OSCE

584296 Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 30 December 2024 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is devastated to learn, just days after the horrific violence in Ključ that resulted in a woman’s death, a young mother of two was killed in Brod.

Despite increased efforts to combat domestic violence and violence against women, this latest tragedy underscores the urgent and ongoing epidemic of such unimaginable brutality, destroying families and scarring communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Echoing zero tolerance is not enough. Standing in solidarity with all victims and their loved ones, the Mission, once again, calls for the implementation of immediate and effective preventative measures and protection for victims and survivors, swift and comprehensive investigations, and the holding of perpetrators accountable to the full extent of the law.

VALLETTA/VIENNA, 30 December 2024 – OSCE Chair-in-Office, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg, today announced the selection of Switzerland to chair the OSCE in 2026.

The announcement follows a Ministerial Decision adopted by consensus in the final days of Malta’s Chairpersonship. The 57 OSCE participating States thus expressed their collective commitment to sustaining the essential work of the Organization at a time of geopolitical challenges.                  

“Today, we have demonstrated our confidence in the Organization and its ability to deliver on its mandate,” said Chair-in-Office Borg. “I congratulate Switzerland for showing strong leadership in stepping forward to assume the 2026 Chairpersonship. Switzerland’s acceptance of this role is a crucial step forward, and we look forward to continuing our close co-operation as Troika members as of the 1st of January 2025.”              

After the conclusion of the Ministerial Council, Malta remained focused on safeguarding the functionality of the OSCE and ensuring its ability to navigate through turbulent times. Chair-in-Office Borg emphasized that the selection of future Chairs was a key priority in sustaining the Organization’s resilience and continuity.

"At the outset of our Chairpersonship in January, we adopted the motto ‘Strengthening Resilience and Enhancing Security’ to underscore the imperative of safeguarding the OSCE’s ability to navigate challenges and reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of security in our region,” said Chair-in-Office Borg. “Today, Malta’s Chairpersonship is proud of its efforts to preserve the Organization’s functionality and advance pivotal decisions that reaffirm the OSCE’s position as a bastion of peace, dialogue, and stability.”

“The OSCE stands for security through co-operation and peaceful settlement of disputes,” Swiss Federal Councilor and incoming Chair-in-Office of the OSCE for 2026 Ignazio Cassis said. “This Organization is more relevant than ever and we have to keep it functional.”          

In a year's time, Switzerland will succeed Finland at the helm of the OSCE. Borg expressed confidence in Switzerland’s ability to lead the Organization effectively: “This is a significant moment for the OSCE, and we are confident that Switzerland will lead with vision and resolve.”

The OSCE Chairpersonship is held for one year by an OSCE participating State, with its Foreign Minister serving as Chair-in-Office. The Chairpersonship co-ordinates decision-making and sets the OSCE's priorities during its tenure.

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The OSCE in partnership with the thinktank adelphi has recently published a strategy paper aiming to foster cross-border co-operation between Georgia and Armenia in tackling climate-related security risks, improving landscape fire management, and reducing wildfire risks. Developed in close collaboration with the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC), the strategy, titled ‘Joint Co-operation Strategy on Climate Change and Security in Northern Armenia and Southern Georgia: Strengthening climate resilience in the South Caucasus through fire risk reduction’, represents an important milestone in strengthening co-operation in the South Caucasus.

Besides building on the 2023 Scoping study: Co-operation in Northern Armenia and Southern Georgia, the strategy is founded on extensive consultations at the national level and discussions in the pilot municipalities of Bolnisi (Georgia) and Sarchapet (Armenia). It outlines priority areas for co-operation and presents a series of project concepts for strengthening collaboration among these municipalities through sustainable approaches to landscape and wildfire management.

Key components of the strategy include:

• Training volunteers and community members on fire prevention techniques and climate adaptation strategies.
• Developing joint co-ordination and communication mechanisms for wildfire monitoring and early risk detection at the municipal and national levels.
• Implementing community-based projects and awareness-raising initiatives in Bolnisi and Sarchapet to serve as models for broader regional application.
• Promoting practices that enhance ecosystem-resilience while reducing fire risks.

