Central Europe

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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.

547733 Communication and Media Relations Section Alexandra Taylor

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. 

547211 Communication and Media Relations Section Alexandra Taylor

In collaboration with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, the OSCE Secretariat Gender Issues Programme organized a two-day regional meeting in Tashkent on 20-21 June 2023. The meeting enhanced networking and capacity building among Women's Resource Centres and civil society organizations in Central Asia, with a focus on combating gender-based violence.

Over 30 representatives from civil society, government, and international organizations, including OSCE field operations, UNFPA, and UN Women, attended the event and shared the progress made in their respective countries.

At the opening of the event, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, Dr. Lara Scarpitta stressed that: “The elimination of violence against women and girls remains a top priority for the OSCE. Women-led organizations across Central Asia do incredible work to provide services to survivors of gender-based violence and we remain fully committed to continue supporting and strengthening their efforts.’’

During the event, participants highlighted some examples of the networking established through the OSCE’s regional conference and capacity-building training organized last year in Dushanbe. They stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening the regional network of specialists and enlarging the group to ensure multilateral co-operation in the region.

Moreover, participants had an opportunity to learn about good international practices in supporting survivors and working with perpetrators. Ms. Iris Luarasi, Outgoing President of the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) shared her experience on the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence as well as holistic approaches to combating violence against women and working with perpetrators.

In addition, OSCE WIN Project expert Ms. Malin Palm presented the results of the OSCE and UNFPA conducted mapping of perpetrators programs in Central Asia.

The event is a part of the multi-year WIN project on strengthening comprehensive security through innovating and networking for gender equality, which aims to build capacity and increase participation of women in conflict prevention, mediation, and other processes relevant to comprehensive security.

On 26-27 June, the OSCE Presence in Albania organized a two-day training programme for seventeen members of the Albanian State Police (ASP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and General Prosecution Office. The training was held with the support of the Belgian Federal Judicial Police, Italian State Police, Guardia di Finanza, and Carabinieri’s Special Operations Group (ROS).

The training programme aimed at strengthening the overall investigative and operational capacities of the Albanian law enforcement agencies to counter transnational organized crime.

The training covered a number of topics, such as the European Union (EU) legislative instruments, one of them being EMPACT (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats) focusing on high-risk criminal networks, and operational actions involving Western Balkans, financial and criminal investigation of transnational organized crime networks, analysis of data and use of special investigative techniques, as well as links between corruption and transnational organized crime.

This activity was organized by the Presence’s Security Co-operation Department and Department for Governance in Economic and Environmental Issues. It was held in the framework of the Presence’s projects “Supporting Albanian law enforcement to tackle serious and organized crime and improve regional co-operation” and “Consolidated Action against Corruption in Albania”. The aim of the above-mentioned projects is to assist Albanian law enforcement agencies in developing capacities, improving professionalism, learning from the best practices of their European counterparts, and supporting police development and reform.

547196 Participants at the event aimed at unveiling the Baseline Assessment on Inspection, Investigation and Punishment of Environmental Contraventions and Crimes in Albania. (OSCE/Elton Tahirllari)

On 26 June, the OSCE Presence in Albania organized a workshop to unveil the findings of the Baseline Assessment on Inspection, Investigation and Punishment of Environmental Contraventions and Crimes in Albania. The baseline assessment for environmental governance, which is based on the analyses of legal framework, institutional capacities, and technical expertise, was commissioned by the Presence and conducted during the period of October 2022 – January 2023.

The baseline assessment was conducted in close co-operation with national authorities, by involving in the process officials of compliance and management agencies, police, prosecution, as well as representatives of civil society, media and academia. The baseline assessment highlighted the opportunities and 26 concrete recommendations to be addressed by national authorities. These recommendations and measures will support national authorities in drafting or reviewing existing or new policies, laws, or institutional framework, thus enhancing environmental law enforcement, inter-institutional co-operation and effective tackling of environmental contraventions.

In the presentation workshop, representatives of national institutions responsible for environmental inspection, enforcement and prosecution acknowledged and discussed the findings and recommendations, as an opportunity to enhance environmental governance and security in Albania. In addition, discussions also focused on potential ways and means to address the identified recommendations and measures in a tangible way.

Ambassador Bruce Berton, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, said that, “At the OSCE, we strongly believe that this project will support the authorities to adequately address existing gaps in terms of legal framework, capacities, and co-operation within the institutional chain dealing with environmental violations. The baseline assessment will serve as a guide for our joint work to enhance environmental governance and security.

