Central Europe

VIENNA, 19 January 2022 – Today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, outlined Azerbaijan’s priorities as Chairman of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation during the opening session of the FSC.

Minister Bayramov emphasized that unconditional respect for the fundamental norms, principles and commitments enshrined in core OSCE documents, starting from the Helsinki Final Act, in particular respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of States, remain the basis for co-operation both within the OSCE as a whole and the FSC in particular.  

“Azerbaijan remains unwavering in its unequivocal support to these principles and proceeds from an understanding that it should be our common highest endeavour to uphold these principles and ensure strict compliance with them whenever they are threatened or challenged,” Bayramov said.

Pointing to the nexus between compliance with fundamental OSCE principles and politico-military commitments, Minister Bayramov highlighted that the implementation of these commitments in good faith could contribute substantially to peace, security and stability in the OSCE region only if accompanied by unconditional respect for the aforementioned fundamental principles and commitments.

“Only such an approach by participating States could restore trust and confidence among them, reinvigorate the application of politico-military instruments, enhance predictability and transparency, avoid threat multiplication effects and aggravation of threat perceptions, and by so doing underpin peace and stability in the OSCE region,” Bayramov underlined.

Azerbaijan’s FSC Chairmanship programme will cover important and timely topics such as compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians; humanitarian mine action; small arms and conventional ammunition; the role of non-aligned countries in the European security architecture; countering terrorism; United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security; arms control and confidence- and security- building measures; and post-conflict rehabilitation and peace building. 

Minister Bayramov drew attention to the threats and risks mines pose to populations in participating States. He noted the need to mitigate these threats through the implementation of the OSCE’s practical assistance mechanism, which could also facilitate the return of internally displaced persons to their homes in safety and in dignity. 

The Minister also touched upon a security dialogue that will be dedicated to the role of non-aligned countries, including Azerbaijan, in the European security architecture.

“Azerbaijan has always regarded the OSCE as a major pillar of the pan-European security architecture and valued the Organization’s role as indispensable for the realization of the vision for Europe without dividing lines and zones of influence. Amidst the continuing erosion of multilateralism and growing rivalry among politico-military blocks, the indivisibility of security underpinned in fundamental OSCE documents needs to be upheld,” Minister Bayramov emphasized.

Another security dialogue will be dedicated to post-conflict rehabilitation and peace-building, drawing on lessons from across the region and addressing such important issues as the OSCE’s engagement in post-conflict rehabilitation activities, and participating States’ commitments and capabilities to contribute to long-term and sustainable post-conflict rehabilitation.

The Chairmanship of the Forum for Security Co-operation rotates three times a year. It takes the lead in setting the agenda for each meeting of the Forum and brings attention to issues concerning the implementation of commitments adopted by the Forum. Azerbaijan last chaired the FSC in 2005.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 232 ceasefire violations, including 11 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 113 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded two ceasefire violations, including one explosion. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 144 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission monitored the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure. It recorded four ceasefire violations close to the Donetsk Filtration Station (DFS), near the time of the transfer of DFS workers between Yasynuvata and the station.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and two corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission observed gatherings in Kyiv.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations in southern Donetsk region.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, between the evenings of 14 and 16 January, the SMM recorded 129 ceasefire violations, including 20 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 49 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, between the evenings of 14 and 16 January, the Mission recorded 214 ceasefire violations, including 118 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 105 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded one ceasefire violation inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM monitored the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at five entry-exit checkpoints and four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM visited two border crossing points and monitored areas near the border outside government control in Donetsk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at three checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region. Its UAVs encountered multiple instances of GPS signal interference assessed as caused by probable jamming*.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 49 ceasefire violations, including two explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 175 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 105 ceasefire violations, including 30 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 151 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in non-government-controlled Vasylivka, Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote, and Petrivske.
• The SMM monitored the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at five entry-exit checkpoints and four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission visited a border crossing point and monitored areas near the border outside government control in Donetsk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted. Its UAVs encountered instances of GPS signal interference assessed as caused by probable jamming.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 175 ceasefire violations, including 96 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 187 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 151 ceasefire violations, including 131 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 148 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM corroborated reports of a civilian casualty in non-government-controlled Rovenky, Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote, and Petrivske. It spotted people inside the disengagements areas near Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM monitored the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and two corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Novoselivka and Staromykhailivka, Donetsk region.*

