OSCE

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On April 30, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan provided humanitarian aid, including medical means of personal protection, to stop the spread of COVID-19 to Tashkent city police officers.

To enhance the safety and effectiveness of police, who continue to confront the current pandemic, the PCUz has purchased safety glasses and protection masks, gloves and sanitizers for further donation to the Tashkent city Main Department of Internal Affairs. The donation is part of the PCUz assistance to the Government of Uzbekistan in its efforts to fight the transnational threat represented by COVID-19.

Colonel Aziz Tashkhhodjaev, Head of the Tashkent City Main Department of Internal Affairs, attended the handover of the assistance. The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan Ambassador John MacGregor said: “The police services of Uzbekistan are on the frontline in the fight against the coronavirus, as they interact with the public every day. By protecting police officers, we protect the public, and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

The donation demonstrates that the safety of people, and their health, are part of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security.

VIENNA, 30 April 2020 – How to address the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for the most vulnerable in our societies, especially for human trafficking victims and survivors, is the focus of a set of recommendations to governments published by the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Valiant Richey today.

Building on his earlier statement to OSCE participating States, Richey alerted governments to the risk that, without urgent and targeted action, this health and economic crisis becomes a human trafficking crisis, putting many more lives and the cohesion of our societies at risk. “The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on trafficking in human beings is deeply concerning. Our recommendations aim to support OSCE participating States in combating trafficking in human beings during and following the current crisis, as vulnerabilities will compound in the weeks and months to come,” he said.

The Special Representative stands ready to provide further support to participating States, including through tailored technical assistance for the development and implementation of anti-trafficking action plans and other legislative or policy efforts.

Prevention

1. Ensure universal access to essential economic and social welfare services, including unemployment aid, for all those who need them, regardless of their recent employment history. This will help prevent those affected by the economic impact of the crisis, including millions of unregistered domestic workers, from falling into the hands of traffickers.

2. Grant or extend temporary resident permits to migrants and asylum seekers, regardless of their legal status. This will increase their resilience by facilitating access to healthcare and other welfare services and will also help States’ authorities and social services promptly identify presumed victims of trafficking and better prevent future episodes of exploitation. 

3. Prioritize resources for exit services in high-risk sectors such as the prostitution industry. With purchasing of commercial sex artificially suppressed as a result of the lockdown, inclusive programmes ensuring support can be a powerful tool to break the cycle of exploitation and strengthen exit pathways, giving a real alternative to those in need.

Protection

4. Provide victims of trafficking with access to safe and immediate accommodation, health care and psychological assistance, to assist in their exit from trafficking and protect them from revictimization. Temporary quarantine accommodation prior to shelter placement has been identified as a promising practice to ensure compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures.

5. Extend for at least six months all protection and assistance measures for all victims of trafficking, including work permits and access to services, to ensure continuity in their social inclusion process beyond the current health crisis. Continue investments in rehabilitation programmes, as the risk of ‘losing’ those survivors who are already in transition is now particularly high due to the adverse economic situation. Provide online support to victims of trafficking inside and outside shelters. Psychological counselling, legal support as well as educational and training activities are examples of the services which might be temporarily provided remotely to ensure the continuity of victim’s support and to prevent re-trafficking.

6. Establish or strengthen hotlines for human trafficking, domestic violence and child abuse (including online) reporting, and broadly promote their services as a tool for the identification of presumed cases of human trafficking.

Prosecution

7. Ensure high alert among law enforcement and other first line responders to recognize and detect human trafficking. With traffickers likely to pivot to online exploitation, and with police, labour inspectors, social workers, healthcare professionals, educators and NGOs currently dramatically limited in their anti-trafficking efforts, detection and suppression efforts will have to adapt to a changing environment.

8. Ensure the continuity of the justice system to investigate and prosecute traffickers even in times of lockdown. For example, holding court via video or teleconferencing should be considered and actively pursued whenever possible as a tool to ensure timely justice and avoid re-traumatizing victims.

9. Investigators should be prepared as traffickers change their modus operandi, increasing online enforcement presence and employing advanced investigative instruments, including financial investigation tools to detect human trafficking in financial flows due to an increase in non-cash payments.