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment, Almira Xhembulla, underlined the importance of the criminal code provisions to adequately tackle environmental violations. In addition, Deputy Minister Xhembulla stressed the progress made by Albanian authorities in terms of legislation revision and developed capacities, acknowledging the relevant support of OSCE Presence in Albania.

Representatives from General Prosecution Office, State Agency for Strategic Programming and Assistance Co-ordination, State Police and Embassies of Italy and France in Albania, emphasized the importance of inter-institutional cooperation for effective response against environmental violations and the progress made up to this point in terms of legal and institutional framework.

The Baseline Assessment was produced in the frame of an extra-budgetary project on Environmental Governance and Security in Albania implemented by the OSCE Presence in Albania and funded by the Governments of Norway, France and Italy.

The OSCE Presence in Albania will continue its multi-year efforts to cooperate and support national authorities in enhancing environmental governance and security in Albania, by addressing recommendations and measures identified in the baseline assessment.

The full text of the Baseline Assessment can be accessed under the publications section of the OSCE Presence’s webpage in Albanian and English versions: https://www.osce.org/presence-in-albania/546515

VIENNA, 26 JUNE 2023 – Closer co-operation and an innovative approach are needed by governments and civil society to build respect and trust in the diversity of our societies and combat intolerance and hatred, OSCE leaders said as a two-day conference began today.  

The event brings together representatives of OSCE states, international organizations, and civil society. Participants will explore the role of civil society organizations in promoting and protecting tolerance and combating discrimination, as well as assessing the effectiveness of their efforts and discussing the best means of providing them with the space and support they need to carry out their work.

"Experience in the OSCE region and beyond has shown that civil society actors are indispensable for addressing all forms of intolerance and discrimination,” said Ambassador Igor Djundev, Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council. “Given the role it plays in countering various forms of unequal treatment and prejudice, it is important that state authorities ensure that civil society has access to resources and an enabling environment.”

Participants will focus on three interconnected themes. The first highlights civil society strategies to help young people learn about respect for diversity and addressing intolerance and hatred in the online space, while the next explores the vital contribution of civil society to counter intolerance and discrimination against communities who are often the target of hatred. The final theme of the conference is dedicated to the need for collaboration and sustainable civil society coalitions and networks, including interfaith dialogue and partnerships.

States do not only have primary responsibility for protecting people from all forms of intolerance and discrimination, but also for helping to ensure that their rights are respected in practice. With numerous people from marginalized communities remaining displaced as a result of the war in Ukraine, it is crucial that governments take concrete steps to support their longer-term integration and social inclusion.

The role of civil society remains essential in these efforts, and is all the more important in countering hatred against communities such as Roma and Sinti or migrants and refugees, who are among the most vulnerable in the OSCE region. However, many civil society organizations are currently operating in the face of serious challenges. These come in many different forms, from physical attacks through politically motivated lawsuits or arrests to legal and administrative restrictions on funding. By removing such barriers and building partnerships with civil society, governments can make their own activities to combat intolerance more effective.

“Diverse and inclusive societies are better able to learn from everyone living in them, and at the same time are more resilient during periods of crisis,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “Working together, we can overcome intolerance to build strong societies in which each individual can prosper. But this also means that governments must support civil society, and publicly recognize its work as part of the solution.”

As our lives have increasingly moved online together with advances in technology, so too have intolerance and hatred. Participants will examine how best to equip young people with the awareness and skills needed to safely navigate the digital space and the vital role of education to increase awareness and respect for diversity. Tools and resources to help countries build more inclusive societies can be found on ODIHR’s website.

All OSCE countries have committed to combating discrimination, intolerance and hate as an integral aspect of the OSCE concept of comprehensive security.  They have also recognized the essential role of civil society in countering intolerance and discrimination and promoting mutual respect and understanding, as well as the critical need for co-operation between state authorities and civil society in these areas.

Supplementary Human Dimension Meetings are a platform for OSCE states and institutions, as well as international organizations and civil society, to exchange views and good practices in order to find common solutions for the challenges facing societies across the region. Today’s discussion is the third and final SHDM of 2023.

547085 Marina Živaljević

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro continues in its support of the SOS Helpline Nikšić as it develops microgreens farming as an occupational therapy for the women survivors of gender-based violence. In May and June, the Mission provided microgreens equipment and supplies as well as expertise in developing a Handbook for Microgreens Cultivation. This will be followed by trainings for survivors and NGO staff.

On 26 June, Dominique Waag, Head of Mission, in visiting the NGO SOS Helpline Nikšić commended the holistic and innovated approach that NGO SOS Nikšić has embraced, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives free from abuse. “Nothing is more important than offering protection and safe accommodation to those who suffer violence. In addition to safe refuge, microgreens farming can help women recover from violence and to overcome the trauma,” said Ambassador Waag.

