OSCE

552742 Alumnae of the OSCE-supported Dialogue Academy for young women from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade attending meetings at the Stormont Assembly in Northern Ireland. Belfast, 14 September 2023. Jeff Bieley Edita Buçaj

Belfast and Prishtinë/Priština, 18 September 2023 - Eight alumnae from the OSCE-established Dialogue Academy alumnae network which gathers young women from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade, concluded today a one-week study visit to Northern Ireland.  

The aim of the visit, financed by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, was to foster experience-sharing among participants and peace-building practitioners and undergo a specialist course in conflict resolution and mediation.

“Known for its pivotal role in peace-building through the historic Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland offers participants diverse perspectives on the role of women in peace-building, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated to it,” said Ambassador Michael Davenport, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

The study visit underscored the paramount importance of inclusivity in conflict resolution and dialogue processes, aligning seamlessly with the Women and Youth Peace, and Security Agendas.

During her engaging presentation, Avila Kilmurray, one of the founders of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, offered a compelling insight into the foundational journey of this political party. She delved into the core principles that underpinned the coalition's mission, emphasizing the pivotal role of human rights, equality, and cross-community collaboration. Avila underscored how each member of the party drew strength from these principles, aligning their efforts toward creating a more inclusive and harmonious Northern Ireland.

The study tour started with a visit to Stormont Parliament Building, where the participants engaged with Member of Legislative Assembly - Andy Alan, who shared his inspiring personal journey as a politician with disabilities. As part of the programme, the group visited the Shankill Women's Centre, a locally-based organization that provides for training, health awareness, childcare, and activities catering to young women in the Greater Shankill area and beyond. During the meeting with representatives of the Northern Ireland Office and the Irish Secretariat in Belfast, participants reflected on the importance of joint efforts for continuously and holistically advancing peace-building and inter-community relations.

"This experience provided me with a wealth of ideas on how I can make a positive difference in my own community. Learning first-hand from experienced peace practitioners illuminated both the strategies to adopt and the pitfalls to avoid," said Dea Fetiu, an alumna from Prishtinë/Priština.

Tamara Milanović, an alumna from Belgrade, said she truly appreciated the opportunity to learn about the methods and mechanisms that the people of Northern Ireland have employed to continuously foster community engagement for peace-building and enhance inter-community relations.

The Dialogue Academy Alumnae also had the opportunity to spend an evening at the office of the Washington Ireland Program, an initiative dedicated to nurturing and empowering emerging leaders. During this gathering, alumni from both programs engaged in fruitful discussions and reflections. They collectively reaffirmed their shared mission: to support and empower young women and men, deeply committed to forging a future characterized by peace and prosperity for their respective societies.

The study tour to Northern Ireland – organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo for the second year in a row – has not only broadened the horizons of the Dialogue Academy alumnae but also deepened their understanding and willingness to foster peace-building, inclusivity, and dialogue within their respective communities. This experience will undoubtedly contribute to their personal growth but also inspire their further engagement in the Dialogue Academy Alumnae Network as drivers of positive social change.

552724 Marina Živaljević

How a police officer prepares to interview a victim of human trafficking and assess their general health are some of the most important elements in the interview process, discussed at the third workshop organizes by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro with the support of the Ministry of Interior’s Department for Combating Human Trafficking. Nineteen police officers participated in this workshop in Bijelo Polje on 18 and 19 September. Previously two workshops were organized in April and May in Budva and Bar.

Opening the event, Toni Škrinjar, Organized Crime Police Adviser for the Mission said that human trafficking is one of the most egregious examples of human rights abuses, operated by organized crime globally that generates enormous amounts of illegal profit. “Patience and empathy are required when interviewing victims to avoid further traumatizing them. Having a sound understanding of the risks to victims, ethical considerations, and the practical realities related to trafficking can help minimize the dangers and increase the likelihood that a victim will disclose relevant and accurate information during the interview,” said Škrinjar.

Tijana Šuković, Head of the Ministry’s Department for Combating Human Trafficking, stated that in 2022, 52 police officers participated in OSCE-supported training sessions, while this year, 58 participants attended in three workshops. “These training sessions are important and contribute to strengthening co-operation among police professionals on a practical level, to ensure that victims are identified and perpetrators are prosecuted,” said Šuković.

These training workshops used guidelines developed with the Mission’s support in 2021 for conducting interviews of suspected victims of human trafficking with a standardized set of questions.

The Mission will continue to support Montenegro in implementing the National Strategy for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings 2019-2024 and supporting national authorities to combat human trafficking.

