Central Europe

WARSAW, 24 February 2023 – A year after the launch of Russia’s military attack in Ukraine, the armed conflict is still having a devastating effect on civilians as they continue to be impacted by ongoing military strikes and subjected to other violence and inhumane treatment, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

“The consequences of the conflict that started one year ago will be felt for generations to come by the people of Ukraine,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “We owe it particularly to the victims that we continue to document the human rights abuses taking place, and offer our support both during the war and in its aftermath. The human rights violations must end, and those responsible be held accountable.”

ODIHR has been monitoring violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in Ukraine and their impact on civilians and prisoners of war since 24 February 2022. To date, the Office has conducted interviews with some 140 survivors and witnesses of violations both in Ukraine and outside the country, finding credible evidence that the conduct of hostilities by the Russian Federation has been characterized by a general disregard for the basic principles set out by international humanitarian law. The two reports published by ODIHR so far provide details of violations on the ground, including deliberate attacks against civilians, the use of indiscriminate weapons, wilful killings and summary executions, enforced disappearances, and torture, and helping to ensure accountability for violations of international law.

Ukraine has been a priority of ODIHR’s work in many ways over the last year, including in combatting human trafficking, training human rights defenders, and monitoring discrimination against Roma who have fled the conflict. But while rapid response has been the focus of much work to assist Ukraine, the country’s democratic institutions and civil society also need support. To this end, ODIHR is working to strengthen democratic governance and rule of law in Ukraine, promoting open, transparent and inclusive law-making processes and policies, and discussing ways to involve the Ukrainian diaspora in post-conflict reconstruction and development.

The OSCE is founded on the concept that the respect for, protection and promotion of human rights is a precondition for the security of the entire region. ODIHR underlines that all parties to an international armed conflict must abide by international human rights and humanitarian law, which expressly prohibits intentional and indiscriminate attacks against civilians and protects the civilian population at all times against violence and inhumane treatment.

537921 Communication and Media Relations Section Alexandra Taylor

The OSCE supported the ninth annual meeting of the Permanent Conference of Organized Crime Prosecutors (PCOCP), held on 22 and 23 February in Belgrade, Serbia. The meeting gathered 25 prosecutors from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia.

Over the course of three sessions, participants exchanged knowledge and experiences on topics such as integrated financial investigations in money laundering cases; processing and criminal prosecution of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF); collecting e-evidence from the internet in organized and cybercrime cases, among others. In addition to the exchange of information and good practices, the PCOCP serves as a platform for enhancing regional co-operation in prosecution of organized crime and corruption.

“As globalization and technological advances increase the scope and extent of the threat caused by organized crime, the need for efficient investigations rises, and so does the need for advanced forms of co-operation. Sharing operational tools that improve the work of investigative bodies, and timely alert the institutions of other countries of suspicious activities have become increasingly significant,” said Ambassador Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia.

The PCOCP was established in 2016 with the support of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, and is currently supported by the “Strengthening the fight against transnational organized crime in South-Eastern Europe through improved regional co-operation in asset seizure, confiscation, management and re-use” project. The project is jointly implemented by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, and is financially supported by the United States, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.

537804 Marina Živaljević

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro continues to support of the Police Directorate in its fight against cyber and organised crime.  On 21 February,  Dominique Waag, Head of the Mission, and Zoran Brđanin, Police Director signed an agreement providing equipment and software which will enhance the investigative capacity of the Cybercrime/Intelligence Unit and the Forensic Centre to counter serious and organized crime.

“With this equipment, the Mission continues its strategic support of police reform in line with our latest recommendations for good governance in policing. Our co-operation includes professional development of police officers and ongoing training sessions on intelligence-led policing; designing an e-learning platform and supporting the development of the Police’s communication strategy. On countering human trafficking, we promote a victim-centred approach, including on sexual exploitation,” said Ambassador Waag.

She announced that this year the Mission will commission two public perception surveys to measure citizens’ confidence and trust in the work of the police, to be followed by qualitative in depth studies on specific police work, at the request of Director Brđanin. The Mission will also continue to support a public information campaign to encourage young people and women to seek a career in policing. Ambassador Waag praised the increased efforts made by the police against domestic violence.

