OSCE

VIENNA, 12 October 2019 – The 16th South Caucasus Media Conference organized by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, was held on 9 and 10 October in Tbilisi, Georgia.

During the two-day conference, journalists and representatives from the media and NGOs, state representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as international experts, discussed the latest media freedom developments in the region, the safety of journalists and the impact of digitalisation on news creation and the sustainability of media. The participants also debated the issue of disinformation and fake news, as well as the role of journalism in the digital age to promote access to quality and reliable information.

The Representative highlighted that digital technologies have made significant contributions to expanding the access to information and the possibilities for citizens to make  their voices heard. It provided unprecedented opportunities for creating and distributing content and enhancing diversity in the media.

“However, the dynamic growth of the Internet, including in the region, has also revealed worrying trends of manipulation of information, incitement to hatred and dissemination of violent content. Like elsewhere, this is a reality we are facing in the South Caucasus. We must work together with media actors, journalists' associations, Internet platforms and the States' authorities on responses that do not impede on the principles of freedom of expression and free use of the Internet. This is one of the most challenging issues of our time for the future of democracy. We must in particular give more support to self-regulation mechanisms, fact-checking initiatives, the role of independent public service media, and media literacy,” the Representative said.

Désir also stressed the importance of the general media freedom environment and the respect for media diversity. “The political context may vary from one country to another, but it remains challenging for the media as they are always at the centre of any political change in the region,” he said. “On several occasions during the past year, I had to intervene with the States’ authorities about different cases and alarming situations that infringed on the rights of reporters and the ability of media outlets to exercise their profession and activities freely. I am concerned by the fact that there are still imprisoned journalists in the region and even more who are prosecuted and could face heavy penalties because of their media activities,” said Désir.

Following the conference, a new set of recommendations will be presented by the Representative to the 57 OSCE participating States, providing guidelines to support media pluralism, the safety of journalists and legal frameworks in the region.

During his visit in Tbilisi, the Representative met with the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, David Zalkaliani and the First Vice Chair of the Parliament, Tamar Chugoshvili to discuss the latest media freedom developments in the country and areas in which his Office can provide assistance. He also met with the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE, George Tsereteli.

During his meeting with the President of Georgia, Désir praised Georgia’s progress on free expression and free media. He called on the authorities to preserve these achievements by keeping them high on the government’s agenda, to ensure media pluralism and the safety of journalists.

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

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM saw ongoing dismantling works at the broken section of the bridge.
• The SMM observed illumination flares signalling readiness to renew disengagement in both the Zolote and Petrivske disengagement areas by the armed formations, however, the activities related to the renewal of the disengagement did not commence.
• The Mission observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in government-controlled areas of Donetsk region and non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate repairs of critical civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line, including to power lines near Artema and gas pipelines near Betmanove, maintenance works at the Phenol Sludge Reservoir near Zalizne, as well as the drilling of wells near Raivka.
• Restrictions of the Mission’s freedom of movement continued, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Zaichenko.*

Warsaw, 11 October 2019 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold a news conference to present their preliminary conclusions following the parliamentary elections in Poland.

What:

• A news conference of the international observers sent by ODIHR to the parliamentary elections in Poland.
• The news conference is open to all, but only questions from journalists will be taken.

Who:

• Ambassador Jan Petersen, Head of the ODIHR election observation mission
• Tamara Otiashvili, Deputy Head of the ODIHR election observation mission

When:

• 14.00 on 14 October 2019

Where:

• Westin Hotel, Copernicus I Hall, 21 Al. Jana Pawła II, Warsaw
• If you cannot attend in person, follow the livestream on: www.facebook.com/osce.odihr

The Limited Election Observation Mission (LEOM) included 10 experts from across the OSCE region based in Warsaw, as well as 10 long-term observers deployed throughout Poland for the duration of the election period.

For more details, contact:

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

435545 Marina Živaljević

Eleven media professionals from different Montenegrin media outlets, as well as students from the Department of Journalism of the University of Montenegro, participated in a three-day workshop on investigative journalism from 9 to 11 October 2019. The OSCE-supported event took place in Podgorica.

The training was conducted by Sanita Jemberga, Executive Director of the Baltic Centre for Investigative Journalism (Re: Baltica).

