You are here

Central Europe

Conference on freedom of religion or belief concludes in Sarajevo

OSCE - Thu, 12/07/2023 - 12:38
559980

On the occasion of Human Rights Day on 10 December, the University of Sarajevo’ s Faculty of Law, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), hosted a conference titled "Freedom of Religion or Belief: Contemporary Challenges and Perspectives” in Sarajevo.

The conference provided a platform for representatives from the judiciary, state ministries, the Institution of the Human Rights Ombudsmen of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the academic community, and non-governmental organizations to engage with Bosnia and Herzegovina's legislation and legal practices. It also sought to explore best practices from other countries regarding the right to freedom of religion or belief as an individual right.

Thomas Busch, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, emphasized: " As a country rich with religious diversity, Bosnia and Herzegovina must regulate, facilitate, protect and promote this important freedom inclusively and without discrimination, in line with international standards and best practices. The exchange of global and local experience is invaluable for the advancement of this right and fulfilment of the relevant OSCE commitments and international standards.”

The conference, held just days before the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, provided a significant opportunity to assess achievements and challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina and elsewhere in upholding these foundational principles of inclusive and peaceful societies.

Ahmed Saheed, former UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief and current member of the OSCE/ODHIR Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief, said: “As a universal right, it rests on the shared and reciprocal commitments of all moral agents to respect the freedoms of everyone to search for their own truths and pursue their life-plans. It frees and generates spiritual, intellectual and cultural resources to enrich personal and social life”. He also highlighted the universality of this right: “It thus demands and creates the spaces and conditions necessary to build social trust, allyship and societal resilience, and is a particularly useful and resourceful bulwark against intolerant attitudes towards extending these freedoms to all.”

Zinka Grbo, Dean of the University of Sarajevo’ s Faculty of Law, said: “Freedom of religion or belief is faced with the challenges of every era, while globally it has not stopped being a neuralgic subject in social relations, in the widest possible sense. It is a perennial distinguishing point in interpersonal relations, although all religions and beliefs have the same origin.”

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Mission to Serbia announces winners of 2023 Person of the Year Award

OSCE - Thu, 12/07/2023 - 12:19

BELGRADE, 7 December 2023 – The OSCE Mission to Serbia awarded the 2023 Person of the Year award to Dr. Mirjana Drenovak-Ivanović, a full tenure professor in Environmental Law at the Faculty of Law at the University of Belgrade, and to Mr. Dejan Stojanović, a lawyer at the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications.

The award recognizes the important contributions of these two individuals in promoting the OSCE’s values and commitments throughout the year. Both awardees demonstrated exceptional dedication to the promotion and protection of media freedom and the safety of journalists, the respect for human rights and rule of law, good governance, environmental protection, gender equality, youth rights and sustainable development in 2023.

“The OSCE Mission to Serbia’s Person of the Year award recognizes and honours citizens of Serbia who, as partners of our Mission, have had a positive impact on Serbian society and inspire others to follow in their path,” stated the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Jan Braathu.

Dr. Mirjana Drenovak-Ivanović is recognized for her outstanding contribution to the establishment of the Environmental Law Clinic. The Clinic is an OSCE Mission-supported extracurricular program launched in 2015 that has allowed 600 senior law students to strengthen their theoretical and practical skills and complete their professional placements in state institutions. Dr. Drenovak-Ivanović also played a pivotal role in establishing the master’s programme in Environmental Law at the Faculty of Law at the University of Belgrade. 

Mr. Dejan Stojanović received the award for his dedication to a transparent, inclusive and collaborative process in drafting media policy documents and legislation. His efforts contributed to a beneficial environment for media freedom. He has also been a staunch supporter of the implementation of the Media Strategy 2020-2025. Throughout his engagement, Mr. Stojanović  ensured that the views of all stakeholders, including media and journalist associations, were reflected in media laws and policies. In every reform process, he has built confidence based on dialogue among participants.

“Engaged citizens and professionals such as Dr. Drenovak-Ivanović and Mr. Dejan Stojanović contribute to the OSCE’s objective in Serbia: Supporting future-oriented reform processes that build lasting security based on human rights, good governance and the rule of law. I salute them for their tireless efforts in advancing reforms in two key areas: protection of the environment and ensuring a free and pluralistic media environment,” said Ambassador Braathu.

Categories: Central Europe

International Conference on Sustainable Conservation and Management of Protected Areas, organized by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change in Tashkent

OSCE - Thu, 12/07/2023 - 06:22
559950

On 5 December 2023, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) supported an International Conference on Sustainable Conservation and Management of Protected Areas, organized by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change. 

