operation with the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors of North Macedonia, concluded on 22 January 2021, a three-day online training course on international co-operation and mutual legal assistance in asset recovery for fourteen public prosecutors and judges.

The overarching objective of the workshop was to enhance the capability of criminal justice specialists dealing with asset recovery to request and provide successful international co-operation in transnational crime cases, in particular relating to asset tracing, freezing, freezing and confiscation and repatriation. The workshop focused on international exchanges of intelligence and evidence. In addition, it examined how jurisdictions in the region may use the tools and legislation of other jurisdictions, both in the region and elsewhere, to either assist in the conviction of an individual (and subsequent confiscation of assets) or the seizure and repatriation of assets by another method in the absence of a conviction.

The theoretical part of the workshop, delivered by international and local experts from the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors of the Republic of North Macedonia, was followed by an interactive and immersive exercise based on a case study and designed to be relevant to North Macedonia jurisdiction and the region.

The Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities and the Transnational Threats Department organized the online workshop in the framework of the extra-budgetary project “Strengthening the fight against transnational organized crime in South-Eastern Europe through improved regional co-operation in asset seizure, confiscation, management and re-use”. This cross-dimensional project is funded by the United States Department of State, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Marina Živaljević

Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Maryse Daviet, congratulated the journalists in the country the Day of Journalists, 23 January, which marks the publication of the first printed newspaper in Cetinje in 1871.

Daviet thanked Montenegrin journalists for their work over the past year, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Journalists kept us informed which was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. We turned to the internet and TV to follow the unfolding events in Montenegro and around the world. We owe our thanks to these hard-working women and men who provided us with accurate information when one could have easily been misled by rumors and false information, that is finding its way in social networks,” said Daviet.

Daviet said that journalists are always at the forefront when it comes to providing reliable, new information to their fellow citizens. “This is particularly true during pandemic, where journalists often risk their own health and safety by reporting not only from public events, but also from hospitals, sharing the needs and concerns of affected communities all around the country,” said Daviet.

Daniel Blank, the Mission’s Media Programme Manager, said that the Mission is particularly proud to have supported so many Montenegrin media houses, public and private, big and small, with technical support and knowhow in 2020. “In particular, the Mission increased its efforts to support new forms of converged and mobile journalism, which offer more cost-effective and faster ways of reporting directly from the field. In 2021, the Mission will continue its work with its many partners, which include private media houses, public service media, media self-regulation bodies, media related NGOs, and institutions in Montenegro,” said Blank.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The Mission recorded 45 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 39 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM recorded no ceasefire violations in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it also recorded no ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske, and spotted people inside the latter two areas during daytime.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable the assessment and operation of critical civilian infrastructure. It heard 23 ceasefire violations close to the Donetsk Filtration Station (DFS), near and during the time when a bus with DFS workers was driving towards the station.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

SARAJEVO, 22 January 2021 – The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Office of the High Representative (OHR), the Embassies of the US and UK, and the Embassy of Sweden in BiH, as chair of the OSCE, welcome the decision of the Central Election Commission to annul the elections in several polling stations in Doboj and Srebrenica, having detected serious irregularities in the election processes. The decision of the CEC will help ensure the integrity of the elections and restore citizens’ confidence in election administration. We urge relevant authorities to investigate the reported allegations of electoral fraud promptly.

Our organizations/embassies will continue working with the CEC and other relevant authorities on improving the electoral processes in BiH, to ensure that future elections are in line with relevant international standards, including OSCE/ODIHR’s and GRECO recommendations. To this end, it is important that BiH authorities start working on the necessary amendments to the BiH Election Law, through an open and inclusive process.

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, OHR, and the Embassies of the US and UK in BiH, and the Embassy of Sweden in BiH, as chair of the OSCE, strongly condemn the attack of BiH Presidency Member Dodik against CEC member Vanja Bjelica-Prutina.

Hateful and personal attacks against a member of an independent institution are unacceptable and deserve to be further scrutinized by relevant institutions in BiH as soon as possible.