552721 Albanian journalists attending the 9th annual Media Development Forum, organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania.

On 18 September, the OSCE Presence in Albania organized its ninth annual Media Development Forum, a platform for dialogue among media, public institutions and civil society. This year’s Forum focused on journalist safety, media legislation, and effects of artificial intelligence on the work of media in Albania.

During the opening remarks, Ambassador Bruce Berton, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, emphasized the commitment of the Presence toward the cause of press freedom and freedom of the media in the country. “It is crucial that the media are provided the tools and institutional policies to help them navigate the rapidly changing information ecosystem in a responsible and ethical manner. In keeping with OSCE principles that the government has committed to, as one of our 57 participating states, the Albanian public institutions must allow the media the space to operate in an unobstructed way. Thus, we encourage authorities to be mindful of balance, and carefully weigh in the dissemination of information that is important for the public to know. Facts must always be allowed to come to light, even they if call for accountability or call out abuses or corruption,” Ambassador Berton said.

Adea Pirdeni, Albanian Deputy Minister of Justice, Teresa Ribeiro, OSCE Representative on the Freedom of the Media, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, Chargé d’affaires a.i., EU Delegation to Albania, Giulia Re, Head of the Council of Europe (CoE) Office in Tirana, also delivered welcoming remarks.

The Forum’s second session was dedicated to the main challenges emerging with the recent extended use of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on media. Discussions focused on the importance of transparence, access to information and the verification of facts as a tool in the fight against corruption and in promoting professional journalism.

A special ceremony was held during the Forum to announce the winners of the OSCE Fact Checking Competition 2023. They are:

• Arbjona Çibuku from Citizens Channel for the article "The Orbital Forest of Tirana".
• Esmeralda Cenollari from Faktoje.al for the article: "By Pass of Vlora".
• Ilda Koçi from Faktoje.al for the article "All the roads of Shijak lead to the Park, a bill of 40 million lek for the park that does not exist!”.

This year’s Competition was focused more on fact checking and use of open-source data, aiming to promote fact-based journalism, advocating the use of publicly-sourced data, and championing solid newsgathering skills.

VIENNA/PRAGUE, 15 September 2023 – Promoting security and stability across the OSCE region through sustainable development and inclusive economic growth were in focus at the 2023 Forum on the Economic and Environmental Dimension of the OSCE, which took place in Prague from 14 to 15 September.

Hosted by 2023 OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minster of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, the Forum provided a platform for in-depth discussion and exchange on environmental and economic security, the OSCE’s second dimension of security.

“Climate change is by far the most pressing challenge of today and tomorrow. However, there are many other lingering challenges that continue to trouble us. Natural and man-made disasters, such as the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, pose a serious threat to the human and environmental security of the OSCE area and beyond. People are first to feel the severe impact of such catastrophes,” said Chairman Osmani. “Building on its own experience, capacities and structures, I believe that the OSCE can play a particular role in finding ways and mitigating disasters,” he added.

The event was co-hosted by the Czech Republic, represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský.

“Ukraine is a victim of the war of aggression waged by Russia, that's why it belongs at the top of the OSCE agenda. I am very grateful to Minister Osmani that under the Chairpersonship of North Macedonia the situation of Ukraine is receiving the attention it deserves, and to the OSCE for the commitment to its values,” said Lipavský.

"The OSCE has always taken a comprehensive approach to security: We cannot build lasting security without addressing economic and environmental issues," stressed OSCE Secretary General Schmid. "Today's challenges are multifaceted, but the OSCE has significant expertise in addressing them: We are promoting regional co-operation to address climate-related risks, we help strengthen transport links between Europe and Central Asia to enhance economic opportunities, and we support participating States in the fight against corruption including through new technologies. In these ways and so many more, we are helping to support sustainable peace and stability.”

The two-day event convened delegates from governmental and state institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society, and international organizations to discuss co-operation to tackle climate change, good governance and anti-corruption, trade and transport facilitation for sustainable development and food security, and disaster risk management.

The event also offered a platform to address these challenges against the backdrop of the war against Ukraine, which has posed unprecedented threats to the security, economy and environment of Ukraine and the OSCE region as a whole.

The event built upon discussions held at the 2023 Struga Conference on the Economic & Environmental Dimension of the OSCE and the 2023 High-Level Conference on Climate Change.

For more information, please contact Boni Cvetanovska (boni.cvetanovska@mfa.gov.mk), Press and Communication Team, OSCE 2023 Chairpersonship of North Macedonia.

