Central Europe

536554 Hackathon participants are working on the projects, Tashkent city.

The fifth edition of the “Open Data Challenge” hackathon – held from 27 to 29 January 2023 in Tashkent – concludes trainings on open data. More than 280 teams from all over Uzbekistan and abroad competed to develop technological solutions based on open data as a way to increase the interest of citizens in using open data.

The annual competition was organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) together with the Technological Park of Software Products and Information Technologies (IT-Park Uzbekistan) and the IT company Virtual Group, with the support of the Statistics Agency and the Anti-Corruption Agency of Uzbekistan.

“The development of open data forms an integral part of the OSCE's programmes to promote economic development and good governance, which is an important prerequisite for peace, sustainable development and security”, said Hans-Ullrich Ihm, Acting Head of the PCUz at the opening of the hackathon. He underscored that increasing transparency and openness of public authorities helps establish public control over their activities and reduce corruption, and has direct economic potential.

Akrom Sultanov, Head of Monitoring and Co-ordination of the Open Data Portal of the Statistics Agency, viewed the hackathon as a tool to realize the social and economic potential of open data from public institutions.

Jahongir Rajabov, Deputy Director for Innovation of the IT Park, emphasized the significance of the event in establishing a professional community on open data and further enhancing expertise of authorities and professionals in this area.

During the three-day competition, the teams created digital solutions in the field of anti-corruption, as well as for public, social or business sectors, using open data. The three winning teams developed IT solutions for monitoring unregistered buildings, assisting victims of domestic violence and developing blockchain technology.

Prior to the contest, representatives from IT start-ups and the business sector participated in four webinars on promising areas of open data, and a workshop with experts on the use of open data took place on 24 January.

Within the framework of its project “Strengthening Good Governance”, the PCUz supports national stakeholders in the development of an open data ecosystem in Uzbekistan by promoting open data-based businesses to demonstrate the practical applicability of open data. 

VIENNA, 27 January 2023 — OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, denounced today the Russian authorities’ decision to outlaw one of the most popular Russian-language news portals, Meduza.

On 26 January, the Prosecutor General’s Office in Russia outlawed Meduza after declaring the media outlet an “undesirable organization” based on claims that the outlet’s activities pose a threat to the foundations of Russia’s constitutional order and security.

Under Russian legislation, an ‘undesirable organization’ is effectively banned from operating in Russian territory under threat of criminal and administrative prosecution. The legislation also broadly extends to alleged affiliation with and providing support to such an organization.

“The outlawing of Meduza shows yet again that the Russian authorities disregard international principles and the OSCE’s media freedom commitments, as well as continue to isolate Russian citizens from independent information. I call on the authorities to repeal this decision and stop intimidation and harassment of media,” Ribeiro said.

Moreover, Ribeiro expressed concern about Russia’s earlier, similar outlawing of investigative media portals — Proekt, Istories, The Insider and Bellingcat — as well as the continued mass designation of media outlets and journalists as “foreign agents”.

As early as 2015, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media warned about Russia’s legislation related to ‘undesirable organizations’ and its negative effects on freedom of expression, media freedom and pluralism of opinions.  

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

CHISINAU, 27 January 2023 – Strengthening the effective and meaningful participation of women in peace processes, advancing gender equality, fighting gender-based violence and protecting the rights of women and girls was at the centre of a two-day visit to Chisinau by Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office on Gender, Liliana Palihovici, and OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, Lara Scarpitta.

In the course of the visit, Special Representative Palihovici and Senior Adviser Scarpitta met  with women negotiators to discuss gender-inclusive peace-making and building capacity of women mediators and women peacebuilders, in order to promote their political participation.

“In 2022, the OSCE contributed to strengthening the negotiating capacities of women members of the eight working groups established to promote measures to enhance confidence and security in the context of the Transdniestrian settlement. I was pleased to hear from our partners how timely and valuable the training was. This is the first step to ensuring that solutions identified in the negotiation process are suitable and effectively meet the specific needs of women and men living on both sides of the Dniester/Nistru River. This is a concrete step towards building lasting peace, and the OSCE will remain committed to investing in women's meaningful participation in peace negotiations,” Special Representative Palihovici said. 

They also met with representatives of women civil society organizations from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River to enhance support to individuals at risk and survivors of gender-based violence, victims of domestic violence and exploitation.

“Many women-led organizations are at the frontline of protecting survivors of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and online abuse. They are a key partner of the OSCE and they have our full support,” OSCE Senior Adviser Scarpitta said.

