OSCE

550939 Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 29 August 2023 –  With compassion for the families of the victims of recent tragic events in Gradačac, Živinice and Bijeljina, the OSCE Mission to BiH hosted today in Sarajevo the Speaker of the BiH Parliament House of Representatives, ministers and representatives from the state, entities', Brčko District of BiH and cantonal levels, the President of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, justice and interior ministries, and gender institutional mechanisms to address the pressing issue of gender-based violence.

“When tragedies such as those in Gradačac, Živinice, and Bijeljina happen, we all express our horror and sympathy for the victims and their families.  And that is appropriate – it is a very human reaction – but unfortunately that’s not enough.” said Ambassador Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. “There must be an action making sure this does not happen again. And action is possible.  Domestic violence is a scourge that touches every ethnic, religious or linguistic group across the country.  It is a shared challenge calling for shared action.”  

The meeting of over 30 high level governmental, law enforcement and gender professionals served as a pivotal platform to dissect the system's shortcomings, understand why victims are often reluctant to seek help, and address the alarming under-reporting.

The participants unanimously agreed that combatting domestic violence requires a similarly complex response that is nuanced, multi-sectoral, and committed, a response that is gender-sensitive, victim-centric, and trauma-informed. 

Consequently, a series of joint commitments were formulated for immediate, strategic, and systemic institutional action as follows:

• The OSCE Mission to BiH (the Mission) commends the relevant authorities for their commitment to undertake all necessary measures to fight gender-based and domestic violence, including by strengthening the respective legal frameworks. In that regard, the Mission would like to underline the important role of the Federation Parliament in (i) advancing the appropriate political and institutional responses against domestic violence/gender-based violence and (ii) in particular amending the criminal code to fully implement the Istanbul Convention and to promulgate the draft law on Protection against Domestic Violence. The Mission is fully committed to assisting the relevant institutions in those efforts. 
• Noting efforts already undertaken, the Mission commends Entity Ministries of Interior for their commitment to conduct training via the respective police academies, including through curricula reform that enables future police officers to respond to domestic violence and gender-based cases promptly, effectively and sensitively. We particularly commend recent relevant initiatives of the FBiH Minister of Interior in this respect. The Mission will maintain its assistance to the Entity ministries to this process.
• The respective Entity and Cantonal Ministries of Interior commit to continue planning and implementing mandatory specialized trainings for in-service police officers, including co-operating with the respective Ministries of Justice to engage prosecutors in these trainings. The respective Entity and Cantonal Ministries of Interior should conclude this process by end-November. The OSCE Mission to BiH commits itself to partner closely with the relevant authorities on this.
• The Cantonal Ministries of the Interior commit to participating in a stakeholder meeting that the OSCE Mission to BiH will call for with the Federation Ministry of Interior, to draft guidance for actions of police officers in response to case of domestic violence in line with the relevant Federation Rulebook. This guidance is to be adapted to the specificities of the police structures in each canton. This should be initiated by mid-September and completed before the end of 2023.
• In close co-ordination with the Federation Ministry of Interior, the Cantonal Ministries of Interior commit to harmonizing and making stricter the existing cantonal legislation and regulations on issuance, possession and control of firearms. They will include therein procedures for a mandatory temporary seizure of firearms from the perpetrators/household following a report of domestic violence. These improvements should be procedurally initiated by the end of October 2023. Where in place, authorities commit themselves to ensure a more efficient and harmonized implementation of these procedures/instructions.
• The High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of BiH commits to ensuring effective training to improve the justice sector response to domestic violence, including the proper application of the relevant legal provisions. The Mission commits itself to supporting the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of BiH in this process.

The OSCE Mission to BiH will host a review meeting by the end of November 2023 to track progress against the foregoing commitments aimed at preventing gender-based violence cases and providing adequate support to victims.

