Central Europe

518025 Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ton van den Brandt

On 11 May 2022, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, concluded her official visit to France. Ribeiro met with several government representatives and other senior officials from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Interior, parliamentarians, the President of the Regulatory Authority for Audiovisual and Digital Communication, the Rights Defender, with members of civil society in the field of media freedom, and representatives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Ribeiro discussed with her interlocutors several issues pertinent to the freedom of the media in France, including ongoing initiatives and mechanisms aimed at promoting media pluralism and sustainability, the legal and physical safety of journalists, the importance of media self-regulation and media and information literacy. They also discussed several challenges to media freedom in the OSCE region, including in the context of the Russian invasion of the sovereign state of Ukraine. Ongoing and potential co-operation in countering mis-and disinformation, promoting the safety journalists with a gender-sensitive approach, as well as addressing the regulation of online platforms and the impact of artificial intelligence on freedom of expression were also discussed.

Ribeiro and her counterparts acknowledged that media freedom is key for the security and stability in the region and agreed to continue their co-operation in this field.

518121

A two-week training course for 20 mid-level Armenian police officers commenced on 29 April at the Police Education Complex in Yerevan.

The course was based on the Swedish experience of implementing the dialogue-policing concept and was delivered by two Swedish dialogue police experts with the support from national experts. The training course builds on the study visit to Sweden, organized by the OSCE and hosted by the Stockholm regional police in 2021 for the leadership of the Armenian police and the Ministry of Justice.

In his opening remarks, Colonel Armen Mkrtchyan, Head of the Police Headquarters, reiterated the commitment of the Armenian police to introducing the dialogue police principles and practice.

“We thank the OSCE for its continues support to the police reform in Armenia,” said Mkrtchyan.

“We commend the ongoing police reform efforts in Armenia that are truly encouraging,” stressed Mona Nordberg, Police Affairs Officer/Community Police Advisor at the OSCE Secretariat's Transnational Threats Department/Strategic Police Matters Unit. She also mentioned the OSCE’s appreciation for the co-operation with the Armenian police and support from the Swedish police.

From the Swedish Embassy, Deputy Head of Mission, Counsellor Annika Nordin Jayawardena attended the closing ceremony.

518184 Address by Emmanuel Deceaux, President of the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE, at the Seminar on Conflict Resolution

The Bureau members of the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration concluded their visit to Stockholm, which was organized upon the invitation of Ambassador Carl Magnus Nesser, Director-General for Legal Affairs of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, on 3 May 2022.

Bureau members met with Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of academia to discuss the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration potential in the realm of peaceful settlement of disputes. They also met with State Secretary Magnus Nilsson to address the Court’s opportunities and current challenges. Discussions allowed assessment of the current situation and consideration of new and innovative ideas on the Court’s future role, in particular in view of the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Convention on Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE, adopted in December 1992 in Stockholm.

A seminar on conflict resolution within the OSCE was co-organized by the Swedish OSCE Network. Ambassador Anders Bjurner and Ambassador Petra Lärke spoke about conflict resolution in the OSCE region and the experiences of the Swedish Chairpersonship-in-Office in this regard.

In his keynote address, President of the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration, Emmanuel Decaux, stated: “We must invent the future together. In view of the 30th anniversary of the Stockholm Convention, we need to devise a ‘Stockholm+30’ that is a real action plan, a comprehensive strategy involving all the ‘friends of the Convention’. This begins with small steps, and a positive signal that dispute settlement remains an integral part of the OSCE and a concrete sign of hope for the entire continent.”

The Court of Conciliation and Arbitration provides a set of mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes between States. To date, 34 States have ratified the Convention. Sweden is the Depositary State.

517845 Marina Živaljević

Measures to prevent human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation in supply chains is the focus of the two-day conference that stared on 10 May 2022 in Budva, organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro in co-operation with the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (OSR/CTHB).

More than 20 representatives of law enforcement agencies, judiciary, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Chamber of Commerce, the Union of Employers, labour inspection, large retail chains and NGO representatives gathered to discuss current institutional and legal solutions in Montenegro in relation to the topic. Two experts from the OSCE OSR/CTHB office will deliver a presentation on the Model Guidelines on Government Measures to Prevent Trafficking for Labour Exploitation in Supply Chains.

