OSCE

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM observed damage to a civilian property in Holmivskyi, Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• It observed demining activities in the disengagement area near Zolote and near Molodizhne, Luhansk region.
• The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to localized ceasefires to enable repairs to critical civilian infrastructure and demining activities.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including in non-government-controlled Donetsk city and at checkpoints of the armed formations in southern Donetsk region.

VIENNA, 13 March 2020 - The pivotal role of women in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and post-conflict rehabilitation was highlighted during Wednesday’s meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) under Turkey’s FSC Chairmanship, which focused on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The speakers urged the implementation of the Resolution, recognizing that equal participation and full involvement of women in all efforts for maintaining and promoting peace and security is of utmost importance.

“Turkey has set the Women, Peace and Security agenda as one of the priorities of its FSC Chairmanship” said Ambassador Rauf Engin Soysal, Chairperson of the Forum and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Turkey to the OSCE, as he opened the meeting. “Turkey continues to attach utmost importance to the gender perspective as an integral part of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security. To create sustainable peace and stability, issues relating to gender equality and the empowerment of women should be addressed.”

The first speaker to address representatives of participating States was Ayşe Cihan Sultanoğlu, UN Assistant Secretary-General and the UN’s Representative to the Geneva International Discussions, who said that Resolution 1325 was the first UN Security Council Resolution about women.

While there is no gender equality anywhere in the world, she said, an increasing number of countries are adopting Women, Peace and Security action plans. A sustainable peace requires the inclusion of everyone in society, and women’s participation to peace processes and mediation is critical, she added.

Addressing the meeting via video, Cdr.Ezgi Kaptan İşçi, Chief of the Protocol and Communications Branch of the Turkish Fleet Command, spoke about how the Resolution is implemented in the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF).

“Within the TAF, women are employed only as officers and non-commissioned officers. Although our numbers are not as high as some other countries, we serve in all services and ranks” she said.

Ambassador Neil Bush, Head of the United Kingdom’s Delegation to the OSCE, explained how the Resolution is implemented in the OSCE context, especially in the Security Committee and the MenEngage Network, both of which he chairs.

“As Chair of the Security Committee, I will ensure gender-balanced panels throughout our meetings this year,” he said. “As the Chair of the OSCE MenEngage network I am determined to continue to progress work to raise awareness of the influence all of us can have in speaking out against inequality and in ending gender-based violence. The Network will continue to work towards ensuring gender parity at all job levels in the OSCE; robust action against gender discrimination; a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse; and full and effective women’s participation in the areas of conflict prevention, resolution, and mediation.”

Amarsanaa Darisuren, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, spoke about a recent study the Section conducted jointly with the London School of Economics Centre for Women, Peace and Security, that examined the development and implementation of National Action Plans on Resolution 1325 in OSCE participating States. She also informed Forum about Gender Equality Review Conference in 2020 June.

“The representatives of security sector institutions interviewed for the study recognized that implementing the activities outlined in the National Action Plans have benefitted their everyday work, from increased intake of women to increased gender expertise and improved human resources policies”, she said. “On 29-30 June, the Albanian Chair of the OSCE, in cooperation with the Gender Section and ODIHR, will organize the third Gender Equality Review Conference here in Hofburg.” she said.  

Marina Wyss Ross, Deputy Head of the Swiss Delegation to the OSCE and Chair of the Informal Group of Women in the First Dimension (W1D), spoke about the newly formed W1D Network - an informal OSCE network that aims to highlight, connect and amplify issues related to women active in the politico-military sphere. She presented a list of female experts on politico-military topics, which was prepared by the Network and which will be accessible to delegations of all participating States and the OSCE Secretariat.

“The aim of this list is to allow incoming and current Chairs in the first dimension to identify female experts for panel discussions and other speaking opportunities on security-related topics,” she said.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM observed craters and damage to civilian property in a residential area of Syhnalne, Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• It saw 16 weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line.
• The Mission saw for the first time at least 200 anti-tanks mines near Molodizhne, Luhansk region.
• The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor adherence to localized ceasefires to enable repairs to critical civilian infrastructure and demining activities.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including in non-government-controlled Donetsk city and at checkpoints of the armed formations in southern Donetsk region

448363 Communication and Media Relations Section

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger acknowledged exceptional efforts and achievements of OSCE staff members in promoting gender equality in the OSCE and beyond at an award ceremony that took place on 12 March 2020, in Vienna.