VIENNA, 14 January 2022 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, today presented a legal analysis of the Law on Amendments of the Code of Audiovisual Media Services of the Republic of Moldova, no. 174/2018, adopted on 4 November 2021. The amendments lead to increased parliamentary control over the public service broadcaster TeleRadio-Moldova (TRM) and the public authority regulating the public and private broadcast media, the Audiovisual Council.

Commissioned by the office of the RFoM, the legal analysis was prepared by an independent media freedom expert. The analysis assesses the compliance of the named Law with international human rights standards on freedom of expression and freedom of the media, and with key OSCE human dimension commitments.

The legal analysis touches upon concerns regarding several of the amendments. In particular, it recommends to repeal amendments that subject the TRM Director-General to the political choice of the Parliament, including the decisions regarding his/her appointment, his/her performance assessment, and his/her dismissal. This parliamentary control replaces the control over these matters previously held by TRM’s Supervisory and Development Board.

To properly safeguard the professionalism and expertise of TRM’s Supervisory and Development Board, the analysis recommends introducing clearer and more specific requirements for its membership. It also advises amending the Law, by enhancing guarantees that the nomination and election process of the members of TRM’s Supervisory and Development Board is conducted in a transparent and fair manner including by avoiding that the power to adopt the final decisions in this area is put in the hands of the incumbent parliamentary majority.

The analysis raises similar concerns regarding the practice of the submission to Parliament of an annual report by TRM’s Supervisory and Development Board. Even though considered to  be a good accountability tool (since it facilitates a proper oversight and exchange about the ways the public service media institutions have interpreted and implemented their role and remit.), it is  noted that this practice should not provide Parliament with the power to dismiss the members of the Board and to alter one of the basic pillars of public service governance: independence based on clear mandates of high-level bodies’ members.

The amendments also introduce new provisions regarding the requirements and qualifications for appointment and possible dismissal of the members of the Audiovisual Council. The  related provisions on this are essentially identical as those applicable to the governance body of TRM and are, therefore, advised to be repealed as well.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media underlined the importance of independence of these public institutions. “The functioning of the Moldovan public service broadcaster and the audiovisual media regulatory authorities must be provided in such a way, that the legislation protects these institutions against any potential political interference and influence of the dominant political party or coalition, thus allowing for a plurality of voices,” the Representative said. “I call on the authorities to revisit the legal framework related to freedom of broadcasting in order to ensure its full compliance with international human rights standards and the OSCE commitments.”

“I hope that this legal expertise will serve as a useful contribution to media reform efforts in the Republic of Moldova. My Office stands ready to engage in further consultations and discuss the findings and recommendations of the legal analysis with all relevant stakeholders,” Ribeiro added in her earlier letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Nicu Popescu.

The full text of the legal analysis is available here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/509792.

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.

VIENNA, 13 January 2022 – Poland’s Chairmanship of the OSCE in 2022 intends to promote and advance the rational, smart and flexible use of the OSCE’s unique tools and negotiation formats. “We need to reinvigorate the debate about European security. Let us start a process that will help us to uphold the Helsinki principles in full conformity with international law,” OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Zbigniew Rau said in his address to the Permanent Council in Vienna today.

The Chairman-in-Office, stressing Poland’s Chairmanship core approach, said:  “We do not always have to be faced with negative scenarios as long as we recommit our work and our priorities to the United Nations and Helsinki founding principles, which are universal and irreplaceable.”

Minister Rau also highlighted that the Polish Chairmanship will focus on presenting initiatives to improve understanding and ease tensions in the OSCE area. “The OSCE project in its current state, with its norms and available tools, demands our proactive and positive approach. Our focus will be on improving the quality of debate in a steadily deteriorating atmosphere,” said Rau.

He underlined the need to pay special attention to improving the security situation in the OSCE area, particularly by contributing to finding peaceful solutions to regional and protracted conflicts.