WARSAW, 15 September 2023 – To make our societies and institutions more resilient and strengthen our commitment to democratic values, it is vital to ensure the full participation of all groups in society and include their opinions and needs when decisions are taken that affect all our futures, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on today’s International Day of Democracy.

“The resilience of democratic institutions has never been more important,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “Democratic societies that truly represent and hold themselves accountable to the people they serve do not only work better, but lay the foundations for more sustainable and peaceful societies.”

As democratic institutions are increasingly called into question and people seek to make their voices heard in a fast-changing world, it is important that countries across the OSCE region invest in democratic institutions and inclusive participation, while fully committing to human rights and the rule of law. Our democratic institutions must better reflect the plurality of political opinions as well as the diversity of our societies, ensuring that all voices are heard, including young people, women, national minorities, and people with disabilities.

Both civil society and individual human rights defenders play a vital role in giving a voice to underrepresented groups and to safeguarding and defending democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. This in turn strengthens stability and security in our region, which is all the more important in times of crisis.

At the same time, civil society activists and human rights defenders are finding themselves the target of attack, including physical attacks, arrests or criminalization of their work, legal and administrative restrictions on funding or on freedom of association and peaceful assembly, or harassment and online smear campaigns. Governments need to take far greater efforts to support civil society, and publicly recognise its crucial role in making our democracy stronger.

The OSCE has unequivocally recognised that “pluralistic democracy and the rule of law are essential for ensuring respect for all human rights.” The link between democracy, democratic institutions and peace has been acknowledged by all OSCE countries, when they stated: “Recognizing that full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the development of societies based on pluralistic democracy and the rule of law is a prerequisite for achieving a lasting peace, security, justice and stability”.

ODIHR works throughout the OSCE region to support national authorities in making their commitments to democracy and human rights a reality. Despite many challenges around the region, the Office continues to help develop societies that include all those who live in them, supports vibrant civil societies, strengthen democratic institutions based on the rule of law, and increase respect for human rights and freedoms.

VIENNA 15 September 2023 – On the International Day of Democracy, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, underscores the mutually reinforcing nature of democracy, the rule of law, and media freedom. “Advancing and sustaining democratic, resilient, and inclusive societies requires a steadfast commitment to media freedom,” says Teresa Ribeiro.

In the 2023 Joint Declaration on Media Freedom and Democracy, Ribeiro, along with the other global free speech mandate holders, emphasizes the media’s pivotal role in delivering trustworthy news and fostering informed public discourse. This, in turn, cultivates a well-informed and active citizenry. “The media serve as vigilant watchdogs, holding those in power accountable through thorough investigations and reporting on matters of public interest. By doing this, they play an integral role in bolstering democratic processes and institutions,” Ribeiro asserts.

“Conversely,  a decline in media freedom undermines both democratic safeguards and the protection of human rights. Over the past decade, we have undeniably witnessed this interconnection, which has been a contributing factor in the emergence of conflicts.” This year’s International Day of Democracy, focused on conflict prevention, underscores the urgent need to nurture human rights and democratic values as a means to mitigate and resolve the risks of conflict.

“Access to reliable, diverse, and public-interest information is essential at all times. By verifying information, empowering individuals, and fostering reconciliation, pluralistic and independent media serve a foundational role in upholding democratic principles and preventing conflict,”  Ribeiro says. “The weaponization of information by autocratic forces for spreading hate speech and propaganda, especially propaganda for war, has no place in democracy. On the contrary, independent quality media are needed to counter the deeply disturbing trends of authoritarianism, co-optation of public power, and backsliding on human rights.”

“On this Democracy Day, I urge all States to renew their commitment to fostering an environment conducive to media freedom, recognizing it as a key pillar for both conflict prevention and the global advancement of democracy,” says Ribeiro.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

VIENNA, 13 September – Today, Canada assumed the Chairpersonship of the OSCE’s Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) until December 2023. During the opening session, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill Blair, underlined the importance Canada attaches to the role of the FSC and to dialogue on security across the OSCE region.

“As a founding member of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Canada is honoured to become Forum for Security Co-operation Chair for the first time in 17 years. The OSCE and FSC have an important role to play in upholding peace, security, and democracy. As FSC Chair, Canada will remain a staunch defender of human rights and along with OSCE partners, we will continue to stand up for the rules-based international order – including by supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion,” said Minister Blair.

Informed by the input from other participating States, Canada will set the agenda of the FSC and chair its weekly meetings, which will serve as a platform for dialogue amongst the 57 OSCE participating States. This will include ‘security dialogues’, featuring international expert panelists, on security issues facing the OSCE region.