Six staff members and one project received the OSCE Gender Champions Award, which recognizes significant contribution in advancing gender equality in four categories. John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, received the Leadership Award. He was recognized for launching the “Men Engage Network” in Uzbekistan to raise awareness about the important role men can play in the elimination of violence against women.

Jasmina Ilić and Marija Sekulović from the OSCE Mission to Serbia received the Staff Member Award for launching an initiative that focuses on empowering women in leadership positions in the notarial profession, administrative judiciary and institutions dealing with the fight against corruption in Serbia.

The Gender Focal Point award was presented to a team and one individual. Zorana Antonijević from the OSCE Mission to Serbia and Saša Gavrić from the OSCE Mission to Skopje were recognized for their joint efforts in providing training on gender mainstreaming and supporting the development of gender action plans of OSCE executive structures. Another award in the same category was presented to Eugenia Reznikowa from the OSCE Secretariat, who designed and implemented a training course with a gender perspective for staff in border agencies from the OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.

The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek received an award in the project category for its project aimed at increasing women’s representation in local councils in Kyrgyzstan.

Secretary General Greminger, who is a member of the International Gender Champions Network, stressed how important gender equality is for the OSCE as an organization. “Each staff member has an important role to play in promoting gender equality on a daily basis and creating a work environment that provides equal opportunities for men and women,” he said.

“I am very glad to have the opportunity to recognize some of the outstanding efforts and achievements of OSCE staff members and teams that are an inspiration to other colleagues in OSCE departments and field operations,” the Secretary General concluded.

448339 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

A roundtable event to discuss the implementation of the recommendations within the 4th round of monitoring of the Istanbul Anti-Corruption Action Plan took place on 12 March 2020 in Dushanbe. The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe.

Over 20 representatives from government agencies including the Anti-corruption Agency, the Ministry of Justice, Parliament, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Supreme Court, the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner and civil society attended the roundtable discussion.

The event served as a platform for the exchange of information between government institutions dealing with anti-corruption issues, civil society and international organizations on the activities conducted during the 4th round of monitoring the implementation of recommendations. Participants identified challenges and obstacles in combating corruption and discussed how anti-corruption efforts can be improved.

Filippo Crivellaro, Head of the Economic and Environmental Department at the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, noted the importance of joining efforts in fighting corruption in Tajikistan. He also stressed the need for better co-ordination of activities between all relevant actors in society aimed at reducing corruption. “This event is a great starting point for defining further steps to ensure that the results are achieved and visible to everyone.”

At the meeting, the OSCE presented a roadmap on how to enhance efforts in combating corruption, with a special emphasis on the new National Anti-Corruption Strategy to be adopted by the government by the end of 2020.

The roundtable sets the stage for the meetings of the Anti-Corruption Network, which will be organized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris later this year and paves the way for the launch of the 5th round of monitoring of the implementation of recommendations of the Istanbul Anti-Corruption Action Plan.   

MINSK, 12 March 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group, Ambassador Heidi Grau, made the following statement to the press after the meeting of the TCG ‎and its working groups in Minsk on 11 March 2020:

“Along with the search for a peaceful solution to the conflict in the East of Ukraine, safety for civilian population is one of the  priority tasks of the TCG.

In that regard, the recent increase of hostilities at the line of contact and a significant spike of civilian casualties is alarming. In the past two weeks, the number of victims has reached nine persons, which is more than one third of civilian casualties this year.

This is completely unacceptable. In this respect, I once again call on the sides to comply with the obligations regarding commitment to the full cessation of fire.

Now about our work today. Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation Dmitry Kozak have also taken part in it today. This was an important expression of the sides’ political readiness to support our efforts.

The Security Working Group focused on the issues related to the definition of additional areas for the disengagement of forces and hardware. The participants agreed to deliver their positions with regard to possible compromises within a week.