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In the mountainous areas of Tajikistan - as in many rural communities worldwide - energy poverty disproportionately impacts women’s lives. Rural women often still carry out the bulk of traditional household chores. This heightens their exposure to indoor air pollution derived from the use of solid fuels for cooking and heating, or exposes them to the safety risks of walking long distances to collect biomass and fuelwood.

To help overcome these challenges, the OSCE provided 20 households in the Yaghnob Valley of Tajikistan with off-grid clean energy technologies and trained the women whose homes received the new technology. The trainings sought to build the capacity of the recipients so they could make the best and most efficient use of these devices, ultimately enabling them to drive positive change within their communities.

The three villages of Khishortob, Qul, and Gharmen, where the households are located, lie at the altitude of up to 2,700 m above sea level and are isolated from central energy networks. They rely on firewood, manure and coal for their cooking and heating needs. The installed small-hydro plants are sufficient only for lighting during the spring and summer period. From October to May, the villages are closed off from the rest of the country due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.

“Clean energy technologies, such as the solar parabolic cookers and mini-solar power stations provided by the OSCE, would alleviate some of the hardships these communities face and have the potential to empower women as agents of change, while also having a positive impact on the environment,” says Giulia Manconi, the OSCE Project Manager.

This mission was the result of a collaboration between the OSCE, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, the municipality of Jamoat Anzob, and the implementing partner PO “Nerui Toza”. It was organized within the framework of the OSCE Project on Promoting women’s economic participation in the energy sector for energy security and sustainability in Central Asia, co-funded by Austria, Germany, Italy, Norway, and Poland. The project, including installation and training, took place from 7 to 18 August 2023.

550768 Željka Šulc

TUZLA, 28 August 2023 – Following the recent tragic cases, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Brian Aggeler, conducted a series of meetings in Tuzla, aimed at discussing the alarming situation related to the ongoing challenge of gender-based violence.

Ambassador Aggeler commenced the visit with a meeting with Tuzla Canton Prime Minister, Irfan Halilagić. He commended the co-operative efforts of Tuzla Canton institutions with the OSCE Mission to BiH and its Field Office in Tuzla, underscoring the importance of these partnerships in achieving tangible results.

Addressing the recent tragic killings in Gradačac and Živinice and highlighting the gravity of the matter, Ambassador Aggeler emphasized: "The importance of an effective institutional response to cases of gender-based violence cannot be overstated. There is an urgent need to improve the work of institutions for prevention, protection, and processing of such cases, with a firm commitment to a victim-centered approach."

Ambassador Aggeler also met with Tuzla Canton Minister of Interior Hajrudin Mehanović and Tuzla Canton Head of Police Director’s Office Denis Fejzić, reiterating that there must be zero tolerance to gender-based violence and that more focus must be placed on strengthening the capacities of relevant institutions in offering support, protection, and well-being to victims of domestic and gender-based violence.

At the meeting with Tuzla Canton Assembly Speaker Žarko Vujović and Deputy Speaker Boris Krešić, Ambassador stressed that effective prevention demands joint efforts of all institutions within and beyond the Canton, emphasizing that while the executive power has its role, the significance of the legislator's role should not be underestimated.

Ambassador Aggeler used this opportunity to meet with representatives of NGO Vive žene, and express his deep appreciation of the organization's impactful activities, particularly its support for survivors of war trauma, sexual violence, and domestic violence. He sought insights on local level enhancements to living conditions and victim support within local communities, placing emphasis on domestic violence survivors.

The discussions underscored the collective commitment to combat gender-based violence, fostering a comprehensive approach that integrates institutional cooperation, legislative support, and community engagement.

The OSCE Mission to BiH remains dedicated to collaborating with Tuzla Canton and its institutions to ensure the safety, well-being, and rights of all citizens, particularly those affected by gender-based violence.