Maintaining an approach that is informed by diversity and gender equality, Canada will organize five priority discussions that will cover mine action, international humanitarian law, Women, Peace and Security, mental health impacts of war, and information integrity in the military space.

“Canada strongly supports the work of the OSCE and is looking forward, as FSC Chair, to collaborating with participating States on security issues across the OSCE region,” said Ambassador Jocelyn Kinnear, Canada’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE. “One of the most pressing issues facing the Forum remains addressing the impacts of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”

The OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation is the OSCE’s politico-military decision-making body, which aims to foster the norms of openness and transparency between OSCE participating States. Canada last chaired the Forum in 2006, when it oversaw the FSC’s 500th meeting.

For media enquiries please contact: fsc2023.canada@international.gc.ca.

551810

As part of its ongoing multi-year programme to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department implemented the third in a series of regional interactive workshops on combatting illicit trafficking of art, antiquities and cultural property in Pula, Croatia from 11 to 15 September. The training course was held for law enforcement, border management officers, and museum experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.

Police, border security and customs officers, intelligence analysts, financial investigators and ministry of culture representatives received hands-on investigative skills training, notably through the use of scenario-based, simulation training exercises. These include the use of fictitious art crimes and trafficking cases to highlight the latest investigative technologies and tools, building cross-border partnerships to tackle this growing area of crime. Expert trainers of the OSCE-led Heritage Crime Task Force also touched upon forensic crime scene investigation at museums and archeological sites, delivered training on how to appropriately handle art, artifacts and historical documents, tools and methods to conduct dark net/black market investigations, disrupt money-laundering networks and ultimately, put together cases that could be brought towards successful prosecution. 

“These regional trainings are strengthening the capacity of participating States to preserve human history and tackle the trafficking networks and their linkages to cross-border organized crime and terrorist financing, and money laundering networks,” said Cameron Walter, Customs Adviser and Programme Manager of the OSCE Heritage Crime Task Force. 

This workshop also provided a critical forum for real-time exchange between experts related to trafficking of cultural heritage items in the context of the war in Ukraine, discussions on local/regional investigations, and potential options to assist Morocco, OSCE Partner for Co-operation, in protecting its cultural heritage at sites damaged by this week’s earthquakes.

“The OSCE is all about positive impact. For too long, the issue of cultural property trafficking has been a story of criminal organizations and opportunists exploiting the collections of human history, progress, art and tangible cultural heritage for criminal gain, or funding downstream criminal activities that impact the security of communities across the OSCE area and beyond. Instead, the OSCE is assisting participating States to turn this into a story about the positive impact of collaboration, and the dedication of international law enforcement experts, national art crime teams, and the museum community to directly confront this transnational threat,” Walter concluded.   

The workshop was delivered in close partnership with the experts of the OSCE Heritage Crime Task Force which includes: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Spain's Guardia Civil, Italy’s Arma dei Carabinieri, Finland’s TULLI (Customs), France’s Douanes et Droits Indirects (Customs) and France’s Armée de Terre, the International Council of Museums (ICOM), Blue Shield International, Cranfield University Forensic Training Institute, the Victoria and Albert Museum and other subject specialists.

VIENNA/PRAGUE, 13 September 2023 – On 14 and 15 September, OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, will open the 2023 Prague Forum on the Economic and Environmental Dimension of the OSCE to discuss security and stability across the OSCE region through sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. 

The two-day event, which builds upon discussions held at the 2023 Struga Conference on the Economic & Environmental Dimension of the OSCE and the 2023 High-Level Conference on Climate Change, will convene delegates from governmental and state institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society, and international organizations.

Topics for discussion include co-operation to tackle climate change, good governance and anti-corruption, trade and transport facilitation for sustainable development and food security, and disaster risk management.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jan Lipavský and OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will also provide opening remarks and the keynote address will be delivered by Markiyan Dmytrasevych, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.

The high-level opening session starting at 9:00 on 14 September will be live-streamed on www.osce.org/live for media and the general public to follow remotely.

For more information, please contact Boni Cvetanovska (boni.cvetanovska@mfa.gov.mk), Press and Communication Team, OSCE 2023 Chairpersonship of North Macedonia.

Follow @OSCECiO and @Bujar_O to join the discussion.

551795 Ademi Kydyralieva

On September 6, a meeting between international donor organizations operating in the EAG region took place in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyz Republic. The donor meeting was held in a hybrid format and was attended by representatives of international organizations working with financial security and local state partners such as the State Financial Intelligence Service.