The strategy underlines the joint commitment of Georgia and Armenia to address shared climate-related security risks together. The next steps will focus on implementing the strategy’s project concepts and turning them into concrete joint activities.

By fostering cross-border collaboration and aligning efforts with international climate goals, this initiative demonstrates how regional partnerships can address the impacts of climate change while supporting community resilience and sustainable development.

This strategy was prepared within the framework of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Strengthening responses to security risks from climate change in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia”, which is implemented by OCEEA in partnership with adelphi and in close collaboration with the OSCE field operations. The project is funded by Andorra, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

Željka Šulc

Sarajevo, 27 December 2024 - We are saddened by another case of femicide, which occurred in Ključ yesterday. Deplorably, again a weapon was used to commit a crime.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victim's family and friends.

We are once again compelled to call on all levels of authority in BiH to undertake swift, decisive and compassionate actions to investigate, prosecute, and prevent such incidents from occurring. Prevention must include a prompt seizure of illegally possessed firearms. This tragedy is yet another a stark reminder that promises and commitments are meaningless without immediate and effective action.

Željka Šulc

Sarajevo, 26 December 2024 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina notes with concern over recent developments in the Republika Srpska National Assembly and underscores the importance of upholding the Rule of Law and the constitutional framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Mission calls on political actors to address challenges through dialogue and established democratic and legal mechanisms, which are vital for preserving stability and trust.

The Mission reaffirms its commitment to supporting institutions and political actors in advancing democratic principles, fostering constructive communication, safeguarding judicial integrity and overall security of the citizens of BiH. 

584200 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

From 16 to 17 December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe hosted a two-day workshop focused on the findings of the “Baseline Report from the Fifth Round of Monitoring of Anti-Corruption Reforms in Tajikistan. The Istanbul Anti-Corruption Action Plan”. This report was developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ACN). The event brought together 19 representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) and youth, and it was facilitated by four local consultants from the Coalition of CSOs on Transparency and Anti-Corruption in Dushanbe.

The Baseline Report outlines Tajikistan’s anti-corruption reform efforts in 2023, covering nine performance areas. It evaluates the country's anti-corruption policy and the effectiveness of specialized anti-corruption institutions, integrity in business, public procurement, the judiciary and prosecution, enforcement of corruption offenses, as well as protections for whistleblowers, conflict of interest issues, and asset declarations. The report is available in both English and Russian at the OECD website under Baseline Report of the Fifth Round of Monitoring of Anti-Corruption Reforms in Tajikistan | OECD. Follow-up monitoring by the OECD ACN is anticipated in 2026.

During the workshop, participants were introduced to Tajikistan’s assessment against the indicators and benchmarks under the nine performance areas mentioned above. They engaged in discussions regarding potential measures to enhance and achieve Tajikistan's compliance with these indicators. The four local consultants from the CSOs will collaborate on developing contributions to the National Action Plan for 2025-2026 to address the findings of the report.

This activity is part of the ongoing support provided by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe to promote good governance and anti-corruption in Tajikistan, focusing on strengthening civil society initiatives to increase public transparency and accountability.

584287 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 20 December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, organized a one-day roundtable on "Standard Regulatory Requirements for Wastewater Quality Control." This event, held in Dushanbe, brought together 30 specialists— all men— from state sanitary and epidemiological control centers, environmental protection agencies, water supply systems, and wastewater management services across Tajikistan.

The roundtable served as a platform to present the Standard Regulatory Requirements for wastewater quality control, which were developed with the support of POiD. Participants discussed critical issues such as the relationship between water and public health, the physiological and sanitary importance of water, its role in the transmission of infectious diseases, and sources of water pollution. Additionally, the Ministry's feedback on the "Standard Regulatory Requirements for Wastewater Quality Control" was addressed.