High-ranking officials have additional obligations to refrain from hateful and offensive language because of their status in society and the serious consequences that could be caused by such rhetoric. Dissatisfaction with institutional decisions need to be addressed through institutional remedies rather than threatening language and personal attacks. We call upon all elected leaders to take responsibility for the task at hand, which is to engage in responsible dialogue and implement election integrity reforms in 2021.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded 39 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded seven ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission recorded no ceasefire violations in Luhansk region, as in the previous reporting period.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske, and observed people inside the area near Petrivske during daytime.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable assessment and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at two entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ton van den Brandt

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) Teresa Ribeiro met today with Ambassador Alexander Lukashevich to discuss the situation of freedom of expression and freedom of the media in the Russian Federation and the wider OSCE region.

Ribeiro encouraged authorities to promote an enabling environment for media freedom, and safe working conditions for journalists in Russia. She reiterated the importance of the commitments outlined in the 2018 Ministerial Council Decision on the Safety of Journalists.

The RFoM raised her concerns about various legal changes introduced in Russia at the end of 2020, including those related to restrictions affecting the free flow of information online and to the broadening practice of declaring organizations and individuals as ‘foreign agents’. Ribeiro offered the expert assistance of her Office in bringing the national legislation in line with relevant international standards and OSCE commitments.

Ribeiro and Lukashevich also discussed the growing role of internet intermediaries in content regulation and the impact this can have on human rights and fundamental freedoms.   

KYIV, 21 January  2021 — The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Heidi Grau, made the following statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG ‎and its Working Groups held through video conferencing:

“Today was the first meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group in the new year 2021.

I await this year our consultations will be constructive and based on mutual respect.

I urge all the participants in the TCG meetings to demonstrate responsibility. In this context, an important element is to refrain from unfounded mutual accusations, as well as destructive and unreliable statements about the course of negotiations in the media.

Despite certain disturbing trends, the ceasefire, as assessed by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, continues to be generally respected.

The general security situation in the conflict zone as well as issues concerning the functioning of the co-ordination mechanism for responding to ceasefire violations were in the focus of the Security Working Group.

Participants in the Working Group meeting also discussed the conditions necessary for carrying out repair and reconstruction works at the gas distribution station near Marinka that, along with the gas pipeline, was damaged in 2014. Fourteen thousand residents of Krasnohorivka and Marinka depend on this station for heat supply.

The discussions of the Political Working Group were concentrated on the implementation of the mandate given by the TCG to develop a draft action plan in full compliance with the Minsk agreements.

The Humanitarian Working Group considered the order of future operation of the entry-exit crossing points on the contact line near Zolote and Shchastia of the Luhansk region.

Questions concerning mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees were also discussed.

I urge all participants of the TCG meeting to demonstrate the political will to swiftly reach an agreement on the mutual release and exchange of detainees based on the principle "all for all", starting with "all confirmed for all confirmed".

The attention of the Economic Working Group was focused on the provision of water supplies across the contact line in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine (CADLR). In particular, it was possible to progress on the issue of the payment mechanism of the public utility enterprise "Voda Donbassa".

Also, the issue of international inspection of CADLR-located facilities that store radioactive materials was duly considered.”

476317 Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ton van den Brandt

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, met today with Executive Director of the International Press Institute, Barbara Trionfi, to discuss the media freedom situation across the OSCE region.

At the meeting, the main challenges to media freedom were discussed, including issues such as the safety of journalists as well as sustainability and media business models. Ribeiro and Trionfi also exchanged views on novel challenges, such as the increasing use of platforms for both public discourse and news consumption, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the media freedom situation in OSCE participating States.

Ribeiro underlined the need to strengthen cooperation on the international level and joint efforts to effectively address media freedom concerns and support participating States in adhering to their commitments to freedom of expression and free media. Ribeiro and Trionfi emphasized their strong interest in continuing the excellent cooperation between the two institutions and their intention to intensify their collaboration.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded seven ceasefire violations in Donetsk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded one ceasefire violation in the region.
• The Mission recorded no ceasefire violations in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it also recorded no ceasefire violations in the region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle near Talakivka, Donetsk region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske, and observed people inside the area near Petrivske during daytime.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

SARAJEVO, 21 January 2021 – Swedish Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Johanna Strömquist and Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Kathleen Kavalec, presented the OSCE Swedish Chairpersonship 2021 priorities on 21 January in Sarajevo.