Opening the conference, Dominique Waag, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro said that  Montenegrin private companies, while developing their international trade, should document compliance with policies and procedures that prevent human trafficking and exploitation, and show due diligence in respecting human rights.

“Trafficking for labour exploitation is one of the most prevalent forms of human trafficking. Participating States are encouraged to take appropriate measures to eradicate fraudulent recruitment and employment practices leading to exploitation. We must reinforce the role of labour inspectors in coordination with police services to prevent and deter human trafficking.” said Ambassador Waag.

Filip Adžić, Minister of Interior in the Government of Montenegro, said that Montenegro has ratified the most important international documents in this field. “We recognize that the best mechanism to counter human trafficking is through a strong working partnership amongst state bodies, NGOs and international organizations,” said Minister Adžić, adding that Montenegro has a complete system that includes activities from the identification of victims of human trafficking to their full integration into society.

Minister Adžić pointed out that the Recommendations of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings on the need to enhance anti-trafficking prevention amid mass migration flows have been received with due care and their implementation will be intensively monitored.

During the conference, the German experience in combating human trafficking in supply chains will be presented by German Ambassador Robert Weber, as well as the U.S perspective and their approach to public procurement and employment policies.

517788 Marina Živaljević

In order to increase the skills and knowledge of the Youth Network of Montenegro members in drafting project proposals for funding, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro delivered a workshop on project writing from 6 to 8 May 2022 in Budva.

The Youth Network is an independent, umbrella association of 46 civil society organizations (CSOs) in Montenegro with a mission to implement the youth policy.

Ivana Vujović, the Mission’s Democratization National Programme Officer, said that project proposal writing is a difficult task. “The goal of this workshop is to help participants increase their capacity to submit properly prepared projects, which should improve their chances to secure local and EU funding, while skills gained will help facilitate future work,” said Vujović.

Miloš Marković, President of the Executive Committee of the Youth Network of Montenegro, said that they want to raise awareness of relevant institutions and society about challenges that young people throughout Montenegro face in almost every area of life. “In order to conceptualize our initiatives and ideas for solving many youth problems, this form of the OSCE Mission’s support has come at the right time, as the situation requires a rapid and concrete response to youth problems,” said Marković.

Uroš Bulatović, a participant and member of the Youth Network of Montenegro on behalf of the Union of Young Entrepreneurs of Montenegro, said that the tools presented were very simple, easy to apply and useful. “Understanding how to draft project proposals not only increases youth participation, but impacts on economic empowerment, reducing youth unemployment and supporting young entrepreneurs,” said Bulatović.

Snežana Nikčević, member of the Youth Network of Montenegro on behalf of the NGO “35mm”, said that participation of young people in creation and implementation of public policies is recognized in the Network’s strategy. “We plan to have projects that implement the youth strategy at national level and local level. This workshop should help us achieve this,” said Nikčević.

This activity was a part of the Network’s first Strategic Plan 2021-2024. The Mission will continue to support youth organizations and services at both local and national level, strengthening their capacities for successful work.

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

A team of election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final report of ODIHR’s Election Expert Team to the 30 May 2021 parliamentary elections in Cyprus on 4 and 5 May 2022.

“We welcome the willingness of the Cypriot authorities to engage in the follow-up activities with ODIHR,” said Vladimir Misev, ODIHR’s Senior Advisor on New Voting Technologies. “We stand ready to support the electoral reform initiated through an open and inclusive dialogue involving  all electoral stakeholders to further strengthen Cyprus’s electoral process.”

The report’s findings and recommendations were discussed with representatives of the Ministry of Interior, the Central Election Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Audit Office, the Law Office, the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs, the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, the Cyprus Radio-Television Authority, and civil society.

ODIHR experts reiterated that the elections were conducted under an adequate legal framework, with election administration enjoying broad confidence in its impartiality and professionalism. Discussions focused on the ODIHR report recommendations to conduct a comprehensive review of the electoral legal framework to harmonize, clarify and update respective laws and to explicitly provide for the presence of citizen and international observers. ODIHR experts drew attention to the need to improve the regulation of the campaign, campaign financing and the media.