The Mission’s Media Programme Manager Daniel Blank said that the training provided participants with reliable methods to research, cross-check and structure valuable information. “The time factor is particularly important when working as an investigative journalist — not only to publish results and findings as soon as possible, but also to follow different leads as long as necessary in order to present a holistic picture of what is happening,” said Blank.

Jemberga said that the workshop examined the theoretical framework, as well as its practical application: “I want you to come up with your own ideas for an investigation. When you leave this workshop after three days, you should leave with more than a good story idea.” According to her, investigative journalists are those who challenge the system on behalf of those who cannot. She added that as an investigative journalist, one should write about issues which are not necessarily popular, adding that in the Balkans, there are brilliant examples of investigative journalism.

During the workshop, the participants conducted in-depth case studies and practice exercises. The training course was part of the OSCE Mission’s project on “Support to Media Institutions, Information Pluralism, Freedom of Media and Safety of Journalists in Montenegro.”

From 6 to 11 October 2019, a group of twenty-one Permanent Representatives to the OSCE visited Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to reconfirm their strong support for strengthening the OSCE’s co-operation with each of the three countries.

The ambassadors met with high-level government officials and representatives of civil society in Dushanbe, Nur-Sultan, Tashkent and Samarkand. During the meetings, they discussed the OSCE’s engagement in promoting stability and security in Central Asia and exchanged views on these countries’ priorities and needs.

Discussions with Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirojiddin Muhriddin on 7 October focused on border security and combatting violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism.  In Dushanbe, the ambassadors also visited an exhibition marking the 10th anniversary of the Border Management Staff College hosted by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. Since its launch in 2009, more than 3,000 representatives of border security, from 45 OSCE participating States and nine Partners for Co-operation, have attended this OSCE’s internationally recognized educational institution.

In Kazakhstan, the ambassadors met with the Minister of Information and Social Development Dauren Abayev, Chairperson of the Specialized Judicial Board of the Supreme Court Aigul Kydyrbayeva, Commissioner for Human Rights Elmira Azimova and Deputy Chairperson of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan Zhanseit Tuimebaev.

They attended a roundtable discussion on “Afghanistan and the OSCE: Fostering Opportunities for Partnership and Co-operation”, held on 9 October in Nur-Sultan and organized jointly by the OSCE and Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry.

The aim of the event was to facilitate a meaningful discussion on how Central Asian countries and international organizations can work together to enhance co-operation with Afghanistan, which has been an OSCE Asian Partner for Co-operation since 2003.

The roundtable also focused on the OSCE’s engagement with the country. OSCE's field operations in Central Asia are crucial for the implementation of activities with the participation of Afghanistan. These activities largely focus on promoting border and customs management and combatting illicit trafficking in narcotics and weapons.

In Uzbekistan, the ambassadors met with Chairperson of the Senate Tanzila Narbayeva, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilkhomjon Nematov, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Mirza-Ulugbek Abdusalomov, Director of the National Centre for Human Rights Akmal Saidov and the Ombudsperson Ulugbek Muhammadiev.  

They also participated in a roundtable discussion in Samarkand on freedom of the media in Uzbekistan attended by local journalists and bloggers. The event was organized by the Agency for Information and Mass Communications under the Administration of the President.

During their visit, the ambassadors also met with staff members from the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, the Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and the Programme Office in Nur-Sultan.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM saw ongoing dismantling works at the broken section of the bridge.
• The SMM observed a protest and an increased police and military presence outside the Zolote disengagement area. It also recorded ceasefire violations inside the Zolote and Petrivske disengagement areas.
• The Mission observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.
• The SMM observed trenches (some of them new), mines and damage to civilian properties in the area of the destroyed Donetsk International airport.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate repairs of critical civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line, including to power lines near Artema, maintenance works at the Phenol Sludge Reservoir near Zalizne as well as the drilling of wells near Raivka.
• Restrictions of the Mission’s freedom of movement continued, including at four checkpoints in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.*

BELGRADE, 10 October 2019 – OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger concluded today a two-day visit to Serbia where he met with high-level state officials and representatives of the opposition, civil society and the media.

In a meeting with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, Greminger emphasized that Serbia has made considerable progress on its reform agenda. “It is important that the country continues on its reform path. Do not hesitate to make full use of the OSCE’s expertise. The OSCE Mission to Serbia will continue to synchronize and tailor their activities to Serbia’s evolving needs to better support key reform processes, in line with the government’s priorities,” he said.