Organized as a part of a long-term project initiated back in September 2021, this event was aimed at improving the coordination among state intelligence services and international partners who provide crucial help to the Kyrgyz Republic in building a stronger national anti-money laundering and countering financing terrorism (AML/CFT) system. 

The participants were presented with an analysis of the assistance provided since the first meeting in April 2022 and its effectiveness. The developed EAG project plan reflects the national needs identified through mutual evaluation. In this regard, targeted efforts to assist donors and the country have led to significant achievements, such as improving compliance with a range of  Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.

After the meeting, the key priorities for Kyrgyzstan in combating money laundering and terrorism financing were clearly identified and the collaboration between international donor organizations and local state partners has improved. 

The OSCE supports diverse collaboration between partners and highlights the importance of achieving common objectives and creating a safer financial landscape both in Kyrgyz Republic and in the Eurasian region.

List of participating partners included the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, the Secretariat of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG), the Asian Development Bank, the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, the International Training and Methodological Center for Financial Monitoring of the Russian Federation, the International Finance Corporation, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the Egmont Centre of FIU Excellence and Leadership, the Islamic Development Bank, the Financial Services Volunteer Corps, the Eurasian Development Bank, and the United Arab Emirates.

551783 Chyngyz Zhanybekov Ademi Kydyralieva

In the heart of the picturesque Talas province, nestled within the north-western part of Kyrgyzstan's magnificent landscapes, lives a remarkable woman with a mission to preserve the Kyrgyz traditional art. Nuria Isakova, a 54-year-old mother of four and grandmother to ten, has embarked on a journey of economic empowerment that is not only transforming her own life but also igniting a beacon of hope for women across the country.

With a background in education as a teacher of Russian language and literature, Nuria's life took a different turn when she discovered her true passion – the art of Kyrgyz folk artisanship. Her hands, guided by the spirit of tradition, are now busy crafting exquisite works of art through felting, knitting, crocheting, and the intricate embroidery of Kyrgyz culture known as "kerme saima." Her creations span a breath-taking array of panels, clothing, accessories, shoes, outerwear, and intricate handwoven braids, known as "өrmөk."

Nuria's journey into the world of handicrafts began during her childhood visits to her grandmother's village. It was there, amidst the beauty of rural life, that she absorbed the rich tapestry of Kyrgyz folk art. Despite these early influences, the demands of family life put her creative spirit on pause for many years.

It was not until a decade ago, when the world of stable internet connection and free time beckoned, that Nuria reignited her passion. She scoured websites, discovering diverse folk art traditions from around the globe. Yet, her main achievement was yet to come. In 2022, following a life-changing trip to India, Nuria launched her YouTube channel, where she enthusiastically shares her expertise and conducts free masterclasses. Today, with more than 2000 subscribers and over 180 published videos, she has achieved the incredible feat of monetization, solidifying a partnership agreement.

Nuria's dedication knows no bounds. She teaches traditional artisanship in both Kyrgyz and Russian and is currently learning English to reach an even wider audience. Her YouTube channel showcases not just her artistic talent but also her skills in video production, a testament to her unwavering commitment to preserving and passing on traditions.

At the core of Nuria's mission lies the noble aim of preserving Kyrgyz folk artisanship. By teaching others, especially women from remote villages, she offers them an opportunity to engage in handicrafts, enabling them to generate income from the comfort of their homes. Her work is not just about achieving financial independence; it also acts as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the tradition is passed down without interruption.

Nuria's journey towards economic empowerment received a significant boost when she joined the "Economic Empowerment of Women in the Talas Region" programme led by the Talas Entrepreneurship Support Centre and supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek. This transformative programme equipped her with invaluable knowledge on self-presentation, business planning, financial management, legal documentation, marketing, and much more. In recognition of her dedication, Nuria has received professional camera equipment and a laptop, a testament to the program's commitment to supporting her artistic endeavors.

In closing, Nuria Isakova shares a simple yet profound message with all who seek inspiration: "Love what you do and believe in yourself!" Her journey exemplifies the power of determination, the preservation of culture, and the boundless potential of women to thrive in the world of entrepreneurship.

Join Nuria in her journey of artistry, empowerment, and community building through her social channels:

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@kyrkkyz

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nuria_isakova/

*Since 2017 the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek has been supporting the development of SMEs across Kyrgyzstan. Notably, to date the Programme Office helped establish and continues to support the operation of Entrepreneurship Support Centres in Batken, Jalal-Abad, Issyk-Kul, Osh and Talas provinces. In 2020-2021 on the basis of the two ESCs in Batken and Issyk-Kul provinces, the Programme Office has developed a women’s entrepreneurship support project, which has won the 2022 OSCE Gender Champion Award in the Best Initiative category. The Programme Office’s team remains committed to supporting sustainable development of women and men’s SMEs in the provinces of the host state.

