Central Europe

VIENNA, 14 April 2022 – Following the arrests of Mikhail Afanasyev, an award-winning editor-in-chief of the Abakan based Novyi Focus online magazine, and Sergei Mikhailov, founder of the Gorno-Altaysk based Listock newspaper, the OSCE Representative on Media Freedom, Teresa Ribeiro, today made the following statement:

“The  effect of the legislation that introduced administrative and criminal liability with severe imprisonment terms for spreading “false” information about the Russia’s military attack against Ukraine continues to aggravate the situation of media freedom and the safety of journalists in the Russian Federation,” Ribeiro said. “I call on the authorities to repeal these highly restrictive and disproportionate laws, and strictly follow the country’s international obligations and OSCE commitments.”

On 13 April, the law enforcement representatives detained Afanasyev following intense late night searches in his and his mother’s apartments and seizing the documents and computer equipment. The case reportedly stems from a publication in Novyi Focus about several riot police officers from the region, who refused to fight in Ukraine.

On the same day, also after searching both the editorial office and homes of Listock’s staff, and seizing the computer equipment, the law enforcement representatives detained Mikhailov. According to reports, both editors will face criminal charges of spreading “false” information about the Russian armed forces.

Earlier, on 4 March, President Vladimir Putin signed into effect the laws that call for hefty fines and sentences of up to fifteen years in prison for distributing “false” information about the Russian armed forces or for “discrediting” them.  According to reports, as of 14 April, more than 700 cases on related administrative offences have been registered in courts across the country.

The Representative also noted with great disappointment the 12 April criminal conviction of editors and journalists from the student magazine DOXA Armen Aramyan, Vladimir Metelkin, Alla Gutnikova and Natasha Tyshkevich. On previous occasions, she raised the case with the Russian authorities calling to ensure that the journalists continue to carry out their work in a safe manner.

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

Election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final report on Kazakhstan’s 2021 parliamentary elections during a visit to Nur-Sultan that took place from 10 to 14 April 2022.

The experts discussed the report’s key findings and recommendations with representatives of  the ministries of foreign affairs, justice, and social development and information, the Central Election Commission, the Parliament’s lower chamber, the Supreme Court, the Ombudsperson, as well as various civil society organizations and the international community.

Discussions focused on the recommendations contained in the report, such as removing restrictions on the fundamental rights of expression, peaceful assembly and association, ensuring pluralism and representativeness of the parliament, creating favourable conditions for registering political parties and for unimpeded work of citizen observers, and guaranteeing effective adjudication of election disputes. ODIHR experts emphasized the importance of carrying out electoral reform in an inclusive and consultative process.

“We appreciate the frank and constructive discussions with a broad range of stakeholders on our recommendations following our observation of the 2021 parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan,” said Ulvi Akhundlu, Deputy Head of the ODIHR Election Department. “These discussions took place in the context of the recently announced political reforms, and the next steps in our co-operation can be related to the demanding legislative agenda for this year. The Kazakhstani authorities can rely on ODIHR's support and expertise in their efforts to improve the electoral legislation and practice.”

The experts took note of plans to change the electoral system, strengthen the role of parliament and the independence of the judiciary, simplify the registration of political parties, introduce alternative voting methods and create an electronic voter register.

The ODIHR experts offered various forms of assistance to further improve the electoral process, including expert discussions, legal reviews and thematic workshops. Electoral stakeholders welcomed this potential co-operation and expressed readiness to engage in further discussions.

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.

515949 The Second Forum on the Role of Women Parliamentarians in the Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, 13 April 2022.

On 13 April 2022, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz), in partnership with the Republican Commission on the Advancement of the Role of Women in Society, Gender Equality and the Family, Committee on Women and Gender Equality of the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan organized the Second Forum on the Role of Women Parliamentarians in the Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

More than 1,000 participants from the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Republic of Uzbekistan, deputies of local kengashes (councils) from all regions of Uzbekistan, members of the Youth Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan, officials of government agencies and public organizations and the media attended the forum in a blended format. Yulia Netesova, Chief of Democratic Governance and Gender Unit at the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), presented the ODIHR's work on gender equality and parliamentary representation.