10. Plan systemic labour inspections of high-risk industries immediately after business operations resume. Agriculture, due to the summer harvest, is a prime example of an area to monitor with particular attention.

11. Once lockdown measures are lifted, keep a high law enforcement alert on forms of trafficking that are likely to increase in the near future, such as online exploitation and forced begging.

Partnership

12. Incentivize or mandate technology companies to identify and eradicate risks of human trafficking on their platforms, including by identifying and stopping distribution of child sexual abuse material online. Establish or strengthen law enforcement and judicial co-operation, including at the pre-trial stage, with countries of origin and destination in cases of online exploitation, especially of children.

Looking ahead

13. Plan ahead to ensure that the anti-trafficking community can respond adequately to another possible Coronavirus outbreak. The forecast for a second COVID-19 wave later this year highlights the need to ensure that assistance facilities, protection programmes, investigations and courts continue functioning during possible future lockdown measures.

451174 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities The Hague Recommendations Regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) Lamberto Zannier launched the first-ever digitalized Macedonian-Albanian/Albanian-Macedonian phrasebook today. The High Commissioner presented the phrasebook at a virtual launch event.

The HCNM and Nansen Dialogue Centre, Skopje (NDC Skopje) developed this innovative digital tool over the past 12 months. The phrasebook is part of the HCNM’s support towards policies aimed at overcoming language barriers and providing individuals in diverse societies, such as the one in North Macedonia, with the necessary tools to communicate with each other. This digital tool builds upon the earlier HCNM and NDC Skopje initiative to develop the first-ever illustrated children’s Macedonian-Albanian/Albanian-Macedonian dictionary for primary schools.

Zannier said that learning languages opens doors to opportunities in our increasingly interconnected world. He explained that language is both a fundamental element of a person’s development and identity, and an important tool for communication and co-operation. Overcoming language barriers helps to bridge divides in society.

The phrasebook contains 42 dialogues providing basic, day-to-day phrases and pronunciation. Through a user-friendly interface, the phrasebook covers daily activities to enable two or more people to communicate with one another. A team of experts from the St. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje and the Tetovo State University developed the content and NDC Skopje digitalized it.

The phrasebook is available free online, with android and iOS applications. These versions are enriched with audio recordings of pronunciations.

Zannier said: “While we are required to maintain a physical distance from others to preserve the health of our communities, we have an opportunity to develop our language skills, which can, in turn, enable new possibilities for communication and appreciation of our neighbours and our broader society.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On 28 and 29 April, members of the armed formations again denied SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes: twice in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region, while further attempts to cross into government-controlled areas were also denied, once in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region.

On 28 April, at a checkpoint near Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk), an SMM patrol waited unsuccessfully for about 40 minutes for members of the armed formations to remove a road barrier and allow the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas.

On 28 and 29 April, at the checkpoint south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk), members of the armed formations denied SMM patrols passage towards government-controlled areas on one occasion, and passage towards non-government-controlled areas on another occasion, referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19.

On 29 April, at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), a member of the armed formations denied an SMM patrol passage towards government-controlled areas, stating that the SMM did not have permission to pass. At the same checkpoint, members of the armed formations denied another SMM patrol passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19.

The Mission began facing repeated denials when attempting to cross into non-government-controlled areas at checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region on 21 March, and Luhansk region on 23 March (see SMM Spot Reports 2/2020, 3/2020, 4/2020, 5/2020, 6/2020, 7/2020, 8/2020, 9/2020, 10/2020, 11/2020, 13/2020, 14/2020, 15/2020, 16/2020, 17/2020, 18/2020).They restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, thus impeding the implementation of its mandate throughout the country.

***

With regard to COVID-19, the SMM has introduced a number of stringent mitigation measures into its operational procedures. These include strict adherence to social distancing rules both internally and with external interlocutors, daily temperature checks, use of PPE, and minimizing the number of personnel in vehicles.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• The SMM saw damage from shelling to residential buildings as well as recent craters near Novooleksandrivka, Luhansk region.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage at checkpoints along official crossing routes in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM continued to monitor and facilitate adherence to localised ceasefires to enable repairs to and construction of critical civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line, as well as demining activities.
• The Mission saw that entry-exit checkpoints and checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions remained closed amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*

VIENNA / KYIV, 29 April 2020 – Steps need to be taken to rebuild trust and stability in the OSCE region, and to restore full and genuine implementation of our principles and commitments on politico-military security, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba as he opened Ukraine’s Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) today.