While we are globally confronted with a climate and biodiversity crisis, protected areas are a critical component of a life support system and a repository of biodiversity. They provide ecosystem services such as clean water, temperature regulation and food provision. They also have an inestimable social and economic value, providing livelihood security and being instrumental in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Having increased its protected areas coverage in recent years, Uzbekistan has the capacity to leverage the potential of nature to effectively address environmental challenges and achieve socio-economic benefits. 

The event was the occasion to exchange views and experienceon current issues in the field of protected area management in Uzbekistan, as well as to propose strategies for better management and avenues for financing.

At the OSCE, we are working on the nexus betweensustainable economic development, environment and security, to find joint solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises. 

In order to strengthen the resilience, security and livelihoods of communities in protected areas, the PCUz in particular supports efficient environmental monitoring to complementthe efforts on sustainable management of natural resources.

Over the past years, the PCUz has facilitated the monitoring and assessment of pollution in the Syr Darya River Basin which led to recommendations on mitigation activities. The Mission also works in the South Aral Sea region, supporting regular monitoring to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation activities with regards to flora and fauna species. 

The PCUz will continue to help building institutional and individual capacity of national stakeholders to cope with the challenges posed by environmental degradation and biodiversity loss, taking into account the impacts of climate change. 

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Mission brings together representatives of religious communities and Prizren municipality to strengthen dialogue and co-operation

OSCE - Wed, 12/06/2023 - 18:29
559944 Therese Abrahamsen Edita Buçaj

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo organized today a roundtable discussion with Mayor Shaqir Totaj and representatives of Islamic, Serbian Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant Evangelical, Jewish, and Tarikats communities in Prizen to support the municipality in promoting dialogue and fostering partnerships with religious communities.

Local institutions play an important role in promoting dialogue, respecting the principles of religious neutrality, non-discrimination, and transparency. Today’s roundtable provided them with a platform to discuss concerns, find common ground, and jointly address the needs of all communities in Prizren, and follows previous OSCE-facilitated activities aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue at both the local and central levels.

Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right, and its essence is the understanding that every society is diverse, and that respecting our differences is the only way for us to live together peacefully,” said Ambassador Michael Davenport, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. “Continuous interfaith dialogue, including through forums like this one today, is vital to promote this human right and reject any kind of intolerance,” he added.

Mayor Totaj commended the positive rapport established with various religious communities, reciprocated by acknowledgment from religious representatives who highlighted effective collaboration with the municipality. Both the Mayor and religious leaders valued the OSCE's role in facilitating dialogue and welcomed the organization's suggestion to host similar events in the future.

Regular exchange and co-operation between religious communities contributes to the advancement of freedom of religion or belief and strengthen the basis for peaceful co-existence. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo will continue to advocate for and support local authorities to have an active role in fostering interfaith dialogue and establishing partnership with the religious communities.

Categories: Central Europe

Press Communiqué of the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions

OSCE - Wed, 12/06/2023 - 17:31

GENEVA, 6 December 2023 - The 59th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place on 5-6 December 2023 in accordance with the six-point agreement of 12 August 2008 and implementing measures of 8 September 2008. This round was held in two working groups meeting in parallel on security and humanitarian issues, as per usual practice.

It was the third round held this year in a highly challenging regional and geopolitical environment. The participants reconfirmed the importance of the GID as the only platform where the conflict consequences have been addressed over the past 15 years.

The round took place against a backdrop of increased tension along the South Ossetian administrative boundary line. In this context, the fatal shooting of 6 November 2023 was broadly discussed, with extensive exchanges between participants on ways to prevent a repetition of similar incidents.

The issue of internally displaced persons and refugees could not be discussed due to a walkout by some participants.

The Co-Chairs thanked the participants for their overall commitment to this process and called on all of them to engage in constructive, forward-looking exchanges to overcome their differences and ensure the peaceful settlement of issues relating to the security and humanitarian situation on the ground. 

It was agreed to hold the next GID round in April 2024.

Categories: Central Europe

ODIHR experts discuss electoral recommendations with authorities in Albania

OSCE - Wed, 12/06/2023 - 17:27
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 Albania’s 2023 local elections during a visit to Tirana that took place from 4 to 6 December 2023.

Representatives from the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform, the Central Election Commission, the Audio-Visual Media Authority and civil society organizations met with the ODIHR experts and discussed key findings and recommendations outlined in the report.

The discussions covered both the positive steps taken before the elections and the recommendations that are yet to be implemented. Priority areas highlighted included preventing misuse of administrative resources and vote-buying practices, ensuring voting secrecy, reviewing defamation laws, safeguarding media editorial freedom and enhancing the effectiveness of election administration.