The Humanitarian Working Group paid a major attention to the exchange of detainees. The participants committed themselves to submit a draft list of persons to the TCG, and finalize it within two weeks.

The sides reached an agreement in principle on the opening of two new Entry/Exit Control Points.

The Economic Working Group concentrated on the issues of water supplies, as well as mobile communication provided by “Vodafone-Ukraine” in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (CADR and CALR).

The Political Working Group discussed aspects related to the special status of CADR and CALR, as foreseen by Article 11 of the "Package of Measures".

The decision was taken to establish an Advisory Board at the Working Group. Its draft mandate and working procedures have been defined.

The task of the Board shall be to develop recommendations on political issues within the Group’s purview.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region.
• A man and woman were injured due to the detonation of mines near Mykolaivka in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It again saw mines inside the disengagement area near Zolote.
• It saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in a non-government-controlled area of Luhansk region.
• The SMM saw anti-tank mines for the first time near Rozsadky.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints in and near Staromykhailivka, Donetsk city, Zaichenko, Bezimenne, and Novoazovsk, all in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.

COPENHAGEN, 11 March 2020 – As public health officials and national governments work to contain the coronavirus outbreak, due diligence must also be shown in countering the spread of disinformation about it, said the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Rapporteur on Disinformation and Propaganda Oscar Mina (San Marino) today.

The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak is the first major public health crisis during the modern social media era, Mina noted, and the fast spreading of fake news about the virus has already alerted the World Health Organization (WHO) and several governments to the point of calling the phenomenon an “infodemic.”

“Conspiracy theories, bogus medicines and cures, false regulations and fake claims about vaccines are circulating on the internet and on social media platforms,” Mina said today. “This disinformation is hindering efforts to contain the outbreak itself, spreading panic, confusion and discrimination, in times when solidarity and co-operation among countries are essential to save human lives.”

While ensuring the right for the citizens to access free information, governments, media companies and international organizations should work to guarantee that accurate and trustworthy information is accessible and widely disseminated, Mina said.

“The best antidote to bad information is good information. Sensational headlines and ‘click bait’ that generate traffic and ad revenue can also in times like these generate panic, confusion and chaos. I urge competent authorities and those with large media platforms to ensure that trustworthy sources of information prevail over fake news and propaganda. This is essential to protect people from contagion and to make sure they are informed to act appropriately,” Mina said.

Mina welcomed the prompt reaction of the WHO and various governments including Italy, France, the United Kingdom that are working closely with social media platforms to remove misinformation about the virus. However, he highlighted that more efforts are needed to fight the phenomenon and that the public health community should be more involved in order to provide evidence-based information to the public.

On their part, social media users also have a duty to share content conscientiously to avoid spreading false or dubious information, added Mina.

Mina also appealed to the international community to scrupulously and consciously follow the recommendations and instructions provided by the scientific community and competent authorities of each country, and encouraged governments to implement all forms of cooperation in this regard to counteract dangerous and uncontrollable alarmism.

For more on the work of the Special Rapporteur on Disinformation and Propaganda, please click here.

WARSAW, 11 March 2020 – An understanding of our common responsibility towards other human beings in distress is urgently needed as a rising number of migrants and refugees find themselves trapped at Turkey’s border with the European Union, said Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in a statement today.

Gísladóttir said: “Countries all over the world are taking precautions to halt the spread of the new coronavirus because of the suffering it could bring to our populations if they become infected. And yet there are tens of thousands of human beings in the no-man’s land between Turkey and the EU whose suffering is intensifying each day through the failure of political leaders to find a humane solution.

This is a difficult situation, but there are numerous potential solutions on the table that need to be explored. This is a time where true leadership means the ability to compromise, and I therefore call on all countries across the EU and OSCE to show that leadership. The right to life and to safety is an obligation, and not a favour.”

Tens of thousands of migrants and refugees have been moving west towards the border with the EU following a recent change in policy by the Turkish authorities. The Greek government announced at the beginning of March that it was suspending asylum applications for a month, in violation of international law and potentially setting a dangerous precedent for the future.

Documented incidents of violence at the border with Greece and the failure to organize rescue operations for migrants in distress at sea have greatly increased the risk of violating the right to life, the prohibition of collective expulsion, and the principle of non-refoulement, which stipulates that states must not return anyone to a country in which they are at risk of persecution.