ERGNETI, 12 September 2023 – The 114th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) was held in Ergneti today under the co-facilitation of the Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), Dimitrios Karabalis, and the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus, Viorel Moşanu.

The EUMM and OSCE commended the sustained commitment of the participants to the IPRM format. The co-facilitators voiced their strong support for freedom of movement as populations living on both sides of the South Ossetian administrative boundary line (ABL) continue to face obstacles that isolate them from each other, restrict their livelihood opportunities, hinder their family relations, as well as affect their religious practice. The co-facilitators underlined how these obstacles particularly affect women, children, and the elderly.

The EUMM and OSCE welcomed that the security situation remained relatively stable in the last two months, including during and around the 2008 war anniversary. During the IPRM, the role of co-facilitators in contributing to maintaining stability was highlighted. IPRM participants also discussed challenges faced by the conflict-affected communities, including recent security incidents and detentions. The EUMM and OSCE positively noted that some cases of long-term detentions had been solved recently. The co-facilitators encouraged participants to discontinue the practice of detentions and advocated for the release of remaining detainees.

Participants welcomed today’s constructive discussions on various topics of concern, such as access to electricity and irrigation, including the views of technical experts. Participants also stressed the importance of the EUMM-managed Hotline to defuse tensions and facilitate the exchange of information.

The participants agreed to convene the next regular IPRM meeting on 1 November 2023, as well as to hold a separate technical meeting to continue engagement on irrigation and access to water.

SKOPJE/VIENNA, 12 September 2023 – The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, and Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid reinforced their repeated calls for the immediate release of three Ukrainian OSCE officials that have been in detention Donetsk and Luhansk for more than 500 days.

“OSCE officials should never be arrested or detained because of the work they do in carrying out their mandate. These detentions are an inhumane act and a blatant violation of their rights,” said Chairman-in-Office Osmani.

“Our message to those responsible is clear – the detained must be freed immediately and unconditionally,” he underscored.

“It has been over 500 days of terrible suffering – first and foremost for our detained Ukrainian officials, but also for their families and loved ones. This must stop now. Every day that passes is another day too long,” said Secretary General Schmid.

“We are sparing no effort and will continue to use every channel and every opportunity to secure their release until our colleagues are free,” she stressed.

Background information

Three OSCE officials – Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov – were detained in April 2022 in Donetsk and Luhansk where they had been performing their official duties – as mandated by all 57 participating States.

In September 2022, Maxim Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov were “sentenced” to 13 years in prison as a result of so-called “legal proceedings”.

In addition to the continued efforts of OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani and OSCE Secretary General Schmid, both publicly and in private, the OSCE remains in close contact with relevant stakeholders, including other international organizations, to facilitate the release of detained OSCE officials.

551692 Chyngyz Zhanybekov

The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek is providing support for a comprehensive training course on safety regulations for working on glaciers in the Kyrgyz Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay regions. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of glaciological activities conducted in these critical areas.

One of the primary focal points of this endeavor is the Kara-Batkak glacier, a vital reference point for glaciological monitoring within the Kyrgyz Republic. Stretching over 4 kilometers and spanning altitudes from 3,360 to 4,800 meters, this glacier has been under comprehensive observation since 1956. Since 2006, the Tian-Shan High Mountain Scientific Centre (TSHMSC), operating under the Institute of Water Problems and Hydropower of the National Academy of Sciences, has undertaken the responsibility of monitoring this glacier.

The core objective of these ongoing observations is to elucidate the dynamics of glacial changes, ultimately facilitating forecasts of climatic shifts within the Kyrgyz Republic and Central Asia as a whole. However, the Kara-Batkak glacier poses inherent dangers, making it one of the most challenging sites for glaciological monitoring.

Acknowledging the paramount importance of equipping personnel with the skills for safe and autonomous glacier navigation, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek has taken the initiative to support a specialized training course. This training, conducted on the Kara-Batkak glacier in the Jeti-Oguz district of the Issyk-Kul province was conducted from 31 August to 5 September, 2023. The training course brought together participants from various relevant organizations, including the Institute of Water Problems and Hydropower of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kyrgyz Hydromet (Kyrgyz Hydrometeorological Service), Central Asian Institute of Applied Geosciences, and the TSHMSC itself.