Aim of the forum was to create a networking platform for effective co-operation between women’s parliaments and deputy groups at the national and regional levels on issues such as: expanding women’s participation in political and social life and achieving gender equality in community interaction; the roles of female senators and deputies in coordinating joint actions to achieve sustainable development goals and overseeing the activities of regional executive bodies of local kengashes; empowering women in parliament to implement policies and programmes related to climate change, environment, and disaster risk reduction.

The forum was opened by the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbaeva. In her opening speech, she stressed that: “In recent years the country has been implementing large-scale reforms aimed at creating equal rights and opportunities for women and men, ensuring their full participation in managing the affairs of society and the state, their social economic and legal support”.

In his opening speech, Pierre von Arx, Head of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan stressed that “Achieving gender equality requires work in three interrelated areas: correcting the unfavorable socio-economic situation of women, fight against stereotypical perceptions and violence, and increasing participation of women in political, social and economic life.”

At the end of the forum, a set of follow up recommendations were provided.

VIENNA/STRASBOURG, 13 April 2022 –  As the Russian military attack against Ukraine continues, we mourn the victims of war and lament the millions forced to leave their homes and their country behind, seeking shelter and safety within Ukraine, in Europe and beyond. Children, women and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Many victims of the war suffer from profound psychological trauma.

We are appalled at the destruction of religious sites and places of worship: churches, synagogues and mosques. They are vital to the country’s diverse religious communities, more than ever in times of crisis.

The Council of Europe was established in the aftermath of the Holocaust and World War II and the OSCE was created at the height of the Cold War, with the promise of maintaining peace and security for the European continent.

As representatives of both organisations committed to promote peaceful dialogue, we call on Russia to stop the destruction of religious sites and places of worship, which, together with the indiscriminate killing of tens of thousands of civilians, constitute crimes against humanity.

Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office on Combating Antisemitism

Ambassador Mehmet Paçacı, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims

Professor Regina Polak, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination also focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of other Religions

Daniel Höltgen, Council of Europe Special Representative on Antisemitic, anti-Muslim and other forms of religious intolerance and hate crimes

515898 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Courageous high school students from the municipality of Jajce in Bosnia and Herzegovina named winners of 2018 Max van der Stoel Award High Commissioner on National Minorities visits Bosnia and Herzegovina and calls for quality inclusive education for all

During his first official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 6 to 8 April 2022, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov encouraged the authorities to continue implementing reforms that can secure the representation and participation of national minorities in all spheres of life.

The High Commissioner welcomed the respect for multiculturalism and multiconfessionalism he saw in the country. In particular, he learned about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s policy towards managing diversity and encouraged efforts to continue building the resilience of the country’s diverse society.

The High Commissioner also met national minority representatives from the state and entity Councils of National Minorities to hear their views on matters involving national minorities and how their representative bodies are functioning. In addition, representatives of national minorities informed the High Commissioner of their aspirations for shaping the country’s inclusive society.

Abdrakhmanov met Foreign Minister Bisera Turković, members of the Parliamentary Assembly Joint Committee on Human Rights, the Inter-Agency Working Group for Amendments and Supplements to the Bosnia and Herzegovina Election Law, the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, President of Republika Srpska Željka Cvijanović, and other state and entity institutions.

In his meetings, the High Commissioner discussed positive practices in strengthening inclusive societies. He emphasized the importance of promoting the participation of national minorities in public, political and socio-economic life and providing opportunities for inclusive education.

“It continues to be important for all public officials and institutions to respect everyone, regardless of religious, cultural or ethnic affiliation. Each individual has many diverging identities, all of which must be respected and nurtured,” he said.

