Central Europe

Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

From 13 to 14 September, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD) arranged a two-day training on the basics of international trade and logistics for the representatives of line ministries and agencies. The event aimed at promoting a better understanding of the policies and regulations governing international trade with a focus on geographically landlocked countries, which includes Tajikistan.

The training was attended by 23 participants (9 women and 14 men). The participants represented mid-level management of their respective state institutions, including the Export Promotion Agency, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Chamber of Commerce, and Customs Service. The training was complemented from different standpoints both on advantages and on disadvantages concerning, for example, compliance with the Registered Exporters System and the benefits of obtaining a GSP+ (Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus) certificate for the goods exporting to the EU market. Upon completion of the training, the international trainer handed over certificates to the participants.

The Office will continue to support Tajikistan’s economic development via trade facilitation and the free flow of goods and services to boost investment potential. This is part of a broader effort by the OSCE to strengthen trade links between countries and promote their regional integration and participation in international commerce.

Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

From 15 to 16 September, the Programme Office in Dushanbe (the Office) supported the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner in organizing a two-day training on Human Rights. The training brought together 20 (19 women and 1 man) human rights teachers from secondary schools of Khorog (GBAO) and surrounding areas.

Two national trainers (both male) provided the training which was focused on enabling the participants to learn about both international and national human rights standards. Participants also familiarized themselves with new pedagogical methods for teaching human rights curricula in secondary schools. It was the third of three such events which the Office supported in 2023.

The activity is a component of the State Programme on Human Rights Education under the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner. It is part of OSCE’s broader work in strengthening and promoting the protection of human rights including by providing technical support to human rights bodies.

Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

From 12 to 14 September 2023, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (the Office) in co-operation with the office of the Human Rights Commissioner in the Republic of Tajikistan organized a three-day training in Khorog (GBAO) for governmental Human Rights Focal points. The training brought together 23 participants (15 women and 8 men), including from remote districts of the GBAO region. 

Two national human rights experts with extensive experience in the field provided training with a particular focus on state reporting to UN human rights treaty bodies, as well as on national and international human rights protection mechanisms. This was the second in a series of three trainings the Office is facilitating for governmental human rights focal points in the regions in 2023.

This activity is a component of the State Programme on Human Rights Education, adopted in 2022 and supported by the Office. It is part of OSCE’s broader work in strengthening and promoting the protection of human rights including by providing technical support to human rights bodies.

WARSAW/SKOPJE, 20 September 2023 - The Warsaw Human Dimension Conference (WHDC) organized by the OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia will take place from 2 to 13 October 2023 in Warsaw, Poland.

The ten day conference is dedicated to human rights and fundamental freedoms in the OSCE area. It evaluates the implementation of OSCE Human Dimension commitments and offers a forum for participants to present their work and raise issues meriting the immediate attention of the international community.

Media representatives are invited to cover the event, to be held at the Sofitel Victoria Warsaw, Królewska St. 11, 00-065, Warsaw.

Advance accreditation of media representatives is mandatory. The deadline for registration is 23:59 CEST on 30 September 2023.

To register, please fill in this form and send it by email to: accreditations.press-OSCE23@mfa.gov.mk.

Media representatives will receive an email confirmation once the review process is completed.

Follow @OSCECiO on X (formerly Twitter) and see the WHDC event page for more information.

553081 Marina Živaljević

On 20 September, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro concluded a two-day workshop on ecology and climate change for the staff of parliamentary working bodies, with a focus on quality of water and environmental monitoring.

The workshop gathered ten staff of the Committee on Tourism, Agriculture, Ecology and Spatial Planning, Committee on European Integration, Committee on Economy, Finance and Budget, Committee on Human Rights and Freedoms, Gender Equality Committee and Commission for Monitoring and Control of the Privatisation Procedure.

Two Montenegrin consultants provided an overview of international and national legal framework and policies on environmental protection and, water quality management, and the necessity to harmonize the national legal framework with international and EU standards. Participants learnt how to report on policies and monitoring programmes, focusing on  nature protection and air quality. Challenges in monitoring implementation were also discussed, and recommendations for further and active involvement of parliamentary committees in the process of monitoring the environment and solving of the key issues were shared.

