Central Europe

548107 Boni Cvetanovska

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani met today, 7 July, with the newly elected President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pia Kauma, Member of Parliament for Finland, on the margins of the OSCE High-Level Conference on Climate Change in Vienna.

Chairman Osmani congratulated President Kauma on her election and underscored the importance of the Parliamentary Assembly in providing democratic accountability to the whole organization. He welcomed the engagement of Parliamentarians and the added value they bring to the work of the OSCE. 

Chairman Osmani and President Kauma also discussed the outcomes of the OSCE PA 2023 Annual Session that concluded on 4 July, including the Vancouver Declaration, and avenues to enhance governmental-parliamentary co-operation in the OSCE.

Osmani reaffirmed the Chairpersonship’s readiness for active engagement and willingness to continue co-operation for common contributions towards upholding OSCE principles and commitments.

548101 Communication and Media Relations Section Alexandra Taylor

Over 25 experts from the Government of the Republic of  Tajikistan attended a workshop from 4 to 6 July 2023 dedicated to enhancing the protection of vulnerable targets — critical infrastructure and soft targets, such as public places — from terrorist attacks. The workshop was co-organized by the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.  

One of the main events of the workshop was the launch of the Republic of Tajikistan’s Roadmap to Strengthen the Protection of Vulnerable Targets against Terrorist Threats, which is one of the outcomes of the United Nations Global Programme on the Protection of Vulnerable Targets from Terrorist Attacks. With this Roadmap, UN agencies and others such as the OSCE can pursue co-ordinated support to the Republic of Tajikistan in this important domain.

“As the Republic of Tajikistan continues to grow its critical sectors such as tourism, industry, education and transportation, it is important that we support the development of national frameworks for protecting these sectors against terrorist threats. This will help to contribute to both the safe and sustainable development of the country,” said Rati Japaridze, Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe.

Sahobiddin Sadriddinzod, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable targets from terrorist threats during the opening remarks: “Common security threats require united and co-ordinated regional and international efforts. A vivid practical example of this is the successful co-operation of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan with international partners and relevant stakeholders in organizing a series of high-level international conferences within the framework of the Dushanbe Process on Countering Terrorism, a platform that promotes multi-pronged co-operation to combat terrorism and violent extremism that leads to terrorism.”

During the workshop, national and international experts discussed diverse approaches to designing protective strategies for critical infrastructure and soft targets, including public places. They focused on national legislative and policy frameworks, facility security and public-private partnerships. They also underscored the importance of protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular during crisis situations when critical services are disrupted or terrorist attacks take place.

Feedback and outcomes from the workshop will be used by the OSCE in future initiatives for delivering tailored support to the Republic of Tajikistan as part of the Organization’s continuous support in preventing terrorism and violent extremism.

The workshop was also the first national activity on this topic in Central Asia since the regional expert workshop on the protection of vulnerable targets from terrorist attacks held in November 2022 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

548059

Modern law enforcers need to be especially vigilant and know how to safely use IT technologies in order not to compromise people’s personal data, disrupt investigation or make their institutions vulnerable to attacks of criminals. Piloting of a new course on cyberhygiene developed by the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine’s future law enforcers and emergency response personnel started with the first three-days session organized in Kamianets-Podilsky, Khmelnytska Oblast on 6-9 July 2023.

Twenty students of universities of Ukraine’s Ministry of Interior from across the country are first trainees who are testing the new course. The training covers basics of cyber safety rules, including ways to protect personal data, main threats and risks related to use of e-mail, social networks and other tools, security tips for IT-equipment, including mobile phones, features of malware and needed physical measures to ensure protection of information resources.

“Successful cyber-attack can slow-down or totally disrupt work of an institution, law enforcement and emergency services cannot afford taking such risks, as often people’s lives and well-being depend on their swift and efficient work. As human factor is a key vulnerability in digital world, we hope these trainings will increase immunity of these Ukrainian agencies against masterminds of cybercrime,” – said Pierre Baussand, OSCE Support Programme Manager.   