Mirvete Islam, OSCE Mission to Skopje Ilona Kazaryan

The OSCE Mission to Skopje, and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) hosted an event on April 12 2022 that brought together law enforcement and judicial officials with representatives of the Jewish community of North Macedonia.

Participants discussed how to improve co-operation in order to better face current and potential security challenges to the community, such as concerns stemming from hate crimes, anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, and anti-Semitic bias.

“Discrimination, hate crime and hate speech are serious problems in this region and represent a potential threat to improving inter-ethnic relations. Between 2013 and 2021, in this country, civil society organizations have registered more than 800 hate crime incidents, 25 of which were committed because of the religious belief or affiliation of the victims. Two of these incidents involve serious anti-Semitic threats,” said Jeff Goldstein, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje while addressing participants of the event.

Minister of Internal Affairs, Oliver Spasovski, told participants that: “The true values of a society come from the ability to accept and respect differences, to recognize and nurture individuals as well as the society as a whole, to protect them, embrace and foster human hopes, aspirations, perspectives, and ambitions. In essence, the power of one community lies in the ability not to dominate over the others.”

“State institutions are obliged to be vigilant, especially in shaping policies for human rights and freedoms, for fighting antisemitism and racism, and for global action against hate speech. But also, for a swift and effective response to all attempts to provoke any kind of hatred,” added Spasovski.

The president of the Jewish Community, Pepo Levi, stated that antisemitism affects not only Jews, but the society as a whole, and “given the current situation with the health crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the latest developments in Ukraine, we witness hate speech, intolerance and antisemitism increasingly spreading through social networks.”

Katya Andrusz Report of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism’s mission of experts entitled ‘Report On Violations Of International Humanitarian And Human Rights Law, War Crimes And Crimes Against Humanity Committed In Ukraine Since 24 February 2022’

The OSCE Moscow Mechanism mission of experts undertaken by Professor Wolfgang Benedek, Professor Veronika Bílková and Professor Marco Sassòli presented their findings to the OSCE Permanent Council on 13 April 2022, collected in the report entitled ‘Report On Violations Of International Humanitarian And Human Rights Law, War Crimes And Crimes Against Humanity Committed In Ukraine Since 24 February 2022’.

The three experts were selected after 45 OSCE participating States, following consultation with Ukraine, invoked the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism on 3 March to “address the human rights and humanitarian impacts of the Russian Federation’s invasion and acts of war, supported by Belarus, on the people of Ukraine, within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and territorial waters”.

The experts were selected by Ukraine, and the tasks of the mission of experts included:

• Establish the facts and circumstances surrounding possible contraventions of OSCE commitments, and violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law
• Establish the facts and circumstances of possible cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including due to deliberate and indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure; and to collect, consolidate, and analyse this information with a view to presenting it to relevant accountability mechanisms, as well as national, regional, or international courts or tribunals that have, or may in future have, jurisdiction

The Mechanism, agreed by all OSCE participating States, allows for one or more participating States to request ODIHR to “inquire of another participating State whether it would agree to invite a mission of experts to address a particular, clearly defined question on its territory relating to the human dimension”.

The Permanent Council is one of the OSCE’s main decision-making bodies, and convenes each week in Vienna to discuss developments in the OSCE area and make decisions on future activities.

The observations of the mission of experts are available here.

ERGNETI, 12 April 2022 - The 106th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) was held today in Ergneti, under the co-facilitation of Ambassador Marek Szczygieł, 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 and stressed the importance of continuing the effective use of the EUMM-managed hotline, in particular with a view to the upcoming Easter period. Ambassador Szczygieł called for a humanitarian approach to be applied during these days and asked that special attention be given to the rights of the local population, including access to religious sites and graveyards. Ambassador Moşanu encouraged all participants to find solutions to decrease the challenges faced by the conflict-affected population and emphasized the value of dialogue and pragmatism.