This initiative highlights the ongoing commitment of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe to assist the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in enhancing sanitation and wastewater management throughout Tajikistan, aligning with the OSCE's broader objectives in the water sector.

584191 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

Between August and December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, in collaboration with the Committee for Women and Family Affairs (CWFA) of the Government of Tajikistan, conducted a series of three-day training sessions for trainers throughout the country. A total of 231 government employees took part, including 185 women and 46 men. These individuals work in institutions engaged in the prevention of and response to domestic violence at both central and local levels. Participants included representatives from various agencies, such as the CWFA, the Commission for the Rights of Children, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population. They came from ten cities and districts, including Dushanbe, Khatlon, Sughd, and the Districts of Republican Subordination.

The training addressed a wide range of topics related to gender equality, the responsibilities of institutions in implementing relevant legislation, procedural actions, best practices for organizational coordination and collaboration, victim referral and support, victim-centered approaches, and strategies for raising awareness. The goal of the training was to prepare national trainers from the relevant government institutions to conduct awareness-raising sessions on preventing domestic violence and effectively managing domestic violence cases.

This initiative aligns with Tajikistan's commitments under OSCE guidelines aimed at preventing and combating violence against women, including domestic violence.

584143 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized an exchange visit for five leading specialists from the Headquarters of the Main Directorate of Border Troops of the State Committee of National Security of the Republic of Tajikistan. This visit took place from 9 to 13 December 2024 in Minsk and Brest, Belarus.

The purpose of the event was to showcase effective practices used by border-related agencies in Belarus to Tajikistan’s Border Troops officers, who are responsible for planning and managing border security at their Headquarters. The focus was on key areas such as information flow management, operational management based on real-time data exchange, risk analysis assessment (strategic, operational, and tactical), and co-operation among relevant agencies.

During the visit, participants learned about the roles and functions of the Belarus State Border Service, the State Border Institute, and Minsk International Airport. The itinerary included visits to the Warsaw Bridge border crossing point, a border outpost, and a border training center in Brest.

This exchange visit enhanced the participants' understanding of effective border management practices and facilitated the development of actionable recommendations based on their observations. It also helped establish connections that could lead to future collaboration in capacity building and technical improvement.

584125 For Media inquires

On 9 December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana (the Office) hosted an event to mark the culmination of the first stage of a two-year project aimed at supporting the Tobol-Torgay River Basin Council. The project aims to strengthen the Council's capacity in developing a strategic basin plan for integrated water resource management.

Water availability in Central Asia is increasingly strained due to rapid glacier melting and rising demand, creating uncertainty. This can be addressed through localized water management that empowers users to redistribute resources based on natural flows and local needs. Kazakhstan is responding with the adoption of a new Water Code, which the Office supported by assisting the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) with revisions. The new legislation expands the responsibilities of river basin councils by delegating increased oversight and management capabilities.

Following that, the Office initiated a project in 2024 to support one of the basin councils in developing a strategic basin plan. This plan will provide a sustainable, equitable framework for managing water, land, and related resources, fostering long-term environmental health and socio-economic stability. The Tobol-Torgay River Basin was chosen due to its unique environmental challenges, including variable river runoff and periodic flooding influenced by climate change.

The event brought together representatives from the Tobol-Torgay river basin inspections, local government bodies, maslikhat (local council) deputies, farmer associations, and the private sector. Participants were presented with the findings of a comprehensive river basin study, conducted through interviews and focus group discussions. The research covered the current state of water resources, their quality and use, institutional mechanisms for stakeholder interaction, biodiversity and ecosystem conditions, as well as climate and environmental risks. Based on the obtained data, recommendations were developed for improving water resources management in accordance with international standards.

Participants actively engaged in discussions on the study's findings and recommendations and participated in a training session to identify key challenges within the basin. These challenges were prioritized based on their significance, complexity, and the time required to address them. The outcomes of these activities will guide the development of an actionable plan, serving as the foundation for the strategic basin management plan aimed at fostering regional sustainable development through efficient water resource management.