“As Chair of the OSCE, Sweden’s primary focus will be to go back to basics, the fundamental tasks of the OSCE: to defend the European security order, to uphold the OSCE comprehensive concept of security and to contribute to resolving conflicts in accordance with international law,” said Strömquist. “The Chair’s approach is based on the OSCE’s joint principles and commitments, the rules and tools created to prevent and solve conflicts and crises to build security for both people and states,” she said.

Strömquist said that the security challenges Europe is currently facing can only be solved and sustained through international co-operation. “The platform the OSCE provides is immensely important in this context.”

“In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden’s focus as Chair of the OSCE, with the support of the OSCE Mission to BiH, will be on: trust-building and dialogue; comprehensive security, including the fight against corruption; and media freedom. Upholding human rights, strengthening democracy, promoting the rule of law and advancing gender equality will be embedded in all our work,” said Strömquist.

“Building bridges and establishing trust is essential to create a more inclusive and prosperous society for all in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Strömquist.

“Sweden and the OSCE Mission to BiH will continue to work with local and international actors to build on what has been achieved, and expand trust-building and dialogue between individuals and organizations in BiH,” said Kavalec.

Strömquist highlighted that corruption undermines democracy and our societies, fuels organized crime and systematically threatens sustainable development, democracy and security. “Sweden and the OSCE Mission to BiH will build on efforts made so far to fight corruption and strengthen good governance in the country.” She said that by enhancing democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, societies can be made more secure. “Strengthened transparency, accountability and rule of law to prevent and combat corruption will remain priorities in 2021,” said Strömquist.

Talking about media freedom, Strömquist said that the right to freedom of opinion and expression are key elements of the OSCE comprehensive concept of security and will be central priority to Sweden’s Chair. Increasing media literacy, fighting disinformation and protecting journalists will be in focus.

“Together with the Swedish Embassy in BiH, the OSCE Mission to BiH will continue its monitoring of attacks on the media, including the misuse of defamation suits to intimidate reporters,” said Kavalec.

Strömquist and Kavalec emphasized the importance of gender equal societies, where human rights are fully enjoyed by all, with better prospects for sustainable, resilient and prosperous development. Broad participation of civil society representatives in security discussions will remain a joint priority

"The OSCE Mission to BiH, with the support of Sweden, will uphold the OSCE comprehensive concept of security through the inclusion and meaningful participation of women and men, and the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda. The WPS Agenda will be the focus of the Annual Security Review Day Conference organized by the Mission for 9 February,” concluded Kavalec.

KYIV, 21 January 2021 — OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ann Linde, concluded a two-day official visit to Ukraine yesterday. She called on the sides to step up their efforts to find a sustainable peaceful resolution to the crisis in and around Ukraine.

“Ukraine is my first visit as Chairperson-in-Office, reflecting the high importance the Swedish Chairpersonship places on contributing to a peaceful resolution including full respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” Linde said. “Observing first-hand the situation on the ground, I can see the vital work the OSCE is doing and how much more needs to be done. The situation requires our continued, common attention.”

On 19 January, the Chairperson-in-Office met with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, Oleksii Reznikov. Linde welcomed their actions toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict. She reaffirmed the Chair’s commitment to defend the European security order and support efforts for a sustainable political solution in and around Ukraine in line with the OSCE´s principles and commitments.

She also met with civil society representatives, noting that “their voices are important to help us implement our joint commitments — in Ukraine and the region.” She emphasized that the full inclusion and empowerment of women is crucial in preventing and mitigating conflicts and consolidating peace.

Following meetings in Kyiv, Linde visited eastern Ukraine on 20 January to witness the security and humanitarian situation in the conflict-affected areas. She also observed the practical impact of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine’s (SMM) work on the ground.