The course will be tested at three other sessions with at least 80 students involved.  Based on the outcomes of the piloting, the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine will refine the course, train the trainers and equip them with the necessary materials. The goal is to make cyberhygiene an integral part of the usual educational process for the institutions that train law enforcers and personnel of emergency services.   

These efforts are part of a project implemented by the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and with financial support from Organisation’s participating States and partners, full list of the Programme’s donors is available here. 

547981

On 30 April 2023, Uzbekistan adopted by referendum the new edition of the Constitution, which introduces articles directly related to changes in the Parliament’s election system. Starting from 2024, Uzbekistan plans to implement proportional representation for 50% of the seats in the Legislative Chamber (Lower Chamber) of the Oliy Majlis. This presents a unique opportunity for persons with disabilities to pursue deputy positions and strive for the 75 available seats.

As a result, from 5 to 7 July, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan in collaboration with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Association of Disabled People of Uzbekistan organized a training course on enhancing negotiation skills. This marks the first phase of a series of capacity-building training courses for representatives of disability-focused NGOs who aspire to participate in Uzbekistan’s 2024 parliamentary elections.

A total of 35 representatives (15 women, 20 men) from across different regions of Uzbekistan, including the Republic of Karakalpakstan, attended the training event. Participants acquired practical techniques on how to conduct successful negotiations. The second phase of the training will take place in August 2023 and will complement negotiation techniques with public speaking skills.

In his remarks, Ambassador Clemens Koja, OSCE Acting Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, regarded proportional representation as an opportunity for persons with disabilities to pursue deputy positions in the Legislative Chamber of the Parliament, and encouraged them to “seize the moment and work together to create a political landscape that truly reflects the diverse voices of the people of Uzbekistan."

547954 Kunduz Rysbek

From 03 to 06 July 2023, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek in cooperation with the Antiterrorism Centre of the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic (ATC SCNS KR) conducted an awareness raising and competence building training for state bodies of the Kyrgyz Republic in the implementation of the state policy in countering violent extremism and terrorism. The activity took place at Lake Issyk-Kul as a part of the 10th Annual Expert Meeting on Countering Terrorism involving representatives of state bodies and experts. 

The Expert Meeting aimed to let representatives of state agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic familiarize themselves with the new Program of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on Countering Extremism and Terrorism for 2023-2027 as adopted in March 2023. During the event, results of the implementation of the previous Countering Extremism and Terrorism Program were presented and discussions of major achievements and strengths as well as weaknesses and challenging areas of its implementation were held. The participants learnt the main goal, objectives and basic principles of the new Program of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on Countering Extremism and Terrorism for 2023-2027 and its primary areas and directions were presented. During the activity, national experts presented a draft Plan of Actions to implement the new Program and discussed with the participants the mechanisms of the implementation thereof and efforts to counter the dissemination of violent extremism in local communities, among women and the youth in particular.

This Expert Meeting provided a venue for a wide-ranging discussion of objectives and expected results set in the new Program, as well as the interaction of respective implementing agencies and the execution of activities provided for in the implementation thereof. National experts provided explanations concerning the content of the Program along with areas/directions, objectives and activities set forth therein. 

The main purpose of the activity attended by around 30 representatives of state agencies was to build capacity in their efforts to counter violent extremism and terrorism, as well as to discuss the implementation of the state policy and improve cooperation and interaction in this area.

To note, the new Program of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on Countering Extremism and Terrorism for 2023-2027 was drafted by the ATC SCNS KR with the active support by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek. As part of this cooperation, in June 2023, the new Program was presented on the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week attended by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, ATC SCNS KR, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)and representatives of the civil society.

The Annual Expert Meeting on Countering Terrorism arranged by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek is a platform for information sharing and discussion of various aspects of preventing violent extremism and countering terrorism, and facilitates the development and improvement of the practice in combating these threats in compliance with the national law and international principles.

STRASBOURG, 5 July 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani concluded his visit to the Council of Europe today.

In his address to the Council of Europe, OSCE Chairman Osmani laid out the challenges faced in the current, difficult geopolitical climate.

“Today’s democracies are under attack through different ways and means. We face unprecedented security challenges, marked by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This war is a constant hurdle. A limit to all. To multilateralism, to dialogue, to agreement.”