In light of the flows of people seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine and strengthening Moldova’s response to these challenges, Special Representative Palihovici and Senior Adviser Scarpitta also visited the FRISPA refugee center.

Safeguarding the rights and well-being of refugees and ensuring protection against gender-based violence were focus of discussion with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail – Nichitin, responsible for the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, and the Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Oleg Serebrean. They also met with the Head of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM), Slawomir Pichor, the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation, Erika Hasznos and the UN Women Country Representative, Dominika Stojanoska.

SKOPJE/WARSAW/WASHINGTON, 27 January 2023 — Greater international co-operation is needed to counter Holocaust denial and distortion, not only to combat hateful ideologies but also to defend democracy, the OSCE said on today’s International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

“Today we honour the memory of the six million Jews and all other victims brutally murdered in the Holocaust for who they were, what they believed or even who they loved. The past year has represented yet another bone-chilling reminder that Europe in the 21st Century is not immune to new mass atrocities when the Holocaust is distorted, the UN Charter violated and the Helsinki Final Act disrespected,” said OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani. “The Holocaust was about millions of men, women and children murdered for not fitting into fascist ideas. Holocaust remembrance and education must continue to focus on people when addressing anti-Semitism in all its forms,” Osmani added, “with the first Chairpersonship event in 2023 devoted to this end.”

The phenomenon of Holocaust distortion seeks to minimize the crimes and impact of the Holocaust. As well as fuelling an increase in anti-Semitism, it threatens our democracies by spreading disinformation and undermining the mutual trust, respect and tolerance that are among their founding principles.

As the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust is marked worldwide, young people’s knowledge of the tragedy of the Holocaust is declining at a time when there are ever fewer survivors left to talk about their experiences. At the same time, Holocaust denial and distortion are increasingly reaching the political mainstream, with social media posts that excuse, minimize or misrepresent the known historical record of the Holocaust spreading online swiftly and often unchecked.

“Holocaust denial and distortion have dire consequences for our societies and our democracy,” said Matteo Mecacci, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). “Trivializing, diminishing and misappropriating the Holocaust not only diminishes the suffering of its victims, but also hampers our ability to understand the causes of genocide and prevent it from happening again. By spreading disinformation, it undermines trust and respect between people and therefore also the quality of democratic participation.”

ODIHR recently joined other international organizations including the United Nations and the European Commission in #ProtectTheFacts, a global awareness-raising campaign created by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance that focuses on countering Holocaust distortion.

“Today we face the dual challenge of politicians who distort the reality of the Holocaust to fit nationalist and populist narratives and a growing number of young adults who are ignorant of the most basic facts of the Jewish genocide,” said Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Anti-Semitism. “On this Holocaust Remembrance Day, we must redouble our education efforts as the very future of democracy depends on an informed electorate.”

All OSCE countries have unequivocally condemned intolerance and anti-Semitism, and have committed to promoting effective measures aimed at their eradication. Current challenges to combating anti-Semitism across the OSCE region will be discussed at an OSCE-wide conference on 6 and 7 February organized by the North Macedonia OSCE Chair-in-Office in consultation with ODIHR.

WARSAW, 25 January 2023 – Today’s decision by the Moscow City Court to liquidate Russia’s oldest human rights organization, the Moscow Helsinki Group, is contrary to the commitments made by all OSCE countries to respect the freedom to form and join associations, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said.

Ever since its establishment in 1976 to monitor implementation of the OSCE Helsinki Final Act and its human rights and democracy principles, the Moscow Helsinki Group has been active in protecting human rights across the country.

All OSCE states have explicitly acknowledged the importance of freedom of association for democracies, as well as the vital role of civil society to improve respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and democracy.

ODIHR believes that this move further undermines freedom of association in the Russian Federation, and calls on the Russian authorities to reconsider and reverse the decision, while reiterating its offer to assist them in ensuring a safe and enabling space for civil society.

SKOPJE, 25 January 2023 — OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani visited the OSCE Mission to Skopje today.

Chairman Osmani met with the OSCE Head of Mission, Kilian Wahl, and mission staff who updated him on the Mission’s ongoing and future activities in support of North Macedonia. This includes work in areas such as the rule of law, democratic governance, the fight against organized crime and corruption, promoting media freedom, and fostering social cohesion.