Regional relations and economic co-operation were also discussed. “Serbia plays a positive role in promoting economic co-operation to the benefit of long-term stability and development in the region,” said Greminger.

Greminger also met with Prime Minister Ana Brnabić.  Among other things, they discussed initiatives to promote cross-party dialogue on electoral issues, ahead of the 2020 parliamentary and local elections. “I hope all political stakeholders will engage constructively in the discussion on how to provide a level playing field for holding free and fair elections,” said Greminger.

Brnabić and Greminger also talked about the draft Media Strategy, central for a healthier media environment and based on the principles of freedom of the media, ethics and professionalism. “Finalization and implementation of the Strategy are vital.”

Greminger met with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dačić. “Serbia is a trusted and active partner within the OSCE, which was proven during its OSCE 2015 Chair by being central to the promotion of regional co-operation and stability,” said Greminger. The Secretary General commended Serbia’s support and constructive approach in helping to make the 2020 Albanian Chairmanship a success for the OSCE.

Greminger also met with Veroljub Arsić, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia. They discussed the OSCE Mission to Serbia’s continued focus on strengthening the parliament's oversight role and the separation of powers. The Mission supported the process of constitutional amendments on the independence of the judiciary. “It is important that the parliament strengthens its role in terms of oversight and law-making,” said Greminger.

In a meeting with opposition party leaders, Greminger stressed that a strong opposition is an essential element in democracy: “It is important to hear critical voices. I attach great importance to inclusive political participation as key for a democratic society. Political dialogue between all parties must continue for the benefit of all citizens.” 

During the meeting with civil society representatives, Greminger reaffirmed the OSCE’s support of their work. In an exchange with Brankica Jankovic, the Commissioner for Protection of Equality, Greminger stressed the role of independent institutions. “Wide participatory processes are key to ensuring sustainability and local ownership of the reform. This is a must if the country is to move forward in the fields of youth activism, gender and within any other democratic development sphere,” said Greminger.

The Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia Andrea Orizio said: “The OSCE Mission to Serbia will remain a trustworthy partner and supporter of Serbia in its ambitious reforms for the benefit of Serbian society by providing its expertise, adding value and fostering domestic ownership of reform achievements, always having in mind the regional dimension.”

The Secretary General also met with the staff of the OSCE Mission to Serbia.

BRATISLAVA, 10 October 2019 - The  two-day 5+2 talks on the Permanent Conference on Political Issues in the Framework of the Negotiation Process on the Transdniestrian Settlement concluded today with the Sides, mediators and observers noting that work to agree on a new Bratislava Protocol will continue. 

“The talks in Bratislava, which took place on 9 and 10 October, have been constructive, although difficult at times. The Sides have reviewed the status quo of the ‘Berlin-plus’package and discussed new priority areas for confidence-building,” stated Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Claus Neukirch. “The Sides were very close to adopting a Protocol. The negotiations will continue in the next days with a view to producing a final version of the Bratislava Protocol,” concluded the Head of Mission.

Following the meeting in Bratislava, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák stressed: “I appeal to the whole 5+2 format, in particular to Moldova and Transdniestria, to do everything they can to find a compromise on the Protocol, which will be mutually acceptable, pragmatic and allow the Sides to work for the benefit of the people on both banks of  the Dniester/Nistru River. The Slovak Chairmanship stands ready to support the process in every possible way”.

The goal of the 5+2 talks is to work out the principles of a comprehensive settlement based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders with a special status for Transdniestria within Moldova, as reconfirmed annually in Ministerial Council Statements by all the 57 OSCE participating States.

Talks in the 5+2 format include the participation of representatives of the Sides, Mediators and Observers – Moldova, Transdniestria, the OSCE, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the United States and the European Union.

SARAJEVO, 10 October 2019 – Over 80 representatives of the security sector, law enforcement agencies, academia, the private sector and the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) gathered today in Sarajevo at the presentation of the Guidelines for a Strategic Cybersecurity Framework in BiH. This is the first document in the country that will set a framework for a comprehensive and strategic approach in responding to serious cybersecurity threats in a more systematic manner.