Osmani emphasized that Ukraine remains a key priority for the OSCE Chairpersonship, but added that “at the same time, we attach particular importance to protracted conflicts and regional instabilities across the OSCE region, which are also impacting the lives of people. The OSCE has an important role to play in addressing these challenges. Its toolbox and capacities are beneficial in supporting peace and co-operation.” 

He underscored the differing, yet complementary roles, the OSCE and the Council of Europe play in the European security architecture, and the importance of their values and principles. He cited the tangible impact of the two organizations’ close partnership and the shared priorities of the OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia and the Council of Europe Presidency of Latvia to better people’s lives.

“These are the times when we need to reinforce our partnership, missions and values. To work and act together. Our mutual commitment to uphold a rules-based order, while respecting human rights and dignity, is fundamental,” Osmani stressed.

During his visit, the OSCE Chairman also met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić. They spoke about the OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia and ways to further strengthen co-operation between the two organizations and with the OSCE’s field offices and institutions.

Chairman Osmani also met with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović. They exchanged views about the challenges of human rights promotion in the given circumstances and the need for reinforced co-operation between the two organizations to this end.

“The OSCE and the Council of Europe share a common goal: the promotion of stability and security on the basis of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights in Europe,” said Osmani. “In unprecedented times like today, our co-operation across our organizations is more essential than ever and working together can help us maximize our positive impact.”

547880 Kunduz Rysbek

On 28-29 June, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek together with the Border Service of State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic and representatives of the border services from the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan conducted a Line of conduct practical exercises.

The Line of conduct practical exercises organized annually in accordance with the annual co-operation plan between the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and the Border Service of State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic and aimed to strengthen co-operation and security, as well as contribute to confidence building, and good co-ordination of joint activities at the border.

The event served as a platform for the participants to discuss border security with the focus on transnational threats and how transnational threats can be addressed effectively.

To supplement the Line of conduct practical exercises, on 30 June 2023 the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek supported a friendly football tournament among participants. Carrying out of similar sport events promotes additional conditions to strengthen regional border co-operation as well as contributes to good neighborly relations in the region.

547874 Kunduz Rysbek

On June 30, a regional forum "Digitalization of criminal justice" was held in Bishkek with the support of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic. Representatives of the Prosecutor General's Offices of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, a number of heads of departments of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Supreme Court, ministries and departments attended the forum.

The experience in digital transformation of the Kyrgyz Republic was presented, in particular, automated information systems "Unified Register of Crimes", "Unified Register of Offenses", legal portal "Tolom", "Registration of inspections of business entities”.

Representatives of the Committee on Legal Statistics and Special Records of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan presented the information systems "Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations", "Unified Register of Administrative Offenses", "Unified Register of subjects and objects of inspections", "Zandylyk", "Electronic criminal case" and other systems.

Colleagues from the Republic of Uzbekistan presented their experience in the field of digitalization of criminal justice, after which a panel discussion was held on common challenges and trends in digitization.

The Prosecutor General's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic plans to hold similar IT-forums of digital prosecutors on an annual basis in an expanded format with the support of international partners of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the L. Boltzmann Institute.

The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek supports digital transformation in Kyrgyzstan and provides comprehensive support in its implementation.

VIENNA, 4 July 2023 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, strongly condemns today’s violent attack targeting prominent Russian journalist of Novaya Gazeta Elena Milashina and lawyer Alexander Nemov in Chechnya.

According to media reports, Elena Milashina and Alexander Nemov were travelling from the local airport in Chechnya to the capital of the republic, Grozny, when they were forcibly stopped and attacked. Reports indicate that the attackers shaved Milashina's head, broke several of her fingers, and covered her head with green dye, causing her to lose consciousness multiple times. Both victims were hospitalized in Grozny after the assault.

"I strongly condemn the brutal attack which is part of a distressing pattern of targeting Elena Milashina,” Ribeiro said. She recalled that the journalist was physically attacked at the Continent Hotel in Grozny in February 2022, followed by death threats in April of the same year, and subsequently subjected to further intimidation and verbal abuse.