ODIHR discussed with authorities potential assistance in bringing Cyprus’s elections closer in line with international standards and commitments by implementing these recommendations. The ODIHR assistance offered includes expert discussions, thematic workshops and legal reviews related to potential changes to the electoral legislation.

All OSCE participating States have committed to promptly follow up on ODIHR’s electoral assessments and recommendations.

517665 Therese Abrahamsen Edita Buçaj

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo concluded a series of 23 workshops for new municipal assembly members, elected for the first time in the October 2021 local elections. The trainings focused on assembly members’ role in representing all members of their constituencies and in enhancing the functioning of their respective municipal assemblies.

Over a month and a half, 310 new municipal assembly members from all 38 Kosovo municipalities participated in the workshops and discussed their legislative mandate, as well as their representative and oversight roles. Tailor-made training sessions were also delivered to municipal assembly chairpersons who are serving in their positions for the first time, with these workshops focused on public relations and communication with the media.

The workshops also covered compliance with legal framework and good governance principles, legal requirements on municipal budgeting and gender equality considerations, and community participatory and representation mechanisms.

“Over 60% of municipal assemblies members are new and hold an elected seat for the first time, therefore diving together into their oversight role and responsibilities – and as early into their mandate as possible – is of particular importance. Understanding the specificities of their role will make the functioning of municipal assemblies more effective, ensure checks and balances and will better enable them to hold the municipal administration accountable,” said Fatmir Zylfijaj, National Programme Officer from the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the manager overseeing the planning, content, and roll-out of the induction trainings.

Discussions during these workshops unearthed numerous shared priorities and needs across municipal assemblies, including updating assemblies’ respective rules of procedure and learning to lead assembly meetings that abide by these rules. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo will be rolling out further support on these topics in select municipalities in the months ahead, tailored to the specificities of each municipality.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with the protection and promotion of human and community rights, as well as with democratization and public safety sector development. It supports municipalities towards providing better municipal services through developing municipal management capacity, promoting public engagement, strengthening checks and balances, inter-municipal co-operation and enhancing intergovernmental co-ordination.

VIENNA, 5 May 2022 – Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Anti-Semitism, Associate Professor Dr. Regina Polak, Personal Representative on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, also focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions and Mehmet Paçacı, Personal Representative on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims made the following statement:

“Nearly two decades have passed since the OSCE organized its first conferences on combating anti-Semitism, which resulted in the 2004 Berlin Declaration, endorsed by all participating States. Among the many measures to address this growing problem was the expressed commitment to promote remembrance and education about the tragedy of the Holocaust. It is a continuing, uphill struggle, but most OSCE participating States are making good faith efforts to address it. 

Thus, it is shocking and distressing that Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, would draw on one of the most sinister anti-Semitic myths in his efforts to discredit the President of Ukraine and his government. We had hoped the distorted notion that Jews are responsible for their own misfortune and that they were the architects of the Holocaust itself, was relegated to the darkest corners of society. But Mr. Lavrov has now brought international attention and new life to this anti-Semitic falsehood. 

As the Personal Representatives of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, devoted to promoting tolerance and combating discrimination, we know the importance of education and the challenge of confronting difficult historical truths. We forthrightly condemn this latest effort to upend the very facts of the Holocaust and revive a disgraceful anti-Semitic trope and all for the purpose of promoting the Russian aggression against Ukraine.”

517461 Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ton van den Brandt

On 26 April 2022, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, concluded an official two-day visit to Azerbaijan.

Ribeiro met with high-level state authorities, including Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov, First Deputy Chair of the Milli Majlis  (Parliament) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Huseynli and Chair of the Human Rights Committee of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Zahid Oruj, Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan Kamran Aliyev, and Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan – Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Hikmat Hajiyev.

Ribeiro also met with Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ahmad Ismayilov, Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva, as well as journalists and media and human rights experts.