“It is time to put humanitarian consideration into the centre of our attention. Behind every protracted conflict there are people that suffer the most,” said Rau, emphasizing the Chairmanship’s priority of supporting societies in conflict areas, with special attention to vulnerable groups.

VIENNA, 13 January 2022 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, today expressed concern about the recent hacking and illegal removal of websites belonging to media outlets of Portugal’s leading media group Grupo Impresa.

Expresso newspaper and SIC TV station, both owned by Grupo Impresa, Portugal’s largest media group, were offline on 2 and 3 January, after being targeted in a cyberattack. The alleged hackers also spread disinformation via phishing e-mails to newspaper subscribers and via messages from the newspaper’s verified Twitter account.

“Hacking websites and blocking access to media content is a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression,” said Ribeiro. “Spreading false information illegally through these channels is particularly worrisome. There is a clear intent to use the reach of media to cause chaos. News media play an important role in keeping society informed on issues of public interest; such attacks tarnish the trusted relationship between the media and its audience,” Ribeiro added.

The incident is being investigated by national law enforcement and Portugal’s National Cybersecurity Center. “I welcome this investigation. The authorities, and the media group itself, must do all they can to enhance digital security for online media to help prevent any future disruptions of the free flow of information,” Ribeiro said. “Meanwhile, investing in media literacy is necessary too. The hacking of news sites and use of news media’s network to spread disinformation clearly demonstrates that society must be resilient to disinformation in all its forms.”

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.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 187 ceasefire violations, including 94 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 197 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 148 ceasefire violations, including 95 explosions, 113 of which were assessed as a live-fire exercise outside the security zone. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 105 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded a ceasefire violation and saw a person inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at five entry-exit checkpoints and four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission visited two border crossing points outside government control and monitored areas near the border outside government control in Donetsk region.
• The SMM’s unmanned aerial vehicles encountered instances of GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by probable jamming and jamming.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 197 ceasefire violations, including 26 explosions, 173 of which were assessed as a live-fire training exercise outside the security zone. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 133 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 105 ceasefire violations, including 20 explosions, 103 of which were assessed as a live-fire exercise outside the security zone. In the previous reporting period, it recorded five ceasefire violations in the region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near government-controlled Chermalyk; another mini-UAV was lost due to signal interference near non-government-controlled Lozove, both in Donetsk region.*
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and two corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The Mission monitored security situation in east and south-east Kherson region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Novoazovsk and Staromykhailivka, Donetsk region. Its unmanned aerial vehicles encountered instances of GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by probable jamming.*

VIENNA, 12 January 2022 – The Polish OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office expresses deep concern about renewed clashes along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and that this violence resulted in casualties. 

We call to refrain from the use of force and to continue the meaningful political dialogue initiated recently. Poland as the OSCE Chair is committed to working with partners to renew and strengthen efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace and promoting sustainable development in the region.

We support the efforts of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group in this regard. We also reiterate our strong support for the continuing work of the Personal Representative of the Polish OSCE Chair-in-Office Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk.

VIENNA, 12 January 2022 – Following the recent events in Kazakhstan, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro expressed her concern about the media freedom situation in the country. She calls for safe working conditions for journalists and other media workers under all circumstances, as well as a restoration of internet access in the country.

Since the violent clashes in Kazakhstan that started a week ago, many national and international journalists and offices of media outlets have come under attack. There were reports about short-term detentions of media workers across the country and foreign correspondents being denied entry to the country. Access to internet in Kazakhstan has been restricted, leaving the population without sufficient information on the events.

“Media are here to inform the public in a free, fair and independent way. This is a vital function in any society. Journalists must therefore be safe to do their work, under all circumstances,” Ribeiro said. “Also, unrestricted access to information, offline and online, represents important elements of public security and should always be respected,” she added. “I call on the authorities of Kazakhstan to preserve, protect and advance media freedom in the country for the benefit and comprehensive security of the country and the OSCE region at large.”

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.