The Representative reiterated that it is essential that media workers can carry out their professional duties without fear of violence or intimidation. “I expect the Russian authorities will do everything in their power to bring those responsible to justice, consistent with the statements of several Russian officials who have called for investigative and prosecutorial measures,” Ribeiro said.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

547835 Marina Živaljević

Women in Montenegro own 36% and 31% of the total number of residential and commercial/business units respectively. However, only 25% of the total square footage of all registered real estate belong to women. The same percentage of women (25%) are the sole owners of real estate, while as much as 59% of men have 1/1 ownership. Women most often acquire real estate by purchase - 40%, while 36% of them acquired real estate by inheritance. These are some of the key findings from a research Gender and property ownership in Montenegro - mapping the property gap, presented on 4 July in Podgorica.

The research was commissioned by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and conducted by the DeFacto Consultancy Agency. Data collection is based on the entire sample of all (404,145) residential and commercial real estate units in Montenegro registered in the Cadastre.

Presenting the results at the press conference, Olivera Komar from the DeFacto Agency stated that the report proved the existence of inequality or a gap between men and women when it comes to ownership of real estate in Montenegro. “With the increase in the number of real estate that one person owns, the probability that that person is female decreases drastically. Thus, four out of five owners of five or more properties are male. Regional disparities are rather large, and majority of women own, inherit and buy real estates in the south. The lowest number of them are from northern parts of Montenegro. In the ownership structure, women are least represented in the municipalities of Petnjica (10%), Tuzi (12%) and Gusinje (15%), while they are most represented in the coastal municipalities of Budva (45%), Herceg Novi (44%) and Bar/Tivat. (40%),” said Komar.

Also, she added, women own less real estate on average. Among the owners who own only one property, 37% are women, while their share decreases as the number of properties decreases. Thus, 30% of them are among the owners of two properties, 27% among the owners of three properties, 25% among the owners of four and only 22% among the owners of five or more properties. “Although the majority of adult citizens of Montenegro are married or in extramarital union (which are legally equal), slightly less than 4% of real estate is owned jointly by the both owners.”

Siv-Katrine Leirtroe, Deputy Head of Mission, stated that for the first time, we have data on the real estate that is inherited by men and by women. “We can measure the real effect of traditional and patriarchal social norms on the distribution of property and the eventual pressure on women to give it up in favour of male relatives. The obtained results are, therefore, an excellent indicator and starting point for monitoring the state of gender equality,” said Leirtroe. She expressed hope that in the future this kind of analysis will be a regular task of the institution that owns the data, while the data will be actively used by policy makers and credit institutions that encourage female entrepreneurship.

Olivera Vukajlović, Head of Directorate of Competitiveness Enhancement in Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism said that the Ministry recognizes the importance of gender equality, and year after year implements measures and activities that contribute to reducing the gap between women and men in the economy, although the figures show that this gap is still evident. “Within the programme implemented by the Ministry, 128 projects of micro, small and medium enterprises owned by women were supported through nine programme lines, in the total amount of €918,038.13. Bearing in mind that the Ministry financially supported 359 projects in the total amount of €2,978,916.07, the fact that 35.65% of those supported were majority-owned by women is of great importance,” said Vukajlović.

Presented research should serve as baseline data for measuring the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns on the importance of equality in terms of inheritance, whereas the report can be used to plan interventions that influence decrease of gender gaps, such as credit institutions that focus on the promotion of female entrepreneurship.

547823

On 4 July, the OSCE, in partnership with Berlin-based think tank adelphi, published a Scoping Study that analyses the current context of wildfire risk reduction, landscape fire management and transboundary co-operation in Northern Armenia and Southern Georgia with a focus on two pilot municipalities: Sarchapet in Armenia and Bolnisi in Georgia.

Building on the findings of the earlier report “Regional Consultation for the South Caucasus – Armenia and Georgia”, published in 2021, the study draws on the consultations with national and local stakeholders in Armenia and Georgia and the expertise provided by Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC). The study provides an overview of fire management-related challenges in the region, maps current projects, initiatives and key stakeholders, and lays out ideas for co-operation activities at the community level between the municipalities of Bolnisi and Sarchapet.