“The field missions are the focus of our Chairpersonship. The projects implemented by the OSCE Mission to Skopje are of great benefit for our country and its citizens. They are in concordance with the priorities of the Government’s agenda. With the Mission we have a partnership that lasts for years, in support of the reforms we are undertaking, but moreover in supporting the people in different ways.”

During a visit to the Gjorce Petrov Police Barracks, the Chairman had a first-hand look at the Mission’s work supporting police reforms including activities related to small arms and light weapons.

He also had the opportunity to meet graduates of the Mission’s Mentoring Programme for Women in Police. The Programme is designed to support women police officers with personal career development and increase gender equity in policing. Since 2017, over 100 female police mentors and mentees have been trained through the Programme.

The motto of the OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia is, ‘It’s about People’, and that includes women and underrepresented groups. Empowering these groups helps to strengthen the safety, security and equal rights for all people.

Taking part in an anti-hate speech event, Chairman Osmani spoke with groups of police officers and local students about the students’ art projects on preventing hate speech. The event was part of the Mission’s efforts to engage youth, strengthen community-based policing, and enhance social cohesion.

Chairman Osmani also underlined the OSCE’s contribution to the rule of law, development of resilient democratic institutions and socio-economic growth, showcasing concrete results from the OSCE’s engagement in North Macedonia.

536485 Communication and Media Relations Section Alexandra Taylor

On 24 January, the OSCE organized the third national workshop on the social re-use of confiscated assets in Serbia. The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Republic Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime, civil society and other international organizations.

Prosecutors at the workshop emphasized the gravity of fighting organized crime in Serbia and in the region, adding that countries in South-Eastern Europe are highly entrapped from this phenomenon. Participants highlighted that seizing and confiscating criminal assets hurts organized crime groups, and the social re-use of these assets gives back to societies what was stolen from them.

The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss key legislative and practical challenges for the social re-use of criminal assets, as well as how to tackle these challenges. Civil society representatives stated that the lack of clear procedures to apply and receive assets for re-use from the government is a key issue. Moreover, transparency and overview of available assets is required for effective social re-use.

The workshop highlighted the importance of co-operation between civil society and government in fighting organized crime. This activity was organized as part of 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, which is financially supported by , Germany, Italy the United Kingdom and the United States.

Communication and Media Relations Section Alexandra Taylor

Prosecutors working on organized crime and asset recovery cases in Serbia and a judge from the Belgrade High Court visited the German Federal Criminal Police Office in Wiesbaden for a study visit on 24 and 25 January.

The visit contributed to strengthening cross-border co-operation in the fight against transnational organized crime and corruption between the interested parties by exchange of experience and operational information on asset recovery cases, especially those of transnational nature that involve tracing, seizure and confiscation of criminal assets located in foreign jurisdictions. Participants also discussed their practices on cross-border tracing of illicit financial flows and seizure of cryptocurrencies.

Familiarity with the main legal aspects of the country where criminal assets are located can facilitate the proper submission of requests for international assistance, through both formal and informal channels, and lead to swift feedback.

This activity was facilitated by the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) as part of 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. Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States financially support this regional initiative.

Marina Živaljević

In congratulating journalists in Montenegro, noting 23 January commemorates the inaugural publication in 1871, of “Crnogorac” (Montenegrin), the weekly magazine for politics and culture in Cetinje, Dominique Waag, Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro, said: “Celebrating this day reminds us of the importance of investigative journalism in democracies.”

“Free and independent media are essential elements in democratic societies, journalists are its backbone,  playing a fundamental role in public interest, by informing and holding those in power accountable,” said Waag. She pointed to the OSCE commitments to freedom of information, freedom of the media and the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference.

Governments in making these commitments have a responsibility to ensure that journalists are safe and secure to work independently, investigate stories, and access important public documents.

“The role of the journalists is to uphold the highest professional standards. Professional integrity of journalists is echoed by objective and factual reporting, and adherence to the Montenegrin Code of Ethics”, said Head of Mission Waag.

To support of journalists, and journalism students , the Mission’s programmes are designed to strengthen their knowledge and skills, and to foster objective and ethical reporting, fact-checking, investigative journalism, and cooperation among media professionals.

SKOPJE, 21 January 2023 - The Mission to Skopje’s official Facebook page has been recently hacked. We have already undertaken all necessary steps to report to the Facebook Management Team, and until this is resolved, all posts or messages received from the hacked account are not authored by the OSCE. 

This incident is yet another reminder of cyber threats in today’s digital age, affecting without exception private businesses, government, and international organizations.