Ribeiro and her counterparts discussed, among other things, concerns regarding the new Law “On Media”, on which the RFOM has commissioned a legal review which was published on 24 February 2022 (see here: https://www.osce.org/fom/66082). They further addressed issues related to other aspects of the regulatory framework for freedom of the media, both offline and online, as well as safety of media workers, including the cases of imprisoned journalists. In her meetings, Ribeiro underlined the important role of the government in ensuring an enabling working environment for journalists and expressed her readiness to provide necessary assistance and support to Azerbaijan in line with her mandate.

The Representative also participated and spoke at the roundtable “The rise of disinformation: impact on the media landscape and effective policy responses”, organized by the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and ADA University (see full speech: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/517422).

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

517449 Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ton van den Brandt

On 29 April 2022, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, concluded an official two-day visit to Georgia.

Ribeiro met with high-level state authorities, including Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia Shalva Papuashvili, First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia Lasha Darsalia, and Prosecutor General of Georgia Irakli Shotadze.

Ribeiro also met with Member (Commissioner) of the Communications Commission of Georgia Ivane Makharadze, Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia Nino Lomjaria, as well as journalists and media and human rights experts.

Ribeiro and her counterparts discussed, among other things, concerns related to the safety of journalists and issues pertinent to the general environment for freedom of expression and freedom of the media. In her meetings, Ribeiro underlined that both legislation and practice should ensure strong guarantees for the safe and enabling work of media workers and media outlets. Ribeiro expressed her readiness to provide necessary assistance and support to Georgia in line with her mandate.

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

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

A team of election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) met with electoral stakeholders in Armenia from 26 to 29 April 2022 to present the final report of ODIHR’s Election Observation Mission to the 20 June 2021 early parliamentary elections.

The report findings and recommendations were presented to the President of the National Assembly, representatives of the Central Election Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Constitutional Court, the Administrative Court, the Public Television and Radio Council, and the National Commission for Television and Radio. The delegation also met with representatives of civil society organizations and the international community.

“ODIHR values the strong cooperation that we have with our Armenian partners,” said Eoghan Murphy, Head of the Election Observation Mission. “This has been a very worthwhile engagement with the government and all of the main stakeholders in the electoral process.”

ODIHR experts reiterated that the elections were competitive and generally well-managed within a short timeframe, although marred by increasingly inflammatory rhetoric among key contestants. The experts drew attention to the final report’s priority recommendations, which included ensuring that any changes to the electoral legal framework should take effect well in advance of elections and that regulations and clarifications on electoral procedures should be comprehensive, adopted in formal sessions of the Central Election Commission and applied uniformly.

The authorities discussed ODIHR’s potential assistance in bringing Armenia’s elections closer in line with international standards and commitments by implementing these recommendations, including through discussions or legal reviews related to potential reforms to the electoral legal framework.

All OSCE participating States have committed to promptly follow up on ODIHR’s electoral assessments and recommendations.

517413 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

Twenty-five border officers of Tajikistan’s Border Troops enhanced their capacities on operation planning training course conducted by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe from 14 April to 3 May 2022 in Hamadoni district.

The topics of the training sessions focused on decision-making, operational planning, risk assessment, gender awareness and topography map reading.

At the closing ceremony of the training, Ambassador Vuk Zugic, Acting Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe said: “The OSCE’s project on the stabilization of Tajikistan’s southern borders with Afghanistan is one of the most important projects implemented by our Office. It helps Tajikistan to strengthen border security and management and emanate threats coming from outside the state borders.”

Colonel Khusvakhtov Kishvarsho, Deputy Commander of the Border Troops noted that the co-operation between the OSCE and Border Troops since 2008 has brought many positive results and building on the capacity of Tajikistan border troops is more than ever essential considering the current situation at the border with Afghanistan.

This training course is part of a project funded through the  EU Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instrument. The project aims to increase the professional capacity of both Tajikistan’s Border Troops and Afghan Border Services to better tackle illicit activities in border areas. The project also aims to strengthen the capacity of the Committee on Emergency Situations and Civil Defense to respond to natural disasters in border regions.

On today’s World Press Freedom Day, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro launched the 2022 Joint Declaration on Freedom of Expression and Gender Justice, together with the freedom of expression mandate holders from the United Nations, the African Commission of Human Rights, and the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights.