Deputy Head of the Mission, Siv-Katrine Leirtroe, stated environmental and climate challenges are numerous. “The OSCE participating States, governments, international organizations, civil society and citizens face them daily, adapting and learning how to respond to them. We recognize the importance of including climate change considerations into national strategies, planning, processes and documents, as well as the importance of building resilience against its impact,” said Leirtroe.

This was the second workshop for the staff of parliamentary working bodies organized in 2023. The first one took place in March, focusing on nature protection, energy and climate change in the context of spatial planning.

553351 Communication and Media Relations Section Alexandra Taylor

The regional conference on Promoting Women's Participation in Law Enforcement in Central Asia, held on 14 and 15 September 2023 in Astana, Kazakhstan, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to empower women in the region's law enforcement agencies. It brought together representatives of national authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, Police Academies, Prosecutor Offices, Policewomen Associations, and other relevant law enforcement agencies, alongside OSCE structures and field operations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and international organizations.

Deputy Chair of the National Commission on Women, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Lyazzat Ramazanova, delivered the opening remarks and emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange across the region. During her address, she provided comprehensive statistics on the presence of women in the security sector in Kazakhstan.

The conference facilitated robust discussions and group work, providing valuable insights into effective strategies for promoting gender balance within law enforcement agencies. Participants actively engaged in networking and knowledge-sharing, building connections between each other and the agencies they represented. Furthermore, participants discussed the potential of women police associations as a valuable mechanism for fostering gender equality within the police service, thereby enriching the participation and the role of women in law enforcement.

“If formal institutions may not yet be in place, networking can prove to be an invaluable tool,” said Ambassador Volker Frobarth, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “There is a positive impact of women associations and similar networks on empowering female police officers to voice their concerns, propose solutions, and address the unique challenges they face,” he added.

The conference, which concluded with a set of recommendations on breaking down gender barriers and promoting women's meaningful involvement in the security sector, was organized by the OSCE Secretariat’s Gender Issues Programme/WIN Project, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), OSCE Programme Office in Astana, OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department/Strategic Police Matters Unit, and OSCE Secretariat’s Conflict Prevention Centre/Operations Service.

The conference took place within the framework of the multi-year ExB project “WIN for Women and Men on strengthening comprehensive security through innovating and networking for gender equality”, the Conflict Prevention Centre’s ExB project “Support, capacity-building and awareness-raising for Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSG/R) within the OSCE: Phase III”, as well as the OSCE/ODIHR’s ExB project “Promoting a Human Rights Compliant and Gender Responsive Security Sector”.

552970

TESLIĆ, 20 September 2023 – The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina held a final workshop for law enforcement agencies on increasing awareness of managers and operational staff on core components and significant benefits of intelligence-led policing principles.

The project Enhancing Intelligence-led Policing (ILP) to Combat Serious Security Threats and Crimes was launched in the autumn of 2022. The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Mission) organized a series of sixteen workshops for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to establish a strategic and operational basis for developing a coherent and sustainable ILP model in BiH. The main topics were introduction to the requisite organizational structures, and use of criminal-intelligence reports and analytical products in the decision-making process. The workshops included topics such as  analytical preparation, threat assessment, organizational planning and strategy development. A large segment of the workshop was dedicated to discussion on optimizing technical capacity and compatibility – particularly in terms of ICT systems and equipment, as well as the use of analytical tools and software for criminal-intelligence work.

Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH reflected back on the initial phase of the Project when working side by side with BiH law enforcement partners.  The Ambassador recognised the great strides made in establishing a strategic and operational basis for advancing intelligence-led policing in BiH’s twenty-one law enforcement agencies and institutions, noting “Thirty-six police managers and 293 operational staff had an opportunity to find out more on ILP principles and requirements. The project also has established an ILP Co-ordination Body, a highly operational, progress oriented forum comprised of senior law enforcement managers from all partner agencies and institutions. I am proud to announce that we will deliver the first package of IT assistance to law enforcement agencies by the end of 2023.”  

Funds for the Project were provided by Norway, Germany, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Türkiye, and Austria.

Underlining the importance of the Project for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Olav Reinertsen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway in Bosnia and Herzegovina stated, “The aim of the project in BiH is to ultimately bolster the effectiveness of law enforcement in fighting crime and preventing threats to security. Intelligence-led policing highlights the importance of contemporary technology and provides sustainable mechanisms for interagency co-ordination and co-operation,” the Ambassador added. “Norway strongly supports the advancement and strengthening of institutions and law enforcement agencies in the country, and considers the project to be a strategic priority for BiH.”

