OSCE

105641 Željka Šulc

Prosecutors from across Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered at the Annual Prosecutorial Conference on Criminal Matters which concluded on 9 October 2019. Over the course of three days, participants took part in panel discussions on; corruption and organized crime, war crimes, preventing violence against children in a digital environment, child victims of crime, gender-based violence, migration and the criminal justice system.

The panel on preventing violence against children in a digital environment provided prosecutors and law enforcement experts an opportunity to familiarize themselves with cases of trafficking that were facilitated by information and communication technology, such as through social media. It also enabled discussion on exploring challenges in prosecuting such types of cases.

Gordana Tadić, Chief Prosecutor of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Head of the Strike Force for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Illegal Migration emphasized that through the application of new investigative techniques, it is possible to more efficiently combat offences of human trafficking online. “Traffickers use a variety of methods in recruiting and exploiting victims. An adequate response to this crime requires the use of the latest investigative techniques, digital forensic tools and electronic evidence.”

“In a digitalized world, a potential for the recruitment and exploitation of victims of human trafficking is rapidly growing. Traffickers are increasingly using modern technology to avoid detection. It is therefore essential that practitioners in this field have the knowledge about the elements and methods of trafficking via modern technology,” stated Boris Topic, National Anti-trafficking Officer at the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The panel was supported by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Forum of Solidarity-Emmaus, as a part of their efforts to increase capacities of competent actors to ensure effective prosecution of trafficking in human beings.

435011 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

A two-day national seminar on strengthening rule of law-compliant criminal justice responses to terrorism concluded on 9 October 2019 in Dushanbe. The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in close co-operation with the Action against Terrorism Unit of the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threat Department. It brought together more than 30 representatives of law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, the bar association and NGOs that work on preventive measures against terrorism.

The event was based on good practices detailed in the Global Counterterrorism Forum’s Rabat Memorandum. This document offers insights into effective counter-terrorism investigation and prosecution, while emphasising the respect for applicable international law in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Experts in the field of criminal justice showcased the legal parameters and practices developed in Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

“Resolute criminal justice responses to terrorism that are adequate and proportional, as well as fully corresponding to rule of law and human rights requirements can help to effectively tackle this complex phenomenon,” stated Johan Dahl, Acting Head of the Politico-Military Department at the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. He said that monitoring the compliance of criminal justice responses with applicable national and international laws is the primary responsibility of the judiciary branches and prosecution bodies. But, he noted, at the same time civil society and the media must also stay vigilant and have a constructive role in this field.  

The participants discussed how to enhance domestic and international co-ordination and co-operation between agencies dealing with counterterrorism issues, effective investigation and prosecution aspects, as well as proper rehabilitation and reintegration of persons convicted on terrorism charges back into society.

The event was organised within the framework of the OSCE Programme Office’s project on the implementation of Tajikistan’s National Strategy on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism (2016–2020).

435026 Communication and Media Relations Section

The role of digital technologies and tools in reducing corruption risks was the focus of a two-day high-level regional conference organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) in co-operation with the 2019 Slovak OSCE Chairmanship and the Anti-Corruption Agency of Kazakhstan on 7 and 8 October 2019 in Almaty.

The conference gathered over 60 high- and senior-level officials and experts from Central Asia and the wider OSCE region.

“Digital technologies and tools are already deeply transforming our societies and our way of living, including the way we do business, our governance models, our policy agendas,” said Vuk Žugić, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. “Digitalization is also an integral part of the activities implemented by the OSCE, particularly at field level. I am convinced that embracing the benefits of technological change as a tool to promote corruption free, transparent and accountable societies will enhance security and stability in the OSCE region.”

Professor Paola Severino, the Special Representative to the OSCE Chair on Combatting Corruption said that the OSCE has an important position in the region given its work with all countries to build capacity to use digital and other tools to prevent and combat corruption. “Corruption has a direct negative impact on security and undermines trade, investment and economic growth. We must intensify our co-operation and jointly address challenges while learning from each other applicable ways and means to combat corruption in Central Asia and across the OSCE region,” she noted.

Building on this message of co-operation, the Slovak Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Milan Kollár, said: “In an increasingly interconnected world, good governance requires a participatory, inclusive, multi-stakeholder and cross-dimensional approach among governments, civil society, business communities and academia.”

“Digitalization is the most effective tool to combat corruption,” said Alik Shpekbayev, Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Agency of Kazakhstan. “We implemented a wide range of activities within the National Programme “Digital Kazakhstan”, focusing on automation and digitalization in public administration, primarily in the provision of public services.”

The participants discussed the use of digital technologies in monitoring the implementation of anti-corruption strategies, public procurement, asset declaration policies and beneficial ownership disclosure. Experts from Belarus, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, the Russian Federation and Spain also spoke about innovative approaches, successful practices and solutions in introducing digital tools aimed at reducing opportunities for corruption.

The concluding session explored the opportunities for further exchange of experiences, co-operation among regional agencies dealing with corruption and corruption-related crimes, and potential support that the OSCE could extend to its participating States in Central Asia.

The participants agreed to meet regularly to discuss new projects implemented in the region and share best practices for the benefit of all.

This event is a concluding part of an extra-budgetary project funded by Austria, Belgium, Lichtenstein, Luxemburg, Norway and Serbia.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous 24 hours, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) south-east of Hnutove and east of Pyshchevyk.
• The Mission followed up on reports of a man injured in Yakovlivka and saw fresh damage to two apartments in Dokuchaievsk.
• Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM saw ongoing dismantling works at the broken section of the bridge.
• The Mission recorded ceasefire violations inside the Zolote disengagement area.
• The Mission saw 16 weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line.
• 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, maintenance works on the Phenol Sludge Reservoir near Zalizne as well as the drilling of wells near Raivka.
• In Dnipro, Ivano-Frankivsk and Odessa, the SMM monitored peaceful gatherings related to recent political developments.
• Restrictions of the Mission’s freedom of movement continued, including at non-government-controlled checkpoints near Petrivske, Zaichenko and Mykolaivka.*

This report is for the media and the general public.