ODIHR also suggested potential areas for collaboration with national institutions, to bring the electoral process in line with OSCE commitments and international standards, offering support through legal reviews and thematic workshops. The authorities expressed an interest in engaging in further discussions to address these recommendations.

ODIHR’s election observation methodology includes an assessment of countries’ efforts to implement previous recommendations through changes in legislation, procedures and practices. For Albania, the latest ODIHR observation mission evaluated the follow-up to recommendations from the ODIHR final reports on the 2019 local elections and the 2021 parliamentary elections. The reports concluded that three recommendations had been fully implemented, another seven mostly implemented, and 16 partially addressed, while others remain to be carried out.

In the 1999 OSCE Istanbul Document, all OSCE participating States committed themselves to “follow up promptly the ODIHR’s election assessment and recommendations”.

Categories: Central Europe

The OSCE Mission to BiH Concludes Workshop on Strengthening Inter-Agency Co-operation

OSCE - Wed, 12/06/2023 - 12:59
559890

More than 50 representatives from the BiH High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, law enforcement agencies, and institutions across the country gathered in Jahorina for a workshop organized by the OSCE Mission to BiH titled "Instituting and Facilitating Regular Inter-agency Meetings and Briefings Between Agencies and Prosecution".

The workshop’s primary objective was to address structural requirements and to improve inter-agency co-operation by establishing ILP relevance, ensuring consistent use of criminal intelligence information and analyses in criminal proceedings as well as facilitating regular meetings and briefings between law enforcement agencies and the prosecution.

"To successfully establish an Intelligence-led Policing (ILP)-based framework, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to modernize its law enforcement structures. This involves capacity building, acquiring new equipment, providing training, and fostering improved criminal intelligence exchange among all stakeholders in the justice sector," said Thomas Busch, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. "Consistent application of ILP approaches will ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina is well-equipped to implement robust, holistic, and effective crime prevention strategies."

This initiative is part of the OSCE Mission to BiH project titled "Enhancing Intelligence-led Policing to Combat Serious Security Threats and Crimes," implemented with the generous support of Germany, Norway, Liechtenstein, Türkiye, Austria, and Luxembourg.

Categories: Central Europe

Engaging men in promotion of gender equality in focus of OSCE-organized conference

OSCE - Wed, 12/06/2023 - 11:37
559878

Identifying new ways to engage men in working towards gender equality was the focus of a conference organized by the OSCE WIN and CHANGE projects on 5 and 6 December in Warsaw.

The innovative two-day conference brought together 75 representatives of democratic institutions and religious communities, human rights defenders, members of academia, experts and practitioners to discuss successful approaches, lessons learned and new initiatives to engage men in promoting gender equality.

Engaging men in gender equality work is still a challenge, and gender equality is often regarded as a women’s issue. Participants stressed the importance of partnership and co-operation to achieve progress on gender equality.

“Ending gender-based violence and achieving gender equality is not just a women’s fight – it is a collective fight for a just and an equitable world,” said Dr Lara Scarpitta, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues. “We will not succeed if 50% of the population – the male population – does not support women and women’s rights!”

“Despite some positive policy developments, there are still too few tangible improvements to gender equality across the OSCE region,” said ODIHR First Deputy Director Tea Jaliashvili. “We need deeper and more far-reaching changes in society, and these will only succeed if both women and men are engaged, on the understanding that gender equality ultimately benefits all of us.”  

Several innovative and transformative initiatives were presented during the conference, including an art exhibition by Serbian artist Marija Milanković. The WIN Project presented an overview of existing OSCE activities and networks of men that aim to promote gender equality in the OSCE region. These good practices were used to develop the OSCE Toolkit to Engage Men in Gender Equality published in 2022. The OSCE network of Men for Gender Equality also presented their work and initiatives to promote the topic in their own workplaces.

As part of the overall efforts to engage new allies, contribute innovative approaches and support the leadership needed to make a real difference, the CHANGE project designed a training course to empower male networks in the public sector, civil society, and religious and traditional communities. This aims to contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as combating violence against women and girls.

Categories: Central Europe

Officials from Turkmenistan gain skills in corruption proofing legislation

OSCE - Wed, 12/06/2023 - 08:39
559863

Seventeen officials from the General Prosecutor´s office, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Finance, and the Parliament of Turkmenistan strengthened their knowledge of corruption proofing draft legislation in a training course held from 4 to 6 December 2023 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The Office of the Coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) organized the training in co-operation with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“The OSCE is determined to continue supporting efforts of the authorities of Turkmenistan in preventing and combating corruption,” said Kurban Babayev, Project Officer at OCEEA. “This training aims to share knowledge with and build capacities of government officials to enhance legal frameworks and strengthen anti-corruption expertise.”