In the last year, BiH and international law enforcement agencies jointly planned and executed ILP-driven police investigations in the area of transnational illicit trafficking of narcotics and weapons. These complex operations resulted in several indictments of high-profile individuals. As a result, the use of the intelligence-led policing model helped to uncover, document, and investigate an international organized crime network that produced and transported illegal narcotics and firearms across Europe.

The Mission will remain an active partner in ensuring that all law enforcement agencies have sufficient technical capabilities to bolster their collaborative and efficient response to versatile security threats and crimes.

552895 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities discusses Serbia’s progress on national minority issues with authorities Against all odds: Building a multilingual university department in Bujanovac

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov visited Serbia from 12 to 15 September 2023 to chair the Stakeholders’ Meeting of the Bujanovac Department of the Subotica Faculty of Economics of the University of Novi Sad and to hold consultations with Serbian authorities on the country’s efforts to promote integration of its diverse society.

On 15 September, Abdrakhmanov chaired the 14th Stakeholders’ Meeting of the Bujanovac Department together with OSCE Mission to Serbia Head Jan Braathu. The stakeholders reviewed the latest enrolment figures and discussed promotional activities and ways to help graduates advance their careers, including through partnerships with the business community.

They also discussed the preliminary findings of a recent assessment on how to improve the teaching and learning of Serbian as a non-mother tongue in southern Serbia, which was conducted by the office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities and the Government of Serbia Co-ordination Body for the Municipalities of Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja. 

“The Bujanovac Department remains central to promoting social cohesion in the region. The continued investment by the Stakeholders’ Committee aims to ensure that students attain the best quality education in both languages and leave the university equipped to fully participate in social and economic life,” said the High Commissioner.  

The Bujanovac Department was established in 2011 to address the lack of higher education opportunities in the Albanian language, as well as to improve students’ proficiency in the state language. The department also serves to stimulate interaction among youth from different ethnic backgrounds and to support economic development in southern Serbia. Between 2011 and 2022, 1,088 students (571 girls and 517 boys) were enrolled in the BA programmes.

In Belgrade, the High Commissioner met with President of the National Assembly Vladimir Orlić, First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić, Education Minister Slavica Đukić Dejanović, Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue Minister Tomislav Žigmanov, Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Brankica Janković, Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church His Holiness Porfirije, and other officials.

During these meetings, the High Commissioner acknowledged Serbia’s comprehensive legal framework to accommodate the interests of national minorities and discussed recent developments in this respect.

In particular, Abdrakhmanov commended the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue on its consultations with all national minorities and its efforts to achieve measurable results toward societal integration. In this regard, he said, he looked forward to the finalization of the revised Action Plan on National Minorities.

Discussions in Belgrade also touched on Serbia’s role in regional stability, its connection with ethnic Serbs in the region, and the effect bilateral relations can have on relations with ethnic groups living in Serbia.

During his visit, the High Commissioner also met with representatives of the Albanian community, including the president of the National Minority Council, to listen to their concerns, priorities and views.

552856 Marina Živaljević

In order to improve institutional response to cases of violence against women, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, in co-operation with the Supreme Court, is hosting a three-day workshop that simulates criminal procedure in respect of charges based on serious allegations of gender-based violence. The workshop takes place in Budva from 19 to 21 September.

Twenty judges from the High and Basic courts, together with prosecutors, police officers and special services support staff from NGO shelters are participating in the workshop.  Focusing on innovative hands-on, transformative and multi-sectoral approach, participants are led through a simulation of the criminal procedure in respect of concrete cases of femicide and rape, starting with how the cases were reported; followed by the drafting of the indictments, the hearing in court and final decision. The focus is on the application of international standards and best practices regarding the handling and admissibility of evidence applicable in Montenegro, to ensure a timely and effective administration of justice, respecting the rule of law and human rights.

Opening of the event, Head of the OSCE Mission, Dominique Waag, underlined that the OSCE has a longstanding commitment to promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women and girls. “The statistics and human stories that underline the extent of the problem of violence against women are a stark reminder of the urgency of our actions. The legal system must act independently and decisively to protect victims and deter perpetrators. Each time survivors seek justice and support, they must find a rapid, resolute and efficient justice system,” said Ambassador Waag.