Director Brđanin emphasised the importance of projects implemented with the support from the Mission. He said he expects that the Mission will continue to support projects focused on strengthening the fight against transnational and organized crime and corruption, as well as  through its indispensable support on projects that contribute to the reform and reorganization of the Police Directorate. Brđanin welcomed the Mission’s plan to support countering environmental crime.

The Mission will continue to support the Police Directorate in enhancing its effectiveness and development of a professional accountable and efficient service, trusted by society, within the framework of international and national legislation, standards and commitments.

ANKARA, 20 February 2023 – The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, and Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid visited Ankara to express their condolences to all those affected by the terrible earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria on 6th February. They announced OSCE support to address immediate needs, as well as to provide longer term assistance.

As part of the short-term measures, the OSCE’s Chief Medical Officer is ready to be deployed with an international team to support ongoing efforts to provide emergency medical assistance.

The OSCE is also prepared to provide longer-term assistance that supports increased cross-border co-operation among emergency services in the OSCE region.

The announcement was made during a visit by the Chairman-in-Office and the Secretary General to Ankara for a meeting with Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all OSCE participating States for the support they have given to Turkiye during this difficult time. These are times when humanity is tested. This tragedy reminds us of the importance of togetherness, unity, and solidarity. The bonds between nations are never stronger than in times of crisis. It is our collective responsibility to continuously provide aid and support to those affected by this tragedy,” said Osmani.

“The devastation caused by this earthquake is truly staggering. I am grateful to have the opportunity to provide whatever support the OSCE can offer – both to address the immediate needs of the women, men, and children affected and to support longer-term efforts to enhance regional co-operation in addressing natural disasters like this one,” said Schmid.

BISHKEK, 17 February 2023 – Valiant Richey, OSCE Special Representative for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, concluded his three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan today. He highlighted the country’s comprehensive legal and policy framework including a dedicated anti-trafficking law, regional coordination councils and a National Rapporteur established under the Parliament. He also called for the proactive identification of victims, increased prosecutions of trafficking offenders and improvement of the mandate of labour inspectors to identify human trafficking.

During his visit, Richey met with the Deputy Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament, and high-level anti-trafficking stakeholders, including the Minister of Labour, Social Services and Migration, the Deputy Minister of Interior, and representatives of the General Prosecution Office, and the Supreme Court.  Richey also consulted with anti-trafficking NGOs providing victim assistance and met with bilateral organizations in Bishkek.

Richey urged stepping up measures to proactively identify trafficking victims, including on online platforms and through labour inspections, and ramping up criminal justice responses to end impunity for traffickers.

“The Kyrgyz Republic’s legal and policy framework is a positive example of a comprehensive approach to preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, but its inadequate implementation is an urgent challenge for the country,” the Special Representative stressed. “It is crucial that the government turns the tide to counter impunity, including by empowering labour inspectors to identify victims and perpetrators.”

The Special Representative also noted other good practices, including the recent establishment of the National Anti-trafficking Rapporteur under the Migration Council of the Parliament, the active role of the Association of Women Judges to improve judicial practices on human trafficking cases, and strong anti-trafficking efforts by civil society across the country.

The Special Representative conducts multiple country visits each year to help increase the capacity of OSCE participating States to address human trafficking, share recommendations for further action, and collect best practices for fighting this heinous crime. A report detailing the findings of his visit will be released during the last quarter of 2023.

537550 Željka Šulc

As part of the OSCE Mission to BiH project Enhancing of Intelligence-led Policing to Combat Serious Security Threats and Crimes (ILP Project), over the past four weeks the Mission organized both a workshop for senior managers of all law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in BiH and ten workshops for operational staff of the State Investigation and Protection Agency, BiH Border Police, BiH Directorate for Co-ordination of Police Bodies,  Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, Indirect Taxation Authority, Brčko District Police, Police Administration of the Federation of BiH, and the police administrations of ministries of interior of nine cantons: Una-Sana; Posavina; Tuzla; Zenica-Doboj; Bosnian-Podrinje; Central Bosnia; Herzegovina-Neretva; West Herzegovina; and Canton 10.

This activity aims to increase awareness of ILP principles, requirements and benefits and to promote ILP use for criminal-intelligence processes and police operations in addressing serious crime and threats to security. 

The senior LEAs' managers also participated in the second meeting of the BiH ILP co-ordination group for steering project activities and deliverables. 