“This year’s Joint Declaration addresses a precondition for the universal right to freedom of expression: the horizontal issue of gender justice,” says Ribeiro. “Women – and others who experience discrimination and marginalization – face structural barriers to the enjoyment of their rights, online and offline. Restricted access to information, gender-based harassment and abuse, the digital divide, as well as biased technologies or discriminatory deployment of technology limit women’s ability to exercise their right to freedom of expression. We see even greater free speech challenges for women in the public sphere or executing scrutiny, such as women journalists, as well as those with intersecting identities,” stresses Ribeiro. “We also see a clear link to authoritarian trends and the overall backsliding of human rights and civic space.”

The 2022 Joint Declaration on Freedom of Expression and Gender Justice highlights how gender equality and the right to freedom of opinion and expression are mutually reinforcing, indivisible and interdependent, and their link to the advancement of sustainable development, and the strengthening of democratic societies. The Joint Declaration provides recommendations to states, companies, in particular internet intermediaries and social media platforms, the media industry, and the general public. The recommendations provide guidance on eliminating discrimination and prejudice; ensuring access to information; averting gender-specific restrictions on expression; addressing online sexual and gender-based violence; and on human rights due diligence.

“We need a whole-of-society approach to ensure women’s full enjoyment of all human rights, including the right to freedom of opinion and expression. States, private companies, the media and all of society have to lead transformative change to remove systemic inequalities and discrimination in view of creating gender justice and an enabling environment for freedom of expression for all,” emphasises Ribeiro.

Joint Declarations by the free speech rapporteurs have been adopted annually since 1999, covering current universal challenges to freedom of expression.

The 2022 Joint Declaration can be found here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/517266

Teresa Ribeiro, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on the Protection and Promotion of Freedom of Opinion and Expression

Pedro Vaca Villarreal, Organization of American States, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression

Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information

Željka Šulc

Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, made the following statement to mark World Press Freedom Day:

“On World Press Freedom Day, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina acknowledges the committed and courageous efforts of BiH journalists to keep us informed on a daily basis, especially during times of crisis.   Journalists play a vital role in informing citizens on critical issues ranging from public health, economic development, governance, election processes, corruption, conflict and human rights.   Investigative journalism, in particular, helps hold powerful individuals and institutions to account in the interests of protecting and strengthening democratic societies.  Indeed, freedom of the press is not just important to democracy, it is democracy.  

Unfortunately, our monitoring shows that journalists in BiH are being targeted more often by threats, physical and cyber attacks, as well as on-line smear campaigns.  They also face economic pressures, as many in BiH work without a contract, without rights to social and health benefits. 

We call upon authorities to enable a free and safe working environment for all journalists.  We welcome initiatives aimed at improving the training, status and safety of journalists.  In particular, we welcome the recent proposal to amend the BiH criminal code to enable better legal protection of journalists, as well as the decision by Canton Sarajevo to designate a special point of contact in the prosecutor’s office for journalists.

Happy World Press Freedom Day, and thank you to all journalists and media workers for your service to the citizens of BiH!”

517212 Marina Živaljević

Accurate, verified and quality public information depends on journalists, which is why independence, freedom and safety are crucial for their professional work, said Dominique Waag, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro on World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2022.

This year’s theme “Journalism under Digital Siege” highlights how recent technological developments affect the work and role of journalists and points to the need for the media to be constantly evolving in order to survive in fast-growing markets.

Congratulating Montenegrin journalists on this special day, Ambassador Waag said these difficult and challenging times that we live in, with higher risks of disinformation, are an indicator of how much a strong and stable democracy depends on information we receive from journalists and media outlets.

“Today is an opportunity to express our gratitude to journalists for their role in providing relevant, balanced and accurate information to society. The OSCE works to ensure that journalists can work in a safe environment, protected by the fundamental principles of pluralism of the media and freedom of expression”, said Ambassador Waag.

The OSCE Mission will continue to support the media and media institutions in Montenegro, strengthening their capacities in order to cope with all the challenges ahead.