Addressing representatives of the OSCE participating States from Kyiv via video teleconference, Foreign Minister Kuleba said that: “The OSCE remains an essential platform of co-operation and dialogue. The unique concept of OSCE comprehensive approach to security is relevant as never before. Especially now, when our societies face unprecedented hybrid threats, restrictions, economic crisis and profound changes to everyday life.”

“We witness an unprecedented scale of volatility, mistrust and unpredictability in the OSCE region. This situation is marked by deliberate and flagrant disregard of our shared principles and commitments, from Helsinki, Paris and onwards.” Pointing to the ongoing relevance of the FSC, he said: “We are in need of genuine and practical dialogue. As our past shows, when political will is in place, such dialogue can bring tangible results.”

He stressed that Ukraine will lead the FSC amid ongoing conflicts in the OSCE region and the global coronavirus pandemic.

“Six years ago, the OSCE participating States found the courage to send hundreds of their citizens to the conflict zone, as international civilian observers, to work in a very dangerous and unpredictable security environment,” said Minister Kuleba referring to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM).

Remembering US paramedic Joseph Stone, who lost his life while serving with the SMM three years ago, the Foreign Minister said that: “We continue to value the contribution of all civilian monitors working in the conflict-affected area. We are convinced that the politico-military aspects of this conflict should remain in the spotlight of the Forum.”

Moving to Ukraine’s priorities for its Chairmanship, which will last until the end of August, he said it will focus on a “well-balanced and forward-looking agenda.”

The meetings will cover security challenges in the Black and Azov Sea regions; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work of the armed forces and on the implementation of confidence- and security-building measures (CSBMs); hybrid threats “and their possible interconnection with modern warfare”; and the activities and regulation of private military companies.

Describing the OSCE Vienna Document on CSBMs as “one of the pillars of the European security architecture”, Minister Kuleba said raising momentum towards its modernization will be a focus, particularly in light of the increasing “military snap exercises, especially those taking place near the borders.”

There will also be an emphasis on the issues of small arms and light weapons, and stockpiles of conventional ammunition. Of particular focus will be the OSCE’s role in addressing the negative humanitarian and socio-economic impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war, he said.

Together with Albania’s OSCE Chairmanship, Ukraine’s FSC Chair will commemorate 20 years of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

The FSC Chair will also build on the Commemorative Declaration, adopted at last year’s Ministerial Council, to mark 25 years of the OSCE Principles Governing Non-Proliferation and the 15th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1540. The FSC Chair will focus on how OSCE participating States can take an active role in the forthcoming Comprehensive Review of Resolution 1540 on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Ukraine will also contribute to the conduct of the Annual Discussion on the Implementation of the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security and the OSCE Annual Security Review Conference over the course of its FSC Chairmanship, he said.

In line with restrictions introduced by the OSCE and the Austrian host authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19, meetings of the FSC are being held online. Minister Kuleba thanked the OSCE Secretariat and Albania’s OSCE Chairmanship for helping to facilitate this.

COPENHAGEN, 29 April 2020 – As COVID-19 continues spreading quickly in many jails and prisons, some countries are releasing inmates on humanitarian grounds, a move welcomed today by leaders of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s human rights committee. The parliamentarians echoed calls by United Nations officials and the World Health Organization for governments to drastically reduce prison populations.

Each OSCE country should find an effective approach to upholding criminal justice and promoting public health, the PA members said, stressing that societies should not forget those behind bars. Protecting inmates and guards from COVID-19 may require early or provisional release of prisoners to relieve overcrowding, the OSCE parliamentarians said.

“Social distancing is not an option in overcrowded jails and prisons, which makes them among the most dangerous places to be during an outbreak,” said Kyriakos Hadjiyianni (MP, Cyprus), Chair of the PA’s Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions. “The prison systems of many OSCE countries are over capacity, and so for the sake of the health of both prisoners and prison workers, I urge authorities to explore options for releasing those who are not considered a threat to public safety.”