The Mission held all workshops with the generous support of Norway, Germany, Liechtenstein, Turkey, Austria, and Luxembourg.  

537538 Communication and Media Relations Section Alexandra Taylor

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with the Netherlands and Cyber Law International, organized an executive course on the international law of cyber operations. This course took place between 13 and 17 February 2023 in Skopje, North Macedonia.

“We are firmly convinced that international law is of critical importance when dealing with opportunities and risks related to the use of information and communication technologies in the international context. As a main pillar of the rules-based international order, international law as it stands provides binding guidance on States’ use and regulation of information and communication technologies and their defense against malicious cyber operations,” said Vladimir Anchev, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of North Macedonia in his opening remarks.

Twenty-eight delegates from North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Serbia, and Türkiye participated in the interactive course. Participants examined the law applicable to cyber operations during peacetime and discussed specialized regimes of international law as relevant for the cyber context. Two practical exercises enabled them to apply the legal principles and rules that were discussed to fictional scenarios.

“We are not starting from scratch. There is already broad recognition that international law applies in cyberspace. But there is much debate concerning how it applies. And this is exactly the debate that we need to advance,” said Dirk Jan Kop, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to North Macedonia.

“We therefore applaud the devotion of the OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia to recognize cybersecurity as a key security challenge. And we welcome this opportunity to bring together cybersecurity experts from the region, here in Skopje” he added.

The training course was delivered as part of the “Activities and customized support for the implementation of OSCE cyber/ICT security Confidence-Building Measures” project, which is funded by Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea.

537496 Željka Šulc

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina organized the event “Legal Framework in the Process of Determining the Time and Place of Birth of Children Born in the Conflict Zone”, which took place today in Sarajevo.

The event gathered judges of courts in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) responsible for determining the time and place of birth of children through non-contentious civil proceedings, as well as representatives of the BiH Ministry of Security, BiH Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, the BiH Human Rights Ombudsman Institution and relevant ministries and bodies of the FBiH Government.

Participants took stock of the efforts of relevant authorities in repatriating BiH citizens from conflict zones. Discussion focused on the challenges in regulating the status and granting of citizenship to returnee children born in conflict zones, a precondition for their access to rights.

“For many children born in conflict zones, birth and citizenship registration is a matter of utmost urgency. It provides them with a legal identity, protection under the law and access to essential services such as education, health care and social welfare,” said Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. “I hope that the judicial authorities will find effective solutions for the timely registration of birth of these children.”

Blanche Picarello, IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina Deputy Chief of Mission stated: “Legal status and establishing citizenship for children born in the conflict zone is a critical piece in the multifaceted context of reintegration and rehabilitation of returnees. Further improvements are needed in terms of harmonized implementation of the legal framework before courts in FBiH in determining the place and time of birth of children, taking into account the principles of urgency and the best interest of the child.”

The event featured a presentation by the BiH Ministry of Security on the comprehensive Repatriation Plan and the Program of Reintegration, Rehabilitation and Resocialisation (Plan and Program).

Ivana Veselčić, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Security of BiH: “The Ministry of Security of BiH presented a comprehensive Plan and Program, which was adopted by the BiH Council of Ministers in August 2022, based on information on the situation in the territories of conflict zones and conclusions. The plan regulates procedures for a safe, humane and controlled return to Bosnia and Herzegovina. citizens from conflict zones, while the Program is based on a multi-sectoral approach and activities in the process of reintegration, rehabilitation and resocialization of Bosnia and Herzegovina. citizens upon returning to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina, number: 69/22).”

The event is part of the IOM and OSCE Mission’s to BiH wider support to relevant institutions in ensuring a co-ordinated and harmonised approach in resolving status issues involving children returning from conflict zones.

CHISINAU/SKOPJE, 15 February 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, concluded his visit to Moldova.

In Chisinau, Minister Osmani met with President Maia Sandu, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Nicolae Popescu, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian. He also met with the President of the Parliament of Moldova, Igor Grosu. The discussions focused on the OSCE’s efforts in Moldova, the current state of affairs in the Transdniestrian Settlement Process and the Organization’s support in overcoming challenges created by Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“The OSCE is fully aware of the ongoing challenges you face. Being here today is a clear signal of our Chairpersonship’s support to Moldova in addressing these challenges. The aggression against Ukraine has created specific challenges for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process. This vital process is a clear priority for our Chairpersonship,” said Osmani.  