SARAJEVO, 12 January 2022 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is alarmed by a recent spate of hate incidents registered in various localities, including Bijeljina-Janja, Prijedor, Brčko, Gacko, Istočno Sarajevo, Ilidža, Foča, Doboj and Bužim.  The Mission notes that the growing use of inflammatory, divisive rhetoric by some officials in BiH, including in recent days in Republika Srpska (RS), is contributing to the proliferation of such incidents. The Mission cautions against any and all acts that carry the potential to incite conflict and lead to the destabilization of peace and security in BiH.

Respect for others, regardless of one's religious, cultural and/or ethnic affiliation, must be protected by all, and in the interest of all. Elected and appointed officials have a particular responsibility to protect the interests of all citizens regardless of their background, to reject divisive rhetoric and to act as a role model for responsible behavior, cooling tensions and promoting constructive dialogue.

The Mission commends the initial investigative steps already taken by some law enforcement structures in Bijeljina, Prijedor and Brčko. We strongly encourage authorities in other locations where incidents took place to follow suit without delay.

We welcome the condemnations of those incidents by several senior political and religious officials and civil society leaders across the country, along with the many public expressions of support for those targeted. Doing so will send a strong signal of zero tolerance and help restore confidence in institutions and the rule of law.

The Mission will continue to systematically monitor institutional responses to these incidents, meet with affected communities to understand and help address their concerns, and encourage all levels of authority to reject divisive rhetoric and actions.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 133 ceasefire violations, including seven explosions, 55 of which were assessed as a live-fire training exercise inside the security zone. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 106 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded five ceasefire violations, including two explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 600 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded two ceasefire violations inside the area near Zolote and observed a person inside the area near Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission observed a gathering in Kyiv.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted. Its unmanned aerial vehicles encountered multiple instances of GPS signal interference assessed as caused by probable jamming.*

WARSAW, 11 January 2022 – Two decades after the opening of the Guantanamo Bay detention centre in the aftermath of the security challenges following the events of 9/11, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) renews its calls for the camp’s swift closure.

“The operation of Guantanamo Bay was at odds with international human rights standards when the first detainees were brought to the camp in 2002. Two decades later, this continues to be the case,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “The protection of human rights of detainees – both ending ongoing violations and addressing past abuses – is crucial to counter terrorism and build safe societies for us all.”

ODIHR welcomes the renewed commitment by the US administration to move towards closing the camp, demonstrated in 2021 by the transfer of a further detainee out of Guantanamo and the clearance of two more for release.

“However, we are not where we need to be,” said Mr Mecacci. “There is much to be done to ensure the camp is closed once and for all.”

Since its establishment, at least 780 detainees have passed through the detention camp. Almost all of them were kept without charge or trial, while many inmates were secretly brought to Guantanamo where they were held and abused. All OSCE countries have committed not to use interrogation techniques that constitute torture or other ill-treatment, and to bring anyone responsible for such acts to justice.

39 detainees remain in the camp, with 27 already held for 14-20 years without any criminal charges or legal proceedings. Only 12 have been charged to stand trial before military commissions, for their alleged involvement in terrorist attacks. At the same time, the system of military commissions has been criticized by ODIHR and others for its failure to comply with fundamental fair trial and due process standards. The others are currently in indefinite detention without any prospect of charge or trial, or remain in detention despite the fact that they have already been cleared for release.

Efforts must also be taken to protect the rights of the numerous former Guantanamo detainees relocated to other countries following their release. Many of them are vulnerable to human rights abuses in their host countries, and at the same time must live with the fear of forced return to places in which they are at risk of torture or persecution. The US authorities could and should support them in rebuilding their lives.

In its Report on the Human Rights Situation of Detainees at Guantanamo, ODIHR identified a number of serious human rights violations in connection with the operation of the camp and the treatment of detainees. ODIHR has consistently advocated its closure and urged the US authorities to either bring the remaining detainees to trial in procedures that fully meet international standards, or free them without further delay. ODIHR continues to support the US and all other OSCE countries in coming in line with international human rights standards to which they have committed.

WARSAW/NUR-SULTAN, 10 JANUARY 2022– OSCE Chairman-in Office Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau spoke today on the phone with Acting Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi.