“These Guidelines provide the basis and a good practice model for developing strategic documents dealing with related challenges at different levels of authority. The document is overarching in nature, addressing the foremost points in enhancing the cybersecurity of the country and its institutions, while entailing the highest international standards,” stated Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. “The OSCE Mission to BiH will continue to be a committed partner to institutions in BiH and provide support in implementing future strategies, action plans and mechanisms developed in accordance with these Guidelines,” she added.

Elisabet Tomasinec, Head of Political Section at the EU Delegation to BiH and Office of the EU Special Representative stressed: "The European Union will contine to support and strongly encourage further efforts in the area of cybersecurity and fight against cybercrime in the Western Balkans countries. Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed international agreements and conventions relevant to cybersecurity including the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU which stipulates the need for co-operation on combating and preventing cybercrime. However it still lacks a comprehensive overall strategic approach to address the issue of cybercrime and cybersecurity threats."

Marina Pendes, Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina stated: “Endangerment of cyberspace security, be it cyber threats, terrorism, escalation of relations between states, illegal trade, and all types of cybercrime, has long been not within the scope of local, but rather global. Safe, open and stabile cyber space is not just an essential need of our state institutions and society as a whole, but it implies the principles and standards in this field that Bosnia and Herzegovina has to adhere to within its membership in the United Nations and the OSCE, as well as within the integrations we aspire to.” 

These Guidelines were developed under the auspices of the OSCE Mission to BiH involving all relevant state- and entity-level institutions, with the support of the EU Delegation to BiH/EUSR and the Geneva Center for Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF).  

TBILISI, 10 October 2019 – A fully functioning democracy requires that journalists and activists are able to work without fear for their lives, nor fear of being imprisoned for their beliefs, stated President George Tsereteli (MP, Georgia) in remarks delivered at the 16th South Caucasus Media Conference in Tbilisi.

“We need to make clear that attacks on journalists are nothing less than an attack on democracy,” said President Tsereteli. “All our countries must continue to do more to build safeguards guaranteeing that whistle-blowers, anti-corruption activists, and investigative journalists are able to conduct their work. This should come in the form of special protection enshrined in legislation. Our parliaments must do more to ensure effective parliamentary oversight of governments’ actions towards solving all cases of journalists’ murders, imprisonment and/or ill treatment in a transparent manner.”

During his address on Wednesday, the President recalled the Luxembourg Declaration adopted in July, which calls upon OSCE participating States to ensure that efforts to protect journalists should not be limited to those formally recognized and documented as such, but should also cover support staff, citizen journalists, bloggers and others active in this field. It also urges that OSCE countries develop strategies to eliminate the harassment of women journalists.

On the margins of the conference, President Tsereteli met Harlem Desir, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. President Tsereteli reiterated the Parliamentary Assembly’s support for the Representative’s office and the two discussed opportunities for further co-operation and common strategies to strengthen the impact of the OSCE’s work.

The conference, organized by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, is being held under the theme “Strengthening media freedom and safety of journalists in a changing environment.” It includes participants from Armenia and Azerbaijan and Georgia representing the public authorities, media, journalists' associations, civil society, academia, and international experts to discuss the issues of the regulatory frameworks, safe working environment, and new media technologies.

435254 Communication and Media Relations Section

The OSCE Mobile Training Team delivered an interactive training course on the identification of foreign terrorist fighters at the borders for 25 first- and second-line border officers from 8 to 10 October 2019 in Batumi, Georgia.

The training focused on international, regional and national legal frameworks, risk analysis and management, travel documents security, advance passenger information and behavioural indicators.

The importance of improved knowledge regarding risk analysis models applied to foreign terrorist fighters and the history, trends and current cases of such individuals were emphasized during the course. The attending border officers engaged in practical training sessions on the detection of forged documents and imposters as well as in exercises to deepen their understanding of indicators in the behaviour of foreign terrorist fighters.

The highlight of the training was a visit to the Georgian-Turkish border check point Sarpi, where participants were familiarized with the history of its demarcation, the modus operandi regarding the identification of criminal activities at the border and the challenges related to its location directly at the black sea.

The course was delivered by the OSCE Mobile Training Team represented by national border officers from Georgia, Greece, Romania and Spain together with international experts from the OSCE and the South Caucasus Office on Drugs and Crime (SCODC), who shared their knowledge and expertise.