Upon the conclusion of the training consultants will draft comprehensive safety guidelines tailored specifically for glacier-related work. These guidelines will subsequently undergo scrutiny by the TSHMSC management and receive approval from the relevant government authorities, further fortifying safety standards and protocols within the region's glaciological community.

OSCE’s support for this training course underscores its commitment to promoting safety and facilitating scientific endeavors in the challenging and vital field of glaciology within the Kyrgyz Republic and across the Central Asian region.

551680 Chyngyz Zhanybekov Ademi Kydyralieva

The Kyrgyz Association of Women in the Security Sector in collaboration with the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek has successfully completed a three-day training course aimed at addressing gender-based and family violence.

This training program had a dual focus: it concentrated on international gender equality standards and the enhancement of gender-sensitive legislative policies within the Kyrgyz Republic. Moreover, it provided law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively prevent and respond to domestic violence, ultimately contributing to the creation of a safer and more equitable society.

The participants in this program included representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health, experienced law enforcement professionals, and members of civil society. These individuals are now well-prepared to apply and disseminate the knowledge they have gained.

A central pillar of this training was the vital role played by Mobile Police Reception (MPR) units in preventing family violence. The MPRs possess significant potential for preventing gender-based violence (GBV) due to their extensive reach and rapid response capabilities. Serving as a crucial first line of defense, they actively engage with communities, providing immediate assistance.

The OSCE reaffirms its strong commitment to comprehensive security, with a central focus on preventing gender-based violence. By harnessing the capabilities of agencies like the MPR and equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to respond effectively, the OSCE takes significant strides towards the creation of safer, more inclusive societies.

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The Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and the Council of Europe’s Anti-Trafficking Division  organized a joint roundtable in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on 7 to 8 September 2023, which focused on strengthening the role of the private sector, particularly financial institutions, in preventing and combating human trafficking.

The event brought together some 50 representatives of financial intelligence units, law enforcement agencies, prosecutor’s officers, anti-trafficking coordination bodies, financial and other private sector institutions, financial regulators, trade unions, and academia from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Opening the meeting, the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bojana Urumova, said: “In order to fight human trafficking, the money trail needs to be followed. Financial investigations are extremely important and require the collaboration of the public and private sectors.”

“Fighting human trafficking, money laundering, corruption and terrorism financing are among the key priorities of our office, which is implementing projects in these areas  based on the recommendations of relevant Council of Europe monitoring bodies,” she added.

Acting OSCE Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Andrea Salvoni called for stronger partnerships to effectively address human trafficking in financial flows.

“Strong cooperation between and among financial institutions, law enforcement, and government agencies is crucial to share intelligence and coordinate actions. For this, it’s key to establish legislative frameworks that allow for information sharing,” he said.

During the roundtable, promising practices were presented by speakers from Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, the Netherlands, Europol, Western Union, Bank Santander, and Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAST). The OSCE study “Following the Money: Compendium of Resources and Step-by-step Guide to Financial Investigations into Trafficking in Human Beings” was also presented as a valuable resource.

The roundtable aimed at raising awareness of the role of financial institutions in combating human trafficking and promoting cross-sectoral co-operation frameworks. It also introduced a new OSCE study on Bosnia and Herzegovina's legal and institutional framework, offering concrete recommendations to combat human trafficking and labour exploitation in supply chains. Based on working groups’ sessions, participants launched the preparation of a sample human trafficking typology paper, which is an alert and guidance system for financial institutions to identify human trafficking in financial flows.

PODGORICA, 8 September 2023 — OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid concluded her visit to Montenegro today. During her visit, she met with high-level government officials and representatives of civil society organizations.  

On Friday morning, Secretary General Schmid met with President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović, and Prime Minister and Coordinator of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dritan Abazović.

“In our meetings, I underlined the productive partnership the OSCE and in particular our Mission has built with state institutions: we work together on a range of security and human rights issues such as the fight against organized crime and trafficking in human beings, strengthening the rule of law and the accountability of institutions, on women empowerment, freedom of media and hate speech, and much more. I also highlighted our commitment to continue to support the Montenegrin authorities in their reform journey as defined by their priorities and our OSCE principles”, said Secretary General Schmid.

The Secretary General also visited the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, where she met with Head of Mission Dominique Waag and Mission staff, commending their dedication and professionalism. She concluded the day with a site visit to a women’s shelter in Podgorica run by NGO Women’s Safe House that the Mission supports.   

Secretary General Schmid said, “It was extremely important for me to see first-hand the indispensable work that Women’s Safe House is doing. Gender-based violence knows no borders, making it a global challenge that demands collective action”. She commended the partnership the OSCE Mission has forged with the Women’s Safe House, ensuring that survivors of violence have a safe environment with professional support.