Committee Vice-Chair Michael Georg Link (MP, Germany) called attention to the plight of those awaiting trial. “In some countries, trials and court hearings have been delayed or canceled to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, but this means that many people are now in custody who are denied their basic due process rights,” he said. “No one should be needlessly exposed to a deadly virus without even having a day in court. An arrest should not be a death sentence.”

“Health services and sanitation are inadequate in many detention facilities,” Committee Rapporteur Kari Henriksen (MP, Norway) pointed out. “To expose people to deadly pathogens without proper protection is inhumane and irresponsible. This is even more true when we are talking about people who have not been convicted of a crime, or those who are elderly and pose no threat to society, or those who are serving sentences for petty offences.”

Hadjiyianni, Link and Henriksen urged authorities to prioritize the release of vulnerable detainees, notably those over the age of 60, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions, as well as people awaiting trial for nonviolent offences or with imminent release dates.

They welcomed the steps taken by some governments to ease overcrowding in jails and protect detainees from the coronavirus, but noted that more action is needed, particularly in terms of taking proactive steps to protect inmates and guards from infection. They highlighted the humanitarian assistance recently provided by the OSCE to penal institutions in Uzbekistan as an example of a good practice that can be replicated in other OSCE countries.

The OSCE PA human rights leaders also reiterated the call earlier this month by OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Vice-President and Acting Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration Margareta Cederfelt (MP, Sweden) who highlighted the deplorable conditions that many migrants and refugees face in camps and detention facilities across the OSCE area.

Cederfelt stressed that one of the most critical steps that can be taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is to relieve overcrowding in migrant detention facilities.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage at checkpoints along official crossing routes in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. Inside the disengagement area near Petrivske, it recorded ceasefire violations and spotted two persons during night hours.
• The Mission saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line in Luhansk region.
• It continued to monitor and facilitate adherence to localised ceasefires to enable repairs to and construction of critical civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line, as well as demining activities in a non-government-controlled area of Luhansk region.
• The SMM saw that two entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions remained closed amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*

SUMMARY

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons slightly increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 20 permanent international staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.

Update on COVID-19 measures

Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between the shifts at the border checkpoints and adherence to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfill its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities.

OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS

Persons crossing the border

                                                                                                                                                                                

The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:

1. Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage;
2. Persons in military-style outfits;
3. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.

The average number of entries/exits slightly increased from 613 to 662 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine, with an average net flow of 65 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.

Responding to the COVID-19 situation, the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners from 18 March to 1 May. Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border (which entered into force on 19 March), are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. This category of people crossing remains significant at both BCPs. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was suspended.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border at both BCPs was three, compared to four last week, no crossings of this category were observed into the Russian Federation, while three were observed crossing into Ukraine (67 per cent of this category’s crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP). These individuals crossed the border on foot.

Families with a significant amount of luggage

The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, six families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and five were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when no families were observed either crossing to the Russian Federation or into Ukraine.

Bus connections                                         

Regular local and long-distance bus connections between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation were stopped from 10 April. During the reporting period, no buses were observed at the two BCPs.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (845 compared to 750 during the previous reporting week); 406 at the Gukovo BCP and 439 at the Donetsk BCP, 431 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 414 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation and trucks with “LPR” plates. In addition, during the reporting week, trucks registered in Belarus and Lithuania were also observed.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks decreased from 62 to 45. These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane.

All trucks underwent systematic inspection by Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.

Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP increased from 129 to 148. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 133 trucks (90 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 15 trucks (10 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.

Minivans

The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also frequently saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans increased from 29 to 43 vehicles; 21 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 22 into Ukraine.

Trains

The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 20 occasions; the OTs assessed that 12 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and eight to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).

Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.

Other observations

The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region, or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 24 March to 28 April 2020, please see the attachment here.

[1]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

[2] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).