Building on the progress made in 2024, the Office plans to conduct additional activities in 2025. They will focus on land resource management in the context of climate risks, as well as methodologies for calculating and forecasting water balance. Furthermore, the facilitation of the basin plan's development and targeted training sessions to equip stakeholders with the skills necessary for effective implementation and monitoring remain key priorities for the upcoming year.

This event was held as part of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana's multi-year efforts to support Kazakhstan’s agendas on sustainable development goals and integrated water resources management.

584080 For Media inquires

On 17-18 December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, in collaboration with key national agencies, held a training workshop focused on detecting the financing of terrorism during the fundraising phase. The workshop aimed to strengthen Kazakhstan’s capacity to counter the complex challenges posed by financial crimes linked to terrorism.

The event brought together 22 participants representing the Financial Monitoring Agency, the Ministry of Interior, the National Security Committee, and the Prosecutor General’s Office of Kazakhstan. They engaged in expert-led sessions designed to enhance their understanding of identifying suspicious financial activities and disrupting terrorist fundraising efforts at an early stage, namely during fundraising activities.

The expert provided in-depth insights into the mechanisms used for fundraising, including the misuse of non-profit organizations, crowdfunding platforms, and informal money transfer systems. Participants gained hands-on experience in organizing the collection and analysis of operational information related to countering the financing of terrorism, as well as methods for obtaining data on available financial assets and cash flows of individuals under audit. The sessions also covered advanced approaches for identifying relevant information on individuals involved in investigations, analyzing channels used for collecting funds to finance terrorism, and detecting suspicious transaction patterns. Apart from that, participants learned to identify vulnerabilities in financial reporting systems and apply international good practices to trace and prevent illicit funds from reaching terrorist networks.

Case studies and practical exercises emphasized the importance of early detection tools and inter-agency co-operation. The workshop highlighted the role of financial intelligence and proactive investigation methods in addressing evolving threats in the financing landscape.

Head of the Division for Countering Financing of Terrorism at the Financial Monitoring Agency, Sayat Maltayev, shared his feedback: “The training sessions were highly practical and directly applicable to our daily work. The skills and tools shared during this workshop will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to detect and prevent the financing of terrorism at its sources”.

This workshop underscores the continued commitment of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana to support Kazakhstan’s efforts in combating financial crimes and fostering a more secure and transparent financial system. By equipping professionals with critical knowledge and tools, Kazakhstan is enhancing its capacities to address emerging threats posed by the financing of terrorism.

WARSAW, 20 December 2024 – In its final report on the observation of the 26 October parliamentary elections in Georgia, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) reiterates its earlier findings and conclusions. The elections took place amidst serious concerns about the impact of recently adopted legislation on fundamental freedoms and civil society, steps to diminish the independence of institutions involved in the election process, and pressure on voters, which combined with election day practices compromised the ability of some voters to cast their vote without fear of retribution. In its assessment of post-election developments and complaints, ODIHR found that cases were not considered sufficiently, limiting legal remedies, and the forcible suppression of protests and numerous arrests caused grave concerns about compliance with international commitments to freedom of peaceful assembly.

“Numerous issues noted in our final report negatively impacted the integrity of these elections and eroded public trust in the process,” said Eoghan Murphy, who headed ODIHR’s 2024 election observation mission to Georgia. “To safeguard the democratic principles currently at stake in Georgia, it is imperative that the authorities urgently address all concerns.”

While observers noted the legal framework provides an adequate basis to hold democratic elections, the report also emphasizes that recent frequent amendments marked a step backwards, raising concerns over its use for political gain, and restated ODIHR’s longstanding recommendation for a comprehensive legislative review.

Today’s report reiterates the negative impact of the polarized and instrumentalized media and limited campaign finance oversight, although contestants were generally able to campaign freely and candidates across 18 party lists competed in a low-key campaign. Many advantages taken by the ruling party in addition to a significant imbalance in financial resources contributed to the uneven playing field.