Communication and Media Relations Section

On 15 January 2023, reports with video footage and images appeared on social media showing OSCE-branded vehicles being transported on trucks through the Russian Federation border checkpoint of Izvaryne into the Luhansk region of Ukraine.

These vehicles had been temporarily stored in a parking facility in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. They were stored there after OSCE personnel drove the vehicles from non-government-controlled areas in Donetsk and Luhansk to Rostov-on-Don — the safest and quickest evacuation route at the time — following 24 February 2022.

While those personnel were able travel onward, however the vehicles were held back for customs processing. Since then, the OSCE has persistently worked with the Russian Federation in order to retrieve the vehicles, but despite numerous efforts and proposals, including at the level of Secretary General, the Russian Federation had not yet authorized the OSCE to retrieve its property.

Upon seeing the reports of the vehicles being moved from Rostov-on-Don, the OSCE immediately has sent a formal request to Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation to the OSCE seeking an explanation as to the vehicles’ whereabouts.

The Secretary General provided an overview of the current state-of-play to the Permanent Council on Thursday 19 January.

The OSCE has not had a presence in areas outside of the Ukrainian government’s control since March 2022. As such, the OSCE cannot independently verify the physical location of the vehicles. Any use of OSCE-marked vehicles in the Donbas region is unauthorized and is not undertaken by the OSCE.

536142 Communication and Media Relations Section

Amidst the continuing aggression against Ukraine, the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) must do all it can to help stop the war and diminish its impact on Ukraine and the region, said Josip Brkić, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in opening the country’s FSC Chairmanship on 18 January 2023.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina, given its tragic and relatively recent history, certainly feels the pain of people in Ukraine. It is quite fitting for this Forum, tasked with both security and co-operation, to do our utmost to contribute toending the bloodshed and work on restoring and maintaining lasting peace and co-operation,” he said.

Over the next four months, the Chairmanship’s activities will draw on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s experiences. Its priorities will include lessons from regional approaches to Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition, the implementation of the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, demining, and increasing the number of women in decision-making positions related to peace and security.

“We have much work to do. And, around this table in particular, we need a lot more dialogue and a lot less monologue from all of us. We owe it to our citizens and to our children to do our best to put our differences aside and bring an end to the wars, bloodshed and conflicts across the OSCE region. Let us do our best and come together — for a common good and our common future,” added Brkić.

The Chairmanship of the Forum for Security Co-operation rotates three times a year. It takes the lead in setting the agenda for each meeting of the Forum and brings attention to issues concerning the implementation of commitments adopted by the Forum.

536130 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities

From 9 to 11 January 2023, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov conducted an official visit to Albania.

During his visit, he met with representatives of the Ministries of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Education and Sports, Culture, the Institute of Statistics/INSTAT, the Committee on National Minorities, as well as a range of international interlocutors.

The High Commissioner welcomed Albania’s ongoing work concerning national minorities, including recent updates to the legislative and institutional framework. “The promulgation of several key pieces of legislation and the subsequent establishment of the Committee on National Minorities are important milestones that contribute to social cohesion and help to strengthen the integration of Albania’s diverse society,” Abdrakhmanov said.

Interlocutors noted that Albania’s EU accession process is creating suitable conditions for harmonizing the domestic framework on national minorities with regional standards.

In a discussion with the General Director of INSTAT, the High Commissioner welcomed the planned census, noting that diversity governance policies are more effective when based on  robust evidence. The data collected from the population census can serve as a key tool in the allocation of State funding and the formulation of such policies.

High Commissioner Abdrakhmanov also expressed his support for Albania’s steady progress, both domestically and in bilateral relations, and assured his interlocutors of his readiness to support the authorities on all matters within the scope of his mandate, including by providing technical assistance and capacity development to State bodies dealing with matters related to national minorities.

The High Commissioner thanked Ambassador Guido De Sanctis, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, and his team, for the longstanding co-operation and support provided throughout the visit.

ERGNETI, 17 January 2023 - The 110th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) was held in Ergneti today, under the co-facilitation of Dr. Tibor Kozma, Acting Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) and Ambassador Viorel Moşanu, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus.

The EUMM and OSCE representatives commended the commitment of the participants to the IPRM format. Ambassador Moşanu referred to the priorities of the 2023 OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia and vowed to continue previous efforts on improving the situation of the conflict-affected population on the ground.