COPENHAGEN, 28 April 2020 – The elected leaders of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly met online Monday for the annual spring Bureau meeting, hearing presentations from the OSCE Chair-in-Office, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, and the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Ambassador Janez Lenarcic. The meeting, which usually takes place at the Danish Folketing, was held in an online format this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Rama noted the need for exceptional levels of co-operation between executive and legislative branches, stressing that parliaments have an important role to play during the COVID-19 crisis and that every effort must be made to ensure they can carry out their core roles of legislation and oversight. Parliaments can help to build social trust, he noted, and to ensure that the legitimate concerns of citizens are addressed. “Without trust it is impossible to maintain high levels of co-operation needed to save lives,” Rama said.

He also stressed that the OSCE will have to adapt as an organization to the new realities, with new prioritizations and efforts made to continue its important work on behalf of the people. “The challenges the OSCE faces are the same as our own: finding the right balance between getting things done and staying safe,” Rama said.

Amb. Lenarcic reported on the European Union’s work to address the COVID-19 crisis, expressing confidence that the EU is functioning with solidarity and close co-ordination.

The pandemic is exacerbating complex problems, Lenarcic said, noting that the long-term consequences will be profound. The impact is worst on those who are already in a precarious state, which is why the EU is particularly focused on the impact on conflict zones, he said. The EU is also working to repatriate citizens who have been stranded due to air travel restrictions and to address the problem of international transport, Lenarcic said. It is imperative to increase EU support to countries outside of the EU, including those in the Eastern Partnership, he noted.

“Parliaments need to watch and make sure that when we get out of the crisis, we get out with our principles fully preserved,” he said.

In his report, President George Tsereteli (MP, Georgia) stressed that attention must be paid to the most vulnerable people, including those who live in conflict zones and migrant camps. He informed the members of recent correspondence he has had with the UN Secretary-General and the Director-General of the World Health Organization, and noted the challenges that the pandemic has presented to OSCE PA activities. In spite of this unprecedented challenge, he said, the continued engagement of parliamentarians ensures that the PA remains active.

Roberto Montella, OSCE PA Secretary General, reflected on the state of multilateralism in his remarks, underlining that the COVID-19 crisis has taught us that more international co-operation among governments, more solidarity among peoples, and more collaboration amongst health institutions is the way forward.

“During this crisis we have seen a concentration of power in the executives and more centralized policies,” Montella said. “If this is probably physiological in the urgency of the moment we need to be vigilant that this temporary state of affairs does not become the new normal and that parliaments fully exercise their natural function of control and oversight. Less autocracy and more democracy.”

The Bureau meeting also included reports by Chairs of Committees and OSCE PA Special Representatives. Vice-President and Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration Margareta Cederfelt (MP, Sweden) informed the Bureau of the committee’s first online meeting, scheduled for 6 May with participation expected by Member of the European Parliament Isabel Santos on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrants and refugees.

Austrian parliamentarian Reinhold Lopatka, Chair of the OSCE PA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism, stressed that despite the current health crisis, traditional threats such as terrorism and violent extremism have not disappeared. “On the contrary, such conditions tend to create opportunities for terrorist groups to prosper and achieve their goals, as the attention of the world has shifted to fighting the pandemic,” he said. “Hence, following this topic in the time of crises is more important than ever.”

He noted that the CCT is currently exploring the possibility of holding a web-based meeting in early June.

US Congressman Chris Smith, the OSCE PA’s Special Representative on Human Trafficking Issues, noted that attention needs to be focused on trafficking during the pandemic, which he said has put victims at even higher risk.

“We must prioritize the fight against human trafficking, even during this crisis,” said Congressman Smith. “Traffickers are not shut down – they haven’t gone on a holiday. Victims still need to be rescued. Survivors still need assistance. Vulnerable people likely will be made even more vulnerable by both the virus and the economic impact of the response to it. And as a result, when things start to open back up, traffickers may have an easier time finding, deceiving, coercing and exploiting victims.”

“New patterns of exploitation are emerging due to increased online activity, greater use of social media, and social distancing practices,” Smith said. “This makes it even more clear that we need to take into account how new technologies affect our efforts to combat human trafficking.”

Special Representative on Fighting Corruption Irene Charalambides (MP, Cyprus) reported that a planned conference in Cyprus has been postponed. She urged the inclusion of clear anti-corruption safeguards in all public expenditures on coronavirus-related emergency economic measures.