Acting President of the Supreme Court, Vesna Vučković, stated that femicide is always the last, most brutal act of violence. “The trainings that have been conducted so far have yielded results, as women are empowered to demand help and report violence. However, the Committee responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Istanbul Convention GREVIO recommends that additional trainings be organized on various aspects of the Convention. It is recognized that a higher level of awareness and capacity building should be ensured not only in relation to domestic violence, but also in relation to all other forms of gender-based violence, for all groups that encounter victims - especially judges and prosecutors. Precisely because of this, this training based on trial simulation, through the interaction of transferring theoretical and practical knowledge represents a significant contribution to the actions of the participants in the procedure, primarily judges and prosecutors,” said Vučković.

The three-day training provides a platform for the participants to exchange best practices, share experiences, and develop innovative strategies for tackling gender-based violence.

Being aware that violence against women and girls is not only a violation of human rights, but also a security and a societal issue that hinders progress and development, the Mission remains dedicated to fostering a society where everyone enjoys equal rights and opportunities, irrespective of gender.

NEW YORK CITY, 20 September 2023 - OSCE Chairman-in-Office, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, held separate meetings yesterday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, on the margins of the UN General Assembly.

Chairman Osmani raised his deep concerns over yesterday's military operations in the region and the danger these pose to the affected civilian population. While calling for immediate de-escalation, he again voiced his concerns over the severe consequences for the conflict-affected population, especially on vulnerable groups. He emphasized that humanitarian considerations must prevail and that humanitarian needs of the local people must be met.

He underscored that the use of force to resolve disputes was completely and always unacceptable and that sustained, constructive dialogue in good faith was the only path toward sustainable peace.   

The Chairman reiterated his readiness for personal and active engagement and emphasized that the OSCE stood ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan on their path to peace. He noted that the OSCE retained the relevant experience, expertise, and tools to facilitate dialogue, build trust and implement relevant agreements that support normalizing relations between the parties.

552742 Alumnae of the OSCE-supported Dialogue Academy for young women from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade attending meetings at the Stormont Assembly in Northern Ireland. Belfast, 14 September 2023. Jeff Bieley Edita Buçaj

Belfast and Prishtinë/Priština, 18 September 2023 - Eight alumnae from the OSCE-established Dialogue Academy alumnae network which gathers young women from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade, concluded today a one-week study visit to Northern Ireland.  

The aim of the visit, financed by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, was to foster experience-sharing among participants and peace-building practitioners and undergo a specialist course in conflict resolution and mediation.

“Known for its pivotal role in peace-building through the historic Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland offers participants diverse perspectives on the role of women in peace-building, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated to it,” said Ambassador Michael Davenport, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

The study visit underscored the paramount importance of inclusivity in conflict resolution and dialogue processes, aligning seamlessly with the Women and Youth Peace, and Security Agendas.

During her engaging presentation, Avila Kilmurray, one of the founders of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, offered a compelling insight into the foundational journey of this political party. She delved into the core principles that underpinned the coalition's mission, emphasizing the pivotal role of human rights, equality, and cross-community collaboration. Avila underscored how each member of the party drew strength from these principles, aligning their efforts toward creating a more inclusive and harmonious Northern Ireland.

The study tour started with a visit to Stormont Parliament Building, where the participants engaged with Member of Legislative Assembly - Andy Alan, who shared his inspiring personal journey as a politician with disabilities. As part of the programme, the group visited the Shankill Women's Centre, a locally-based organization that provides for training, health awareness, childcare, and activities catering to young women in the Greater Shankill area and beyond. During the meeting with representatives of the Northern Ireland Office and the Irish Secretariat in Belfast, participants reflected on the importance of joint efforts for continuously and holistically advancing peace-building and inter-community relations.

"This experience provided me with a wealth of ideas on how I can make a positive difference in my own community. Learning first-hand from experienced peace practitioners illuminated both the strategies to adopt and the pitfalls to avoid," said Dea Fetiu, an alumna from Prishtinë/Priština.

Tamara Milanović, an alumna from Belgrade, said she truly appreciated the opportunity to learn about the methods and mechanisms that the people of Northern Ireland have employed to continuously foster community engagement for peace-building and enhance inter-community relations.