Minister Rau expressed regrets about the many victims of violence over the last week and stressed the need to uphold OSCE commitments, including those relating to human rights. Kazakhstan has been an important OSCE participating State for many years and an active partner in Central Asia. The OSCE Chair called on all parties to act with responsibility and restraint, and to refrain from actions that could further escalate or incite violence. He offered assistance and support to the authorities and people of Kazakhstan in continuing political reforms with full respect of the OSCE commitments, including through the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan.

Minister Tileuberdi presented the current information on the situation in Kazakhstan referring also to the ongoing Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) mission. He expressed the President and government’s commitment to respect and follow all international obligations, including regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, between the evenings of 5 and 9 January, the SMM recorded 152 ceasefire violations, including 38 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 85 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, between the evenings of 5 and 9 January, the Mission recorded 791 ceasefire violations, including 213 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 58 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Members of the armed formations denied the Mission’s passage near Stanytsia Luhanska, Luhansk region.*
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Zolote.
• The Mission facilitated the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission visited three border crossing points and monitored areas near the border outside government control in Donetsk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near non-government-controlled Staromykhailivka, Horlivka and Oleksandrivka, Donetsk region, as well as at a checkpoint of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near government-controlled Bolotene, Luhansk region. Its unmanned aerial vehicles encountered multiple instances of GPS signal interference assessed as caused by probable jamming and jamming.*

Corrigendum: Please register for the press conference (either online or in person participation) no later than 12 January at 12:00 by sending an email to press@osce.org with your name and outlet.

VIENNA, 10 January 2020 – OSCE Chairman-in-Office (CiO) and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland Zbigniew Rau will present the Programme of the Polish OSCE Chairmanship 2022 to the OSCE Permanent Council on Thursday, 13 January.

Journalists are invited to cover the OSCE CiO’s speech set to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday 13 January. The speech will also be livestreamed on https://www.osce.org/live.

A hybrid press conference by OSCE CiO Rau and OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will take place at 12:30, following the formal inauguration of the Polish OSCE Chairmanship.

Please register for the press conference (either online or in person participation) no later than 12 January at 12:00 by sending an email to press@osce.org with your name and outlet.

The press conference will be held in English. The link to access the press conference via Zoom will be sent after the registration deadline.

Poland took over the Chair of the Organization from Sweden on 1 January 2022. OSCE CiO Rau will outline the Programme of the Polish OSCE Chairmanship 2022, with a focus on initiatives aiming at settling regional and frozen conflicts through supporting the OSCE’s structures, efforts to support civilians in conflict zones, and direct actions to encourage sustainable development in the post pandemic recovery.

The latest information from the Polish OSCE CiO can be found at https://www.osce.org/chairmanship  and on Twitter: @RauZbigniew and @PLinOSCE.

The OSCE Permanent Council is a decision-making body gathering representatives of all 57 participating States of the Organization and 11 Partners for Co-operation. It convenes weekly in Vienna to discuss developments in the OSCE area and to make decisions.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On the morning of 9 January, the armed formations in Luhansk region denied the Mission’s passage to government-controlled areas. The SMM patrol was travelling from non-government-controlled areas.

The denial occurred at 09:53, at the checkpoint of the armed formations south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge. A member of the armed formations denied passage to one of two mission members travelling to government-controlled areas, citing “a lack of prior notification about the passage of the second mission member”. Neither mission member travelled to government-controlled areas and both returned back to base in non-government-controlled Luhansk city.

The SMM had preannounced its passage as a temporary, COVID-19 related courtesy.

For recent freedom of movement restrictions faced by the Mission, see previous SMM Spot Reports.

The Mission again notes that such denials not only restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, but also prevent the SMM’s logistical operations, which are essential for the effective functioning of the Mission.

The OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 specifies that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. Unrestricted and unconditional access to all areas is essential to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation, as well as other mandated tasks. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 85 ceasefire violations, including five explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 54 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 58 ceasefire violations, including four explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded three ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near non-government-controlled Staromykhailivka, Donetsk region. Its unmanned aerial vehicle encountered an instance of GPS signal interference assessed as caused by probable jamming.*