The co-facilitators welcomed the temporary opening of two crossing points along the South Ossetian administrative boundary line (ABL) in late December, while expressing their regrets that a similar approach was not applied during the Orthodox Christmas period. Further, the co-facilitators reiterated their calls for the full re-opening of crossing points for regular cross-ABL traffic that would allow the conflict-affected populations to live more safely as well as better secure their livelihoods.

Dr. Kozma and Ambassador Moşanu also voiced their concern about the continuously high number of active detention cases, advocating for their immediate release.

IPRM participants discussed recent emergency evacuations, as well as issues that impact the security situation and livelihoods of the conflict-affected population, including continued ‘borderisation’ activities.

The participants agreed to convene the next IPRM on 2 March 2023 and a technical meeting on water irrigation issues on 3 March 2023.

536085 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

The September 2022 early parliamentary elections in Italy were competitive, with fundamental freedoms respected. Media coverage of the campaign was extensive and varied, creating the conditions for citizens to make an informed choice. The elections were run professionally and efficiently, and the various bodies administering them enjoyed a high level of confidence. Nevertheless, some aspects of the electoral legislation needing further review were of concern. These included those related to the criminalization of defamation, the need to allow citizen observation, insufficient transparency and scope of campaign finance regulation, and further efforts to promote women’s participation in political life.

These are some of the main conclusions of the final report assessing the 2022 early parliamentary elections, published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The report makes 14 recommendations to bring Italy’s elections more in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections.

Some key recommendations include:

• Consolidating the electoral legal framework through an inclusive consultative process, removing existing gaps and further aligning legislation with international standards and OSCE commitments;
• Allowing independent candidates to run for office;
• Strengthening freedom of expression by increasing protection of journalists against threats and intimidation and by repealing criminal sanctions for defamation;
• Introducing measures to deter the abuse of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) affecting the media;
• Enhancing the regulation of the campaign and its media coverage to ensure an environment in which candidates have fair opportunities to campaign, including online;
• Reviewing the gender quota system in order to increase the representation of women in parliament.

ODIHR deployed an Election Assessment Mission on 13 September 2022 to observe the early parliamentary elections. All 57 participating States across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations. For more information, see the ODIHR Electoral Recommendations Database.

KYIV, 16 January 2023 –The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, completed his visit to Kyiv today.

During his visit, Chairman Osmani observed first-hand the terrible toll Russia’s senseless and unjustified war continues to have on the people of Ukraine and called on the Russian Federation to immediately end the aggression.

This is the first official visit by Minister Osmani as OSCE Chairman-in-Office since North Macedonia began its Chairpersonship on 1 January 2023.

“I am here today to reiterate our strong support for Ukraine and to convey a firm message; the Russian aggression against Ukraine is unjustified and unprovoked. In our capacity as OSCE Chairpersonship we will continue to offer OSCE assistance and support in these challenging times,” Osmani said.

During his visit Chairman Osmani met the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Speaker of Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

“The grit and bravery of Ukrainian women and men, in the face of this calamity deserve our utmost admiration and respect. Ukraine will be a top priority for our Chairpersonship. Being here today demonstrates our commitment and we will not waver. We cannot and will not merely accept what is happening. Instead, we will engage and use the OSCE toolbox to actively seek a way to restore peace and the full respect of our principles and commitments,” he added.

Chairman Osmani emphasized the OSCE’s continued role in Ukraine and asserted that the Organization will remain engaged and committed to assisting the country in these unprecedented times.

“Once peace is restored and Russia has withdrawn its forces from Ukraine’s sovereign territory, the OSCE will be able to offer its full toolkit to help Ukraine recover from the wounds of this war. The OSCE helps now during the war through the donor-funded Support Program for Ukraine, but it will do even more during peace,” Osmani said.

On 1 November 2022, a new donor-funded Support Programme for Ukraine was launched by contributing OSCE participating States.

The new OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine consists of several, multidimensional projects aimed at supporting the civilian population affected by the war and further strengthening Ukraine’s institutions. Activities will include supporting humanitarian de-mining efforts, improving disaster risk reduction, and supporting the reform efforts of the Ukrainian government.

WARSAW, 23 January 2023 – Following the demonstrations that took place across Kazakhstan in January 2022, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is continuing to monitor trials in the country to assess their conduct and contribute to their overall transparency and fairness.  

The right to a fair trial is a cornerstone of democracy. Following a welcome invitation by the Kazakh authorities and in co-operation with the Supreme Court, ODIHR began monitoring open trials related to the events of January 2022 in November last year. ODIHR is focusing on high-profile cases against former or current public officials, political and civil society activists, those involving charges of torture and other serious human rights violations, and cases against the organisers of the January 2022 events.