Norwegian parliamentarian Torill Eidsheim, the OSCE PA’s Special Representative on Arctic Issues, noted that the current crisis can demonstrate the connection between climate, science and technology. She urged the importance of keeping the topic of climate change on the PA’s agenda going forward, as well as broader Arctic issues.

Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism and Intolerance Ben Cardin (United States) reported that minority and immigrant communities are more vulnerable to the impact of the pandemic because of entrenched inequalities. COVID-caused disruptions in education may also have long-term disproportionate consequences for those already impacted by discriminatory schooling, he noted.

Treasurer Peter Juel-Jensen, in accordance with Rule 41.2, presented the Assembly’s proposed budget for the upcoming financial year for discussion. He noted that efforts would be made to relieve the financial burden on parliaments that may be facing revenue shortfalls due to the economic impact of COVID-19.

It was also reported during the Bureau meeting that the San Marino Autumn Meeting, scheduled for October 2020, is cancelled.

To download Secretary General Roberto Montella’s report, “OSCE PA – COVID COMPACT: Readapting the OSCE PA to Challenges in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic,” please click here.

Photos of the Bureau meeting are available on the OSCE PA Flickr page.

VIENNA/PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 27 April 2020 - The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Jan Braathu, and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, strongly condemned the physical attack on TV Puls journalist earlier today in Mitrovica North.

“A key element of a democratic society is the ability of journalists to report freely on developments of interest to the public. It is particularly concerning when journalists are physically attacked,” said Ambassador Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

“I strongly condemn this physical attack against TV Puls Director Nenad Milenković. Violence against journalists is unacceptable and should not be tolerated,” said Désir. The Representative stressed that the motives behind this attack need to be investigated and that this is his third intervention on incidents of violence against journalists in Mitrovica North in the past several weeks. (Previous statements are available at: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/449065; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/450085)

Ambassador Braathu and Representative Désir expressed their hope for a swift and efficient police investigation that would lead to the identification and prosecution of those responsible. At the same time, they called upon all actors with influence in the local community to condemn the incident and work to prevent the further intimidation of journalists.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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

• Compared with the previous reporting period, between the evenings of 24 and 25 April, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region.
• Between the evenings of 25 and 26 April, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions, compared with the previous 24 hours.
• The SMM followed up on reports of gunfire damage to civilian properties in Holmivskyi and in the Petrovskyi district of Donetsk city, both in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage at checkpoints along official crossing routes in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in government- and non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.
• It continued to monitor and facilitate adherence to localized ceasefires to enable repairs to critical civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line, as well as demining activities in a non-government-controlled area of Luhansk region.
• The SMM saw that three entry-exit checkpoints and their corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions remained close amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On 25, 26, and 27 April, members of the armed formations again denied SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes: three times in Donetsk region and twice in Luhansk region, while further attempts to cross into government-controlled areas were also denied, once in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region.

On 25 April, at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), a member of the armed formations denied an SMM patrol passage towards government-controlled areas, stating that the SMM did not have permission to pass. At the same checkpoint, members of the armed formations denied another SMM patrol passage towards non-government-controlled areas, providing no explanation.

On 26 April, at a checkpoint near Oleksandrivka (non-government-controlled, 20km south-west of Donetsk), an SMM patrol was unable to proceed towards non-government-controlled areas due to the presence of anti-tank barriers and tires laid across the road. Members of the armed formations were present but did not remove the obstacles or provide an explanation for the obstruction.

On 25, 26, and 27 April, at the checkpoint of the armed formations south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk), members of the armed formations twice denied SMM patrols passage towards non-government-controlled areas and once denied passage towards government-controlled areas, referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19.

On 27 April, at a checkpoint 600m west of Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), a member of the armed formations denied an SMM patrol passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19.

The Mission began facing repeated denials when attempting to cross into non-government-controlled areas at checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region on 21 March, and Luhansk region on 23 March (see SMM Spot Reports 2/2020, 3/2020, 4/2020, 5/2020, 6/2020, 7/2020, 8/2020, 9/2020, 10/2020, 11/2020, 13/2020, 14/2020, 15/2020, 16/2020, 17/2020).They restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, thus impeding the implementation of its mandate throughout the country.