The visit aimed at supporting a comprehensive and lasting political settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict in all its aspects, strengthening the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders with a special status for Transdniestria.

Chairman Osmani also met with Transdniestrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky and the Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev in Bender.

On both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River, Osmani reiterated the importance of the 5+2 talks and maintaining dialogue. Additionally, OSCE Chairman-in-Office highlighted and welcomed the continuity of the 1+1 format.

“The OSCE will stand behind any effort that provides positive dynamics in support of the full implementation of previously agreed measures and identification of new areas for agreement,” added Osmani.

Chairman Osmani underlined the need to further build trust and constructive dialogue between the Sides for the benefit of the affected population on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River.

During the course of his visit, Minister Osmani also met with the Special Representative on Gender, Liliana Palihovici, and members of civil society working on human rights, democratization and gender equality.

During his meeting with the staff of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, he expressed his gratitude and further encouragement for their important work. Osmani also visited a volunteer centre for support of the Ukrainian refugees and witnessed first-hand the incredible work of many young people, who are providing essential support to the refugees.

537425

The efforts of the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings to advance the dialogue on combating the misuse of technology by traffickers to exploit victims are being complemented by OSCE field operations. In this view, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, and the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office of Kazakhstan organized a regional roundtable on combatting tech-facilitated trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Sixty representatives of law enforcement structures, private tech companies, and civil society organizations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, the Russian Federation, and Uzbekistan (16 women, 44 men) discussed the abuse of technology being used by human traffickers in Central Asia and across the OSCE region, specifically victims of sexual exploitation using online platforms.

Throughout the discussion, the panel presentations exposed a range of methods and technologies deployed by perpetrators and criminal networks to commit offenses throughout all trafficking stages.

The presentations also demonstrated good practices, policies, and legislation to combat trafficking in the region. The discussion concluded by highlighting the importance of and need for regional collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders.

The next steps include the production of a thematic report and the delivery of tailored recommendations in the Russian language for distribution at the national level. In addition, a needs assessment will determine the development of capacity-building training courses on enhancing cybercrime investigation strategies in March 2023 in Kazakhstan.

SKOPJE/VIENNA, 13 February 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani will visit the Republic of Moldova on 13 and 14 February for talks with high-level Moldovan officials and the leadership in Tiraspol.

During his first visit to Moldova as OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Osmani will focus on the OSCE’s work in Moldova, advancing the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, and supporting Moldova in overcoming the effects of the war against Ukraine.

In Chisinau, the OSCE Chairman Osmani will meet with President Maia Sandu, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Nicolae Popescu, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian. He will also meet with the President of the Parliament of Moldova, Igor Grosu. In Bender, he will meet with Transdniestrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky and the Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev.

On 14 February, OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani will have a press conference with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicolae Popescu at 10:20 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova.

Journalists are also invited to attend a press briefing with Chairman-in-Office Osmani at 18:05 on 14 February inside of the Delegation Hall of the Chisinau International Airport. Please note that the Chairman-in-Office will make a press statement prior to his departure, however there will not be a Q&A opportunity afterwards.

Media representatives are reminded to have their press accreditation documents on them to be able to attend the press briefings.

For more information, please contact the Press Office of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, at +373 22 887 887 (landline), e-mail: mtmpress@osce.org.

For other requests regarding the visit, please contact Boni Cvetanovska from the OSCE Chairmanship of North Macedonia by e-mail: Boni.Cvetanovska@mfa.gov.mk.

The latest information from the OSCE CiO of North Macedonia can be found at https://www.osce.org/chairmanship and on Twitter: @Bujar_O and @OSCECiO.

537299 Željka Šulc

MOSTAR, 11 February 2023 - Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, visited Mostar region yesterday to open a photo exhibition "National Monuments in Bosnia and Herzegovina" and the best photography award ceremony, hosted and organized by the Foundation Museum Žitomislić and monastery Žitomislić.     

“As we all know, Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to many cultural and historical sites that are shared by all citizens. Recognizing this heritage and working together to preserve and promote it sustainably builds social cohesion, mutual understanding and appreciation for diversity. I am delighted for the Mission’s support to this event and similar causes across the country and I congratulate all the participants of the exhibition for the extraordinary photos.” said Aggeler. 