The Dialogue Academy Alumnae also had the opportunity to spend an evening at the office of the Washington Ireland Program, an initiative dedicated to nurturing and empowering emerging leaders. During this gathering, alumni from both programs engaged in fruitful discussions and reflections. They collectively reaffirmed their shared mission: to support and empower young women and men, deeply committed to forging a future characterized by peace and prosperity for their respective societies.

The study tour to Northern Ireland – organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo for the second year in a row – has not only broadened the horizons of the Dialogue Academy alumnae but also deepened their understanding and willingness to foster peace-building, inclusivity, and dialogue within their respective communities. This experience will undoubtedly contribute to their personal growth but also inspire their further engagement in the Dialogue Academy Alumnae Network as drivers of positive social change.

552724 Marina Živaljević

How a police officer prepares to interview a victim of human trafficking and assess their general health are some of the most important elements in the interview process, discussed at the third workshop organizes by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro with the support of the Ministry of Interior’s Department for Combating Human Trafficking. Nineteen police officers participated in this workshop in Bijelo Polje on 18 and 19 September. Previously two workshops were organized in April and May in Budva and Bar.

Opening the event, Toni Škrinjar, Organized Crime Police Adviser for the Mission said that human trafficking is one of the most egregious examples of human rights abuses, operated by organized crime globally that generates enormous amounts of illegal profit. “Patience and empathy are required when interviewing victims to avoid further traumatizing them. Having a sound understanding of the risks to victims, ethical considerations, and the practical realities related to trafficking can help minimize the dangers and increase the likelihood that a victim will disclose relevant and accurate information during the interview,” said Škrinjar.

Tijana Šuković, Head of the Ministry’s Department for Combating Human Trafficking, stated that in 2022, 52 police officers participated in OSCE-supported training sessions, while this year, 58 participants attended in three workshops. “These training sessions are important and contribute to strengthening co-operation among police professionals on a practical level, to ensure that victims are identified and perpetrators are prosecuted,” said Šuković.

These training workshops used guidelines developed with the Mission’s support in 2021 for conducting interviews of suspected victims of human trafficking with a standardized set of questions.

The Mission will continue to support Montenegro in implementing the National Strategy for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings 2019-2024 and supporting national authorities to combat human trafficking.

552721 Albanian journalists attending the 9th annual Media Development Forum, organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania.

On 18 September, the OSCE Presence in Albania organized its ninth annual Media Development Forum, a platform for dialogue among media, public institutions and civil society. This year’s Forum focused on journalist safety, media legislation, and effects of artificial intelligence on the work of media in Albania.

During the opening remarks, Ambassador Bruce Berton, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, emphasized the commitment of the Presence toward the cause of press freedom and freedom of the media in the country. “It is crucial that the media are provided the tools and institutional policies to help them navigate the rapidly changing information ecosystem in a responsible and ethical manner. In keeping with OSCE principles that the government has committed to, as one of our 57 participating states, the Albanian public institutions must allow the media the space to operate in an unobstructed way. Thus, we encourage authorities to be mindful of balance, and carefully weigh in the dissemination of information that is important for the public to know. Facts must always be allowed to come to light, even they if call for accountability or call out abuses or corruption,” Ambassador Berton said.

Adea Pirdeni, Albanian Deputy Minister of Justice, Teresa Ribeiro, OSCE Representative on the Freedom of the Media, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, Chargé d’affaires a.i., EU Delegation to Albania, Giulia Re, Head of the Council of Europe (CoE) Office in Tirana, also delivered welcoming remarks.

The Forum’s second session was dedicated to the main challenges emerging with the recent extended use of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on media. Discussions focused on the importance of transparence, access to information and the verification of facts as a tool in the fight against corruption and in promoting professional journalism.

A special ceremony was held during the Forum to announce the winners of the OSCE Fact Checking Competition 2023. They are:

• Arbjona Çibuku from Citizens Channel for the article "The Orbital Forest of Tirana".
• Esmeralda Cenollari from Faktoje.al for the article: "By Pass of Vlora".
• Ilda Koçi from Faktoje.al for the article "All the roads of Shijak lead to the Park, a bill of 40 million lek for the park that does not exist!”.