***

With regard to COVID-19, the SMM has introduced a number of stringent mitigation measures into its operational procedures. These include strict adherence to social distancing rules both internally and with external interlocutors, daily temperature checks, use of PPE, and minimizing the number of personnel in vehicles.

450865 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe handed over medical and disinfection equipment to partners in the Tajik government, in Dushanbe, for preventing the potential spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Committee of Emergency Situation and Civil Defence received the assistance on 21 and 24 April 2020, respectively.

The donated items included ventilators, steam autoclaves, laboratory thermostats and a range of protective gear. The provided assistance will help to strengthen the country’s preventive measures against COVID-19. The items are designated for frontline medical staff, emergency response groups and volunteers, allowing them to safely carry out their daily duties.

“The handover is the Office’s contribution to maintain the operative capacity of the Health and Social Protection Ministry and the Emergency Committee during the COVID-19 crisis. These donations are part of the wider assistance we provide to our partners,” said Valeriu Chiveri, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. “It will allow the government to enhance their capacity to prevent the spreading of COVID-19 and to address related challenges, undertaking all necessary measures. This will create conditions allowing for the continued implementation of joint activities.”

Željka Šulc

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) called today for safety measures to be taken by governments in the country to protect women and children.

The results of the OSCE Survey on Well Being and Safety of Women in BiH showed that almost one in two women survived some form of abuse including intimate partner violence since the age of 15. In addition, 64% of women in BIH can be considered as conflict-affected, while the indicated prevalence of current partner violence is higher among those women whose current partner fought in a conflict that those whose partner did not. The Mission finds this data worrying in light of the current situation. Lockdown and self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic heighten the risk of gender-based violence. Women and children are the most susceptible to abuse and need increased protection in times like these and authorities are urged to ensure that they are kept safe from abusers.

In order to provide early warning and take proactive stance, the OSCE Mission to BiH is monitoring the situation with domestic violence and started collecting data on how responses to the COVID-19 pandemic influence the gender equality including gender-based violence.

The Mission urges all relevant institutions to respond swiftly and efficiently to cases of domestic violence abiding by the rule of law at all times.

There are different ways to reduce the risk of violence against women. Some would include, for example, information campaigns notifying the public that women’s shelters remain open during the coronavirus lockdown, allowing victims of domestic abuse to file a complaint, and providing new channels for women to report violence would also help reduce the risk. Law enforcement and prosecution should continue with their practice of affording victims’ access to emergency protection orders, especially during emergencies.

Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH said: “The right of women and children to live free of violence at all times is essential. This is particularly required in times of families finding themselves in self-isolation. Swift actions should be taken to address their needs and undertake measures to provide adequate protection for them. We call for relevant authorities to address this problem in their public messaging, recognize that violence affects those who are heavily impacted by imposed measures such as elderly and children. They should be able to seek for help, and even encouraged to do so.” She stressed the importance of having access to information relevant to preventing and tackling the violence against women and children such as the online service: stopvawnow.org.

“The state of emergency is not an excuse for violence. We encourage men and boys to say No to violence and keep themselves, their family and their community healthy and protected,” Kavalec said.

“Depending on the situation one lives in, some may feel anxious, crowded at home or isolated. Those under risk of domestic violence will have even harder time being locked in a place that is not safe for them especially without social contact,” said Elmaja Bavcic, Gender and Youth National Programme Officer at the OSCE Mission to BiH. She said that it is important to recognize such threats publicly and ensure victims are dully protected. “We all bear responsibility to prevent and protect those under risk of violence. We call all relevant institutions to review their messaging and ensure victims are able and encouraged to seek protection even during curfews”.

Survivors are encouraged to report domestic violence abuse. BiH has two SOS lines: both are free and active for calls. For advice on what to do, please call either 1265 for FBiH or 1264 for RS, to receive first instance psychological and social support. To report a violent act, please call the police at 122.