Preparations for the elections were well managed. However, on election day frequent compromises to the secrecy of the vote, several procedural inconsistencies, and reports of pressure and intimidation, including through the recording of the process, negatively impacted public trust in the process and an otherwise generally procedurally orderly election day.

Today’s report underlines that complaints both before and after election day were frequently not comprehensively considered and dismissed on technical grounds, undermining the right to a proper review of concerns. ODIHR therefore recommends measures to guarantee effective remedy and increase public trust. Following the elections, there have also been massive protests that were repeatedly violently dispersed and resulted in numerous arrests and allegations of brutality towards protesters and journalists, in breach of international commitments guaranteeing the right to freedom of assembly as well as the right to freedom from torture and other forms of ill-treatment.

In line with its mandate, ODIHR does not recognize or endorse elections. Instead, ODIHR provides a comprehensive and impartial assessment of the electoral process based on universal principles, international obligations, and the commitments to hold democratic elections made by all OSCE states. This enables voters to form their own judgments about the quality of the election. The Office also stands ready to support a wide range of electoral stakeholders in their efforts to address the issues through post-election dialogue and concrete action.

Today’s report offers a number of recommendations to improve the conduct of elections. These require changes both in law and practice to address the issue of low public trust and the ability of voters to cast their ballots without fear, and at the same time to increase the transparency and integrity of the electoral process in Georgia for the benefit of all.

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Strengthening the dialogue between national human rights institutions and representatives of local authorities and civil society organizations was the aim of a series of roundtables that the OSCE Presence in Albania organized together with the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination. The roundtables took place in Peshkopi, Tropoja, Kuçova and Roskovec, from 13 November to 11 December 2024.

The meetings focused on promoting joint strategies against discrimination and on the protection of human rights. They also served as a platform for creating a functional network among the participants and discussing joint activities during 2025. Some of the recommendations that emerged from the roundtables include the establishment of regional offices of the Commissioner’s institution and amending the law “On state-guaranteed legal aid” to include individuals from Roma and Egyptian minorities as a distinct category of beneficiaries.

The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, Robert Gajda, introduced the attendees to the role of the institution he leads, the legal framework and the procedures for investigating discrimination cases. He called for co-operation with representatives of municipalities and civil society to strengthen dialogue, develop joint strategies and create a functional network. Gajda also answered questions regarding topics such as defining discrimination, its various manifestations, strategies for avoiding discriminatory practices in public office and approaches for handling specific cases of discrimination.

Participants discussed concrete cases and learned how to properly address them to the Commissioner’s office. Some of the issues raised by them related to accessibility for people with disabilities, discrimination against minorities and women and unequal treatment in the workplace or in public spaces. They emphasised the need for greater awareness and education to prevent discrimination in all spheres of society.

Through such activities, the OSCE Presence supports the Commissioner – as one of the main national human rights institutions – to promoter their mandate and relevant legal framework throughout the country.

583984 Communication and Media Relations Section

On 17 and18 December, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities hosted the Tenth Annual General Meeting of the Permanent Conference of Organized Crime Prosecutors (PCOCP) at the Hofburg in Vienna. The event brought together senior prosecutors, judges, legal experts, and representatives from 14 participating States from across Europe and South-Eastern Europe to enhance informal and formal international collaboration against transnational organized crime.

Participants discussed emerging criminal trends, including virtual assets such as cryptocurrencies, encrypted communications, and dark web-related crimes. Sessions also focused on digital evidence and strategies to dismantle criminal networks.

The roundtable highlighted the need for improved cross-border cooperation, informal networking, and integration with frameworks such as EUROJUST and INTERPOL. Delegates examined the sustainability of the permanent conference and proposed a strategic and operational roadmap.

“I strongly urge all of you to give the best of yourselves and seize this opportunity to explore new paths or even create new ones that can make our network (PCOCP) even stronger and more effective,” said Apostolos Tzamalis, Chief Public Prosecutor of the Larisa Court of First Instance in Greece.