During the meeting, participants discussed the impact that the protracted closure of crossing points at the administrative boundary line (ABL) continues to have on conflict-affected communities. In this regard, the co-facilitators, who stressed that the Odzisi crossing point has been closed to regular cross-ABL traffic for over two and a half years, reiterated their call for a re-opening. Moreover, the co-facilitators voiced their concern about the high number of active detention cases and urged for a humanitarian approach towards their resolution.

Discussions in the IPRM also focused on the most recent security developments at the ABL, including instances of ‘borderization’, as well as the issue of Chorchana-Tsnelisi. All participants agreed that the upcoming agricultural season necessitates increased dialogue in the IPRM format and over the EUMM-operated hotline. In this regard, the participants also agreed to hold a technical meeting on irrigation issues in the end of April.

The participants agreed to convene the next regular meeting on 7 June.

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On 17 March, and 11 and 12 April, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and the OSCE Transnational Threats Department together with the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, co-organized workshops on youth crime and drug use prevention in Nur-Sultan. The focus of the workshops was cross-agency co-operation through the exchange of best practices and lessons learned in this specific area.

Representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies of the Republic of Kazakhstan Prosecutor's Office, the National Commission for Women and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Committee on Youth and Family Affairs of the Ministry of Information and Social Development, the Anti-Corruption Agency, as well as school teachers, university professors and civil society experts attended the workshops. Participants emphasized the important role of education in preventing youth involvement in or exploitation by organized crime, corruption and drug use, and the need to strengthen educational programmes in schools and universities to address these threats.

UNODC Education4Justice and Global Programme on Prevention training materials introduced during these workshops provide guidance on effective ways of educating youth on the threats of organized crime, corruption and drug use.

In her opening remarks, Karbozova Meruert, Chief Consultant of the Prevention Service of the Anti-Corruption Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized: “The future of every country is in the hands of young people. That is why its proper upbringing, cultivating fundamental values, strengthening anti-corruption immunity and legal culture will make it possible to raise conscious and law-abiding citizens who are ready to contribute to the development and prosperity of their country.”

The workshops were held in the framework of the OSCE-wide project “Enhancing youth crime and drug use prevention through education on legality and awareness campaigns addressing threats of organized crime and corruption”. The project, financed by Germany, aims to prevent transnational organized crime, corruption and drug use, by complementing criminal justice efforts and promoting respect for the rule of law through education.

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A roundtable on empowering young women working in the energy sector in Central Asia, was organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, jointly with the Kazakh-German University and the Kyrgyz State Technical University on 5 April in Bishkek.

Over thirty female students from the Kyrgyz State Technical University attended the event where they connected with female representatives from government, industry, academic community, civil society and other international organizations. They heard real-life experiences from those already working in the energy sector in Kyrgyzstan and discussed main challenges and opportunities for women in energy.

The participants recognized that career opportunities and educational pathways in the energy sector continue to be defined by gender-based stereotypes. However, during the discussions, they agreed on the new opportunities brought by the growing renewable sector to address gender inequality in the energy industry.

“Since gender imbalances in the workplace are largely an outcome of educational pathways that remain male-dominated, the OSCE is dedicated to supporting more young Central Asian women as they kick-start their careers in the energy sector, giving them the much needed network and practical insights to guide them on this career path”, said Giulia Manconi, Project Manager and Associate Energy Security Officer at the OSCE Secretariat.

Following the roundtable, the students took part in a field visit to the Chakan hydropower plant and Bishkek Thermal power plant, where for the first time they had the opportunity to see a renewable energy facility in action, and learn more about energy efficiency and sustainability measures that are being used in Kyrgyzstan. This was an invaluable experience for the students, as they were able to broaden their perspective and knowledge of the industry in its current form. They also could connect with peers with similar interests and potential employers and mentors.