The OSCE Mobile Training Teams, composed of 23 selected border and counter-terrorism experts from OSCE participating States, were established by the Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department in 2016 and 2019.

SDGs SDGs:  7 - Affordable and clean energy

Strengthening co-operation in the field of environmental and sustainable development in Central Asia was the focus of the 2019 OSCE Second Central Asian International Business Forum on 9 and 10 October 2019 in Tashkent.

The Forum aimed to familiarize participants with practical application, implementation and concepts for smart city technologies in Central Asia. It was organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan in co-operation with the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Environmental Protection and ITECA Exhibitions. 

Over 200 participants from across the OSCE region, including private sector representatives, high-level government officials and representatives from embassies and international organizations participated. The participants discussed “smart energy system” models and solutions, waste and water management, renewable energy and energy efficiency.

“The Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan John MacGregor said he: “supports capacity building for regulators and civil society on green economy strategies, exchanging best practices and creating platforms for discussion. Events like today’s Forum are an important part of these efforts.”

Bakhrom Kuchkarov, the Chairperson of the State Committee on Ecology and Environmental Protection, said: “The Forum gives us a chance to put into action our plans for sustainable development and moves us a step closer towards fulfilling the goals for sustainability as described in Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s adopted strategy on moving country towards green economy

The Forum was held concurrently with the Second Central Asian International Exhibition “Green Technologies, Environmental Protection and Recycling — Green and Environmental Technologies (GET) Central Asia 2019”.

The event is part of the Project Co-ordinator’s project “Support in the Implementation of Green Economy Policies in Uzbekistan”. 

WARSAW, 10 October 2019 – In line with commitments by all OSCE countries, political leaders have a responsibility to promote a discussion about abolishing the death penalty, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on World Day against the Death Penalty.

“The death penalty is cruel, inhuman and degrading,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “Most countries across the OSCE region recognize the extreme anguish a capital sentence causes to those on death row, as well as to their families. It denies the humanity of those convicted, treating them as objects to be eliminated by the state.”

This year’s edition of ODIHR’s Background Paper on the Death Penalty in the OSCE Area  focuses on the re­lationship between the death penalty and the right to life. It also includes a discussion of arguments used to retain or even to reintroduce the death penalty, including assertions that the death penalty is still legally permissible, or arguments based on alleged public support for the use of capital punishment or its purported effect on crime reduction.

The vast majority of OSCE participating States have either completely abolished the death penalty or maintain moratoria on executions as an important step towards abolition. ODIHR’s 2019 report highlights the increasingly shaky basis of the death penalty in international law. States are obliged to take steps toward the progressive abolition of the death penalty, including steps aimed at sensitising the public about arguments in favour of abolition, and keeping the question under policy review.

“There is ample evidence that the death penalty does not act as a deterrent, while of course making any miscarriage of justice irreversible,” ODIHR’s Director added. “The idea of reinstating capital punishment even in some places or instances is of great concern, and runs entirely counter to the global trend towards abolition.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• The SMM saw damage to civilian properties in non-government-controlled Staromykhailivka.
• Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM saw ongoing dismantling works at the broken section of the bridge.
• The Mission saw a vehicle with a mounted heavy-machine gun and military personnel inside the Zolote disengagement area.
• The Mission recorded ceasefire violations inside and near the Petrivske disengagement area.
• The SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate repairs and the operation of critical civilian infrastructure, including repairs to water pipelines between Zolote-3/Stakhanovets and Popasna, repairs to power lines near Artema, as well as the drilling of wells near Raivka.
• Restrictions of the Mission’s freedom of movement continued, including at non-government-controlled checkpoints in Bezimenne and Staromykhailivka.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

GENEVA, 9 October 2019 - The 49th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place today.

In Working Group I dealing with security issues, the exchanges focused on the situation on the ground and the worrisome developments of August 2019, in particular in the Chorchana – Tsnelisi area. In this context, the Co-Chairs welcomed the continuous efforts undertaken in the framework of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Ergneti to defuse tensions on the ground. The Co-Chairs also welcomed the participants’ commitment to de-escalation and called on relevant actors to continue their dialogue to find a mutually acceptable solution.