“This conference, as a platform for the PCOCP, stands as a testament to our shared commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting our communities, and safeguarding the integrity of our institutions “said Irina Armenova-Yancheva, Deputy Head of the PCOCP Secretariat, Appellate Prosecution Office in Bulgaria

This Annual General Meeting of the PCOCP was organized as part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Strengthening Efforts to Combat Organized Crime in the OSCE Region,” funded by Austria, Germany, Italy, and the United States.

HELSINKI/VIENNA, 1 January 2025 – Today, Finland takes over the OSCE Chairpersonship with a focus on upholding OSCE principles, supporting Ukraine, and strengthening the Organization’s resilience in order to address complex security challenges.

Human rights, democracy, and the rule of law form the foundations of a stable society. As Chair, Finland emphasizes the principles of the OSCE to promote opportunities for people to live freely in democratic societies governed by the rule of law.

"Today, we face an unprecedented need to defend this collectively agreed security order. As the Helsinki Final Act marks its 50th anniversary, Finland will consistently stress the principles outlined in this founding document of the OSCE. When Russia challenges the foundations of our shared security, the rest of us must stand up for them, and stand tall," stressed Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, the new OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.

As Chair, Finland prioritizes ways to enhance the resilience of OSCE participating States. Like previous Chairs, Finland will place Ukraine at the heart of the Organization's work. Supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence remains central to OSCE's activities.

Finland also aims to strengthen the Organization’s operational capabilities. Despite the ongoing challenges the Organization has faced, Finland underscores the importance of strengthening the OSCE as an operational actor for security and a forum for political dialogue.

"We will serve as a constructive Chair, listening attentively and collaborating closely with all participating States committed to promoting co-operative security through the OSCE," Minister Valtonen said.

In this regard, the Minister highlighted that the OSCE’s work on the ground in Eastern Europe, South-Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and in Central Asia, both through its field operations and the OSCE staff from the Secretariat and Institutions, remains vital in implementing shared commitments and the comprehensive concept of security.

The Chair recalled that participating States share a collective responsibility to ensure that the OSCE remains a functioning Organization. The Chair plans to establish a special Helsinki+50 Fund in collaboration with interested participating States and the OSCE Secretariat to support the Organization’s work.

"The fund aims to improve the channeling and use of voluntary contributions for work aligned with the OSCE principles, while also fostering interaction between donors and beneficiaries. The fund will also strengthen civil society," noted Minister Valtonen.

Strengthening collaboration on crisis response and recovery plays a central role in the Finnish Chairpersonship. As today’s threats and risks are largely cross-border in nature, security through co-operation among societal actors, including authorities, local organizations, and the private sector is and will remain key. The Chair remains ready to engage and respond in case of emerging tensions in the OSCE area.

Finland also bolsters collaboration with civil society to create a more inclusive society for all, including through increased engagement of women and youth in building peace and security.

"During its Chairpersonship, Finland will emphasize gender equality and the functioning of a free civil society. Finland will also highlight the need to improve opportunities for youth and persons with disabilities to participate in OSCE activities," Minister Valtonen affirmed.

Find more about the framework and goals for the OSCE's activities in 2025 in Finland's Chairpersonship programme (https://www.osce.org/chairpersonship/583975). The overarching theme is resilience. The programme is built on three guiding principles: 1) Respect the OSCE principles and commitments, 2) Respond to today’s challenges, and 3) Prepare the OSCE for the future.

Follow Finland's Chairpersonship on X:

• @elinavaltonen
• @Finland_OSCE
• @Ulkoministerio

583867 Željka Šulc

19 December 2024, SARAJEVO – Recognizing the critical role of K9 units in detecting and preventing crime, law enforcement teams from across Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) showcased their expertise in a competition organized by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission). A total of 14 teams competed in four key disciplines: obedience, drug detection, firearms and explosive detection.