The Chairperson-in-Office noted the significant decrease in the number of recorded ceasefire violations observed by the SMM since the recommitment to ceasefire agreed by the sides in July 2020. “I welcome the lower level of violence. However, lives are still being lost and the everyday life of citizens in this region is still heavily affected.”

Visiting a new entry-exit checkpoint in the Zolote area of eastern Ukraine, Linde said that the additional crossing point in the Luhansk region, along with a new entry-exit checkpoint in Schastia, is a “significant step toward alleviating hardship for civilians who cross the contact line on a daily basis.”

“It has been very useful for me to see all the preparations that have been made for the entry-exit points as agreed by the Normandy leaders in November 2020. We expect that their opening, with political will, becomes effective as a matter of urgency,” she said and added:

“Without disengagement, progress like this would not be possible. I commend the substantial political effort and work on the ground to open these two new entry-exit checkpoints. It is important to finalize plans to open the crossing points on both sides.”

Welcoming the recent meeting of the Normandy format political advisers, Linde said she hopes “we will see the continuation of the efforts at the highest level”. She expressed her full support for the efforts of the Normandy Format and Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), and her Special Representative in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group, Ambassador Heidi Grau, as well as the SMM and its Chief Monitor, Ambassador Halit Çevik.

She encouraged the full implementation of the Minsk agreements and underscored the importance of the SMM having safe, secure and unrestricted access throughout Ukraine to implement its mandate.

Commending the multi-dimensional work of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, Linde said its work offers a long-term dimension to the OSCE’s activities, particularly in supporting reform processes and addressing crisis-related challenges.

List of appointed members and alternate members of the Court

Austria, Belarus and Portugal have renewed the mandates or, alternatively, appointed new members to the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration Court for new terms of six years after the previous mandates of their members expired. The appointments of the conciliators, the arbitrators and their alternates were made in accordance with Articles 3 and 4 of the Convention on Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE, which was signed in 1992 in Stockholm.

Currently, 34 States are party to the Convention, which provides mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The following is the list of the conciliators, arbitrators and their alternates appointed by Austria, Belarus and Portugal.

Austria

Conciliators:

Peter LAUNSKY-TIEFFENTHAL

Ambassador, Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs,

Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs

Gerhard HAFNER

Professor Emeritus of International Law, University of Vienna

Arbitrator:

Hans WINKLER

Former Ambassador, former Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna

Alternate:

Ursula KRIEBAUM

Professor, University of Vienna

Belarus

Conciliators:

Vladimir SENKO

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs

Former Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Relations and

National Security of the Council of the Republic of Belarus

Sergei MARTYNOV

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus

Arbitrator:

Petr MIKLASHEVICH

Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Belarus

Alternate:

Andrei ZABARA

Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus

Portugal

Conciliators:

Gonçalo Nuno DA CRUZ SARAIVA MATIAS

Professor, Faculty of Law, Portuguese Catholic University

Gilberto Jorge DE SOUSA JERÓNIMO

Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe

Arbitrator:

Manuel Jorge MAYER DE ALMEIDA RIBEIRO

Professor, Social and Political Sciences Faculty, University of Lisbon

Alternate:

Mateus PEREIRA KOWALSKI

Professor, Autonomous University of Lisbon /

Director of the International Law Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded one ceasefire violation in Donetsk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 18 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission recorded no ceasefire violations in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded one ceasefire violation in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and observed people inside the latter two areas during daytime.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 20 January 2021 – Swedish Ambassador Karin Hernmarck and Acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Kilian Wahl, will give a press conference in Prishtinë/Priština tomorrow to present the priorities of the Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship for 2021.

Sweden took over the OSCE Chairpersonship from Albania on 1 January.

According to the Programme presented by Swedish Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde at the inaugural event last week, the focus will be on defending the European security order, addressing protracted conflicts, and enhancing democracy and gender equality.

Journalists are invited to attend the press conference tomorrow, (Thursday, 21 January 2021) at Hotel Sirius starting at 11 a.m. Masks are obligatory and physical distance will be observed as per instructions issued by the authorities.