The training programme extensively covered the critical aspects of corruption proofing of draft legislation, encompassing its fundamental concepts and principles. The theoretical sessions were dedicated to the evaluation of draft laws, the perception of both public and private interests, and a thorough examination of legislative provisions. Participants looked into how deficiencies in wording and the absence of preventive mechanisms can open loopholes for corruption. The training also included practical exercises, addressing challenges encountered during anti-corruption investigations, and emphasizing effective strategies for corruption prevention. It concluded with hands-on preparation for anti-corruption expert assessments, ensuring that officials are equipped with practical skills to actively contribute to the prevention of corruption in Turkmenistan, particularly within the regulatory framework domain.

This course is part of OSCE's ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing good governance in the region. The OSCE is committed to continually strengthening the capacities of Turkmenistan's national authorities to both prevent and combat corruption. Addressing corruption remains integral to the OSCE's comprehensive security approach and is a key focus area for OCEEA.

Categories: Central Europe

Montenegrin students voice their priorities at OSCE-supported mock election

OSCE - Tue, 12/05/2023 - 15:44
559812 Marina Živaljević

Between 15 and 24 November, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Faculty of Law of the University of Montenegro administered a mock election asking students to write down their priorities on a ballot. The ballot was a questionnaire that canvassed youth on a range of issues and priorities. Ballot boxes were placed at the Faculty of Law, Political Sciences, and Economics in Podgorica. An email address for online voting was set up too.

The students surveyed told us their three most important priorities are to be financially independent, live independently of their parents, as well as for the government to fight and challenge discrimination and stereotypes. Many said they wanted to see more efforts being put in protecting the environment, and more cultural and engaging events taking place where they live.

Although most students voiced support for tolerance and individual liberty, some expressed extreme and radical views, and used hate speech that targeted minorities such as the LGBTI+ community.

Siv-Katrine Leirtroe, Deputy Head of Mission said that engaging with the youngest generation of voters can increase their engagement in civic and voluntary ways to make a difference. “Universities can play an important role in encouraging public participation, but also in targeting hate speech, and preventing extremism. Mock elections not only allow students to become familiar with how to cast their vote, but they also help instigate the habit-formation process,” said Leirtroe.

Aneta Spaić, Dean of the Faculty of Law, commended the Mission’s approach to raising the awareness among students about participation at elections. She expressed readiness to continue working alongside the Mission to uphold democracy and build transparent and accountable institutions.

Nikola Mugoša, Chair of the State Election Commission said that voting is a fundamental right. “This is why I would like for young people to feel more confident and knowledgeable about elections, and how they can get involved in democracy. Learning more about what young people want will help the State Election Commission shape its policies, and better understand how to encourage young people to vote,” said Mugoša.

The Mission will use the findings in developing its projects for young people in the coming years.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE-supported seminar provides Ukraine’s media community leaders a space for in-depth review of journalistic ethics and challenges to media freedom in times of war

OSCE - Tue, 12/05/2023 - 13:17
559803 Andrii Dziubenko Donors to the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine

Ukrainian journalists, editors, media managers, communication experts from governmental and public sectors spent four days in a Carpathian resort to withdraw from day-to-day work hassle and war-related trials in order to take a critical look at the state of affairs in country’s media sphere at a seminar organized by Aspen Institute Kyiv and the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine (SPU). The event "Media and Reality: Dimensions of Responsibility," that took place in Polyana, Zakarpathia oblast on 29 November – 3 December 2023, involved 24 media community leaders selected through an open call for applications.

Aspen methodology organizes the process of dialogue around the reading of classical works in philosophy, political science and communications, thus enabling the participants to look at their professional life and problems through the lens of values and moral dilemmas raised by modern and past thinkers. So, the discussions about the notions of freedom and democracy were closely intertwined with participants’ sharing of own experiences and challenges, also related to the ongoing war.

“I recognise and salute the unwavering courage of Ukrainian journalists, media workers and all other media professionals. Their efforts to maintain a flow of journalistic information are the foundation upon which transparency and accountability are built, and which sustain the social fabric in times of adversity,” said Teresa Ribeiro, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of Media, at a pre-recorded video address to the participants of the seminar.

“You are all high-level professionals who have so much experience, it is not up to us to give you advice on how to do your job, but we are glad to have provided to you a space and time for reflection on what you do and how do it. It is important, because in times of war, more than ever, people need accurate and balanced reporting about what is happening,” - said Pierre Baussand, OSCE Support Programme Manager, at the event.