The Mission examined gender-based violence in detail through an OSCE-led Survey on Violence Against Women in BiH.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the Mission recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• The SMM followed up on reports of civilian casualties in Syhnalne and Vesele.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage at checkpoints along official crossing routes in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement area near Stanytsia Luhanska and saw workers preparing to install roofs and windows on new booths at the checkpoint of the armed formation south of the bridge.
• Inside the disengagement area near Zolote, the SMM saw persons near former forward positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as near those of the armed formations.
• The Mission recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in government- and non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• It continued to monitor and facilitate adherence to localized ceasefires to enable repairs to critical civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line, as well as demining activities in a non-government-controlled area of Luhansk region.
• The SMM saw that an entry-exit checkpoint and two checkpoints of the armed formations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions remained close amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the Mission recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as aimed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle which was flying over areas near Chermalyk, Donetsk region.
• Members of the armed formations denied the SMM passage at checkpoints near Verkhnoshyrokivske, Donetsk region, and south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, Luhansk region.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement area near Stanytsia Luhanska. It recorded ceasefire violations and saw a person near a former position of the armed formations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske. The Mission also recorded three persons inside trenches belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces inside the disengagement area near Zolote.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in a government-controlled area of Luhansk region and in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• The Mission monitored and facilitated adherence to localized ceasefires to enable repairs to critical civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line, as well as demining activities in a non-government-controlled area of Luhansk region.
• The SMM saw that two entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions remained closed amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On 23 and 24 April, members of the armed formations again denied SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes: twice in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region, while a further attempt to cross into government-controlled areas was also denied in Luhansk region.

On 23 April, at a checkpoint 600m west of Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktaibr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), members of the armed formations denied an SMM patrol passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19.

On 23 and 24 April, at the checkpoint of the armed formations south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk), members of the armed formations denied SMM patrols passage towards non-government-controlled areas on one occasion, and passage towards government-controlled areas on another occasion, referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19.

On 24 April, at a checkpoint near Oleksandrivka (non-government-controlled, 20km south-west of Donetsk), a member of the armed formations denied an SMM patrol passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19.

The Mission began facing repeated denials when attempting to cross into non-government-controlled areas at checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region on 21 March, and Luhansk region on 23 March (see SMM Spot Reports 2/2020, 3/2020, 4/2020, 5/2020, 6/2020, 7/2020, 8/2020, 9/2020, 10/2020, 11/2020, 13/2020, 14/2020, 15/2020, 16/2020). They restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, thus impeding the implementation of its mandate throughout the country.

***

With regard to COVID-19, the SMM has introduced a number of stringent mitigation measures into its operational procedures. These include strict adherence to social distancing rules both internally and with external interlocutors, daily temperature checks, use of PPE, and minimizing the number of personnel in vehicles.

VIENNA / KYIV, 24 April 2020 – Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will address the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) on Wednesday, 29 April 2020, marking the official opening of Ukraine’s FSC Chairmanship. The meeting, which will take place remotely on the Zoom platform, is the first in the FSC’s history to be held completely online.

Media representatives are invited to watch his opening address to representatives of the OSCE participating States, in which he will present Ukraine’s priorities and objectives for its Chairmanship, which will extend up until the end of the Summer recess.

The address will commence at 10:00 am on Wednesday, 29 April on the Zoom platform. Media representatives wishing to watch should register on the OSCE Events Registration platform (https://events.osce.org/efsc-meetings/registration/Site/Register), by no later than 12:00 noon, Monday, 27 April 2020.

Please note that space is limited, and media registrations will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive a link to the Zoom meeting before Wednesday’s FSC meeting if your registration is successful.

A transcript and press release of the Foreign Minister’s address to the FSC will be made available later on Wednesday.

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. 

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the Mission recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region.
• The Mission’s passage continued to be denied at checkpoints of the armed formations near Horlivka, Donetsk region and south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, Luhansk region.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement area near Stanytsia Luhanska. It recorded ceasefire violations and saw a person near a former position of the armed formations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske. The Mission also recorded five persons near a former position of the Ukrainian Armed Forces inside the disengagement area near Zolote.
• The Mission monitored and facilitated adherence to localized ceasefires to enable repairs to critical civilian infrastructure, as well as demining activities, including at a cemetery in a government-controlled area of Donetsk region.
• The SMM saw that two entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions remained close amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*