Fires pose a major risk to the South Caucasus region. With climate change, temperatures become warmer, precipitation levels change, and heatwaves and droughts become more frequent and intense. This creates conditions that are conducive to the occurrence and spread of wildfires, which can pose fires environmental, economic, social, and health risks, and undermine security. Given that these risks are likely shared by neighbouring communities across borders, co-operation is crucial for addressing them in a holistic and sustainable manner.

The next steps will be to establish a co-operation strategy and implementation plan followed by pilot initiatives to operationalize cross-border co-operation on fire risk reduction for strengthening climate resilience.

This scoping study was prepared within the framework of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Strengthening responses to security risks from climate change in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia”, which is implemented by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) in partnership with adelphi and funded by Andorra, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. The project is part of the OSCE’s active effort to support its participating States in implementing the 2021 OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on climate change.

ERGNETI, 3 July 2023 — The 113th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) was held today in Ergneti, under the co-facilitation of the Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), Dimitrios Karabalis, and the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus, Viorel Moşanu. 

The EUMM and OSCE commended the sustained commitment of the participants to the IPRM format. The co-facilitators welcomed the temporary opening of crossing points along the South Ossetian administrative boundary line (ABL) during the Lomisoba religious celebrations in June, allowing local communities on both sides to visit religious sites. At the same time, they reiterated their call for the full re-opening of crossing points, which would be crucial for women, men, children, and elderly people locally. The co-facilitators welcomed the constructive co-operation on irrigation water sharing and encouraged further advancing related efforts.

IPRM participants engaged in active discussions, among others focusing on the challenges faced by the conflict-affected populations, including restrictions to their freedom of movement, as well as recent security incidents. EUMM and OSCE voiced their concern about the continued practice of detentions and advocated for the release of all detainees.

IPRM participants also discussed additional issues that continue to negatively affect the lives and livelihoods of the populations on both sides of the ABL, in particular ‘borderisation’ activities, as well as access to drinking water. They also stressed the importance of the EUMM-managed Hotline to facilitate the exchange of information on the topic.

The participants agreed to convene the next regular IPRM meeting on 12 September 2023.

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, 30 June 2023 — The first Central Asia regional simulation-based training for anti-trafficking practitioners in OSCE history concluded today in Astana, Kazakhstan.

More than 100 professionals from the five Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — attended the weeklong training. They included representatives of law enforcement agencies, social service providers and civil society organizations.

The training gathered experts from a variety of fields to foster inter-agency collaboration and cross-border co-operation, as well as improve participants’ skills and expertise in protecting the most vulnerable in our societies.

“The transnational nature of human trafficking requires closer co-operation between authorities from different countries and the adoption of joint measures to combat it. I hope this training will have a positive impact on stopping this grave crime,” said Marat Seksembayev, Rector of the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In the context of large-scale migration flows in Central Asia, particularly from Afghanistan, the live-action simulation aimed at enhancing the criminal justice response to prosecute human traffickers operating along migration routes, while placing a special focus on sexual exploitation, forced labour and forced criminality. Particular emphasis was given to better equipping practitioners with tools to promptly identify victims and ensure adequate and effective protection mechanisms. Participants faced realistic scenarios where they worked in multi-agency teams and applied a victim-centred, trauma-informed, gender-sensitive and human rights-based approach.

“Giving you the opportunity to experience inter-agency simulated exercises will equip you with a network of contacts and skills which you will be able to directly apply in practice. Previous exercises in the OSCE region have shown that establishing professional contacts and facilitating knowledge-sharing amongst different agencies has delivered for victims, sometimes directly rescuing them from situations of exploitation. We hope to see these results continue in Central Asia.” said Andrea Salvoni, OSCE Acting Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.  

The training was implemented in partnership with the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the OSCE field operations in Central Asia.

Since 2016, when the OSCE project “Combating Human Trafficking along Migration Routes” began, the Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings has implemented nineteen simulation-based exercises involving over 2000 practitioners from 68 countries, including 55 participating States and seven Partners for Co-operation. The project is financed by Ireland, Italy, France, Lichtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Switzerland and the United States.