The OSCE’s 57 participating States have reaffirmed their commitment to the right to seek asylum on many occasions (Helsinki 1992, Istanbul 1999). Countries have made further commitments to ensure the dignified treatment of anyone wanting to cross borders, in conformity with relevant national legal frameworks, international law, and relevant OSCE commitments, and to deal with all aspects of border security and management issues in line with them (Ljubljana 2005).

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous 24 hours, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It again saw deminers from government-controlled areas enter the Zolote disengagement area, reportedly to conduct demining activities in Katerynivka.
• The SMM saw unexploded ordnance and an anti-tank mine near Kruta Balka, on a road frequently used by the SMM and employees of the Donetsk Filtration Station.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint near Verkhnoshyrokivske and at a weapons permanent storage site, both in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.

VIENNA, 10 March 2020 – The roundtable and first expert meeting on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on freedom expression, organized by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, concluded today in Vienna.  

The roundtable provided a platform to examine and discuss the challenges and contributions that machine-learning technologies, such as AI, can bring to freedom of expression and media freedom. Representatives of the participating States, together with experts, discussed the impact that algorithms and AI have in shaping and arbitrating information online, and the concerns regarding possible infringements on free speech.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, stressed the importance of understanding AI’s potential and its impact on the future of human rights, particularly freedom of expression and freedom of the media. “AI can benefit societies in various positive ways. However, there is also a genuine risk that such technologies have a detrimental impact on fundamental freedoms,” said Désir. “When driven by commercial, political or state interests, the use of AI could seriously jeopardize human rights, in particular the freedom of expression and media pluralism.” 

A meeting with the experts, in order to develop a roadmap on how to move the project forward, followed the roundtable. During the meeting, experts discussed a draft paper on the topic published by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. The draft paper outlines the main characteristics of AI processes behind content removal and curation; challenges to media pluralism and diversity; as well as the impact of surveillance on freedom of expression. The draft paper will serve as the basis for discussions on developing a strategy paper and future recommendations for participating States and other relevant stakeholders. 

“It is vital to understand the policies and practices employed by tech companies in the development and use of AI. At the same time, we must assist governments and legislators in developing clear and human-rights-friendly policies, including for transparency and accountability, in the use of these technologies,” underlined Désir.  

The events set the stage for the Representative’s future activities on the impact of artificial intelligence and freedom of expression, including a conference on the topic later this year.

The full draft paper is available here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/447829?download=true

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.

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 decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 22 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.

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 decreased from 10,853 to 9,583 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 208 per day for both BCPs.

The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs was 17, compared to six last week, 11 of them crossed into the Russian Federation, and six into Ukraine (71 per cent of this category’s crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP). They continued to cross the border individually or in groups. Most individuals crossed on foot, however, some made use of private vehicles, buses or minivans, making it more difficult for the observer teams (OTs) to observe their movement across the border, especially since some of the private vehicles had tinted windows, and buses and minivans had drawn curtains.

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, four families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and five families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when three families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation and four families into Ukraine. 

Bus connections                                          

Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. In addition to regular bus connections, the OTs continued to observe bus connections on irregular routes. Often the buses did not state their route; instead they had a sign on the windshield stating “irregular”.

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (409 compared to 493 observed during the previous week). There were 202 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 207 bound for Ukraine. 

On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region and “LPR” plates. 

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a significant decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (688 compared to 884 during the previous reporting week); 330 at the Gukovo BCP and 358 at the Donetsk BCP, 340 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 348 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 Belarus, Poland, Armenia, the Russian Federation and trucks with “LPR” plates.

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 45 to 36. 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 decreased from 147 to 130. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 114 trucks (88 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 16 trucks (12 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 decreased from 188 to 118 vehicles; 60 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 58 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 23 occasions; the OTs assessed that 14 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and nine 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. The OTs also observed vehicles with “DPR” plates and vehicles with Georgian and Latvian licence plates.

On 7 March at 18:32, the OT observed a police minivan that arrived at Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation. The police vehicle parked behind the main building and was only partially visible to the OT. At 19:21, the police minivan left the BCP towards the Russian Federation.  