In the light of the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and the continuation of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the monitors for freedom of expression and freedom of the media for the United Nations (UN), the African Commission of Human Rights (ACHR), the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights (ItACHR), and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) issued the following joint statement:

We collectively condemn the invasion of and continuous aggression against Ukraine, its sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Russian Federation. The actions of the Russian Federation violate international law and the common UN, OSCE, ItACHR and ACHR commitments and the very principles on which our organizations are based.

We are outraged about the continuous atrocities and the resulting grave human rights and humanitarian crises, which have a massive detrimental impact on civilians’ lives, safety and well-being. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in these difficult times.

We recall that it is precisely during times of war and armed conflict that the right to freedom of expression and free access to information must be vigorously defended, as it is instrumental for the promotion of lasting peace, understanding the nature of the conflict and  ensuring accountability.

In this connection, we highlight the following:

First, we are profoundly concerned about the safety of journalists, media workers and associated personnel in Ukraine, who are carrying out their work under unprecedented conditions, and are now at a very high risk. There are numerous reports that journalists and they are being targeted, tortured, kidnapped, attacked and killed, or refused safe passage from the cities and regions under siege. Such actions are abhorrent and must be stopped immediately. We recall that under international humanitarian law, during armed conflict journalists are considered to be civilians and must be afforded protection as such. An attack to kill, wound or abduct a journalist constitutes a war crime. Those responsible for direct or indiscriminate attacks on civilians, including journalists, should be held accountable and brought to justice under national and international law. Measures must also be taken to trace missing journalists, ascertain their fate, provide appropriate assistance and facilitate their return to their families. States have the duty and obligation to protect and guarantee human rights, to conduct effective investigations and to guarantee effective remedies and reparations.

Second, we are alarmed by reports that Ukraine’s media and internet infrastructure may be intentionally targeted by the Russian forces in an effort to disrupt access to information, including by means of cyberattacks. We appreciate that access to Ukraine's internet infrastructure has remained largely resilient. It is crucial to ensure that people in Ukraine have continued access to the internet, broadcasting and other means of communication. We call for the adoption of all feasible measures to protect the media, media organisations, and internet infrastructure from attacks and hostile take overs. We also call for increased support in various forms by the international community to ensure media sustainability in Ukraine at a time when a number of national and local media outlets have lost their premises and equipment or have been damaged or destroyed. Initiatives that enable Ukrainian journalists and media in exile to continue their professional work should also be supported in a manner that is sustainable and adapted to the exceptional conditions they are facing.

Third, we underline that  propaganda for war and national hatred which constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence are profoundly harmful and   prohibited  under article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. We call on the Russian Federation to immediately refrain from these unlawful practices.

Fourth, we are concerned at the spread of disinformation concerning the conflict in Ukraine in Russian state-owned media. However, we believe that disinformation cannot be addressed by blocking or banning media outlets. Any restriction of freedom of expression should respect scrupulously the three-part test of legality, legitimate aim, and necessity and proportionality. We are concerned that the EU’s decision to ban two Russian state-owned media outlets may have been a disproportionate response to disinformation. It has been used as a pretext for additional closure of independent media outlets in the Russian Federation. Promoting access to diverse and verifiable information, including ensuring access to free, independent and pluralistic media, is a more effective response to disinformation.

Fifth,  we believe that the erosion of the right to freedom of expression and other human rights over a prolonged period of time and the silencing of critical voices  in the Russian Federation have contributed to creating an environment that facilitates Russia’s war against Ukraine.   We are alarmed at the further tightening of censorship and repression of dissent and pluralist sources of information and opinion in the Russian Federation, including the blocking of social media platforms and news websites, disruption of services from foreign content and service providers, massive labeling of independent journalists and media as “foreign agents”, introduction of criminal liability and imprisonment of up to fifteen years for spreading so-called “fake” information about the war in Ukraine or questioning Russian military action in Ukraine or simply standing for peace or even mentioning the word “war”. We deplore the systematic crackdown on political opponents, independent journalists and the media, human rights activists, protesters and many others opposing the Russian government’s actions. All these measures amount to the creation of a state monopoly on information in blatant violation of Russia’s international obligations. They must stop. We call on the Russian government to fully implement its international human rights obligations, including by respecting, promoting and protecting the freedom to seek, receive and impart information regardless of frontiers, and by ensuring a safe working environment for independent media, journalists and civil society actors.