Alexey Kobzev, Renewable Energy and Climate Change Projects Manager at Kazakh-German University, highlighted the importance of increasing the share of female students enrolled in renewable energy subjects in Central Asia. “For the first time, this year 70% of selected candidates from the graduate program for Central Asia on Strategic Management of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency were women,” he added.

The roundtable and field visits were organized in the framework of the OSCE Project on Promoting women’s economic participation in the energy sector for energy security and sustainability in Central Asia. This extra-budgetary project, financed by Germany and Italy, aims to empower Central Asian women as change agents in the energy transition and to support Central Asian governments and companies in integrating women’s needs and gender-equality targets in their energy policies.

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

From 5 to 8 April 2022 a team of election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) met with electoral stakeholders in Mongolia to present the final report of ODIHR’s Special Election Assessment Mission to the 9 June 2021 presidential election.

The report’s findings and recommendations were presented to representatives of the General Election Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Audit Office, the Communications Regulatory Commission, the Administrative Court of Appeals, the Parliamentary Committee on State Structure, and other government ministries and agencies, as well as to representatives of civil society organizations and the international community.

“ODIHR encourages the government and other stakeholders to start working on electoral reforms well ahead of the next elections,” said Lolita Cigane, Head of ODIHR’s Special Election Assessment Mission to the 2021 presidential election. “We greatly value our co-operation with our Mongolian partners and are looking forward to holding discussions in the near future on how to further strengthen Mongolia’s electoral process.”

ODIHR reiterated that the elections were well-administered and competitive, with candidates able freely to convey their platforms to voters. However certain regulations, including those on the right to stand and on media coverage of the elections, are overly restrictive. ODIHR drew attention to its priority recommendations, such as allowing for independent candidates and nominations from non-parliamentary parties, as well as measures to improve the regulation of the campaign, campaign financing, and the media.

The authorities discussed ODIHR’s potential engagement in providing legal and technical expertise to assist in implementing these recommendations. This may include discussions or a legal review related to potential changes to the electoral system and amendments to the electoral legislation, and the potential contribution from ODIHR to exploratory discussions related to the implementation of electronic voting.

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

RZESZOW, 8 April 2022 - The Foreign Ministers of Poland, Sweden, and North Macedonia, representing the OSCE Troika met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Rzeszow, in Poland’s Podkarpacie Region. During a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the Foreign Ministers of Sweden, Poland and North Macedonia reiterated their call for the Russian Federation to end hostilities and withdraw its forces from Ukraine and expressed their full support in these challenging times.

The Ministers deplored the reports and shocking testimonies of unlawful violence and abuse against civilians in Bucha and other cities in the Kyiv region following the withdrawal of Russian forces from these areas. They repeated their call for an independent investigation.

The Ministers also expressed their sincere regret that no consensus was reached on the extension of the mandate of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine due to the position of the Russian Federation.

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau stated that the OSCE remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s population and stands ready to assist.

“The Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine has re-established its presence in Ukraine with an office in Uzhhorod and will continue to provide support across three dimensions of the OSCE work,” Minister Rau said.

“In order to address the country’s most urgent needs, the PCU team will shortly start implementing a new project on humanitarian support, working in close co-operation with its long-standing partners and co-ordinating efforts with national and international stakeholders,” he underscored.

“As a country with some experience of securing living conditions for people fleeing war, Sweden would like to express great respect for Poland. Your limitless dedication and engagement in helping your neighbours brings faith in humanity and better future,” said Minister Linde.

“The scale of Polish support for the people in highest need is beyond comparison. I am convinced that the international community is well noticing this attitude and is ready to support Poland in this life-saving mission,” said Minister Osmani.

Minister Rau also highlighted that the Polish Chairmanship will continue consultations with the participating States on the OSCE’s future role and presence in Ukraine.

The Foreign Ministers of the OSCE Troika also visited the Polish-Ukrainian border crossings in Korczowa, met with representatives of the Polish Border Guard and visited the reception centre for refugees in Młyny.