During his visit, with the Chief Editor of Dnevni List, Ambassador Aggeler discussed the crucial importance of investigative media to a healthy democracy, and offered the Mission's continuous and full support to tacking challenges to media freedom in BiH. 

Ambassador Aggeler also met the church officials of the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity with whom he talked about the recent attacks on the Cathedral and the general status of Serbs in Mostar.

Marina Đapić of the Association “Rezon” provided Ambassador Aggeler with an alternative tour of Mostar, through the eyes of Mostar Street Arts Festival.

With the representatives of the United World College, People in Need and OKC Abrašević Ambassador Aggeler met to discuss peacebuilding, education and community cohesion initiatives and thank them for their tireless efforts to foster peace and inclusivity in Mostar.

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to support different communities across BiH in making the country a better place for all of its citizens. 

537269 Acting OSCE Project Co-ordinator, Hans-Ullrich Ihm, addressing the participants of the International Conference of the Lawyers in Tashkent.

On 10 February 2023, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, in co-operation with the Chamber of Advocates of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Justice and the international NGO Regional Dialogue, co-hosted in Tashkent the International Conference of Lawyers on “The Role of Professional Bar Associations in the Development of the Advocacy”.

Alim Ernazarov, Chairman of the Chamber of Defense Lawyers, opened the conference. High-level guests delivered their opening remarks, including Akmal Saidov, First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis; Narimon Umarov, Chairman of the Senate Committee of Oliy Majlis on Judicial and Legal issues and Anti-Corruption; Alisher Karimov, Deputy Minister of Justice of Uzbekistan; Mjusa Sever, Director of the Regional Dialogue; and Hans-Ullrich Ihm, Acting OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

Currently, judicial and legal reforms are one of the main priorities for the Government of Uzbekistan and key among OSCE commitments. Defense lawyers play a crucial role in this process. Taking this into account, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and the Chamber of Advocates Uzbekistan have developed a joint project aimed, inter alia, to assist in studying foreign experience in the development of the institution of the bar.

The Conference offered an opportunity to discuss issues that are significant for the entire legal community, such as organizing the activities of professional associations of defense lawyers, providing ongoing education for them, as well as disciplinary practice and guarantees of defense lawyers’ activity.

More than 100 participants – lawyers of Uzbekistan, representatives of the legal community and experts from foreign countries (representatives of the Slovenian and German Bar Associations and the Committee for Public Counsel Services of Massachusetts, United States) took part in the international conference.

Hans-Ullrich Ihm, the Acting OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, assured that the OSCE will continue supporting the judicial and legal reforms taking place in the country, as well as the institutional and professional development of the Chamber of Advocates of Uzbekistan and its members.

537206 Marina Živaljević

With the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, around 50,000 verbatim records of sessions of Parliament of Montenegro from 1991 to 2008 were digitized and are searchable by date, year, convocation, session, political party and speaker. This process was finalized on 8 February with a training course for parliamentary staff on practical use of the software, developed with the Mission’s support in 2022.

Digitization of records provide more systematic and easier access to archival material for the public, including professionals, historians, students and researchers. Being an important historical testimony of parliamentary life in Montenegro, verbatim records of parliamentary sessions represent a rich political, social and historical source of information for both present and future generations.

Jelisaveta Blagojević-Miljanić, Head of Parliament’s Library and Documentary Centre and Archive, said that this software is a useful tool for Library’s employees, as it enables quick and easy searching of scanned notes, contributing to the efficiency, quality and precision process of responding to MPs’ and citizens’ requests. “Instead of flipping through often physically heavy and voluminous notebooks, employees at the Centre now can use a modern application that enables simple use through clearly defined filters. In addition, we achieve protection and conservation of the original text, as the need for use of printed versions is now reduced,” said Blagojević-Miljanić.

Being in an initial phase of the process, the archive material is currently available only through request sent to Parliament. In 2023, the Mission will support digitization of verbatim records from 1946 to 1988 parliamentary sessions, assisting Parliament in its task to preserve, protect and make this testimony available to the public.

In previous two years, the Mission supported the digitalization of Parliament’s library services and procedures, providing for over 90 per cent of Library holdings to be uploaded into the Co-operative Online Bibliographic System and Services (COBISS). As part of its support to the Library of the Parliament, the Mission also assisted in drafting the Library’s rulebook, which details the day-to-day work of the library and outlines the rights and obligations of users.