The seminar enabled participants to network and exchange ideas on media freedom, impact of war and propaganda on journalistic community, effects of media on sustaining international support for Ukraine, as well as media ethics and self-regulation tools.     

“From the governmental perspective, in a democracy it is always better if journalists themselves set the plank of standards and keep it high, so that no other regulations are needed in the name of public interest. Such meetings as this are a good tool for media community to slow down, cast a critical look at yourself and your work, assess it through the prism of values of your profession, and in the end you have a chance to lead by your own example other members of journalists’ community to more ethical and quality reporting of current affairs,” said Taras Shevchenko, Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, who joined the event’s discussions.

This effort is part of the project the SPU implements on request of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Information Policy and non-governmental Commission on Journalistic Ethics to promote self-regulation among media and enhance media-literacy of the audience. This work is being done with contributions from OSCE participating States and partners, full list of which is available here.

Categories: Central Europe

Kyrgyz Republic and OSCE join forces to counter terrorism and violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism

OSCE - Mon, 12/04/2023 - 10:00
559698 Chyngyz Zhanybekov Aida Almazbekova

Bishkek, 21 November 2023 - The Anti-Terrorism Centre of the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic (ATC SCNS KR), in co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, organized a roundtable on implementing the Programme of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on countering extremism and terrorism for 2023-2027 and its Action Plan. The event brought together high-level representatives of the Kyrgyz government.

The participants discussed the outcomes of the 2017-2022 Programme for countering extremism and terrorism and were introduced to the objectives of the new 2023-2027 Programme, along with its Action Plan. The focus was on implementation mechanisms, anticipated results, collaboration among implementing agencies, and matters related to monitoring and evaluation.

Both the Programme and the Action Plan aim to effectively implement the national policy on countering terrorism, and violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism by enhancing co-operation and co-ordination mechanisms among state and non-state institutions.

“In recent years, extremism and terrorism have emerged as predominant threats to every country worldwide. Therefore, in the fight against such threats, all government agencies need to work coherently, decisively, continuously, and proactively, with the active involvement of representatives of civil society,” noted Aibek Shamenov, Director of the ATC SCNS.

“Substantial milestones have been achieved at every stage, from evaluating the previous Programme to developing and approving the current Programme and the Action Plan. These efforts once again demonstrate Kyrgyz Republic’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations in the fight against terrorism and ensuring the safety of its citizens,” shared Ambassador Alexey Rogov, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek strengthens the security of the Kyrgyz Republic by actively supporting state institutions, including the development of strategic documents such as the Programme of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on countering extremism and terrorism for 2023-2027 and its Action Plan.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani announces Malta as 2024 Chairpersonship, extension of senior officials following 30th Ministerial Council

OSCE - Fri, 12/01/2023 - 19:02

SKOPJE, 1 December 2023 – The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, announced the selection of Malta for the 2024 OSCE Chairpersonship and the extension of senior officials at the closing of the 30th Ministerial Council in Skopje today.

Chairman Osmani welcomed the participating States’ adoption, by consensus, of decisions on the selection of Malta as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for 2024, the extension of OSCE Secretary General Schmid, Representative on Freedom of the Media Ribeiro and High Commissioner on National Minorities Abdrakhmanov, and the appointment of Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Mecacci, until 3 September 2024.

“Our ability to come together now and forge consensus among all 57 participating States reveals, once more, the importance and efficacy of building agreement through negotiation and compromise on behalf of our common goals and objectives. Despite our differences and disagreements, we have shown the strategic vision required to continue our constructive efforts toward implementing and applying the OSCE’s competitive advantages through the work of its executive structures to the benefit of all our people,” said Osmani.

Discussions also focused on addressing the security challenges caused by the ongoing war against Ukraine.

“As I stated on many occasions in the past, the OSCE can do a lot during war, but it can do even more to prevent conflicts and mitigate the fallout of armed conflict. For these reasons, we need this Organization to foster multilateralism and facilitate cooperation, so people can live freely and enjoy normal lives,” said the Chairman. “Let us answer this call together, because it comes not from me as Chairman-in-Office, but from the people of the OSCE region – the people and citizens of our countries,” concluded Osmani.

Throughout the Ministerial Council, Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid emphasized the impact and relevance of the OSCE’s work across the region.

“Over the past three years I have seen how very much this organization has to offer. All that we do – whether working to tackle corruption and organized crime or monitoring elections, enhancing the safety of women journalists or training border guards on human rights standards – is in support of people across our region and beyond. The OSCE has been and remains a quietly powerful force for change,” said Secretary General Schmid. “In the current circumstances, finding common ground on any topic is a challenge. The decisions made by participating States here in Skopje will enable this work by and for the people of the OSCE region to continue to support stability, security, and human rights.”