480497 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz Georgia, Local Elections, 2 and 30 October 2021: Final Report

Georgia’s 2021 local elections were competitive and transparent, but took place in the increasingly polarized atmosphere of a protracted political crisis. Contestants were able to campaign freely, although the environment was marred by widespread allegations of vote-buying, pressure on candidates and voters, and an unlevel playing field. These are some of the main conclusions after last year's two-round local elections, as detailed in the final report published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

The report offers 20 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections and increase the transparency of and public confidence in the electoral process.

Key recommendations include:

• Not exercising pressure on voters or candidates to increase public confidence in the electoral process and create a free and fair campaign environment;
• Taking steps to investigate all allegations of intimidation, coercion and vote buying and educate voters on their rights;
• Adjusting timeframes for submitting applications and selecting polling station commission members to allow for proper review of application documents;
• Enforcing the legal and institutional framework for combating the misuse of administrative resources, including the misuse of public office in the campaign;
• Taking further measures to strengthen the effectiveness of campaign finance oversight, and ensure the independence of the oversight body;
• Protecting the safety of journalists through prompt investigation of attacks or ill-treatment of journalists and other media actors;
• Not artificially increasing the presence of political parties in polling stations by abusing the framework for election observation;
• Revising the legal framework following a broad, inclusive and timely consultation, to ensure a coherent and stable electoral framework in line with OSCE commitments and international standards.

The ODIHR Election Observation Mission to the 2 October 2021 local elections in Georgia commenced its work on 26 August 2021, and observed both rounds of the elections held on 2 and 30 October. The mission remained in country until 2 November.

All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to follow up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.

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The OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Agency for the Management of Seized Asset of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized a two-day training course on extended confiscation of proceeds of crime in Sarajevo on 5 and 6 of April.

The training course was tailored for cantonal prosecutors. The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Efficiency and Quality of Prosecutor’s Offices at the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sanin Bogunić, also attended the event. During his opening remarks, he stressed how training activities are vital for improving the efficiency and transparency of the judiciary and enhancing the capacities of criminal justice practitioners to fight organized crime.

National experts and trainers elaborated on theoretical and practical aspects of extended confiscation of proceeds of crime, while Marija Vučko, Deputy Head of the Croatian State Prosecutor's Office for the Suppression of Organized Crime and Corruption presented their experience and good practices in financial investigations and extended confiscation of proceeds of crime. The training course also served as a platform for discussion among participants and experts on the application of the provisions of extended confiscation in present practice and on the need to use this mechanism more extensively in the future.

The training course was organized as part of the extra-budgetary project “Strengthening the fight against transnational organized crime in South-Eastern Europe through improved regional co-operation in asset seizure, confiscation, management and re-use”, implemented jointly by the Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. The United States, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom provided financial support to the project.

WARSAW, 8 April 2022 – Roma continue to face discrimination and marginalization where support and inclusion should be provided, a fact clearly demonstrated by the situation of Roma currently fleeing Ukraine, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on today’s International Roma Day.

“In times of crisis, support for the most vulnerable in our societies is more important than ever,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “It is shocking to see that Roma are currently facing growing discrimination in the face of unprecedented danger. The Roma who have fled Ukraine in recent weeks need assistance and access to everyday services as anyone else does, free from segregation or stereotyping.”

From one generation to the next, Roma remain Europe’s most marginalized community. OSCE countries have committed to combating discrimination against Roma, including in access to housing, citizenship and residence, education, employment, and health services. They have also pledged to ensure that Roma refugees and others who have been forcibly displaced are provided with the documents they need to receive state assistance. Much more needs to be done to fulfil the promise of their full integration in societies in which the human rights of all people are recognised equally.

It is crucial that national authorities consult Roma communities and civil society before deciding on temporary measures to help those fleeing combat zones, in line with the Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area. ODIHR works to increase Roma inclusion by providing much-needed space for dialogue between Roma civil society and governments across the OSCE region, helping to move towards inclusive societies.