“It is our intention to continue strengthening BiH's law enforcement operations through engagement and co-operation. In doing so, we will maintain our focus on promoting K9 collaboration throughout the region,” said Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. “The professionalism and dedication demonstrated by these teams today reflect the significant contribution they make to public safety and security, both nationally and regionally.”

The event brought together representatives from the BiH Ministry of Security, the BiH Border Police, entity and cantonal ministries of interior, police administrations, the Brčko District Police, as well as international organizations. During the event, the Guidelines, Training Manual, and Training Program Curriculum for K9 Units in BiH were presented. These comprehensive documents provide dog handlers, instructors, supervisors, and other stakeholders with structured guidance on the effective use, maintenance, and responsibilities associated with K9 operations in law enforcement.

“This training, along with the earlier delivery of specialist equipment to police K9 units in Bosnia and Herzegovina, represents a significant step forward in strengthening security. It serves as a model for how this vital segment of law enforcement should develop,” said Ivica Bošnjak, Deputy Minister of the BiH Ministry of Security. “Unfortunately, this issue has not yet been resolved systematically, and greater attention must be given to it in the coming period. Establishing a police dog training center, serving all police agencies in BiH and meeting the needs of the entire Western Balkan region, is essential.”

He emphasized that police dogs are indispensable for detecting threats such as narcotics, weapons, and explosives. He however also stressed the need for improved recognition and career advancement opportunities for their handlers to secure greater investment in these critical units.

This competition forms part of a broader effort by the OSCE Mission to BiH to assist police agencies in addressing public and physical security challenges posed by the illicit possession, misuse, and trafficking of small arms, light weapons, and their ammunition. The project received financial support from Austria, the Czech Republic, the European Union, Germany, France, Liechtenstein, Norway, Slovakia, Türkiye, and the United States.

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On 18 December 2024, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz), in partnership with the Children’s Ombudsperson, hosted a roundtable at which experts shared good international practices in preventing crimes against minors.

The event was opened jointly by Children’s Ombudsperson Surayyo Rahmonova (the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Rights of the Child) and Ambassador Antti Karttunen, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Karttunen emphasized the need to enhance inter-agency cooperation to combat sexualized crimes against children. He welcomed the recent adoption in Uzbekistan of a law on protecting children from violence, including online abuse.

“This law represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the well-being of children, protecting them from all forms of violence, and ensuring a procedure for issuing protection warrants for children who have experienced violence”, Ambassador Karttunen said.

“When investigating any crime against children, in every instance and at all stages the wellbeing of the child should be the priority”, stressed Ambassador Karttunen.

Some 30 experts from civil society and government offices and agencies attended the event. Participants included officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Prosecutor’s General Office, the Law Enforcement Academy, the National Guard, the National Agency of Social Protection under the President and the Committee of Family and Women.

Children’s Ombudsperson Rahmonova presented a report on a PCUz study visit earlier this month to Helsinki, Finland, undertaken together with the Interdepartmental Working Group on combating sexualized crimes against minors. She and other delegation members shared insights from their visit, highlighting the importance of comprehensive approaches to child-protection strategies.

In addition, roundtable participants reviewed a new manual of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for law enforcement officers working with minors who have been abused. The manual was developed as a PCUz initiative.

583828 For Media inquires

On 6-7 December 2024, the 10th Annual Conference of the Kyrgyz Association of Women Judges took place in Aral village, Chui Province, Kyrgyzstan. Themed “Strengthening Legal Justice: Access to Free Legal Aid, Support for Women in the Judiciary, and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence”, the conference convened legal professionals and experts from Central Asia to address pressing issues related to justice reform and gender equality.

The conference explored the prevention of gender-based violence, emphasising the importance of legal reforms and institutional changes. Discussions also focused on improving access to free legal aid by addressing existing challenges and considering the role of digital solutions. Additionally, participants examined mentorship programmes designed to support women in the judiciary, with a particular emphasis on fostering leadership and professional development.