PODGORICA, 9 February 2023 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an observation mission for the 19 March presidential election in Montenegro, following an invitation from the national authorities.

The mission is led by Tamás Meszerics and consists of a core team of 10 experts based in Podgorica. ODIHR has requested a secondment of 14 long-term observers by the OSCE participating States, who will be deployed throughout the country from 17 February. ODIHR also plans to request 100 short-term observers, to arrive several days before election day.

The mission will assess the presidential election for its compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation.

Observers will closely monitor the work of the election administration and relevant government bodies, campaign activities, including in the media and on social networks, election-related legislation and its implementation, and the resolution of election-related disputes. They will also assess the implementation of previous ODIHR election recommendations. The ODIHR Election Observation Mission will observe and assess political and institutional developments to the extent that they impact the presidential election.

To assess the pre-election activities, the ODIHR mission will hold meetings with representatives of state authorities, political parties and candidates, civil society, the media and the international community.

On election day, the ODIHR mission will join efforts with delegations from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament to observe the opening of polling stations, voting, the counting of ballots and the tabulation of results.

An interim report will be published some two weeks before the elections to update the public and media on the observation mission’s activities. The day after the election, the mission’s preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference. A final report assessing the entire election process and containing recommendations will be published some months after the elections.

The ODIHR Election Observation Mission and the OSCE Mission to Montenegro operate independently under separate mandates. For further information on ODIHR’s election observation activities in the country, please visit:

https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/montenegro

For further information, please contact: 

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson: Katya.Andrusz@odihr.pl or +48 609 522 266

Pietro Tesfamariam, Media Analyst for Election Observation Mission:  pietro.tesfamariam@odihr.me or +382 68 860 873

PODGORICA, 8 February 2023 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold a press conference on the opening of the observation mission to the forthcoming presidential election in Montenegro on Thursday, 9 February.

What: 

• An introduction to the role of the ODIHR election observation mission and its planned activities

Who: 

• Tamás Meszerics, Head of the ODIHR observation mission

When: 

• 14:00 local time (GMT +1) on 9 February 2023

Where:

• PR Center, Bulevar Josipa Broza Tita 23A, Podgorica

Registration:

• No registration is necessary, but only questions from journalists will be taken.

For further information on ODIHR’s election observation activities in Montenegro, please visit: https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/montenegro

Media Contact:          

Pietro Tesfamariam, Media Analyst: pietro.tesfamariam@odihr.me or +382 68 860 873

ASTANA, 8 February 2023 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 19 March early parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan, following an official invitation from the national authorities and in accordance with its mandate.

The mission is headed by Eoghan Murphy and consists of a core team of 11 international experts based in Astana and 32 long-term observers, who will be deployed throughout the country from 17 February. ODIHR also plans to request 300 short-term observers, to arrive several days before election day.

The mission will assess the conduct of the elections for its compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation.

Observers will closely monitor all aspects of the elections such as the conduct of the campaign including on social networks, the work of the election administration at all levels, election- related legislation and its implementation, respect for fundamental freedoms, media coverage and election dispute resolution. They will also assess the implementation of previous ODIHR election recommendations.

Meetings with representatives of state authorities and political parties, civil society, the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation.

On election day, the ODIHR mission will join efforts with the delegation from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) to observe the opening of polling stations, voting, the counting of ballots and the tabulation of results.

An interim report will be published two weeks prior to the elections to update the public and the media on the observation mission’s activities. The day after the elections, a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference. A final report with an assessment of the entire election process and containing recommendations will be published some months after the elections.

The ODIHR election observation mission and the OSCE Programme Office in Astana operate independently under their separate mandates. For further information on ODIHR’s election observation activities in the country, please visit: https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/kazakhstan

Media contacts:

Egor Tilpunov, Media Analyst: egor.tilpunov@odihr.kz or +7 702 2193658

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson: +48 609 522 266 (Warsaw mobile), or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl.

SKOPJE, 7 February 2023 – Taking stock of current efforts to counter anti-Semitism, an action that signifies further steps that need to be applied urgently, has been the central message of the participants of the of the 2023 Skopje Conference on Addressing anti-Semitism in the OSCE Region.