Malta will begin its term as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on 1 January 2024. In his remarks, the Maltese Minister of Foreign Affairs and upcoming Chairperson-in-Office, Ian Borg, emphasized the country’s willingness to assume the mantle of leadership.

“The unanimous vote by all 57 countries is a testament to our joint commitment to continue strengthening our organization and, despite all the challenges we are currently facing, ensure that this organization remains robust. The OSCE was created upon shared principles and values. It is an inclusive platform for effective dialogue and we will make sure to keep strengthening it,” said Minister Borg.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Mission supports Kosovo Police with training on individual needs assessment for victims of hate crimes

OSCE - Fri, 12/01/2023 - 16:45
559644 Therese Abrahamsen Edita Buçaj

Between 5 October and 30 November 2023, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, in co-operation with Kosovo Police, trained a total of 142 police officers from different communities on individual needs assessment for victims of hate crimes.

The training followed a specialized practical training of trainers’ course delivered to 12 police officers in May 2023, in co-operation with the Office for Democratic Institution and Human Rights (ODIHR), on individual needs assessment techniques, solely focusing on victims of hate crime cases. As a result, the group of newly trained officers, with the assistance of the OSCE Mission staff, cascaded the training to all eight police regions Kosovo-wide, targeting police officers entrusted with handling hate crime cases alongside their other operational duties.

Anita Pasha, OSCE Mission in Kosovo Programme Officer, emphasized the distinct nature of hate crimes and their significant impact on victims. She highlighted the importance of law enforcement officers being equipped with the skills to understand and address the unique needs of victims of bias-motivated crimes.

Trainers elaborated on the concept of hate crimes, legal framework and special techniques of individual needs assessment in hate crime cases, as well as on the sensitive and respectful treatment of victims to avoid secondary victimization. Participants were also introduced to essential elements of assessment process and discussed the practical application of a questionnaire stemming from the OSCE Model Guidance on Individual Needs Assessments of Hate Crime Victims, focusing on the types of information that can be collected by the law enforcement officers on victims’ needs. In addition, through case scenarios employed during the training, they discussed relevant bias indicators and map service providers for the victims of hate crimes.

Dzenita Ujkanović from Mitrovica/Mitrovicë North said that the knowledge she gained during the training would help her to better assess and properly identify specific needs of victims of hate crimes, while Avdyl Krasniqi from Rahovec/Orahovac police station stated that the training had furthered his skills, specifically in identifying evidence related to bias motivated crimes at crime scenes.

For Lulëzim Borovci, one of Kosovo Police trainers, these eight training sessions had been a great experience for him as a trainer, and an opportunity to also receive a lot of information from police officers on their real experiences while working on hate crime cases and with victims of such crimes.   

The OSCE Mission remains committed to supporting Kosovo Police in furthering their capacities to safeguard and ensure that victims of hate crimes receive respectful treatment throughout police procedures.

Categories: Central Europe

Trafficking of cultural property in BiH may represent a serious security threat, concluded the panelists at discussion in Tuzla

OSCE - Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:24
559485 Željka Šulc

TUZLA, 1 December 2023 - The OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in co-operation with the Center against Trafficking in Works of Art (CPKU), hosted the exhibition “Missing Works of Art”, which was followed by a panel discussion on combatting illicit trafficking in cultural property in BiH.

The exhibition was an opportunity for the public to view reproductions of missing artworks from galleries, museums and private collections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The exhibition also presented information on the destruction and theft at archaeological sites, confiscations, illegal sale of artifacts through social networks, use of metal detectors for illegal research and robberies, as well as on the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Red List of potentially endangered cultural heritage of Southeast Europe.

“The exhibition shall serve as a touching reminder that the fight against the illegal trafficking of art is not just a battle for the preservation of cultural artifacts; it is a battle for justice, a battle for the soul of collective heritage. So, let us all be inspired by works of art showcased here today, which have, time and again, triumphed over adversity and let us pledge to ensure that these missing pieces are not forgotten but become catalysts for change.” said Szabolcs Tuncsik, Senior Police Advisor at the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Exhibition’s opening.

After the exhibition, representatives of law enforcement agencies, ministries of culture, justice, representatives of the academic community, experts and representatives of non-governmental organizations discussed illegal art trade in BiH and abroad during a panel discussion. This resulted in the proposal of initiatives and conclusions aimed to address illegal trade in cultural goods organized crime and terrorism, as well as crimes that are financed from illegal art trade.