550204 Screenshot from awareness-raising video on safety rules in chemical emergency. OSCE

As the ongoing war against Ukraine causes damage to industrial facilities across the country, it heightens the risks of release of toxic chemicals, posing a serious danger for people and environment. To help diminish threats to health and lives of people, the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine (the SPU) produced and delivered to the country’s State Emergency Service (the SESU) the awareness-raising materials, designed to inform the public about safety rules for chemical emergencies.  

These materials include a 4-minute educational cartoon “Chemical Emergency – Safety Rules”, that explains signs of such situation, including symptoms of impact of chemicals on health, outlines rules of safe behavior in a variety of situations where chemical threats can materialize. This cartoon can be used during awareness-raising outreach events, organized by the Service for people leaving in high risk areas, e.g. near industrial facilities. It is accompanied by a short version on signs of a chemical emergency, as well as four clips with safety rules for when people can be caught in such a disaster, notably outdoors, in the premises - at home or in the office, while driving. These materials can be instrumental for social media and outreach for specific audiences; they are available at the OSCE website and SESU resource “Safety ABC”.  

In addition, the SPU updated designs of leaflets on dangers posed by most widespread industrial chemicals and produced a handy brochure with safety rules in case of emergencies with ammonia, nitric acid, chlorine and mercury. A brochure and two types of posters on dangers posed by chemical weapons were also developed for civil defense lessons. The State Emergency Service received in total 11,000 print copies of these publications; they were dispatched to regional offices of the SESU for distribution. Digital copies of print materials can be found here.  

This effort is part of the “Enhancing Ukraine’s Chemical Emergency Response Capacity” project, implemented by the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine with financial contributions from the Organization's participating States; see full list of the Programme's donors. 

Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 17 and 18 August 2023, the Programme Office in Dushanbe (the Office) organized a two-day training for social workers and psychologists in Dushanbe. The training aimed to teach techniques for rehabilitating juvenile offenders and preparing them for reintegration into society after serving their sentences.  

The Office is working with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population to implement the government’s National Programme for Rehabilitation and Social Integration of Juveniles for 2020-2024.   

“Today’s training for social workers and psychologists is just one step towards fulfilling this plan. The role that these professionals play in the lives of juvenile offenders can contribute to their success or failure upon their release,” said Rati Japaridze, Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. 

The training brought together a total of 25 social workers and psychologists of which 15 were female participants. The training addresses the needs of both male and female juvenile offenders and is the latest example of OSCE support to the juvenile colony in Dushanbe. Last year the Office provided a heating system and developed risk assessment and classification tools to aid colony authorities in establishing a case management system based on international standards.  

This activity assists the Government of Tajikistan to fulfil the OSCE Commitments related to the structural components of a Democratic society and the 2006 Brussels Declaration on Criminal Justice. 

Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 21 August 2023, The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (the Office) in co-operation with Tajikistan’s Border Troops launched a one month training course. Twenty-five officers from the Special Units of Tajikistan’s Border Troops are taking part in the course on “Sustaining Field Operational Capacities” held in the Border Troops Regional Training Facility in Khorog.  The course is conducted by a national expert and supported by assistant instructors from the Tajik Border Troops, leveraging local expertise while fostering sustainable internal training capacities.

The course will help participants improve skills relevant to their vital mission of securing the Tajik-Afghan border and addressing the security threats and humanitarian challenges emanating from Afghanistan. The main topics covered in the course are map reading, land navigation, pathfinding, reconnaissance and security operations and reporting, first aid, night observation and alpine/mountaineering, gender sensitive operations, and risk assessment. The participants are also introduced to the Google Earth Pro geospatial mapping and analysis software to help plan tactical-level border security operations.

The training is conducted within the framework of the 2nd phase of the Project “Patrol Field Capacity Building of the Tajik Border Troops (PFCB2)” financed by France and implemented by the Office. The course is part of the Office’s multi-year efforts to support Tajikistan’s border security response capabilities.

Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 21 August 2023, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (Office) in partnership with the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan organized a disaster related awareness session for the 20 community members of Marghak village in Muminabad district. The village is located in a disaster prone area. 