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 4 February to 10 March 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).

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, between the evenings of 6 and 7 March, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• Between the evenings of 7 and 8 March, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region, compared with the previous 24 hours.
• The SMM followed up on reports of a man injured by a bullet in Olenivka.
• The Mission observed a calm situation in the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area. It saw deminers of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine enter the Zolote disengagement area and recorded ceasefire violations inside the Petrivske disengagement area.
• The SMM saw mines and unexploded ordnance on both sides of the contact line, including near roads used daily by civilians.
• The SMM facilitated a localized ceasefire to enable repairs to power lines between Dovhe and Zhovte.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Donetsk city and Zaichenko in southern Donetsk region, and at a border crossing point in non-government-controlled Izvaryne in Luhansk region.

VIENNA, 9 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his strong concern today over the detention of several journalists in Turkey.

On 4 March, journalist and Odatv news website Director Barış Terkoğlu and reporter Hülya Kılınç were detained over a news report in which they disclosed the identity of an intelligence officer who was killed in Libya. Editor-in-Chief of the Odatv news website, Barış Pehlivan, was arrested last Friday supposedly for the same reason. According to media reports, Yeniçağ journalist Murat Ağırel, as well as Yeni Yaşam Managing Editor Aydın Keser and Editor-in-Chief Ferhat Çelik, were re-arrested yesterday, after a prosecutor overturned their earlier release. They were also detained on the same charges.

“I am very concerned by the fact that journalists have been arrested for publishing on an issue of public interest. I urge the Turkish authorities to release them immediately,” Désir said. “Even in times of conflicts, and on issues related to a conflict situation, journalists must be able to report freely and to pursue their work of informing the public without censorship, pressure or intimidation.”

The Representative added that arresting journalists for their work seriously threatens media freedom and their ability to report on issues of public interest.

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.

COPENHAGEN, 9 March 2020 – In response to the agreement reached on Sunday between the government and the opposition on a package of electoral reforms in Georgia, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Vice-Presidents Margareta Cederfelt (MP, Sweden) and Kristian Vigenin (MP, Bulgaria) issued the following statement:

“As leaders of the OSCE’s most recent election observation mission to Georgia we welcome the agreement over the weekend between the government and the opposition to reform Georgia’s electoral model.

“We congratulate the sides in reaching this historic agreement, which, following its formal adoption by parliament, would provide for a mixed proportional-majoritarian electoral system, a lowered threshold, and a balanced composition of election districts. If implemented successfully, this agreement could serve to build confidence among all factions in the country’s political system. We urge the political forces in Georgia to continue their efforts to build a democratic system that works for everyone and avoid politicization of the judicial and electoral processes.

“The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly stands ready to work with Georgia in pursuing good-faith electoral reform.”

Cederfelt and Vigenin served, respectively, as Head of the OSCE PA’s election observation mission and Special Co-ordinator of the OSCE’s short-term observer mission to the 28 October 2018 presidential election in Georgia. 

For more on the OSCE PA's election observation activities in Georgia, please click here.

448087 Communication and Media Relations Section

The closing conference of the OSCE project “Effective Criminal Justice Strategies and Practices to Combat Gender-based Violence in Eastern Europe” was held in Vienna on 5 and 6 March 2020. The project was implemented over the past two years in Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. 

The one-and-a-half day event brought together key stakeholders from the three beneficiary countries such as representatives from law enforcement and judicial agencies, victim support services, civil society and academia, who were actively involved in implementing the project.

During the three thematic sessions led by high-level representatives of the three beneficiary countries, participants took stock of the progress made and the achievements and exchanged good practices and lessons learned. They also highlighted remaining gaps where further efforts are required. 

The project contributed to improving the multi-sectoral co-ordination between key actors involved in the prevention and combating of gender-based violence. 

More than 120 police officers, prosecutors, judges and social workers were involved in training activities, which enhanced their investigation and soft skills. More than five million people from Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania were informed about the forms, causes and consequences of gender-based violence through an awareness campaign conducted during the 16 Days of Global Activism against Gender-based Violence. 