VIENNA, 7 April 2022 – OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid has warned of the serious environmental damages caused by continued fighting in Ukraine, and their long-term effects across the region.

“After six weeks of fighting, I am receiving more and more reports on the potentially disastrous environmental impacts of the war in Ukraine,” said Schmid. “This has included risks to the Chornobyl and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants, deteriorating access to – and quality of – drinking water in large areas of the country, chemical leaks, damage to critical infrastructure and flooding.”

Damages to commercial and industrial sites, such as the chemical plant in Sumy, lead to hazardous material leaks that further hurt the health and safety of the civilian population. These leaks also pollute the surrounding areas and can have a lasting impact on larger ecosystems when they seep into and poison rivers. Additionally, the destruction of bridges and other critical infrastructure near rivers can cause flooding, as was reported in the Irpin river basin.

The Secretary General also drew attention to the challenges that had arose combating wildfires near the Chornobyl nuclear reactor, due to military activities in the area. Drawing on the OSCE’s experience training Ukrainian and Belarusian firefighters to deal with areas contaminated with radioactivity, Schmid highlighted the possible regional consequences of these fires.

“While the risk has diminished in recent days, forest fires near reactors have in the past led to increased radiation levels and radioactive pollution does not stop at the border,” she added. Moreover, OSCE Secretary General warned about the risks posed to countries across the area, saying that: “these constitute one more reason why hostilities must stop to limit the long-term environmental and human health impacts on Ukraine, Belarus, Russia and beyond.”

VIENNA, 6 April 2022 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro today reiterated her grave worries regarding the safety of journalists during the Russian ongoing military attack in Ukraine, as the death toll, injuries and harassment of media workers grows.

Following reports about the death of well-known Ukrainian photojournalist Maksim Levin and Lithuanian film director Mantas Kvedaravičius, the Representative expressed her deepest sympathies and condolences to their families, friends and colleagues.

On 2 April, the Ukrainian prosecutor’s office confirmed the death of Levin, who was reportedly killed by Russian military in the Kyiv region. The journalist had been reported missing since 13 March.

Information about the death of Mantas Kvedaravičius became public on 2 April. He worked in Mariupol, where, according to his colleagues and media reports, he had documented this besieged city.

Ribeiro further noted reports that at least three media workers were injured while performing their journalistic duties:

• On 25 March, in the Chernihiv region, journalist Andriy Tsaplienko from the Ukrainian television channel 1+1 received a shrapnel wound;
• On 26 March, in the Kyiv region, camera operator Oleksandr Navrotskyi from the Ukrainian television channel 24-Kanal sustained a serious shrapnel injury;
• On 29 March, in Mariupol, journalist Rodion Severyanov from the Russian media platform Izvestia received a gunshot wound.

Various reports also indicate the continued disappearance and abduction of Ukrainian journalists or their relatives by the Russian military:

• On 28 March, journalist Iryna Dubchenko from the city of Zaporizhzhia, who contributed to several Ukrainian media outlets, was abducted and taken to Donetsk;
• On 28 March, reports indicated that journalist for the Ukrainian press agency UNIAN, Dmitro Khiliuk, has been missing since the beginning of March and is believed to have been abducted in the Kyiv region;
• On 30 March, in the city of Kherson, Russian military searched for journalist and editor-in-chief of Kherson Newscity website Konstantin Ryzhenko, and abducted his brother;
• On 3 April, Russian military searched the apartment of Oleksandr Gunko, the editor-in-chief of a local news platform Novakahovka.City in the town of Nova Kakhovka in the Kherson region, abducted him and confiscated his phone and other devices.

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.

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On 4 and 5 April 2022, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, in co-operation with the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), jointly hosted a two-day workshop on youth crime and drug use prevention in Dushanbe.