Six, we note that the war in Ukraine has further highlighted the risks of the proliferation of disinformation, misinformation  and incitement to violence and hatred and restrictions of lawful speech  on digital and social media  platforms as a result of their business models, policies and practices.  While we appreciate that dominant companies recently made some efforts to address these problems, we urge them to strengthen their human rights due diligence and impact assessment, accountability, transparency and equal and consistent application of policies to uphold the rights of all users.

* The freedom of expression mandates are: Mrs. Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Mrs. Teresa Ribeiro, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Mr. Pedro Pedro Vaca Villarreal, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, and Hon. Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, African Commission Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information.

CHISINAU, 30 April 2022 – Following recent developments in Transdniestria, the Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Ambassador Artur Dmochowski and the Special Representative of the Polish OSCE Chairman-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting, have concluded a two-day visit to the Republic of Moldova to convey the CiO's message of strong support for the stabilization of the situation in the country, peaceful, based on results-oriented dialogue solution of existing problems, and to assess the risks for the security situation in the region.

In Chisinau, the Special Envoy and Special Representative, together with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Claus Neukirch, met with Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu and National Security Advisor Dorin Recean. In Tiraspol, they met with  Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev.

The effects of the war waged by Russia in neighbouring Ukraine and the disturbing incidents that occurred in Transdniestria earlier this week were the focus of discussions at meetings in both locations. Ambassadors Dmochowski and Mayr-Harting strongly urged all parties to remain calm, show restraint and avoid any rhetoric or action that could undermine trust and stability on both sides of the Dniester/Nistru River. 

The Special Envoy of the Chairman-in-Office underlined that he highly appreciates the efforts taken to support refugees by the Moldovan civil society, the government and local authorities.

"In this critical situation it is of the utmost importance that the OSCE-facilitated dialogue between the political representatives of both Sides continues and achieves tangible results," stressed the Special Representative of the Chairman-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process.

517086

Participants at today’s OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group discussion shared experiences and best practices in addressing the specific needs of women, girls and vulnerable groups during natural and man-made disasters, including those resulting from armed conflict.  

The meeting was the first under the Swedish Chair and was organized in cooperation with Thailand.

“It is clear that women’s and girls’ limited access to political, economic and material resources has a negative impact on their ability to adapt to natural or man-made disasters, such as coping with the effects of climate change or the consequences of armed conflict. Mainstreaming gender perspectives in disaster risk reduction is therefore of particular importance, not least in the context of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine”, said Ambassador Ulrika Funered, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the OSCE and Chair of the OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group. She also recalled the 2021 OSCE Stockholm Ministerial Council Decision on “Strengthening Co-operation to Address the Challenges Caused by Climate Change”, which calls on promoting the effective participation of women in decision-making processes on climate change prevention, mitigation and adaptation.

Ambassador Morakot Sriswasdi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations and other international organisations in Vienna underlined Thailand’s efforts in promoting gender-responsive, people-centred, and multi-stakeholder disaster risk reduction and emergency responses. “It is imperative to identify the needs of women and other vulnerable groups in the process of disaster management so that we can respond and provide necessary humanitarian assistance in an effective manner”, she said.

“I want to use this opportunity to pay tribute to Ukrainian women and girls who have been caught in a war started without a reason by Russian Federation on 24 February. Ukrainian women and girls have played critical roles in the response to the war and the unfolding humanitarian disaster. They are soldiers, doctors, journalists, human rights and environmental activists, volunteers, care providers, logistics experts and much more”, said Polish Ambassador Adam Hałaciński, Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council, underlining the specific context of the topic related to the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.

“The OSCE has a long history related to the promotion of gender equality. As a matter of course, our work on disaster risk reduction integrates women’s empowerment in environmental activities”, said OSCE Secretary General Schmid.   