The conference marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the landmark 2003 Maastricht Ministerial Council Decision No. 4/03 on Tolerance and Non-discrimination. It focused on addressing anti-Semitic hate crime, identifying challenges and best practices to combat anti-Semitism through a regional perspective and with a focus on the role of youth, as well as the examination of emerging trends and areas of concern, particularly online.

The Chairman in Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani opened the conference and raised many questions vital to addressing the current forms and manifestations of anti-Semitism.

“As we commemorate the memory of our own victims and all those who perished in the Holocaust, North Macedonia also has lessons learned and good practices to share. Hatred and intolerance cannot be fought with more hatred or intolerance, but only through active promotion of tolerance and non-discrimination, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; all this backed by the power of democracy and the rule of law,“ underlined Chairman-in-Office Osmani.

“The OSCE has since been at the international forefront in addressing anti-Semitism through a number of Ministerial Council Decisions. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 2003 Maastricht Ministerial Council, decided to follow up the work started at the OSCE Conference on anti-Semitism in Vienna that summer. We can also all be proud of the cutting-edge tools and dedicated support programs developed and delivered by ODIHR, many of which North Macedonia and many other participating States have benefited greatly from,“ he added.

“While there has been much progress in the understanding of the importance of combating anti-Semitism over the last two decades, we continue to observe with great concern how anti-Semitic hatred, Holocaust denial and distortion and age-old disinformation about Jews continue to spread and multiply across the OSCE region,” stated the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Matteo Mecacci. “To make a real difference, we need a commitment to dedicate resources to strengthen existing programmes, as well as an innovative approach from governments and civil society alike to tackling the roots of anti-Semitism.”

“In some places, the lessons of the Holocaust have been so universalized that its basic message—that left unchecked, anti-Semitism can in only a few short years lead to genocide—is entirely absent. Finally, the history of those darkest twelve years in the twentieth century must not be separated from learning about the centuries of Jewish life and its contributions to Europe that preceded the Holocaust and the revival of Jewish life in the decades that have followed it,“ stated Rabbi Andrew Baker, the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Anti-Semitism.

Conference participants gathered to reflect on the progress made to address key areas in the common fight against anti-Semitism, such as countering anti-Semitic hate crime and ensuring the security of Jewish communities, addressing anti-Semitism in and through education, countering Holocaust denial, distortion and trivialization, and promoting Holocaust remembrance. Discussions at the conference also focused on the greatest challenges faced by Jewish communities across the region, including the rise of artificial intelligence and the proliferation of anti-Semitism online.

ASTANA, 6 February 2023 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold a press conference on the opening of the observation mission to the forthcoming early parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, 8 February.

What: 

• An introduction to the role of the ODIHR election observation mission and its planned activities

Who: 

• Eoghan Murphy, Head of the ODIHR observation mission

When: 

• 15:00 local time (GMT +6) on 8 February 2023

Where:

• Room Saryarka 3, 1st floor, Hotel Radisson, Saryarka Ave 4, Astana

Registration:

• No registration is necessary but only questions from journalists will be taken.

For further information on ODIHR’s election observation activities in Kazakhstan, please visit: https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/kazakhstan

Media Contact:          

Egor Tilpunov, Media Analyst: egor.tilpunov@odihr.kz or +7 702 2193658

The 2O23 OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia is pleased to announce that  the Conference “Addressing Anti-Semitism in the OSCE Region“ will take place on 6-7 February in Skopje.

The Conference will serve to:

• Take stock of the progress made by OSCE participating States to implement their commitments to address anti-Semitism since the adoption of the 2003 Maastricht Ministerial Council Decision.  There will be a particular focus on the themes of (i) recognizing, recording and prosecuting anti-Semitic hate crimes and addressing the security needs of Jewish communities, (ii) addressing anti-Semitism in and through education, and (iii) countering Holocaust denial and distortion and promoting Holocaust remembrance.
• Identify current challenges and best practices in relation to addressing anti-Semitism, in particular through a regional perspective and with a focus on the role of youth.
• Look to the future by surveying emerging trends and key areas of concern pertaining to addressing anti-Semitism, in particular online, in the mid- and long-term.

The conference will gather government representatives, as well as relevant stakeholders from international organisations, academia, civil society organisations and leaders of Jewish communities and local activists, offering a platform for dialogue on challenges and good practices in addressing Anti-Semitism.