This year’s Competition was focused more on fact checking and use of open-source data, aiming to promote fact-based journalism, advocating the use of publicly-sourced data, and championing solid newsgathering skills.

VIENNA/PRAGUE, 15 September 2023 – Promoting security and stability across the OSCE region through sustainable development and inclusive economic growth were in focus at the 2023 Forum on the Economic and Environmental Dimension of the OSCE, which took place in Prague from 14 to 15 September.

Hosted by 2023 OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minster of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, the Forum provided a platform for in-depth discussion and exchange on environmental and economic security, the OSCE’s second dimension of security.

“Climate change is by far the most pressing challenge of today and tomorrow. However, there are many other lingering challenges that continue to trouble us. Natural and man-made disasters, such as the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, pose a serious threat to the human and environmental security of the OSCE area and beyond. People are first to feel the severe impact of such catastrophes,” said Chairman Osmani. “Building on its own experience, capacities and structures, I believe that the OSCE can play a particular role in finding ways and mitigating disasters,” he added.

The event was co-hosted by the Czech Republic, represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský.

“Ukraine is a victim of the war of aggression waged by Russia, that's why it belongs at the top of the OSCE agenda. I am very grateful to Minister Osmani that under the Chairpersonship of North Macedonia the situation of Ukraine is receiving the attention it deserves, and to the OSCE for the commitment to its values,” said Lipavský.

"The OSCE has always taken a comprehensive approach to security: We cannot build lasting security without addressing economic and environmental issues," stressed OSCE Secretary General Schmid. "Today's challenges are multifaceted, but the OSCE has significant expertise in addressing them: We are promoting regional co-operation to address climate-related risks, we help strengthen transport links between Europe and Central Asia to enhance economic opportunities, and we support participating States in the fight against corruption including through new technologies. In these ways and so many more, we are helping to support sustainable peace and stability.”

The two-day event convened delegates from governmental and state institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society, and international organizations to discuss co-operation to tackle climate change, good governance and anti-corruption, trade and transport facilitation for sustainable development and food security, and disaster risk management.

The event also offered a platform to address these challenges against the backdrop of the war against Ukraine, which has posed unprecedented threats to the security, economy and environment of Ukraine and the OSCE region as a whole.

The event built upon discussions held at the 2023 Struga Conference on the Economic & Environmental Dimension of the OSCE and the 2023 High-Level Conference on Climate Change.

For more information, please contact Boni Cvetanovska (boni.cvetanovska@mfa.gov.mk), Press and Communication Team, OSCE 2023 Chairpersonship of North Macedonia.

WARSAW, 15 September 2023 – To make our societies and institutions more resilient and strengthen our commitment to democratic values, it is vital to ensure the full participation of all groups in society and include their opinions and needs when decisions are taken that affect all our futures, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on today’s International Day of Democracy.

“The resilience of democratic institutions has never been more important,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “Democratic societies that truly represent and hold themselves accountable to the people they serve do not only work better, but lay the foundations for more sustainable and peaceful societies.”

As democratic institutions are increasingly called into question and people seek to make their voices heard in a fast-changing world, it is important that countries across the OSCE region invest in democratic institutions and inclusive participation, while fully committing to human rights and the rule of law. Our democratic institutions must better reflect the plurality of political opinions as well as the diversity of our societies, ensuring that all voices are heard, including young people, women, national minorities, and people with disabilities.

Both civil society and individual human rights defenders play a vital role in giving a voice to underrepresented groups and to safeguarding and defending democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. This in turn strengthens stability and security in our region, which is all the more important in times of crisis.

At the same time, civil society activists and human rights defenders are finding themselves the target of attack, including physical attacks, arrests or criminalization of their work, legal and administrative restrictions on funding or on freedom of association and peaceful assembly, or harassment and online smear campaigns. Governments need to take far greater efforts to support civil society, and publicly recognise its crucial role in making our democracy stronger.

The OSCE has unequivocally recognised that “pluralistic democracy and the rule of law are essential for ensuring respect for all human rights.” The link between democracy, democratic institutions and peace has been acknowledged by all OSCE countries, when they stated: “Recognizing that full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the development of societies based on pluralistic democracy and the rule of law is a prerequisite for achieving a lasting peace, security, justice and stability”.