Schmid recalled the launch of the OSCE Networking Platform on Women Leaders including Peacebuilders and Mediators: “This initiative aims to increase women’s networking opportunities in order to strengthen their influence over formal and informal security processes.”

The OSCE supports the Asian Partnership in its efforts to further promote common values in the international community and address the new challenges affecting European security and beyond.

516993 OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

The introduction of advanced technologies and innovative solutions for the development of hydrogen energy and the implementation of energy-efficient approaches were discussed at an online seminar organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat on 28 and 29 April 2022. This event is a continuation of a series of events, the first of which was an introductory session held on 28 February 2022. 

The representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Finance and Economics, State Concerns “Turkmengas” and “Turkmenoil”, State Corporation “Turkmengeology” as well as higher educational institutions, attended the event. 

Two international experts facilitated the event and presented a comprehensive overview of technologies and innovations related to the use of hydrogen as a renewable energy resource. The experts elaborated on hydrogen energy development in various industries, technical and economic aspects of hydrogen energy and efficiency of hydrogen life cycle as a regulation of energy consumption. They also highlighted the impact of hydrogen energy on economy and prospects for export of hydrogen energy from Central Asia.

“Hydrogen energy development continues to be an important research, development, and demonstration pathway for major economies around the world,” said Ivana Markovic-Boskovic, Economic and Environmental Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“This forthcoming new trend promotes high energy efficiency, environmental and social benefits, and potentially leads to economic competitiveness.  At the same time, the use of hydrogen is promising new ways to expand the range of renewable energy in the world energy consumption and has the potential to sustainably meet the growing global energy needs,” added Markovic-Boskovic.

VIENNA, 28 April 2022 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, expressed her concern today over the recent targeting of media workers in Serbia, urging the competent authorities to take effective measures to identify and prosecute all those responsible.

According to reports, over the past few days, several journalists and other media workers have been subjected to increasing threats of violence, verbal attacks, and accusations of being foreign mercenaries and ‘traitors’.

On 25 April, Dinko Gruhonjić, a journalist and programme director of the Independent Journalists' Association of Vojvodina (NDNV), and his family members were threatened and insulted via a social media platform by an unidentified user, accusing Gruhonjić of being a “traitor”. Reportedly, the perpetrator also tried several times to call the journalist via a social media app.

On 22 April, the independent daily newspaper Danas received a series of death threats and insults directed towards its employees via e-mail, an online messaging app, and comments on their social media pages, from both anonymous and named accounts. The threats reportedly stem from a quote from Mahatma Gandhi that the newspaper had published in its print edition and Instagram page on Good Friday before the Orthodox Easter holiday. On 19 April, the crew from portal Nova.rs was compelled to stop filming from a construction site suspected of alleged permit irregularities after a man claiming to be the security guard of the site threatened and insulted them, obstructing their work. On 18 April, the independent broadcaster N1TV also received an anonymous e-mail threatening to ‘slaughter’ the outlet’s employees and calling them liars and foreign mercenaries.

Most of the targeted media outlets and journalists have faced similar threats and attacks in the past over their critical reporting. According to media reports, those recently targeted have filed criminal complaints to the competent authorities to initiate investigations and identify the perpetrators. Allegedly, so far, the prosecution authorities have launched criminal proceedings into the reported death threats directed towards the employees of broadcaster N1TV and newspaper Danas.

“I am increasingly concerned by the latest barrage of threats and tone of accusations against media workers in Serbia. Such targeted anti-media manifestations – which are all too often perpetrated in direct reprisal for journalists’ work – have a chilling effect, not only on their ability to serve the public in a democratic society, but also on their physical and psychological wellbeing”, stated Ribeiro.

While the Representative welcomed the swift reaction by the prosecution in the case of N1TV and Danas, she urged Serbian authorities to do their utmost to end impunity for all crimes against the media before the law.  “All cases of threats and attacks on media workers must be met with strong condemnation and prosecuted in a swift and systematic manner,” Ribeiro said.

“This is not only vital to ensure the safety of media workers, but also to enhance trust and credibility in the importance of independent journalism in the country,” she added while recalling on the specific commitment that the participating States made in 2018 “to take effective measures to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists.”

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.