Nataša Međedović, Executive Coordinator of NGO SOS Helpline Nikšić, thanked the Mission for the support and underlined that occupational therapy is one of the key resources that has the ability to go well beyond usual benefits of shelter services. “Through hands-on activities, microgreens farming will help the survivors maintain their psychological well-being and obtain skills that they can use upon leaving the shelter,” said Ms. Međedović.

She added that after suffering gender-based violence, recovery through occupational therapy has the potential to empower survivors and improve their prospects financial independence.

OSCE sees gender-based violence not only as a threat to individuals and communities, but also as a security concern. The Mission will continue to work alongside national authorities and civil society organizations in promoting gender equality and working towards living in a society with zero tolerance towards gender-based violence.

WARSAW, 26 June 2023 – For victims to overcome the profound impact of torture on their lives, ensuring their right to redress and all it entails is crucial, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

“The effects suffered by torture victims are devastating and long-term,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “Physical scars may heal, but the psychological and emotional traces of this horrendous abuse may haunt victims for the rest of their lives. This makes it all the more important that victims are treated with compassion and respect and their individual needs for assistance are met.”

All victims have the right to redress and access to justice under international law.  Measures include adequate compensation for the suffering caused by their ordeal, medical care and psychological support, and legal assistance. OSCE countries have emphasized that no circumstance whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency can justify torture.

While states have the primary responsibility to ensure the right of victims to redress is respected, civil society also plays a crucial and complementary role. It is therefore important for governments to work together with these organizations and help enable their work, with the common goal of making sure that all torture victims have access to the services they need.

Holding perpetrators to account is a key aspect of redress for victims, but any investigation into allegations of torture and ill-treatment must be careful to take the victim’s safety and well-being into account. When interviewing victims about the abuse they suffered, a trauma-informed approach is therefore vital. For this reason, ODIHR has developed an online course for investigators and civil society organisations working on this difficult task, which is available in English, Russian and Ukrainian.

Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment are prohibited worldwide. In 2020, all 57 states of the OSCE recognized that an integrated approach that puts the victim at its centre is needed to combat these crimes effectively. Ensuring the views and specific needs of victims are heard is crucial to fully restore their dignity and assist them on the road to recovery.

546992 Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 23 June 2023 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission), the EU in BiH, and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) organized a two-day conference in Neum focused on the efficiency of the criminal justice sector in responding to threats to election fairness and integrity. The conference concluded today.

Bringing together representatives from the BiH Central Election Commission, prosecutor's offices, courts, and law enforcement agencies from across Bosnia and Herzegovina, the conference aimed to address the lessons learned and challenges in efficiency when handling election-related crimes following the 2020 and 2022 Elections.

The primary objective of the conference was to assess the current state of affairs regarding the processing of election fraud cases, develop a concrete roadmap that would lead to tangible improvements preventing election fraud, ensuring effective investigation, and promoting timely and transparent adjudication of electoral fraud cases. These efforts are particularly crucial in light of the persistent allegations of irregularities in BiH's electoral process and the public's growing lack of trust in the integrity of elections and the justice sector overall.

"Both the legal framework and the implementation of elections suffer from serious weaknesses that demand a strong and categorical institutional response," stated Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. "Amending the election law to address these problems is of critical importance. The roadmap is clear, but it remains to be seen which parties will be willing to take this path. The OSCE Mission welcomes any effort that improves the integrity of elections and restores trust in the electoral process.”

Elisabet Tomasinec, Head of the Political Section in EU in BiH, stated that "Looking ahead of the 2024 local elections, BiH need to ensure determination of judiciary and law enforcement agencies to prevent and prosecute different types of election fraud, leading to conviction. Reducing voter fraud is an essential and necessary step in the short term. In addition, the country needs to carry out wider electoral and constitutional reform in line with EC Opinion that allows Bosnia and Herzegovina to transform into a functioning multi-ethnic democracy in line with European standards.”

The conference concluded with a set of comprehensive conclusions for prosecutor's offices, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other relevant authorities, outlining necessary follow-up actions to better improve the electoral process and mitigate election fraud.

547019 Mirvete Islam, OSCE Mission to Skopje

Going beyond figures for gender equality in the parliament. The Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Kilian Wahl, and Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi opened the regional conference “Parliaments advance gender equality”, marking the 20th anniversary of the Parliamentary Women’s Club.

The conference gathers representatives of Parliaments and OSCE Field Operations from South-Eastern Europe, along with representatives of international organizations, non-governmental organizations and independent experts.

In his address, Ambassador Wahl stressed the need to engage male MPs for gender mainstreaming and going beyond percentages in the efforts to advance gender equality.