The exchanges in Working Group I also touched upon various other issues, including extensive discussions on non-use of force and international security arrangements. The Co-Chairs urged the participants to renew efforts to achieve progress on these core issues. In addition, the Co-Chairs reiterated their call for the resumption of the work of the Gali IPRM without further delay.

While acknowledging the recent lifting of crossing restrictions imposed at the Abkhaz administrative boundary line (ABL) in June 2019, the Co-Chairs stressed the need to reopen all crossing points along the South Ossetian ABL.

In Working Group II dealing with humanitarian issues, the co-moderators noted the impact of such restrictive measures on the freedom of movement and livelihoods of the conflict-affected population. The participants also discussed issues relating to missing persons, mobility, documentation, public health, education, cultural heritage and environmental challenges. The participants welcomed ongoing efforts to address the problem of environmental pests and agreed on the need to continue them.

It was once again not possible to complete discussions on the issue of internally displaced persons/refugees due to a walkout by some participants in Working Group II. The Co-Chairs express regret at this disruption and remind participants of the need to engage constructively on all agenda items.

An information session on the topic “Public health: best practices for managing communicable diseases” with experts from the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control was held on the eve of this round.

The participants agreed to hold the next GID round on 10-11 December 2019.

Communication and Media Relations Section

The OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with the National Police Agency of Mongolia, organized a training workshop on the advantages of intelligence-led policing (ILP) as a modern approach to contemporary law enforcement management on 9 October 2019 in Ulaanbaatar.

Thirty police managers, occupying decision- and policy-making positions in the National Police Agency of Mongolia and the University of Internal Affairs of Mongolia, attended the workshop.

After the presentation of the OSCE-recommended ILP model, which was recently published in the OSCE Guidebook on Intelligence-Led Policing, law enforcement experts from Sweden, Estonia and Serbia shared their experiences, best practices and lessons learned from implementing ILP in their respective countries. Potential benefits as well as challenges and obstacles for introducing an ILP model in Mongolia were then discussed in working groups.

“Given the limited resources, police need to base its work on empirical data and information to be able to effectively and efficiently fulfill its role in protecting public safety and the rule of law,” said Zorigt Ochirkhuyag, Head of Department for Information, Analysis and Operational Management in the National Police Agency of Mongolia.

Arnar Jensson of the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department expressed gratitude to the National Police Agency of Mongolia for the excellent co-operation in organizing the workshop. He underlined that: “ILP as an approach to law enforcement management has already been adopted by a number of countries around the world in recent years, moving the focus from reactive towards proactive police work.”

ILP developed as a response to two of the main challenges of today’s law enforcement: the ever increasing complexities and transnational nature of crime, and a greater public demand for financial efficiency. ILP combines intelligence gathering and analysis with informed decision-making procedures.

The OSCE Guidebook on Intelligence-Led Policing presents a common and coherent approach to implementing ILP in the OSCE area. It has been translated into several languages and is used by law enforcement authorities and training institutions across the OSCE area.

COPENHAGEN, 9 October 2019 – OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella met this morning at the Assembly’s International Secretariat with a delegation of the Albanian Parliament’s European Integration Committee, composed by its Chair Rudina Hajdari, Deputy Chair Senida Mesi and Member Ralf Gjoni. The delegation was accompanied by the Albanian Ambassador to Denmark, Elida Petoshati, and Sidrit Minxhozi, Head of the Parliament's International Department.

Discussions touched upon a number of issues, including the upcoming decision by the European Council on the start of EU accession negotiations, the latest domestic developments in Albania as well as the electoral and judicial reform processes. Moreover, special focus was conveyed to the preparations for the 2020 Albanian OSCE Chairmanship.

Secretary General Montella underlined that the upcoming Chairmanship is a responsibility and an opportunity for the country as a whole, and a process that must see the engagement and co-operation of all national stakeholders, including the Parliament. He also reiterated the strongest support of the OSCE PA to Albania and expressed the hope to further strengthen the already excellent co-operation on the occasion of the PA's expected high-level visit to the country in November.

“The OSCE needs strong leadership,” Montella said, “and I am confident that Albania will be able to drive forward the OSCE agenda in a spirit of collective responsibility and ownership.”