The main findings and outcomes of the conference will be compiled into a report that will consist of all the project materials and a set of recommendations. 

The project addressed all criminal justice system actors - police, prosecutors and judges - who are mandated to prevent and combat gender-based violence. It also addresses civil society organizations, social workers and academia, which ensured a comprehensive approach to the matter. 

The project was funded by the European Union’s Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (2014-2020) and the governments of Germany and Austria.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

KYIV, 8 March 2020 – International Women’s Day serves as an important reminder of women’s achievements to date and their invaluable contribution in promoting a sustainable solution to conflict.

“Achieving peace in eastern Ukraine requires an inclusive process involving full participation of women. We witness daily the impact that women, as agents of positive change, have both in the Mission and on the ground,” said Yaşar Halit Çevik, Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM). “We also see how the conflict often affects men and women differently, with existing inequalities often exacerbated.”

Çevik highlighted the SMM’s gender mainstreaming efforts, noting, in particular, the Gender Equality Action Plan. While more needs to be done, he said the Mission has consistently sought to include a gender perspective across its activities and to achieve gender parity among staff. This has strengthened both its internal structures and its day-to-day work as well as having contributed to a more in-depth understanding of all aspects of the conflict.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• A man sustained injuries due to shelling in Dokuchaievsk, Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued to monitor the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote, and Petrivske; it recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM saw four weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in a non-government-controlled area of Donetsk region.
• The Mission saw unexploded ordnance near Kruta Balka, on a road frequently used by the SMM and employees of the Donetsk Filtration Station.

• The SMM continued to facilitate localized ceasefires to enable repairs to water infrastructure near Pankivka, demining activities in Krasnyi Yar, and maintenance to the phenol sludge reservoir near Zalizne.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints near Verkhnoshyrokivske and Kruta Balka, at a compound near Manuilivka, and at the central railway station in Donetsk city, all in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.

SAMARKAND, 6 March 2020 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, concluded today the second Central Asia Judicial Dialogue in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. During this two-day event, over 40 judges from the region discussed how to protect freedom of expression while combating violent extremism, terrorism and hate speech. The participants also discussed the decriminalization of defamation.

The second Judicial Dialogue follows up on the first meeting held in Bishkek in December 2018, which established this platform. The expert meeting brought together judges from higher and appellate courts from all Central Asian countries, as well as international experts and judges from other OSCE participating States.

The event was opened by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Public Fund for Support and Development of National Mass Media, Komil Allamjonov, Deputy Chairman of the Public Fund, Saida Mirziyoyeva and Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan, Bakhtior Isakov.

“National judiciaries have a critical role in protecting freedom of expression and media freedom in the context of the fight against violent extremism, terrorism and hate speech,” Désir said. “The Central Asia Judicial Dialogue is a unique opportunity to establish regional and international co-operation on this crucial issue, to discuss international standards, and to share best practices.”

Participants discussed jurisprudential approaches, methodologies, current trends and best practices in cases concerning the protection of, and restrictions on, freedom of expression and freedom of the media, including online expression, linked to legislation countering terrorism and violent extremism.

“The Judicial Dialogue aims at strengthening the capacity of the judiciary to protect freedom of expression and media freedom while taking into account the security context and encouraging the exchange of best practices in the OSCE region,” Désir said.

“I welcome the announcement by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, of the decriminalization of libel and defamation and the adoption of a new law which gives bloggers the same rights as journalists. I encourage all the states of the region which have not yet decriminalized defamation to follow this example”.

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, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• A man died reportedly from injuries caused by an explosive device in non-government-controlled Pionerske.
• The Mission observed a calm situation in the disengagement area near Stanytsia Luhanska and recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement areas near Petrivske and Zolote.
• It spotted recent trenches near government-controlled Novotoshkivske and non-government-controlled Holubivske.
• The SMM observed anti-tank mines near non-government-controlled Sentianivka and government-controlled Luhanske and Vodiane.
• The SMM continued to facilitate localized ceasefires to enable repairs to power lines near Spartak and demining activities near Krasnyi Yar.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations in Bezimenne and near a border crossing point close to non-government-controlled Dovzhanske.