ODIHR works throughout the OSCE region to support national authorities in making their commitments to democracy and human rights a reality. Despite many challenges around the region, the Office continues to help develop societies that include all those who live in them, supports vibrant civil societies, strengthen democratic institutions based on the rule of law, and increase respect for human rights and freedoms.

VIENNA 15 September 2023 – On the International Day of Democracy, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, underscores the mutually reinforcing nature of democracy, the rule of law, and media freedom. “Advancing and sustaining democratic, resilient, and inclusive societies requires a steadfast commitment to media freedom,” says Teresa Ribeiro.

In the 2023 Joint Declaration on Media Freedom and Democracy, Ribeiro, along with the other global free speech mandate holders, emphasizes the media’s pivotal role in delivering trustworthy news and fostering informed public discourse. This, in turn, cultivates a well-informed and active citizenry. “The media serve as vigilant watchdogs, holding those in power accountable through thorough investigations and reporting on matters of public interest. By doing this, they play an integral role in bolstering democratic processes and institutions,” Ribeiro asserts.

“Conversely,  a decline in media freedom undermines both democratic safeguards and the protection of human rights. Over the past decade, we have undeniably witnessed this interconnection, which has been a contributing factor in the emergence of conflicts.” This year’s International Day of Democracy, focused on conflict prevention, underscores the urgent need to nurture human rights and democratic values as a means to mitigate and resolve the risks of conflict.

“Access to reliable, diverse, and public-interest information is essential at all times. By verifying information, empowering individuals, and fostering reconciliation, pluralistic and independent media serve a foundational role in upholding democratic principles and preventing conflict,”  Ribeiro says. “The weaponization of information by autocratic forces for spreading hate speech and propaganda, especially propaganda for war, has no place in democracy. On the contrary, independent quality media are needed to counter the deeply disturbing trends of authoritarianism, co-optation of public power, and backsliding on human rights.”

“On this Democracy Day, I urge all States to renew their commitment to fostering an environment conducive to media freedom, recognizing it as a key pillar for both conflict prevention and the global advancement of democracy,” says Ribeiro.

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.

VIENNA, 13 September – Today, Canada assumed the Chairpersonship of the OSCE’s Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) until December 2023. During the opening session, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill Blair, underlined the importance Canada attaches to the role of the FSC and to dialogue on security across the OSCE region.

“As a founding member of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Canada is honoured to become Forum for Security Co-operation Chair for the first time in 17 years. The OSCE and FSC have an important role to play in upholding peace, security, and democracy. As FSC Chair, Canada will remain a staunch defender of human rights and along with OSCE partners, we will continue to stand up for the rules-based international order – including by supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion,” said Minister Blair.

Informed by the input from other participating States, Canada will set the agenda of the FSC and chair its weekly meetings, which will serve as a platform for dialogue amongst the 57 OSCE participating States. This will include ‘security dialogues’, featuring international expert panelists, on security issues facing the OSCE region.

Maintaining an approach that is informed by diversity and gender equality, Canada will organize five priority discussions that will cover mine action, international humanitarian law, Women, Peace and Security, mental health impacts of war, and information integrity in the military space.

“Canada strongly supports the work of the OSCE and is looking forward, as FSC Chair, to collaborating with participating States on security issues across the OSCE region,” said Ambassador Jocelyn Kinnear, Canada’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE. “One of the most pressing issues facing the Forum remains addressing the impacts of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”

The OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation is the OSCE’s politico-military decision-making body, which aims to foster the norms of openness and transparency between OSCE participating States. Canada last chaired the Forum in 2006, when it oversaw the FSC’s 500th meeting.

For media enquiries please contact: fsc2023.canada@international.gc.ca.

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As part of its ongoing multi-year programme to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department implemented the third in a series of regional interactive workshops on combatting illicit trafficking of art, antiquities and cultural property in Pula, Croatia from 11 to 15 September. The training course was held for law enforcement, border management officers, and museum experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.

Police, border security and customs officers, intelligence analysts, financial investigators and ministry of culture representatives received hands-on investigative skills training, notably through the use of scenario-based, simulation training exercises. These include the use of fictitious art crimes and trafficking cases to highlight the latest investigative technologies and tools, building cross-border partnerships to tackle this growing area of crime. Expert trainers of the OSCE-led Heritage Crime Task Force also touched upon forensic crime scene investigation at museums and archeological sites, delivered training on how to appropriately handle art, artifacts and historical documents, tools and methods to conduct dark net/black market investigations, disrupt money-laundering networks and ultimately, put together cases that could be brought towards successful prosecution. 