547706 Željka Šulc

Sarajevo, 30 June 2023 – Today, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations (UN) in Bosnia and Herzegovina marked 30 years of partnership in the country. Through our collaboration, the UN and the OSCE have supported Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress from conflict toward a more stable, secure and prosperous country for all citizens. 

Formal co-operation was initiated in the spring of 1993 and expanded following the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, and the establishment of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995. The initial areas of collaboration included supporting the return and reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons, property repossession, education reform, strengthening local governance, arms control, war crimes processing, supporting transitional justice and judicial reform.

“We greatly value the co-operation that we have had with the United Nations family in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the past 30 years,” said Ambassador Brian Aggeler, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Both organizations remain steadfast in our commitment to fundamental rights and freedoms, strong rule of law, responsible governance; and supporting the work of actors and communities dedicated to building and sustaining peace.”

In recent years, the United Nations and OSCE have increased their focus on strengthening mutual trust, understanding, and dignity across the country by working closely with civil society organizations, students, war veterans, religious communities, cultural institutions, women and youth groups and local “champions of peace”. The UN and OSCE also engage with municipal and city administrations, supporting inter-municipal and inter-entity collaboration.  

“Despite continuing inflammatory and divisive rhetoric at the highest levels of leadership, we see a strong desire across Bosnia and Herzegovina for the country to move forward towards a future based on shared aspirations and respect for diversity. We see people and leaders collaborating across business and economics; culture and the arts; science and technology; environmental protection, sports and tourism. We encourage more focus and support for these positive efforts and community champions,” stated Ingrid Macdonald, the United Nations Resident Co-ordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As part of these efforts, the UN and OSCE, together with the Council of Europe and the European Union, launched “Možemo Bolje: Empowering Trust and Cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Communities” in September 2022.

The project supports local administrations, civil society and other stakeholders to rebuild trust, understanding and constructive dialogue within and between communities, whilst also amplifying positive stories from across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Interest in this new project across the country has been high,” added Ambassador Aggeler. “Co-operation on the ground between the UN and OSCE staff at our field offices has been invaluable for identifying and engaging with partners and helping design projects that deliver both quick impacts and longer-term results.”

Underscoring the organizations’ commitment to youth in BiH, the OSCE and the UN recently joined forces to support the creation of the publication The Peace Young People Wish to Build in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The publication serves to convey the priorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s young people, demonstrating that all, no matter their background, value similar fundamental principles and aspirations.

“The United Nations and OSCE are fully committed to continue working with everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina that wants to promote a more prosperous, inclusive, fairer and sustainable country where people want to remain or return to; rather than leave” concluded UN Resident Co-ordinator Macdonald.

VIENNA, 29 June 2023 - Against a backdrop of a profound security crisis, a renewed commitment to restoring peace and security in the OSCE region and fostering meaningful multi-lateral exchange was the goal of the 2023 Security Review Conference. The 2023 Chairpersonship of North Macedonia held the event on 28 and 29 June under the title ‘Restoring peace and security, engaging in dialogue and rebuilding trust – For the people’.

The conference provided an opportunity for high-level representatives from participating States and Partners for Co-operation to review common security threats and challenges as well as the Organization’s role in tackling them.

Discussions focused on the ongoing humanitarian impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the means by which to mitigate a broad range of threats and challenges, and the central role of dialogue as a tool to de-escalate violence.

During his opening remarks, OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani said: “Our plan for the second half of the year is to continue offering solutions that could contribute to the processes for peace and stability across the OSCE region. After all, the OSCE is designed to propose solutions and act. As I said on numerous occasions, a perpetual provider.”

Conversations also touched on the growing number of transnational threats, such as organized crime, radicalization and violent extremism, the OSCE region faces and the crucial part that co-operation plays in addressing them.

“As the world’s largest regional security organization, the OSCE is working to address challenges across the whole region and across the full spectrum, from enhancing border security to fighting corruption and illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons to supporting the conduct of free and fair elections,” said OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid.

On 26 June, Albanian public institutions and civil society organizations signed a new Co-operation Agreement for the National Referral Mechanism for Potential and Victims of Trafficking (NRM), developed thanks to the OSCE Presence’s technical assistance in the 2022–2023 years.