Government representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Agency for State Financial Control and Fight against Corruption, the Drug Control Agency and the Youth Affairs Committee of the Republic of Tajikistan, as well as educators and members of civil society attended the workshop.

The workshop participants learned about the existing UNODC training modules (Education4Justice and Global Programme on Prevention), which provide educators with guidance on how to teach youth on the dangers of organized crime, corruption and drug use. Participants , exchanged best practices, hereby fostering cross- agency cooperation,  and identified capacity gaps and training needs, in the field of youth crime and drug use prevention.

Project managers from the OSCE Secretariat Transnational Threats Department and from the Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities emphasized that the OSCE stands ready, upon the request from Tajik authorities, to develop a tailored training-of-trainers programme for state actors, educators, and members of civil society, capitalizing on UNODC materials.

The workshop was held in the framework of the OSCE-wide project “Enhancing youth crime and drug use prevention through education on legality and awareness campaigns addressing threats of organized crime and corruption”. This extra-budgetary project, financed by Germany, aims to prevent transnational organized crime, corruption and drug use by complementing criminal justice efforts, fostering a culture of lawfulness among youth through education, and other social activities. 

515216 Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ton van den Brandt

On 30 and 31 March 2022, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) Teresa Ribeiro visited Belgium.

The Representative met with several government representatives, including deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and the North Sea Vincent van Quickenborne; Vice-President of the Government of the French Community and Minister for Culture, Early Childhood, Women's Rights, Health and Media Bénédicte Linard; with the Flemish Minister for Brussels Affairs, Youth and Media Benjamin Dalle; and with Human Rights Director at the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs Veronique Joosten.

She also met with representatives of government institutions, including the Higher Council for Media Literacy from the French Community; the Flemish Regulator for the Media; and the French Community regulator Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel.

Additionally, Ribeiro met with representatives of journalists’ organizations and media companies, like BX1-médias de Bruxelles; the Journalism Ethics Council; the Flemish Association of Journalists and the French-speaking Association of Professional Journalists; the Exiled Journalist’s Support Association; the News Media Alliance; the IPM Group; Le Soir; and the Flemish Council for Journalism.

Ribeiro discussed the growing physical and online violence against (women) journalists; the use of lawsuits to silence media; legal developments, like aggravated penalties for crimes against journalists; current challenges to media freedom in Belgium and the larger OSCE region, including the recent EU ban on Russian channels RT and Sputnik; and other relevant developments.

Next, the Representative discussed with her counterparts the role of large online platforms; the importance of media literacy and the central role of self-regulation and ethics in journalism; the role of public service media; the economic challenges that media companies are facing; the role of media regulators in an changing media landscape; the access to government information in the country; and the position of exiled journalists.

KYIV/VIENNA, 4 April 2022 – International assistance to Ukraine is urgently needed to strengthen the country’s capacity in humanitarian demining and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education. This was the main message by Ambassador Henrik Villadsen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, today as he marked the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.  

Since 2014, the Co-ordinator has been assisting Ukraine develop a systemic response to explosive hazards in eastern Ukraine. This help has included the procurement of metal detectors, personal protection equipment, and training personnel from national mine action agencies.

“While our previous efforts and plans in this sphere remain relevant, the intensity and geographical scale of the current hostilities make it an imperative for the international community to provide expanded support in dealing with the threat of explosive ordnance and mines to people in Ukraine,” said Ambassador Villadsen.

“Many civilians couldn’t leave the areas of armed violence and now have to survive in an extremely dangerous environment. As military fronts are moving, displaced people feel tempted to return to affected areas they consider to be safe. Mines and unexploded and abandoned ordnance are now a widespread threat to all of them,” he added.

In response to today’s urgent needs, the Co-ordinator created and is sharing public awareness materials on explosive ordnance risks to alert Ukrainians of the threat through its website and Facebook page. The Co-ordinator is also working to expedite the planned delivery of new humanitarian demining equipment.