Demonstrating the spirit of regional co-operation, Kazakhstan’s women judges played a pivotal role in the event. The delegation from Kazakhstan included two judges of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, along with a judge of the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan. Their participation was supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana under its extrabudgetary project on “Improving the Effectiveness of the Justice System in Kazakhstan”.

On the second day of the conference, a judge of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan delivered an insightful presentation on mentorship programmes implemented within Kazakhstan’s judiciary. She highlighted how these initiatives contribute to the development of leadership skills among women judges and promote gender equality across the legal sector.

The participation of Kazakhstan’s women judges at the conference underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing shared challenges and advancing the role of women in justice systems through mutual learning and partnership.

583639 Communication and Media Relations Section

On 17 and 18 December, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan held a training course on media and information literacy in preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/CVERLT) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The course addressed the challenges posed by the digital information disorder, which refers to misinformation, disinformation, and malign information in the digital realm, and combating the misuse of the internet for violent extremist purposes while upholding fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression.

Participants included 24 policymakers, officials from the security and education sectors, representatives from civil society organizations and media professionals, fostering a multi-stakeholder approach for inclusive solutions to combat radicalization to violence in the digital space and emphasizing awareness for the importance of early prevention efforts centred on human rights.

“To make a real difference, we need everyone on board: from government agencies, law enforcement, and educators to civil society, the media and the private sector. This approach—bringing everyone to the table—is at the core of Uzbekistan’s Counter Terrorism and Extremism Strategy, which was developed with the support of the OSCE and with input from a wide range of voices within the country,” said Ambassador Antti Karttunen, Head of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

In the framework of plenary discussions and hands-on exercises in working groups, participants also explored the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the online information space.

The training course followed a regional workshop in Tashkent on 16 December that explored the practical challenges and opportunities in using AI in P/CVERLT, as well as relevant ethical considerations and human rights implications, organized by Meta and Mythos Labs, and supported by the OSCE.

The training course was organized as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project INFORMED: Information and Media Literacy in Preventing Violent Extremism. Human Rights and Gender-Sensitive Approaches to Addressing the Digital Information Disorder, and funded by Germany.

583585 For Media inquires

On 6 December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana presented results of a two-year project dedicated to developing interactive maps and safety passports for Kazakhstan. This initiative, implemented in partnership with the Ministry for Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan and the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction aims to enhance capacities to monitor, model, and ensure early warning for natural disasters, measures to prevent and counter the effects of such, and ensure safe and  sustainable communities.

As we face increasingly complex environmental challenges, the need for technological solutions in emergency management become ever more critical. Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, Yuri Fenopetov, noted: “The digital subsystems, that were developed, combine interactive mapping capabilities with digitized territorial safety passports to support emergency preparedness and response in an accurate, as well as time- and resource-efficient manner.

Over 50 representatives from government agencies, diplomatic missions, and international organizations attended the presentation. Speakers outlined the project’s goals and demonstrated the capabilities of the developed subsystems, which allow for monitoring and forecasting emergencies such as fires, meteorological disasters, technological accidents, and others.

Ministry representatives have tested several extensions of the “Digital Safety Passport” and “Interactive Map” subsystems and expressed hope that the software will significantly facilitate the work of its territorial departments in data actualization and their use in daily activities. These subsystems are part of the Geoinformation System "GIS ES," which forms the basis of digital services for the Ministry for Emergency Situations.

Vice Minister for Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan, Batyrbek Abdyshev, noted: “The project has become a vivid example of how international co-operation and modern technologies can make a significant contribution to ensuring citizen safety and the sustainable development of the country. The idea of developing such digital tools is not only timely but extremely relevant”.

Director of the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction, Serik Aubakirov, highlighted the significance of joint efforts, stating: “Our co-operation in implementing this project has become one of the brightest examples of development partnership”.

The presentation also served as a platform for discussion of digitalization prospects to improve emergency forecasting, identification, and response. Looking ahead, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana plans to conduct a series of training activities for representatives of territorial departments of the Ministry and its Command Center in the capital to ensure effective use of the subsystems, facilitating their smooth integration into daily operations.