“These regional trainings are strengthening the capacity of participating States to preserve human history and tackle the trafficking networks and their linkages to cross-border organized crime and terrorist financing, and money laundering networks,” said Cameron Walter, Customs Adviser and Programme Manager of the OSCE Heritage Crime Task Force. 

This workshop also provided a critical forum for real-time exchange between experts related to trafficking of cultural heritage items in the context of the war in Ukraine, discussions on local/regional investigations, and potential options to assist Morocco, OSCE Partner for Co-operation, in protecting its cultural heritage at sites damaged by this week’s earthquakes.

“The OSCE is all about positive impact. For too long, the issue of cultural property trafficking has been a story of criminal organizations and opportunists exploiting the collections of human history, progress, art and tangible cultural heritage for criminal gain, or funding downstream criminal activities that impact the security of communities across the OSCE area and beyond. Instead, the OSCE is assisting participating States to turn this into a story about the positive impact of collaboration, and the dedication of international law enforcement experts, national art crime teams, and the museum community to directly confront this transnational threat,” Walter concluded.   

The workshop was delivered in close partnership with the experts of the OSCE Heritage Crime Task Force which includes: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Spain's Guardia Civil, Italy’s Arma dei Carabinieri, Finland’s TULLI (Customs), France’s Douanes et Droits Indirects (Customs) and France’s Armée de Terre, the International Council of Museums (ICOM), Blue Shield International, Cranfield University Forensic Training Institute, the Victoria and Albert Museum and other subject specialists.

VIENNA/PRAGUE, 13 September 2023 – On 14 and 15 September, OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, will open the 2023 Prague Forum on the Economic and Environmental Dimension of the OSCE to discuss security and stability across the OSCE region through sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. 

The two-day event, which builds upon discussions held at the 2023 Struga Conference on the Economic & Environmental Dimension of the OSCE and the 2023 High-Level Conference on Climate Change, will convene delegates from governmental and state institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society, and international organizations.

Topics for discussion include co-operation to tackle climate change, good governance and anti-corruption, trade and transport facilitation for sustainable development and food security, and disaster risk management.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jan Lipavský and OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will also provide opening remarks and the keynote address will be delivered by Markiyan Dmytrasevych, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.

The high-level opening session starting at 9:00 on 14 September will be live-streamed on www.osce.org/live for media and the general public to follow remotely.

For more information, please contact Boni Cvetanovska (boni.cvetanovska@mfa.gov.mk), Press and Communication Team, OSCE 2023 Chairpersonship of North Macedonia.

Follow @OSCECiO and @Bujar_O to join the discussion.

551795 Ademi Kydyralieva

On September 6, a meeting between international donor organizations operating in the EAG region took place in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyz Republic. The donor meeting was held in a hybrid format and was attended by representatives of international organizations working with financial security and local state partners such as the State Financial Intelligence Service.

Organized as a part of a long-term project initiated back in September 2021, this event was aimed at improving the coordination among state intelligence services and international partners who provide crucial help to the Kyrgyz Republic in building a stronger national anti-money laundering and countering financing terrorism (AML/CFT) system. 

The participants were presented with an analysis of the assistance provided since the first meeting in April 2022 and its effectiveness. The developed EAG project plan reflects the national needs identified through mutual evaluation. In this regard, targeted efforts to assist donors and the country have led to significant achievements, such as improving compliance with a range of  Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.

After the meeting, the key priorities for Kyrgyzstan in combating money laundering and terrorism financing were clearly identified and the collaboration between international donor organizations and local state partners has improved. 

The OSCE supports diverse collaboration between partners and highlights the importance of achieving common objectives and creating a safer financial landscape both in Kyrgyz Republic and in the Eurasian region.

List of participating partners included the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, the Secretariat of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG), the Asian Development Bank, the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, the International Training and Methodological Center for Financial Monitoring of the Russian Federation, the International Finance Corporation, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the Egmont Centre of FIU Excellence and Leadership, the Islamic Development Bank, the Financial Services Volunteer Corps, the Eurasian Development Bank, and the United Arab Emirates.