The sessions were designed to raise awareness of disaster preparedness and mitigation measures. Participants discussed the specific context of Marghak village including mapping its disaster prone areas. In addition, first aid training was provided to community members. This training will help them to provide basic medical care in the event of a disaster.

Marghak village is one out of eight villages in Muminabad district where similar community awareness raising sessions on disasters preparedness, mitigation and response are taking place throughout this month. The Office anticipates that these sessions will build resilience among communities in disaster-prone areas of Tajikistan.

This campaign is in line with the strategic goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and Tajikistan’s Mid-term State Program for the Protection of population and Territories from Emergency Situations for 2023-2028. It is part of OSCE’s broader work to support to disaster preparedness, prevention, response and recovery at community level as well as at national and transboundary levels.

550399 Communication and Media Relations Section Enhancing youth crime and drug use prevention through education on legality and awareness campaigns addressing threats of organized crime and corruption

The OSCE, in co-operation with the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and the Ministry of Education and Science of Kyrgyzstan, held a training course from 21 to 25 August 2023 in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan to help teachers use an OSCE-developed curriculum on crime prevention and lawful behaviour for students in grades 5 to 11.

The 27 teachers from 18 schools across Kyrgyzstan learned more about the curriculum and how to use it, while also expanding their knowledge of organized crime, corruption and illegal drug use. They also learned effective teaching methodologies to further strengthen students’ resilience and reduce the likelihood of young people’s engagement in illegal and corrupt activities.

“Fostering a culture of lawfulness and integrity among future generations is one of the priorities for the Government of Kyrgyzstan,” said Kyialbek Akmatov, Head of the School Education Policy Department of the Ministry of Education and Science of Kyrgyzstan. “We are pleased to have developed, thanks to OSCE support, the school curriculum that will equip youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand, respect and actively promote the rule of law and integrity across our country.”

The curriculum is designed to help Kyrgyz students learn about the risks and consequences of criminal behaviour, including organized crime, corruption and illegal drug use. The curriculum will be piloted across 18 schools in Kyrgyzstan over the forthcoming 2023/2024 school year. More than 10,000 students are expected to benefit from the pilot programme.

The OSCE developed the curriculum through consultations with stakeholders across Kyrgyzstan after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on youth crime prevention in April 2022 between the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and the Government of Kyrgyzstan.  

The MoU underscores the OSCE’s commitment to supporting Kyrgyz authorities in implementing their national commitments within the Youth State Policy and the State Anti-Corruption and Drug Control Strategies, both of which emphasize the importance of youth education in the rule of law and integrity.

These efforts are part of the OSCE-wide multi-year project, Enhancing youth crime and drug use prevention through education on legality and awareness campaigns addressing threats of organized crime and corruption, which is funded by Germany and Poland. Other donors supporting this project are Andorra and Italy.

550243 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

From 21 to 25 August 2023, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (the Office) conducted a Gender Equality and Leadership Skills Summer School in Bahoriston, Sughd region. The event brought together 26 young women nominated by the Committee of Women and Family Affairs, the Committee of Youth and Sport and the seven registered political parties.

Discussion topics ranged from concepts of gender equality and leadership to the national and international legal frameworks on the empowerment of women. Three members of the Alliance of Women Parliamentarians held discussions with young women and shared best practices from their own experiences of entering into and participating in politics.

“It is a generally accepted axiom that the family and society play a decisive role in the formation of the individual and further personal growth. In this context, the Alliance of Women Parliamentarians, which includes a group of women deputies at the highest legislative level, supports all legislative initiatives concerning women,” said Surayo Dustmurodzoda, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Economics and Finance, member of the Alliance of Women Parliamentarians.

Since 2017, the Office has hosted this annual summer school for youth in partnership with key institutions in Tajikistan. The Office will continue to support Tajikistan’s efforts to foster gender equality and promote women’s equal participation in public and political life. 

Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 22 August 2023 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is deeply saddened by the incident of attempted femicide in Bijeljina. The Mission is alarmed by the growing number of such cases and the overall gender-based violence situation.

Since 2015, 56 women have lost their lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 19 classified as femicide in just 2021 and 2022. An OSCE study reveals that 48 percent of women in BiH have encountered abuse, of which a concerning 84 percent goes unreported. Immediate action is imperative.

All levels of government in BiH must prioritize the prevention of and response to gender-based violence, including domestic violence. Collaboratively, we can eliminate these crimes, which exact an unacceptable toll on individuals and society alike.

We trust that responsible authorities will demonstrate accountability and prioritize resolving this urgent concern. Excuses are no longer acceptable, as every passing day could result in more lives lost.

VIENNA, 22 August 2023 - On this International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, we express our concern at the alarming number of violent incidents and hate-motivated attacks based on religion or belief that occur throughout the OSCE region. Antisemitic conspiracy theories, hate speech directed at Muslims, racist discourse, and incitement targeting Christians and members of other religions or belief are rife on and off social media.  

Instead of opening hearts to our common humanity, we are deeply troubled by instances of religious teachings, ideas or beliefs being instrumentalized for political purposes. This is particularly true when religious communities are lending support or allowing themselves to be instrumentalized for policies and measures that seek to limit the rights of women, migrants and refugees, as well as other vulnerable groups and minorities, in the name of social cohesion, national identity or cultural security.

Thus, on this day of commemoration, we encourage all participating States to strengthen their efforts to protect the freedom of religion or belief for all their residents and ensure that it is guaranteed through comprehensive legislation and implementation. These measures should foster inclusion and build resilience against violence and other abuses based on OSCE commitments.

It is equally true that all members of society share in the responsibility to reject any form of intolerance, discrimination, hatred and violence against Jews, Christians, Muslims, and members of other religions or beliefs, and to promote peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. Religious or belief community activists and civil society organizations are valued partners in these efforts and deserve government recognition and support.

As the Personal Representatives of the Chairperson-in-Office for tolerance issues, together with ODIHR, we stand ready to assist governments in their efforts to advance these goals.  

Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism

Professor Regina Polak, Personal Representative on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, also focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions

WARSAW, 22 August 2023 – Interfaith and interreligious dialogue is vital to promote the right to freedom of religion or belief and combat religious intolerance and violence, not just against people but also against homes, property, schools, religious sites, or places of worship, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion.

“Dialogue can be difficult, but it is nonetheless vital,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “It gives an opportunity for different religious or belief communities to engage in frank but respectful conversation. This allows members of diverse communities to gain insight into each other's beliefs, practices and values, fostering mutual tolerance and respect and countering stereotypes and prejudices that can lead to intolerance or even violence.”

Hatred against people from particular religious or belief communities rarely takes place in isolation, but often goes hand in hand with other manifestations of intolerance. Violence and discrimination do not only harm the individuals and communities concerned but can also jeopardize security across the OSCE region, with tensions between religious or belief communities having the potential to transform into wider conflicts.

Through regular exchange and co-operation, religious and belief communities can contribute to the advancement of freedom of religion or belief and strengthen the basis for peaceful co-existence. This can include working together towards effective anti-discrimination policies and legislation regulating the status of religious or belief communities in line with international human rights standards, and at the same time promoting the right to practice religion or belief without fear of violence.

Working towards security and stability in the OSCE region through the promotion of the right to freedom of religion or belief is an important aspect of ODIHR’s work, and the Office’s work in this area is supported by its panel of experts, specialists from a wide range of backgrounds and fields of expertise. Later this year, ODIHR will publish a practical toolkit dedicated to interfaith and interreligious dialogue and partnerships as a means to foster dialogue and understanding between different religions and belief communities.

All participating States of the OSCE have committed to “recognize and respect the freedom of the individual to profess and practice, alone or in community with others, religion or belief acting in accordance with the dictates of his own conscience”. Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right that gives each individual the right to have, not to have, adopt, change or leave a religion or belief. Its essence is the understanding that every society is diverse, and that respecting our differences is the only way for us to live together peacefully.

549859 Marina Živaljević

As part of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro assistance to the State Election Commission, to strengthen its administrative capacity to ensure that people with disabilities can vote independently and in secret, the Mission facilitated a study mission between 16 and 18 August to London.

Nikola Mugoša, Chair of State Election Commission (SEC), and Damir Suljević, a Commissioner representing NGOs and academia, together with Darko Brajović, the Mission Acting Democratization Programme Manager met with officials of the Cabinet Office and the Electoral Commission, the Association of Electoral Administrators, the Electoral Reform Society, and some of the leading disability charities. The delegation examined both the British legislative framework and administrative practice of safeguarding blind and partially sighted people can exercise their voting rights independently and in secret.

Nikola Mugoša presented the Montenegrin electoral framework and the requirement, in line with ODIHR recommendations that Parliament undertakes a comprehensive electoral reform. He was expecting that the new Parliament would soon form an electoral reform committee and which the SEC will actively support. Commissioner Suljević shared recent amendments the SEC made to its secondary legislation, making voting easier for voters with disabilities.

Paul Docker, Head of Electoral Administration at Cabinet Office, discussed how the UK’s accessibility legislation, removed impediments for voters with disabilities. The Royal National Institute of Blind People presented the work to make voting accessible for blind and partially sighted people.  

Darko Brajović, the Mission’s Acting Democratization Programme Manager underlined the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities are able to effectively participate in political and public life as part of the implementation of fundamental democratic rights in Montenegro.

549835 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 14 – 19 August 2023 The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (Office) organized a six-day training on the practical use of the electronic inventory management software for small arms and light weapons (SALW) and conventional ammunition (CA). Twelve national participants (all men) from Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) took part in the training held in Dushanbe.

The primary goal of the event was to familiarize the participants with the functions and capacity of the SALW&CA registration software developed by the OSCE, UNDP and Belarussian Ministry of Defense to meet the requirements for SALW and ammunition electronic record-keeping.

Following the training, the participants concluded that the software will be instrumental in improving efficiency in inventory management, storage and control of SALW condition, as well as the integrity, accuracy and speed in obtaining information used for management decision making. The new software is designed to increase productivity and improve working conditions for the personnel engaged with SALW record-keeping as well as reduce the volume of mundane manual operations.

Upon completion of the event, the Office donated 10 computers with pre-installed SALW&CA inventory management software to the MIA.  

The event was organized within the framework of the OSCE’s SALW CA project portfolio in the country and is part of the Office’s multi-year efforts to support Tajikistan in fulfilling its international commitments in the area of arms security and control,

VIENNA/SARAJEVO, 16 August 2023 - OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, and Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Brian Aggeler are alarmed by the recent repeated, open and direct threats as well as accusations made by Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik towards N1, Capital, BN, and Buka media outlets.

President Dodik's stated intention to file lawsuits against these media organizations for allegedly destabilizing RS and undermining his position in power, along with his claims of their allegedly receiving international funds for this purpose, are clearly aimed at suppressing and targeting journalists, silencing dissent and independent voices. This is particularly concerning given the recent move by Republika Srpska National Assembly that on 20 July re-criminalised defamation in RS.

“Such extreme and inflammatory statements, in particular when made by political leaders, have the potential to create an atmosphere of hostility and even incite violence,” said Ambassador Aggeler. “Past instances of similar rhetoric have led to attacks on journalists and human rights advocates by groups of hooligans with woefully insufficient reactions from law enforcement authorities failing to find and prosecute perpetrators, and protect citizens from violence,” he added.

"I denounce the accusations against N1, Capital, Buka, and BN television journalists," Ribeiro said. The representative recalled the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council decision on the Safety of Journalists, adopted by consensus of all OSCE participating states, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this decision, they "urge political leaders, public officials, and authorities to refrain from intimidating, threatening, or condoning – and to unequivocally condemn – violence against journalists. This is in order to reduce the risks or threats that journalists may face and avoid undermining trust in the credibility of journalists, as well as respect for the importance of independent journalism."

The OSCE strongly condemns any form of violence or harassment against journalists and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding their safety and rights, including their physical safety, security of their premises and homes, and strategic lawsuits launched by public officials.

“We expect that the authorities within RS will uphold their responsibilities and ensure the protection of all RS citizens, including journalists, from the potential consequences of such inflammatory speech. A free and independent media is a cornerstone of any democratic society, and the OSCE underscores the importance of fostering an environment in which journalists and media organizations can operate without fear of retribution,” Ribeiro and Aggeler concluded.

Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 16 August 2023 - On this day of mourning, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses its deep condolences to the families of the victims of those killed and wounded in the horrific killings in Gradačac, as well as to the local community suffering from this tragedy.

Prevention of violence against women and domestic violence more generally must be priorities for all relevant institutions in BiH.  We welcome the urgent investigation into the institutional response regarding this particular case, and strongly encourage relevant authorities at all levels to review the ineffective system of protection against domestic violence overall and to come forward with administrative and legislative proposals for how to better protect women against domestic violence.

According to an OSCE study, 48 percent of women in BiH have experienced some form of abuse, and 84 percent goes unreported.  A comprehensive response to this alarming situation will involve a coordinated effort including effective enforcement of existing legislation and training for police and judiciary officials.  The OSCE Mission stands ready to support any serious attempt to finally fight domestic violence decisively.

We also call upon the relevant authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to tighten firearms control through amending the laws regulating firearms ownership and possession in full harmonization with EU legislation and other international standards. Citizens should be encouraged to hand over their firearms to law enforcement authorities for destruction.

Finally, we urge the media to act responsibly by balancing the need to inform the public against preserving and protecting the privacy of those involved, especially minors. This is particularly important given the sensitivity of such incidents and the vulnerability of victims and witnesses.

ASTANA, 11 August 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani concluded his visit to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The trip focused on strengthening regional co-operation and the OSCE’s engagement in addressing the broad range of security challenges the region is facing.

In Tashkent, Chairman Osmani met with the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis (the Parliament) Tanzila Narbaeva, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov, and other interlocutors.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office highlighted the constructive co-operation the OSCE has with the country through its OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and institutions.

“As Chairpersonship, we attach equal importance to all regions within the OSCE area. We outlined Central Asia to be one of our priorities. By this visit, we are translating words into concrete action.” said Osmani.

“We see OSCE as a whole. I reiterated to the Uzbekistan authorities that the OSCE is committed to continue to support the country in implementing its reform agenda. This is another reason why we need to engage in even closer co-operation and pursue a co-ordinated regional response, on top of effective multilateralism.”

In Astana, Chairman Osmani met with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Speaker of the Senate of the Parliament Maulen Ashimbayev, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Zulfiya Suleimen and other high-level officials.

He commended Kazakhstan for its active engagement in addressing regional challenges and its commitment to promoting integration and connectivity in Central Asia. Chairman Osmani also stressed the excellent co-operation between the OSCE and Kazakhstan, including through the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana.

“The OSCE is fully engaged in delivering concrete projects to the benefit of the people across the OSCE region, including Central Asia.”

"The co-operation between Kazakhstan and the OSCE showcases many best practices that could be replicated, contributing to important public policies and processes. Using OSCE values and principles and its role as a unique platform for dialogue between different regions is more important than ever.”

In both countries, Chairman Osmani met with representatives of civil society and the staff of the OSCE field operations there, including the Programme Office in Astana and the Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan. 

SKOPJE/VIENNA, 10 August 2023 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, held two separate telephone conversations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan.

Minister Osmani expressed his concerns about the situation around the Lachin corridor and the impact on the civilian population, in particular vulnerable groups, including women and children. While emphasizing that he is following the situation carefully, he reiterated his call for constructive and productive dialogue as an avenue for sustainable solutions, for the benefit of the conflict-affected population.

Chairman Osmani underscored that the humanitarian considerations and people’s immediate needs should prevail. He offered his good offices and the OSCE`s tools and confidence-building measures as part of the solutions for normalizing relations and trust-building between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Recalling his past meetings with both ministers and visits to both capitals, OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani conveyed his readiness to continue his personal and active engagement with the sides. In this vein, he repeated that the OSCE Chairpersonship stands ready to facilitate dialogue to advance sustainable and peaceful resolve.

549649

The breach of the dam at Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant on 6 June 2023, the resulting overflow of Kakhovka reservoir and the flooding of downstream territories have had a widespread and devastating impact, including potentially long-lasting environmental damage, according to research conducted by the Centre for Environmental Monitoring and supported by the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine.

In response to a request from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Ukraine to quickly obtain information about its associated risks, the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine funded the sampling and analysis of surface water and air in the affected areas of Kherson region. The municipal enterprise “Centre for Environmental Monitoring” conducted tests from 10 June to 14 July and prepared an analytical report that was presented to the Ministry.

The research confirms that, at the time of sample-taking, the quality of water in every site tested did not meet sanitary, microbiological and parasitological norms. The high-speed, high-volume flood washed away river banks and submerged areas with a heavy industrial presence, spreading various chemicals and biological pollutants, resulting in disruption to the environmental balance, with long-lasting consequences.

In the framework of the monitoring activities, the mobile laboratory of the Centre examined 39 samples from Dnipro, Inhulets, Koshova and Viriovchyna rivers; air sampling was also conducted in three locations in the Kherson region. Examination was conducted on the sampling sites using instrumental analysis methods specially designed for fieldwork.  The study also engaged specialized laboratories in Kyiv and Kherson. Sampling encompassed more than 90 indicators pertinent to chemical, biological and radiological pollution on the Ukrainian government-controlled territory.  Experts had to take into account numerous security restrictions, meaning that sampling works could not be conducted on the left (southern) bank of the Dnipro River.

Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Olena Kramarenko noted: “We thank the OSCE for helping us monitor and analyse the impact of this terrible environmental crime.  It is important to continue monitoring activities and mobilize all available resources for the ecosystem rehabilitation in the region”.

The sampling materials will inform decision-makers on the environmental rehabilitation of the affected territories; as well as providing data for local and international organizations that are assessing the environmental aspects of the war. The report recommends – among other things – to continue regular and extended environmental monitoring.  The OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine will continue to co-operate closely with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Ukraine and the international community for the comprehensive assessment of the consequences of this environmental catastrophe and the impact of the war on the environment.

These efforts are an integral part of the project implemented through the financial support of  a number of OSCE participating States and partners. The full list of donors can be found here.

VIENNA/SKOPJE, 8 August 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, will visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan from 9 to 11 August for meetings with high-level government officials, parliamentarians and civil society.

In Tashkent, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office will hold meetings with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Chairperson of Senate of the Oliy Majlis (the Parliament) Tanzila Narbaeva and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov.

In Astana, Chairman Osmani will meet with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Speaker of the Senate of the Parliament Maulen Ashimbayev,  Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Zulfiya Suleimenova and other high-level officials.

Throughout the visit, Chairman Osmani will also meet with OSCE field operations staff, civil society representatives and the OSCE beneficiaries.

For more information about the 2023 OSCE Chairmanship of North Macedonia, please visit the OSCE website: https://www.osce.org/chairmanship.