"For us, raising public awareness is an extremely important segment of activity. This exhibition is largely conceived as an educational one, with vast amount of information on the issue," said Dženan Jusufović, President of the Center against Trafficking in Works of Art. “There are three segments when it comes to the fight against theft and smuggling of cultural goods: research, repression and sensibility. In order to improve the situation in the country, it is important to continue raising public awareness and training professional staff, as this is the only way to protect cultural assets and prevent criminal groups from threatening security in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, he added. 

This exhibition and panel discussion were organized on the occasion of the International Day of Combating Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property, first adopted by UNESCO in 2019 to commemorate the signing of the 1970 Paris Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, as the major international legal instrument for combating illicit trafficking of cultural property.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE training strengthens criminal justice responses to violence against women and girls in Serbia

OSCE - Fri, 12/01/2023 - 14:17
559443 Communication and Media Relations Section David Dadge

During the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, the OSCE Mission to Serbia and the Serbian Justice and Interior Ministries delivered a training course helping police officers and prosecutors from several Serbian municipalities effectively respond to cases of violence against women and girls while maintaining a victim-centred approach.

“Being a victim of gender-based violence presents specific challenges. For instance, when you report an incidence of domestic violence to the police, you may be filing a claim against a person that you have lived with for many years, a person that you may be financially dependent on, a person you have children with. It is not easy to go to the authorities and ask them to arrest this person,” said Bjorn Tore Saltvik, project manager and OSCE Adviser on Police Development and Reform.“Joint training courses offer a valuable opportunity for both police officers and prosecutors to comprehend the importance of a victim-centered approach when dealing with gender-based violence cases,” said Miroslav Rakić, national trainer and Chief Prosecutor at the Basic Public Prosecution Office in Ruma.

The course – held from 27 November to 1 December in Vrnjačka Banja – was delivered by national police officers and prosecutors who had previously benefited from OSCE Transnational Threats Department’s train-the-trainers course in Warsaw, conducted in August 2022, as well as by other OSCE experts.

This training is the fifth in a series of OSCE training courses on gender-responsive policing of violence against women and girls, after the courses delivered in Albania, North Macedonia,  Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. They are organized in the framework of the OSCE project Enhancing Criminal Justice Capacities for Combating Gender-based Violence in South-Eastern Europe,  funded by Germany, Norway, Finland, Austria, France and Italy.

The project contributes to the implementation of the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE promotes measures to prevent gender-based violence in Turkmenistan

OSCE - Fri, 12/01/2023 - 13:43
559398 OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

The last in a series of OSCE-supported three-day seminars on ethics and psychology of family relations, which focused on gender roles, gender relations and domestic violence, concluded on 1 December 2023.

Whereas the first seminar took place in October and targeted youth representatives, the second one was held in early November and brought together representatives of general public and the concluding event was attended by representatives of government bodies.

The series of seminars aimed to increase the participants' awareness in the field of preventing and combating domestic violence, as well as discuss practical cases, referral mechanisms available to potential victims and exchange practices.

Trainers from the public organization “Keyik Okara” exposed participants to the ongoing changes in gender roles and gender relations in society and presented the concepts of violence and gender-based violence, its forms, types and causes.

“Gender-based violence is a serious obstacle to progress towards equality, development and peace, as well as ensuring the rights of women and girls,” said Rune Castberg, Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“It has become a good practice to hold such seminars for different audiences, including representatives of youth, female community and law-enforcement bodies, and it is symbolic that the concluding seminar took place during 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.”

The seminars addressed specific characteristics of domestic violence and its consequences for victims, members of their families and society. As part of practical exercises, participants conducted a gender analysis of cases of domestic violence and engaged in lively discussions on the factors contributing to the persistence of domestic violence in modern society.

The events also discussed legislative aspects of countering domestic violence and existing mechanisms for the protection of women's rights.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Chairpersonship and participating States highlight safety of women journalists at Ministerial Council side event

OSCE - Fri, 12/01/2023 - 12:58
559386 Communication and Media Relations Section Boni Cvetanovska 30th OSCE Ministerial Council

On 1 December, OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani and 45 OSCE participating States issued a joint statement at a Ministerial Council (MC) side event with OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) Teresa Ribeiro on the safety of women journalists.

"Recognizing the essential role of media freedom, pluralism, and the diversity of voices in enabling and sustaining democracy and comprehensive security, it is imperative that States intensify their efforts to safeguard the rights and safety of journalists. With nearly three-quarters of women journalists experiencing online violence in their work, increased collaborative efforts are urgently needed to address the safety of women journalists, both online and offline,” the statement reads.