Secretary General Schmid also met with representatives of civil society organizations to exchange views about their work in support of the rule of law, human rights, gender equality and the safety of journalists.

During her trip to Montenegro, Secretary General Schmid attended the OSCE Regional Heads of Field Operations Meeting, which convened Heads of OSCE Missions from the region, representatives from the OSCE 2023 Chairpersonship and institutions, as well as external guests, to discuss the work of the OSCE in South-Eastern Europe and areas for future co-operation in the region.

On 5-7 September 2023, the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department, with the support of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo (OMiK) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), organized a three-day training course in Pejë/Peć on how to use financial intelligence to effectively cut off terrorism financing channels.

Participants learned about proactive and reactive analytical techniques and investigative methods for financial investigations, as part of comprehensive counter-terrorism investigations.

The training module emphasized the importance of collecting, handling, and using financial intelligence in counter-terrorism investigations. A team of local trainers, previously trained by the OSCE and supported by international experts, delivered sessions on the analysis of financial information and application of analytical techniques in counter-terrorism operations. They also actively involved inter-agency teams in exercises on the intelligence cycle, grading of intelligence, and data and network analysis.

Edward Anderson, Director of the Department of Public Safety and Security at OMiK, highlighted during his opening remarks that stemming the flow of funds to terrorists and terrorist networks should be at the forefront of counter-terrorism efforts and thanked all participants for their dedicated work.

The course represents the second module of the OSCE-UNODC training programme on countering the financing of terrorism. The aim of the programme is to build the operational framework of local bodies to prevent terrorists from moving, using, and raising funds for terrorist purposes, in line with international commitments and standards. The course was organized with the financial support of the United States.

SKOPJE /WARSAW /COPENHAGEN, 7 September 2023 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pia Kauma and the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Matteo Mecacci, condemn the Russian Federation’s holding of so-called “elections” in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories.

Any elections in territories within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders can only be held in line with national legislation and international standards and can only be organized by the legitimate authority mandated by Ukrainian law, the Ukrainian Central Election Commission. The organization of elections in temporarily occupied territories violates the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, which is counter to the fundamental principles of the OSCE, the UN Charter and international law. The “results” of any such “elections” organized by the Russian Federation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine will have no validity under international law.

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) continues to assist the Ukrainian authorities in preparing for the conduct of elections when voters are able to participate in elections safely and elections can be held in accordance with Ukrainian law and international standards. 

Media contacts:

Boni Cvetanovska, OSCE 2023 Chairpersonship of North Macedonia: boni.cvetanovska@mfa.gov.mk  / +436766372643

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson: katya.andrusz@odihr.pl  / +48 609 522 266  

Nat Parry, Head of Communications and Press: nat@oscepa.dk / +45 60 10 81 77

Developing strategies for the inclusion of women in formal negotiation processes was the focus of a side event organized by OSCE 2023 Chairpersonship of North Macedonia with the Secretariat's Gender Issues Programme during the Chairpersonship’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Conference in Tetovo on 5 September.

Opening the event, Dr. Lara Scarpitta, Senior Adviser on Gender Issues in the office of the OSCE Secretary General, highlighted that “in times of conflict and post-conflict, women’s role in peacebuilding is still not fully recognised despite their incredible efforts in defending women’s rights and supporting their communities. For sustainable peace, we must redouble efforts to include women, especially those at the grassroots level, in all peace and security discussions”.

Two keynote speakers, Radmila Shekerinska, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Republic of North Macedonia and Catherine Fearon, Deputy Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and founding member of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, shared their experience being engaged in formal peace negotiation processes, reflected on the challenges they experienced and showcased some of the key achievements made by women in peace processes.  

“Progress on women’s participation is too little, too weak and not changing the reality for our sons and daughters,” Shekerinska said while stressing that women’s participation increases the chances of a sustainable settlement to be achieved.

The keynote speeches were followed by a panel discussion among prominent women peace leaders from grassroots civil society organizations, who are also the Gender Issues Programme’s WIN project partners, from Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Ukraine. They stressed some of the key challenges of women peacebuilders on the ground, including the lack of access to decision-making, lack of funding and safety concerns including personal attacks.  

The panellists recommended that concrete actions should be taken to include women from the grassroots level in decision-making, flexible funding made available for their work, their safety and security better protected, and more spaces and resources for exchange and support to existing networks established. They also highlighted the importance of including young women peacebuilders in capacity-building and networking activities. The recommendations of women peacebuilders were further discussed during the plenary session of the Conference.