Montella also reiterated President’s Tsereteli's and his appreciation for the roundtable on electoral reform facilitated by the OSCE Presence in Albania in late September. He expressed hope that all sides will continue to be involved in this process, including representatives of the Government, the parliamentary and the extra-parliamentary opposition, civil society as well as national and international experts.

Today’s gathering followed a meeting between OSCE PA President George Tsereteli, Special Representative on South East Europe Mark Pritchard, and Secretary General Montella and the Albanian Delegation to the PA, headed by Ditmir Bushati, which was held on the margins on the Assembly's Autumn Meeting in Marrakech, on 6 October.

435293 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Barriers affecting the electoral participation of women and identifying solutions to overcome them was the focus of a conference held by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 9 and 10 October 2019 in Sarajevo. The event was organized in partnership with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The event brought together 55 participants (33 women and 22 men), including politicians, representatives of civil society organizations and the media, women’s rights activists and academics from across the Western Balkans, as well as experts from other international organizations.

“The recommendations ODIHR has made on women’s participation in the elections in the Western Balkans include calls for greater participation in electoral and other decision-making bodies, equitable media coverage during campaigns, parity for electoral candidacy and addressing issues such as group or family voting,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “This event provided our Office with an important opportunity to further understand the challenges and to see how we at ODIHR can refine our approach to ensure we are doing all on our part to support local stakeholders in promoting women’s participation.”

Key topics discussed included the role of media in ensuring gender-balanced coverage of election campaigns; co-operation and partnerships between women’s organizations and government and public institutions, as well as their engagement in addressing electoral recommendations. The participants also exchanged views on challenges, good practice examples and recommendations for action to ensure the unhindered participation of women in electoral processes.

“When women participate in elections — as candidates, voters, party supporters or electoral administrators — their needs and interests are better addressed. Political processes then become more inclusive, political decisions better reflect the electorate, and the overall democracy is strengthened,” said Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The event was organized as part of ODIHR’s project “Support to Elections in the Western Balkans”, which is funded by the European Union and the Austrian Development Agency. The project supports institutions and civil society in their efforts to follow up on election observation recommendations. It also focuses on engaging politically under-represented groups, including women.

435110 Marina Živaljević

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro, in co-operation with the Police Directorate’s Criminal Intelligence Division and the Department for Analytics and Development of the Police, organized a two-day workshop on 7 and 8 October 2019 in Podgorica.

The workshop focused on enhancing the specialized crime units’ skills in collecting, reporting and analysing data and other crime-related statistics.

Thirty Police Directorate representatives attended the workshop to strengthen the capacity of the police in applying a proactive intelligence-led policing model in their efforts to combat serious and organized crime.

John Corrigan, Programme Manager for Security Co-operation and Governance at the OSCE Mission said that one of the greatest challenges we face in dealing with serious and organized crime is its hidden nature. “There is a danger that we become complacent about the things we cannot see. Our challenge must start today by shining a light into the hidden places — to reveal a reality that should trouble us all,” said Corrigan.

This event is part of the Mission’s efforts to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of Montenegrin institutions to prevent and combat serious and organized crime, support the implementation of the national Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment and facilitate exchange of operational data between Montenegrin law enforcement units.

Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

Representatives of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and members of Public Councils on Police Reform (PC) met to discuss community policing as a joint fight against crime. The roundtable discussion was conducted on 4 October 2019 in Guliston, the Sughd region. It was supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe and the International Organization Saferworld. Some 110 participants, including staff of MIA and representatives of national and international organizations participated in the event.

“The aim of the meeting is to discuss approaches being undertaken in the framework of police reform, especially deepening community and police co-operation,” said Deputy Minister of Interior Umarzoda Ikrom. “The roundtable discussion helps to exchange views and increase knowledge of police and members of PCs on community policing.”

Presentations were given by the heads of MIA departments and chairpersons of regional and district PCs on the achievements in the improvement of community policing in their regions. Areas for improvement in the work of police and PCs were also noted.

The roundtable discussion concluded with the adoption of a resolution. It includes: joint recommendations on crime prevention, increasing effectiveness of police work in the regions, accessibility of law enforcement’s assistance for the population, the involvement of citizens in the implementation of police reform, the role of media in creating a positive image of police in the community and building trust between the public and the police.

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe assured the Interior Ministry and members of PCs that it will continue supporting the MIA to promote the concept of community policing.