"Progress can only be achieved through inclusivity. Throughout our Chairpersonship, we reinforced this message by mainstreaming gender equality in all our activities and in particular during our Conference on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Tetovo in September,” said OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani. "The precise purpose of today’s side-event, which we are organizing with RFoM’s support, is to spotlight this important topic which is increasingly prevalent and thus requires closer attention and joint action,” he added.

“Let us never forget that the safety of women journalists is not only a matter of individual well-being, but one of collective concern and of a collective responsibility. When they are targeted, it is not just an attack on them as individuals but on the very essence of media freedom and our democracy. Together, we stand united in our attempt to ensure that every voice is heard and respected in the pursuit of peace and security across the OSCE region,” said the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro.

With this joint statement, participating States reinforce their pledge to condemn acts of online violence against women journalists as one of the gravest modern threats to both their safety and the freedom of the media. Their goal is to comprehensively enhance journalists' safety by allocating the necessary human and financial resources to combat online violence targeting women in the field of journalism. The joint statement emphasizes the need for enhanced state collection, analysis, and reporting, and calls for strengthened mutual co-operation to foster an inclusive, gender-responsive, and whole-of-society approach.

The Chairman-in-Office and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media call on all participating States to increase efforts to champion both media freedom and gender equality across the OSCE region.

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.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE organizes workshops on effective negotiation in Turkmenistan

OSCE - Fri, 12/01/2023 - 12:50
559353 OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

Over forty young and future diplomats participated in OSCE-organized workshops on effective negotiation that took place from 29 November to 1 December 2023 in Ashgabat.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the workshops to promote OSCE best practices and mechanisms in conflict prevention and early warning among young and future diplomats in Turkmenistan and equip them with knowledge and skills necessary to maintain effective negotiation and advance their diplomacy proficiency.

“These training courses have become a hallmark of excellence, having been conducted successfully for several years running,” said William Leaf, Political Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“In a world that is increasingly interconnected, the ability to negotiate effectively is paramount, and this training course aims to equip the participants with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy,” added Leaf.

Dr. Sami Faltas from the Netherlands introduced participants to diplomatic negotiation and facilitated discussions on the qualities of a professional negotiator. Special attention was paid to multilateral negotiations, their types and instruments. Participants also practiced diplomacy and negotiation skills and took part in simulation exercise on multilateral negotiation.

“The knowledge and expertise gained through this training will enable the young and future diplomats to contribute more effectively to the efforts of neutral Turkmenistan in strengthening regional security,” stressed William Leaf.

The workshop for young diplomats brought together 14 officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the workshop for future diplomats brought together 27 senior students majoring international relations and law at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and International University for Humanity and Development.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Mission continues to engage youth in countering violent extremism and radicalization

OSCE - Fri, 12/01/2023 - 08:31
559239 Marina Živaljević

On 27 and 28 November, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, together with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, gathered 19 young athletes – nine boys and ten girls from eight sports disciplines at the workshop on engaging youth in countering violent extremism and radicalization.

Opening the workshop, Bernd Burwitz, Mission’s Democratization Programme Manager, emphasized that the OSCE strongly believes that every young person can make a change. “As successful athletes and leaders in your disciplines, you meet youth from different backgrounds and create strong connections through sports, focusing on similarities. This experience makes you role models and gives you an opportunity to gather peers around topics besides sports, such as tolerance and mutual understanding, and that is why we recognized you as a target group for this workshop,” said Burwitz.

Martin Lulgjuraj, Director of the Directorate for Youth in the Ministry of Sports and Youth, pointed out that violent extremism needs to be fought on local, national and regional level, and that prevention is a key solution to this problem. “Cooperation among young athletes in Montenegro is crucial in this regard, as their power to influence peers can foster diversity and prevent violent behaviors,” said Lulgjuraj. 

During the second day of the workshop, participants developed small projects on how to recognize and address radicalism and violent extremism that leads to terrorism within their communities and recommended the need for counselling and to develop strategies to engage youth in sports, using schools as platforms to share new approaches, and organizing exchanges between youth in Montenegro in order to tackle stereotypes, intolerance and inequality.

One of the participants, Rajmond Gjonaj, an athlete from the Students Sports Association, stated that the workshop has helped him understand the difference between radicalism, violent extremism and terrorism and plans to use this information to recognize factors in his community that may contribute to more radicalized attitudes that can grow into the violent extremism.

Categories: Central Europe

Pages

THIS IS THE NEW BETA VERSION OF EUROPA VARIETAS NEWS CENTER - under construction
the old site is here

Copy & Drop - Can`t find your favourite site? Send us the RSS or URL to the following address: info(@)europavarietas(dot)org.