The new agreement targets existing and emerging types of trafficking in human beings and involves all pertinent institutions in order to guarantee adequate protection to potential and current victims of trafficking in Albania. It follows a thorough needs assessment analysis and consultations with state and civil society stakeholders, conducted by the Presence and the Ministry of Interior, in order to update the NRM framework in line with the Albanian human trafficking challenges, the legal framework, and ultimately with the OSCE commitments.

In remarks delivered at the event, the Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Bruce Berton called attention to the fact that, “For the first time in Albania, the NRM Agreement incorporates the advisory board of the victims of trafficking through the shelters for victims of trafficking, makes it even more distinctive and in line with the OSCE’s victim-centred approach to addressing human trafficking”.

Fifteen representatives of Albania’s state institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs) signed the new NRM Agreement. It is worth noticing that the number of signatories has expanded compared to the previous agreement, to include state institutions, such as the State Agency for the Rights and Protection of the Child, the State Labour Inspectorate, the Free Legal Aid, the State Agency or the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets, and the State Employment Service, as well as CSOs that provide emergency and long-term assistance to victims of trafficking, thus, expanding the range of services available for adult and children victims of trafficking.

The OSCE Presence in Albania will continue to provide technical assistance to state institutions in the fight against trafficking in human beings, especially in supporting the NRM Agreement’s implementation through the provision of specific guidance and training.

VIENNA, 28 June 2023 – On 7 July 2023, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will host the OSCE High-Level Conference on Climate Change in Vienna.  

The conference will bring together Ministers, Climate Envoys and other high-level political actors of the OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation along with representatives of international organizations and civil society, climate security experts and practitioners.

The High-Level Conference on Climate Change will provide an opportunity to explore prospects for further action on combatting climate-related security threats. Within this context, Secretary General Schmid will lay out the next steps for the OSCE’s action on climate change.

Interested media will have the opportunity to attend a doorstep between 09:15 to 10:00 to capture the arrival of high-level conference participants at the OSCE Congress Centre, Hofburg on 7 July.

Media representatives interested in attending the doorstep should send an e-mail to press@osce.org no later than 17:00 on Thursday 6 July.  

The arrival of high-level participants (9:15), the opening (10:00) and closing (16:30) session of the conference, as well as the OSCE’s next steps on climate change action presented by the Secretary General (13:15), will be livestreamed on www.osce.org/live for media and the general public to follow remotely. All public and media information, including photography and videography, associated with the conference will be available on the event page https://www.osce.org/secretary-general/546052

Further information and the agenda are available here.

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Ukrainian and international legal professionals, civic activists, experts and youth join a series of events under the Constitution Week initiative to discuss how to better use constitutional justice for defending human rights in times of war. The initiative, organised by the OSCE Support Programme in partnership with the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, culminated on 28 June 2023, the country’s Constitution Day with the International Conference “The Constitution of Ukraine and the Triad of European Values: A Eurointegration Perspective”. The event enabled Ukrainian and foreign constitutional judges, practitioners, academics and international experts to review the importance of the triad of European values – democracy, human rights, and the rule of law - to play their role  during the armed conflict.

“We commend the resilience of our Ukrainian partners, of your institution, to continue to uphold the values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law – our common values, enshrined in international legal instruments, in the Helsinki Final Act. They have inspired and guided us for nearly 50 years. We stand by these principles even as in minds of many people this war has placed a big question mark near them”, said Pierre Baussand, the OSCE Support Programme Manager welcoming participants of the Conference.

The discussions during the conference will also help to further align Ukraine’s constitutional justice with European constitutional tradition and international law.

In a separate occasion, on 27 June a joint effort with the Aspen Institute Kyiv engaged leaders of legal profession in dialogue café “Constitutionalism under Extreme Conditions: Dialogues on Justice during the Times of War”. 30 judges, lawyers, MPs, top government officials, human rights activists, journalists, opinion leaders discussed the challenges and shared future visions of Ukrainian constitutionalism.

“War against Ukraine poses extreme challenges to the constitutional order, Ukrainian society and democratic institutions. At the same time, it is an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to the constitutional values and democratic future of Ukraine,» – said Vitalii Gatseliuk, member of the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine – This dialogue, in my opinion, is key ingredient in forging nation-wide consensus on Ukraine’s post-war future.” 