“We know from research and studies that countries with higher gender equality are more successful. More prosperous. More innovative. Safer. Countries with higher gender equality enjoy a much higher standard of living and provide for a better future for their children. This is what this is all about. “It’s about people”, which is – as you know - the Motto of North Macedonia’s Chairpersonship,” said Ambassador Wahl.

Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi said that further promotion of diversity is needed in the work and the laws passed by the parliament.

"Increasing the support of fellow MPs on issues of gender and diversity is also extremely important. In doing so, I do not mean only a numerical increase, but a qualitative contribution and a concrete commitment to have a truly modern and gender-sensitive parliament according to the definition of the Inter-Parliamentary Union,” he said.

“Gender equality is an important parameter for the overall democracy of a society and its performance in the protection and promotion of human rights as a whole. All of this implies awareness of the need for greater involvement and participation of women in all processes and in every social domain, which results in greater representation in every segment,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Fatmire Isaki in her address.

The OSCE Field Operations in the region traditionally support the organization of regional conferences of women MPs.

The partnership between the Mission and North Macedonia’s Parliament, specifically the Women Parliamentarians’ Club, led to various successful initiatives in the previous period, including the adoption of multi-year Gender Action Plans of the Parliament.

546974 Communication and Media Relations Section Alexandra Taylor

From 19 to 23 June, the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department, in conjunction with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, organized a training course on cryptocurrencies and Darknet investigations at the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Around 20 representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Almaty and Karaganda Academies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office took part in the course, which was delivered by two international experts from Germany and Ukraine.

The first part of the course introduced participants to key concepts related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies, and enabled them to practise approaches to profiling, tracing and seizing cryptocurrencies. A representative of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, delivered a presentation on the company’s co-operation with law enforcement in criminal investigations. In the second part of the course, the participants learned about the functioning of the Tor network (which helps criminals avoid online detection) and the Darknet. They also discussed key features of the Darknet criminal landscape and approaches to conducting searches and investigations on the Darknet.

“Cryptocurrencies are becoming more and more popular in Kazakhstan and our country is among the world’s leaders in Bitcoin mining. As a result, cryptocurrencies are increasingly used as a means of payment for criminal activities. The focus of this week’s training is therefore highly relevant for all criminal justice practitioners,” said Maralbek Eshimov, Vice-Rector of the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office.

This training was the third national course delivered in Kazakhstan under the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Capacity Building on Combating Cybercrime in Central Asia”, which is funded by the United States of America, Germany and the Republic of Korea. Previous trainings focused on the topics of handling digital evidence and requesting electronic evidence from abroad.

NEW YORK, 23 June 2023 – The OSCE renewed its commitment to strengthen co-operation in countering terrorism during the 2023 United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week, which took place between 19 and 23 June.

“Over the years, the OSCE has intensified its efforts to address transnational threats and global challenges through a comprehensive strategy focused on preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism, ensuring border security, combatting transnational organized crime, and promoting professional and democratic policing,” said Ambassador Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats.

During her address to the opening session of the High-Level Conference, Kupchyna highlighted the longstanding co-operation between the UN and OSCE.

“This year marks the 30-year-anniversary of the Framework for Co-operation and Co-ordination between the UN and the OSCE. This document serves as a pathway to enhance the strategic alignment between our organizations at all levels, from technical co-operation and capacity-building to high-level political collaboration,” she added.

Exemplifying the close working relationship between the UN and OSCE, Ambassador Kupchyna met with Vladimir Voronkov, Under Secretary General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Natalia Gherman, Executive Director of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (UN CTED), and Fionnuala D. Ní Aoláin, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.

Counter-Terrorism Week was an opportunity to foster dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing between states, international organizations, intergovernmental agencies, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector on matters related to counter-terrorism.

Two side events were co-organized by the OSCE together with the UNOCT, UN CTED, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Council of Europe, Austria, Canada, Finland and Mexico.

The first event promoted Good practices for managing violent extremist prisoners, stressing the need for human-centred, multi-stakeholder rehabilitation and reintegration efforts that support individuals’ return to becoming functioning members of society.

The second emphasized the need to understand and address the role of masculinities in the context of terrorism and violent extremism across the ideological spectrum.

“Our work on understanding violent misogyny and masculinity within violent extremism complements our broader commitments to gender equality, including under the Women, Peace, and Security agenda,” said Camilla Bognoe, OSCE Senior Adviser on Anti-terrorism Issues.

Counter-Terrorism Week concluded with renewed determination to combat terrorism and promote global peace and security, highlighted by the adoption of the eighth biennial review resolution of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.