ODIHR’s monitoring is taking place in cities across the country, including in Almaty, Taldykorgan, and Taraz. So far, the Office has monitored 13 criminal cases and attended more than 70 court hearings, both in person and online.

The Office is not assessing the merits of the cases themselves, focusing mainly on the court procedures and their compliance with international democratic standards, evaluating the extent to which the right to a fair trial is respected. ODIHR has extensive experience in trial monitoring, with all monitors following well-established principles of impartiality and objectivity, ensuring at the same time that they in no way interfere in the process itself. ODIHR expects to publish a report summing up the monitoring findings and including a set of concrete recommendations in the first half of this year.

All OSCE countries have committed to abide by the rule of law, to allow the presence of observers in courts as a confidence-building measure, and to ensure the right to a fair and public trial by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law.

VIENNA/SKOPJE, 16 January 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani will visit Ukraine today and meet with high-level officials.

This is the first official visit by Minister Osmani as OSCE Chairman-in-Office. 

Minister Osmani’s meetings will focus on the humanitarian and security challenges that the country is facing due to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. The discussions will also include the most pressing needs of Ukraine’s people, institutions, and civil society, as well as the OSCE’s role in bolstering the country’s resilience and addressing the numerous emerging challenges.

Minister Osmani will also visit the Kyiv region to observe first-hand the impact of the war on civilians and civilian infrastructure and get aware of the scope of international assistance needed in the area.

For more information about 2023 OSCE Chairmanship of North Macedonia, please visit the OSCE website: https://www.osce.org/chairmanship.

Vienna, 12 January 2023 — In these critical times for European security and stability, the Chairpersonship of North Macedonia will strive to manage and prevent conflicts and alleviate suffering by placing the people at the heart of its work, said Bujar Osmani, Foreign Minister of North Macedonia and OSCE Chairman-in-Office, during his address to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna today.

Referring to the hardship caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine, Osmani said: “Those directly exposed to war and conflict suffer the most. Those afar feel the insecurity and uncertainty. Their way of life is at stake. Everyday life is disrupted. They need to be freed from fear of war. Our mutual trust is deeply undermined.”

Expressing hope for the future, Osmani highlighted the Chairpersonship’s motto, ‘It’s About People’, as a driving force for the year ahead. “It’s our duty to react today. For the people. They look for our support.”

He emphasized that safeguarding people’s interests is the OSCE’s obligation and also within its capacity. He underscored that the Organization needs to keep delivering in difficult times and it is up to the 57 participating States of the OSCE to determine if they “have a strong and unequivocal political will to overcome the challenges for the sake of peace, stability and prosperity”.

Despite the challenging geopolitical context, the Organization has “proven its potential”, but needs additional support through adoption of its unified budget, Osmani said. “Principles and commitments shall not be only blank phrases. On the eve of the 50th Anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, history will remember us by our deeds, not by our promises, deliberations and statements. We must translate words into action to ensure OSCE functionality.”

Turning to the coming year, Osmani said the Chairpersonship will continue to put attention on addressing regional instability and the potential for new conflicts. He explained how the Chair will do its part to ensure the OSCE continues its efforts preventing conflict, restoring peace and security, and promoting co-operation. This includes supporting sustainable economic growth and environmental co-operation, as well as upholding human rights and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination.

“On this road, both our successes and failures will be yours too. Today’s hard times require wisdom, accountability for our actions and commitment to the principles of the Helsinki Final Act,” Osmani said. “Let us not fear the future and waste today but work for a better tomorrow. For the future of our Organization. For the future of the people.”

SKOPJE, 10 January 2023 - The 2023 OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, held two separate telephone conversations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov. The conversations with the ministers focused on the situation in the South Caucasus region, with a particular emphasis on the Lachin corridor.

Minister Osmani emphasized that he is carefully following the situation around the Lachin corridor. He expressed his concerns about its effect on the daily lives of the civilian population. He called for all sides to ease tensions and engage in constructive and productive dialogue.

Chairman Osmani assessed that measures for building trust and normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as part of the OSCE toolkit, are key elements to overcome ongoing challenges that affect people on the ground.

In this context, OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani reiterated his readiness for personal engagement to help defuse tensions, and contribute to efforts towards sustainable peace. He also announced that he will hold subsequent separate visits to Armenia and Azerbaijan.