On 26 June 2023 the OSCE Support Programme offered the youth - future lawyers - an opportunity to explore challenges and discuss prospects for constitutional justice reform, with special focus on the use of constitutional complaint. The Youth Constitutional Café engaged law students in dialogue with peers and leading constitutional experts and Constitutional and Supreme court judges on access to justice on practicalities of constitutional justice under current conditions; national and international remedies in human rights protection. 

These project efforts are part of the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine, implemented with financial contributions from participating states and partners, full list of donors is available here. 

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On 27 and 28 June 2023, the OSCE, in co-operation with the German youth crime prevention initiative Kurve Kriegen, organized a study visit to Düsseldorf, Germany, on preventing juvenile delinquency for representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan.

Kurve Kriegen is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Interior of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany aimed at identifying at-risk youth and preventing their involvement in criminal activities. The study visit enabled five practitioners from Kyrgyzstan (four women and one man) to learn how to promote a culture of lawfulness and integrity among young people and how to prevent at-risk youth from becoming involved in illicit activities. The visit also focused on the importance of leveraging collaboration between government agencies.

Cholpon Tabaldieva, Senior Detective of the Service for Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, said: “The study visit is an excellent opportunity for us to explore ways to ensure effective co-operation between law enforcement, schools and social workers on working with and for youth to promote a culture of lawful behaviour from an early age.”

Christopher Ursuleack, Criminologist at the Kurve Kriegen initiative, said: “Crime prevention work is most effective when it targets the most vulnerable youth at an early age. This core principle of Kurve Kriegen is one of the main messages we aimed to convey to our colleagues from Kyrgyzstan during their visit.”

As a follow-up to the study visit, the representatives will discuss the creation of an action plan to partially replicate the Kurve Kriegen model within Kyrgyzstan to strengthen early identification and prevention of at-risk youth from being involved in criminal activities.

The study visit was held in the framework of the OSCE-wide multi-year project “Enhancing youth crime and drug use prevention through education on legality and awareness campaigns addressing threats of organized crime and corruption”, implemented by the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. The project is funded by Germany, with additional support from Andorra, Italy and Poland.

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Challenges and opportunities for joint actions was the focus of an event that gathered 25 women peacebuilders and mediators from Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 27 June 2023. The panel discussion was co-organized by the OSCE Gender Issues Programme, UN Women and GNWP.

The event took place as part of the OSCE’s commitment as a Catalytic member of the Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action Compact  (WPS-HA Compact), which calls for an accountable and transformative approach to WPS that operates across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.

The discussion identified key challenges faced by activists, helping set their priorities and recommendations on how international and regional organizations can continue supporting women’s civil society organizations and women’s leadership in times of complex conflicts and crises.

Dr. Lara Scarpitta, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Equality, underlined in her opening address that: “Supporting networks of women peacebuilders is a priority for the OSCE, as empowered peacebuilders play a stronger and more effective role in decision making.” Adding, “OSCE continues to deliver in support of networks of women peacebuilders to achieve our commitments under the COMPACT-WPS, placing women’s leadership as a pre-condition to achieving peace and security. A strong partnership with civil society and our international partners like UN Women will help us achieve success.”

Mavic Cabrera Balleza, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the GNWP highlighted the importance of civil society in the implementation of the WPS agenda. “I am excited and inspired by what the Compact can deliver - greater investment into existing commitments on WPS and gender equality in humanitarian action and greater accountability for their implementation.” She added, “However, lessons learned from decades of civil society work on these issues tell us that good frameworks and policies are not enough. A policy or framework is only as good as its implementation. Therefore, I call for the implementation of specific actions presented in the Compact Framework."

At the Closing of the event, UN Women Regional Director Alia El-Yassir said: “UN Women has said it before and together with our partners we are saying it again: placing women and girls at the centre of peace processes is critical if we are to build a more resilient and equal world and if we are to weather other crises in the future.”

The event was organized in parallel with a regional networking meeting for networks of women peacebuilders in the OSCE region, as part of the WIN Project’s partnership with the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders.