OSCE

An advanced training course aimed at increasing border guards’ operational awareness to detect forged documents concluded on 18 October 2019 in Skopje.

This five-day training course was organized by the Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Skopje and the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of North Macedonia. 

The course was held at the Police Training Centre in Idrizovo and was conducted by document experts of the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior.

Twenty-one second-line officers had the opportunity to examine travel documents security features, printing techniques and security substrates. They also learned how to better detect imposters.

Exercises focused on the differences between genuine and forged documents, as well as on the effective use of equipment; such as magnifying lenses. High-quality magnifiers were donated to the participants by the OSCE.

This course will be followed by a Train-the-Trainers course in November. This is  part of a series of trainings on the detection of forged travel documents that have been organized by the OSCE Border Security and Management Unit since 2015 in different countries.

VIENNA, 21 October 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, announced today that his Office will organize a high-level conference on media freedom issues, to be held in Moscow on 6 November. The conference on “Freedom of the Media and Safety of Journalists in the Russian Federation and the OSCE region: Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age”, will be organized by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

The conference will debate four main topics: freedom of the media and media pluralism in Russia and in the OSCE region; the safety of journalists: new challenges and responses; “fake news”, disinformation: how to tackle them, including through Internet regulation, and international standards on freedom of expression; media self-regulation, fact-checking and the role of journalism, ethical standards and media literacy.

The conference will be opened by Representative Harlem Désir, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergey Lavrov, who will both take part in a panel discussion with journalists.

“The conference will bring together representatives of diverse Russian media, including non-state independent media, media experts and representatives of the authorities and institutions of the Russian Federation, to discuss openly media freedom and media development issues, safety of journalists, regulations affecting freedom of expression, self-regulation mechanisms and issues related to disinformation and quality of information in the Russia Federation and the wider OSCE region,” Désir said. “It will be the first such conference organized by my Office in Russia with an open discussion between independent media and government representatives at the highest level.”

The conference will bring together about 200 journalists and representatives from the media and non-governmental organizations, together with international experts, policymakers and representatives of government institutions.

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

A week-long live simulation exercise on how to identify and rescue victims of human trafficking concluded on 18 October 2019 in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. More than 40 professionals from law enforcement, labour inspectorates, prosecutorial offices, NGOs and social services from all across the country participated in the live-action training.

The exercise was jointly organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, the Karaganda Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Regional Hub for Countering Global Threats under the Law Enforcement Academy of the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the United States Embassy in Kazakhstan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Using actors to create trafficking scenarios, the live exercise offered front-line responders the opportunity to respond to simulated real-life anti-trafficking situations. Fictitious brothels, a construction site and an agricultural field were re-created to simulate cases of human trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation; including child victims.

The event was part of the OSCE Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to support the host country in combating human trafficking and in implementing the OSCE Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings.

The civic and social activism of youth was the focus of the annual three-day Zhas (Youth) Camp that concluded on 20 October 2019 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Some thirty young people were selected to attend the event following a competition held in four major cities where they successfully pitched their ideas for social initiatives and projects.

They were among this year’s Zhas Camp which attracted some 70 participants including political scientists, journalists, civil society activists, and experts on communication and gender issues. The participants discussed issues related to emerging needs, concerns and self-realization of young people, as well as reducing the risks of their social exclusion. A separate discussion with experts from Armenia, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation was devoted to key trends and challenges of youth participation in political and public life.

The participants had an opportunity to talk with guest speakers about inspirational examples on how to promote and deliver successful social projects and learned about fundraising and public campaign tools.

The camp was co-organized by the NGO Youth Information Service of Kazakhstan and the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan with support from the Soros Foundation-Kazakhstan and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s efforts to promote youth engagement in resolving issues of security and development.

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations both in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission saw damage to a functioning school in non-government-controlled Oleksandrivka.
• Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM saw workers from government-controlled areas laying gravel and cement at the foundations of and transporting removed parts of the broken section of the bridge.
• The Mission observed military presence inside the disengagement areas near Petrivske and Zolote.
• The SMM saw unexploded ordnance near non-government-controlled Verkhnoshyrokivske and demining activities near government-controlled Hranitne.
• The Mission monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate the operation of and repairs to critical civilian infrastructure along the contact line.
• Restrictions of the Mission’s freedom of movement continued, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Verkhnoshyrokivske.

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM followed up on reports of a boy injured due exploding ammunition in the Budonivskyi district of non-government-controlled Donetsk city. 
• Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM saw workers from government-controlled areas laying gravel at the foundations of the broken section of the bridge.
• The Mission recorded ceasefire violations inside the Petrivske disengagement area. It observed military and military-type presence inside the disengagement areas near Petrivske and Zolote.
• The SMM saw anti-tank mines near Spartak and mine hazard signs near Olenivka.
• The Mission observed two truck convoys from the Russian Federation in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate the operation of and repairs to critical civilian infrastructure along the contact line.
• Restrictions of the Mission’s freedom of movement continued, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Zaichenko.

A three-day training of trainers’ course on enhancing oversight of the security sector jointly organized by ODIHR and the OSCE Secretariat concluded on 18 October 2019 in Yerevan. The capacity building event was designed to increase the human rights investigation skills of staff members of Armenia’s ombuds institution and help them train security sector personnel on human rights compliance.

“Oversight over the security sector has an essential role in human rights protection. It is a key priority in my capacity as the Human Rights Defender of Armenia and I am confident that this training will strengthen capacities and professionalism of the Human Rights Defender's Office. I will be delighted to have another opportunity to co-operate with OSCE/ODIHR and I am very much committed in further achievements in security sector monitoring", said Arman Tatoyan, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia.

The training sessions covered different types of human rights investigations led by national human rights institutions, and focused on topics including complaints handling, data analysis, interviewing, reporting and outreach. Special attention was paid to integrating a gender perspective throughout the investigation cycle.

Omer Fisher, the Head of ODIHR’s Human Rights Department, said that “by investigating human rights violations ombuds institutions provide redress to those whose rights have been violated. What’s more, they also help security sector institutions become more effective and accountable and thus enhance security sector governance.”

The training event drew from the experience of different country examples and featured Susan Atkins, the first UK Service Complaint Commissioner and Sasa Jankovic, Serbia’s former Protector of Citizens, the country’s ombuds institution, as lead trainers.

The training course was the first activity undertaken by the project “Strengthening Security Sector Governance in the Republic of Armenia”. It supports ongoing reforms in the security sector as one of the priority areas agreed with the authorities of Armenia within the framework of the Armenian Co-operation Programme.

Over 50 education experts, representatives of ministries of education, pedagogical institutes, universities and academia gathered at the expert meeting and workshop on International Assessments in the Area of Education and Utilization of Their Findings for Education Improvement. The event was organized by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Hercegovina (BiH) on 17 and 18 October 2019 in Sarajevo.

The two-day workshop, held in co-operation with the BiH Agency for Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary Education under the slogan Towards Education that Creates Changes, focused on international assessments in the area of education (Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)) and the prospects of utilizing their findings in helping to improve the quality of education in BiH.

Mark Hanbury, Acting Deputy Head of the Human Dimension Department of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina stated: “Bosnia and Herzegovina is expecting their first ever results of PISA study and I hope that it will spark public debate on the importance of education quality and catalyze comprehensive education processes and enhance policies that will provide children of BiH with the quality education they deserve. The OSCE Mission to BiH will remain a reliable partner to all education authorities in their efforts aimed at improving the education in BiH.”

Maja Stojkić, Director of the BiH Agency for Preschool, Primary and Secondary Education says that international studies will draw attention to the effects of the efforts undertaken so far on improving the quality of education and provide the guidance and recommendations for further actions. “They should allow us to adopt, implement and monitor the effects of strategic decisions in education on the basis of empirical indicators, obtained by continuous participation in international research. The improvement of the education quality, based on the obtained results, must become a key government priority, and a must for the future and progress of the individuals, economy and society as a whole”, added Stojkić.

Aleksandar Baucal, a professor at the Belgrade Faculty of Philosophy emphasized that international assessment in education is important and highly relevant for increasing the quality of education, but it must be complemented by other relevant means for improving education. “The assessment provides all countries from the region with an opportunity to monitor the quality and equity of current education systems with an international perspective. Findings from these studies are relevant for various stakeholders, citizens, parents, students, teachers, researchers, policy makers and companies to engage in an informed and meaningful way in public discussions on the future development of education.”

The OSCE Mission to BiH will continue its efforts for advocating and supporting the responsible education authorities in taking effective steps towards improving the quality of education by developing policies and practices based on the findings of international assessments in the area of education.

Tajik youth discussed the promotion of women’s rights and gender equality at an OSCE-organized roundtable discussion on 17 October 2019 in Dushanbe. The event was dedicated to the International Day of Rural Women. Some 60 members of the Gender Champions network took part in the discussion, as well as representatives of civil society and the international community.

The event served as a platform for dialogue between youth and international organizations working on gender equality. It also enabled the participants to share success stories on events aimed at promoting women participation in public life.

“I am proud to be a member of the Gender Champions network,” said Avizova Kamila, one of the participants of the event. Every day I change people’s opinion and win their hearts, and this way every day I win”.

Gender Champions is a network of young Tajik women and men who are engaged in promotion of women’s rights, gender equality and women’s participation in political and public life. The network was established in 2017 with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe.

The OSCE Centre organized a series of lectures on codes of conduct and ethical standards in law enforcement from 14 to 19 October 2019 in Ashgabat. The Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Border Institute of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan each hosted a programme of lectures. They were attended by police cadets, law students from the Institute of International Relations and the Turkmen State University and cadets of the Border and Military Institutes.

The series was organized to allow students to develop their knowledge of international standards of ethics in law enforcement and to familiarize themselves with practical examples based on the work of international organizations such as the UN, the Council of Europe and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the area of good governance.

The event was led by Yaroslav Strelchenok, a lecturer on anti-corruption and professional ethics at the University of Turiba in Latvia and consultant-adviser on anti-corruption projects to international organizations.

In her opening speech, Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, underlined the importance of such events for the training of future state employees. She said: “The professional and moral potential of any working collective, and in particular of law enforcement agencies, is the capacity of their employees to oppose criminality and corruption. It also means their ability to overcome daily challenges and the impact of negative factors which may weaken their feeling of duty, responsibility, integrity and professionalism”.

The lectures touched on anti-corruption practices within state institutions and how to improve the efficacy of such measureUnder the expert’s guidance, students considered issues such as the importance of transparency in state institutions and the correct application of effective codes of conduct. The students also participated in a discussion on conflicts of interests and the potential problems arising from them.

The series of three events brought together more than 250 students from five institutions of higher education.

VIENNA/TIRANA, 18 October 2019 — Representatives of the 57 OSCE participating States, the six OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation — Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia — and several international organizations will meet in Tirana on 24 and 25 October to discuss the achievements, challenges and future opportunities for the OSCE Mediterranean Partnerships.

The OSCE 2019 Mediterranean Conference will look into ways to further common security in the Mediterranean through dialogue and co-operation on issues of mutual interest.

Albania’s Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Gent Cakaj, representing Albania’s Chairmanship of the OSCE Mediterranean Contact Group, Slovak State Secretary of the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry Lukáš Parízek, Secretary General of the Union for Mediterranean Nasser Kamel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Péter Szijjártó, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Marina Sereni, Secretary-General of Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Ambassador Saja Majali, General Secretary/Deputy Minister of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Algeria Rachid Bladhane will deliver opening remarks on the first day of the Conference.

The ministers and other high-level delegates will exchange views on:

• The importance of joint efforts in countering terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization that leads to terrorism;
• Youth participation and engagement to enhance dialogue and co-operation in the Mediterranean;
• The role of connectivity, digitalization, sustainable development and economic growth in advancing common security in the Mediterranean.

The OSCE has been holding annual conferences with its Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation since 1995. Under the OSCE convention, the Mediterranean Contact Group is chaired by the upcoming OSCE Chairmanship.   

The Conference will take place at the MAK Albania Hotel, Sheshi Italia, Tirana.

The following events will be open to media representatives:

Thursday, 24 October:

09:00 – 09:30            Opening remarks

14:30                          Family photo

Friday, 25 October:

12:00 – 12:30            Closing remarks

12:30 – 12:40            Press conference

Media representatives who wish to attend the Conference or are interested in an interview or background briefing are kindly requested to apply for accreditation by 22 October, Tuesday, 17:00. Send an email to the Albanian Foreign Affairs Ministry at info@mfa.gov.al, and attach the letter from media organization or a press card.

International media representative can register by sending an email to press@osce.org.

Discussions can also be followed on Twitter at @OSCE or by using the hashtag #OSCEMed.

The agenda and more information about the event are available here.  

The first international scientific and practical conference on The Present Day Military Conflicts: Content and Lessons Learned took place on 15 and 16 October 2019 in Tashkent. The event was organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, in co-operation with the Academy of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan.

More than 200 participants from the UN, OSCE, NATO, UNICEF, the CiS countries, the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies under the National Defence University of the USA, attended the conference.

Also in attendance were experts from higher military educational institutions of Azerbaijan, Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the USA, Tajikistan and Turkey.

The main purpose of the conference was to discuss the causes and nature of modern military conflicts, and exchange experiences on measures for their effective prevention and escalation.

The participants exchanged views on the characteristics of modern and future wars and discussed the situation in Afghanistan, the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula.

John McGregor, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, said that: “The OSCE provides a platform for dialogue on politico–military issues. The OSCE’s Code of Conduct on Politico–Military Aspects of Security is a key document in this regard and sets out basic norms for the democratic control of armed and security forces, as well as ensuring human rights and fundamental freedoms for armed forces personnel.”

VIENNA, 18 October 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, denounced today an incident targeting N1 journalists in Serbia.

On 14 October, two masked persons threw several hundred leaflets into the yard of the N1 premises in Belgrade stating: “Goodbye Republic of Serbia, N1 Welcome to Luxembourg”. According to media reports, a police investigation has already been launched.

“I strongly denounce any attempt or action that could endanger journalists’ safety. Targeting media professionals with the intent of presenting them as foreign mercenaries is a dangerous and unacceptable behavior, and must be met with condemnation and effective prosecution,” said Désir.

The Representative welcomed the swift reaction by the police in this case, urging them to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible. “Only an effective investigation will prevent future similar incidents, and enable all journalists to work in a safe environment and free from any kind of pressure,” Désir said.

The Representative recalled the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Safety of Journalists adopted last December in Milan, underlining the need for all 57 OSCE participating States to implement it. Désir noted that, this year alone, N1 journalists have been threatened and targeted many times. In several incidents the Representative reacted publicly. (See the Representative’s previous statements here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/410768; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/415565)

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.

A seminar on the protection of freedom of expression and policies to counter disinformation and fake news on the Internet, took place on 18 October 2019 in Nur-Sultan. The event was supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan and co-organized with the International Centre for Journalism MediaNet.

Some forty-five participants from government bodies, civil society, media-related non-governmental organizations, and the diplomatic corps participated in the event. Together with experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Ukraine, the participants examined the legal framework of distribution of fake news and disinformation, practical and digital instruments of checking information, as well as risks and possibilities of application of deep-fakes. During the practical exercise, they learned how to verify the authenticity of communication products by creating fake information material and checking it with the help of a specific application on their smartphones. In their presentations, the international experts introduced global technological trends and threats stemming from the distribution of fake news with real-life case studies from other countries.

The event aimed to equip journalists and government officials with the knowledge about mechanisms to reduce the potential harm from destructive behaviour on the Internet, such as trolling, cyberbullying, and hate speech. The workshop also provided a platform for government agencies, the media, and civil society to discuss the current challenges in the media with the focus on the principle of freedom of the media.

The event is part of the Office’s activities aimed at promoting media freedom and freedom of expression in line with OSCE principles and commitments.

A seminar on the protection of freedom of expression and policies to counter disinformation and fake news on the Internet, took place on 18 October 2019 in Nur-Sultan. The event was supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan and co-organized with the International Centre for Journalism MediaNet.

Some forty-five participants from government bodies, civil society, media-related non-governmental organizations, and the diplomatic corps participated in the event. Together with experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Ukraine, the participants examined the legal framework of distribution of fake news and disinformation, practical and digital instruments of checking information, as well as risks and possibilities of application of deep-fakes. During the practical exercise, they learned how to verify the authenticity of communication products by creating fake information material and checking it with the help of a specific application on their smartphones. In their presentations, the international experts introduced global technological trends and threats stemming from the distribution of fake news with real-life case studies from other countries.

The event aimed to equip journalists and government officials with the knowledge about mechanisms to reduce the potential harm from destructive behaviour on the Internet, such as trolling, cyberbullying, and hate speech. The workshop also provided a platform for government agencies, the media, and civil society to discuss the current challenges in the media with the focus on the principle of freedom of the media.

The event is part of the Office’s activities aimed at promoting media freedom and freedom of expression in line with OSCE principles and commitments.

A seminar on the protection of freedom of expression and policies to counter hate speech on the Internet took place on 18 October 2019 in Atyrau, Kazakhstan. It was supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan and co-organized with the NGO “Legal Media Centre”.

Some twenty journalists, students, and representatives of civil society discussed the relationship between media and hate speech policies as well as ways to enhance co-operation between government, civil society and media organizations.

Together with national experts from Kazakhstan, the participants examined a number of electronic resources and print media examples to analyse the language used in media reports. These real-life case studies provided an insight into the damaging effects of stereotypes in the media.

The event aimed to equip the participants with the tools to counter hate speech in the media and on the Internet. They also discussed mechanisms to reduce the potential harm from a malicious Internet environment and destructive behaviour such as trolling, cyberbullying and hate speech.

The event is part of the Office’s activities aimed at promoting media freedom and freedom of expression in line with OSCE principles and commitments.

This report is for the media and the general public.

SUMMARY

On 17 October at 07:22 (Moscow time), the eighty-fifth[1]Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). A total of 12 vehicles were checked by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers prior to their crossing into Ukraine. All 12 vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation by 15:00 on 17 October.

DETAIL

Leaving the Russian Federation

On 17 October at 07:22, the Observer Mission observed the arrival of a Russian convoy at the gate of the Donetsk BCP. The convoy consisted of 11 cargo trucks and one escort vehicle with the inscription "The Ministry of Emergency Situations" written in Russian. One cargo truck bore the inscription “Humanitarian aid from the Russian Federation” (in Russian). At 07:22, the vehicles entered the customs control area and queued in three lines. Once the convoy arrived, the vehicles were visually checked from the outside by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers. The truck drivers rolled up/opened the tarpaulins of the trucks and the border guards and customs officials performed a visual observation from the outside. One dog was present and used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside.

Three Ukrainian border guards and two customs officers were observed accompanying their Russian counterparts; they also performed a visual observation of the vehicles from the outside (without entering the trucks’ cargo space). They had clipboards in their hands and were taking notes. By 07:41, all of the vehicles had left the BCP towards Ukraine. During the crossing one civilian was present who took photos of the procedure.

Returning to the Russian Federation

At 14:55, the convoy returned and queued in the customs area. The Russian Federation border guards and customs officers visually checked the returning convoy from the outside. Ukrainian representatives – three border guards and two custom officers – were present during this check. The Ukrainian officials also performed visual checks of the trucks from the outside. One dog was present and used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside. By 15:00, all 12 vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation. During the return of the convoy, one civilian was present at the BCP taking photos of the procedure.

[1]Based on the Observer Mission’s counting, this convoy is considered Eighty-fifth convoy that has crossed into Ukraine through the “Donetsk” or “Gukovo” BCPs. However, so far all these convoys crossed through the “Donetsk” BCP.

COPENHAGEN, 17 October 2019 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli and Secretary General Roberto Montella met Wednesday in Belgrade with the President of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mustafa Şentop, for wide-ranging discussions. Tsereteli noted Turkey’s important role in the OSCE region and underlined the growing international concern over its military operation in northeastern Syria. Tsereteli urged Turkey to pursue its objectives with more peaceful means instead of large-scale military action.

Notwithstanding the complex issues involved, particularly terrorism and border control, President Tsereteli emphasized the need to normalize the situation in northeastern Syria and expressed hope for a quick end to the military operations. Şentop provided information on Turkey’s actions in Syria, stressed that the military operations are targeted against terrorists, and affirmed that Ankara’s optimal objective is for Syria to have full control over its territory but unfortunately this is not the case today.

“Turkey is a valued member of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and important contributor to the OSCE, particularly in relation to migration issues and counter-terrorism efforts, but it must be stressed that military operations in northern Syria should be completed as soon as possible,” said President Tsereteli. “Negotiations should commence for a solution to all the conflicts for the sake of the civilian population. We welcome the involvement of international leaders in this process and hope for meaningful discussions that avoid double standards. Life must be normalized, civilians must be protected and a humanitarian catastrophe must be prevented.”

He stressed the significant threat posed by ISIS terrorists and underlined the possibility of increased migration flows in relation to the fighting in northern Syria, as well as economic repercussions. “Turkey now assumes the responsibilities involved, including when it comes to ISIS prisoners in northern Syria,” Tsereteli said. “Renewed efforts at a peaceful solution are important and the OSCE PA will do its part to support these efforts.”

OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella called for collective responsibility, noting that the OSCE PA does not use double standards in affirming its values and that Turkey, as a participating State of the OSCE, deserves equal treatment. He noted the challenges that Turkey has faced in recent years in relation to the failed coup attempt in 2016, the terrorist attacks on its territory and its hosting of millions of Syrian refugees, but stressed that it is also expected to comply with international obligations.

For video of the meeting in Belgrade, please click here.

The 2019 Aarhus Centres Annual Meeting concluded on 17 October 2019 in Vienna. The two-day meeting brought together Aarhus Centres representatives, National Focal Points to the Aarhus Convention, representatives of non-governmental organizations, international organizations and the OSCE field operations.

“The Aarhus Convention reveals to be a crucial instrument in supporting people’s environmental rights and also in strengthening environmental co-operation, two essential elements of the OSCE approach to security and confidence building,” said the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Vuk Žugić, recalling the three pillars of the Convention.

Martin Koncal, representative of the 2019 OSCE Slovak Chairmanship, said that: “the work of the Aarhus Centres in some thematic areas can provide a tangible contribution to the implementation of several Sustainable Development Goals, in particular to those referring to environmental protection, water management, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, as well as gender mainstreaming, inclusive societies and access to justice”.

Andris Stastoli, representative of the incoming Albania OSCE Chairmanship 2020, closed the meeting saying that: “the OSCE-supported Aarhus Centres have contributed considerably to the implementation of the Aarhus Convention and to the promotion of good environmental governance in the OSCE region, thanks to their presence on the ground and their capacity to establish relations with stakeholders at different levels”.

Organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, the meeting favoured discussions on the involvement of Aarhus Centres in fostering good environmental governance in various fields, sharing experiences and lessons learned from their work and identifying future priorities.

This year, special attention was given to public participation in Environmental Impact Assessment and the Aarhus Centres’ engagement in implementing the Espoo Convention and its Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment.

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations both in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission saw damage to residential buildings in non-government-controlled Yasne.
• Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM saw workers from government-controlled areas collecting cut wood near the broken section of the bridge.
• The Mission recorded ceasefire violations inside the Petrivske disengagement area. It again saw military presence inside the disengagement areas near Petrivske and Zolote and continued observing the clearing of vegetation by the Ukrainian Armed Forces inside the latter.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle near non-government-controlled Sentianivka (formerly Frunze).
• The Mission observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.
• The Mission monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate the operation of and repairs to critical civilian infrastructure along the contact line, including at the Petrivske pumping station near Artema and to water pipelines near Novoluhanske.
• Restrictions of the Mission’s freedom of movement continued.