SUMMARY

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.

OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS

Persons crossing the border                                                                                                                                                                                     

The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:

1. Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage;
2. Persons in military-style outfits;
3. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.

The average number of entries/exits decreased from 11,877 to 11,302 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine, with an average net flow of 533 per day for both BCPs.

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

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs was 14 this week compared to 20 last week: nine of them crossed into the Russian Federation, and five into Ukraine (79 per cent of this category’s crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP). They continued to cross the border individually or in groups. Most individuals crossed on foot, however, some made use of private vehicles, buses or minivans, making it more difficult for the observer teams (OTs) to observe their movement across the border, especially since some of the private vehicles had tinted windows, and buses and minivans had drawn curtains.

Families with a significant amount of luggage

The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, three families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and four were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when three families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation and six to Ukraine.

Bus connections                                         

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

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (511 compared to 501 observed during the previous week). There were 272 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 239 bound for Ukraine.

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

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed 937 trucks (compared to 847 during the previous reporting week) crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs (429 at the Gukovo BCP and 508 at the Donetsk BCP); 444 of these trucks crossed to the Russian Federation and 493 crossed to Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in Belarus and the Russian Federation and also with “LPR” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks increased slightly from 63 to 65. These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane.

All trucks underwent systematic inspection by Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.

Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP slightly increased from 146 to 150; 111 trucks (74 per cent) were bound for Ukraine, the remaining 39 trucks (26 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.

Minivans

The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also frequently saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans increased from 125 to 154 vehicles; 70 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 84 into Ukraine.

Trains

The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 22 occasions; the OTs assessed that 13 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and 9 to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine was regularly informed about the trains bound for Ukraine.

Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.

Other observations

The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region, or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis. The OTs also observed cars with licence plates from Belarus, Georgia, Lithuania and Poland; cars with “DPR” plates were also observed.

On 1 October at 13:05, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed ten empty minibuses without licence plates crossing in a group from the Russian Federation into Ukraine. The minibuses bore the inscription “children” (in Russian) on the windscreen.

On 2 October at 15:02, an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates entered the Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation side and parked next to the main building. Two paramedics left the ambulance and went towards the passenger cars parked in the entrance queue. At 15:40, the ambulance and the two paramedics returned towards the Russian Federation. No patient or other persons were observed on board the ambulance.

During the same day at 16:08, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a group of five vehicles consisting of a police car with the inscription "ГИБДД" and flashing lights turned off, a white SUV and three more cars arriving from Ukraine. All five vehicles bore "LPR" plates. They underwent border control and crossed into the Russian Federation at 17:16. While leaving the BCP, the police car turned on its flashing lights.

Later the same day at the same BCP, two police minivans with Russian Federation licence plates were observed on two distinct occasions. At 17:45, one police minivan entered the Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation with four policemen inside. At 18:02, the police car drove back towards the Russian Federation with all four policemen inside. Afterwards, at 20:17, another police minivan entered the BCP from the Russian Federation side and drove behind the main building. At 20:49, the minivan drove back into the Russian Federation.

On 7 October at 10:39, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a military helicopter type Mi-17 flying from the south of the BCP which then turned in an easterly direction. During the entire time the aircraft flew over the territory of the Russian Federation at an altitude of around 50 metres.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 3 September to 8 October 2019, please see the attachment here. 

[1] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

[2] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).

BELGRADE/VIENNA, 8 October 2019 — OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger will visit Belgrade on 9 and 10 October 2019.

Greminger will meet with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dačić, and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Veroljub Arsić.

The Secretary General will also meet with representatives of civil society in Serbia.

Media representatives are invited to press briefings with Secretary General Greminger:

Wednesday, 9 October, from 16:00 to 16:15, at the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Španskih boraca 1.

Thursday, 10 October, after the meeting with Minister Ivica Dačić, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kneza Miloša 24-26.

For additional information, please contact Milica Knežević, Political and Press Assistant at the OSCE Mission to Serbia at milica.knezevic@osce.org or +381 63 348 217, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Press Service at press@mfa.rs, or +381 11 3068 664.

434918 Marina Živaljević

During an OSCE-supported study visit to Croatia from 2 to 5 October 2019, representatives of the Montenegrin State Election Commission (SEC) met with their counterparts from the Croatian State Election Commission, the Ministry of Public Administration and the Ministry of Interior. Their exchanges focused on electoral laws and voters’ Register, education campaigns for voters, co-operation between electoral management bodies and other governmental and nongovernmental organizations. Commissioners had the opportunity to compare the electoral legislation and the organisational structure of election management bodies in the two countries.

“Getting to know the functioning of institutions relevant to the electoral process, with a focus on the State Election Commission, has contributed to a new perspective and insight into how similar systems work. In this way, new knowledge is acquired and best comparative practices are adopted, which should ultimately result in the improvement of the overall work and organizational framework of the State Election Commission,” said Nikola Mugoša, SEC legal adviser.

Milijana Radulović, SEC legal adviser, said that during the first day of the visit, they got acquainted with voter registers, records for keeping voters’ registers, updating and deleting data, voting abroad and excerpts from voter lists through presentations. “On the second day of the visit, we got familiar with the composition of the Croatian State Election Commission, competencies, types of elections, bodies for conducting elections,” said Radulović.

According to SEC legal adviser Elisa Nurković, the visit was an opportunity to learn more about regulations governing the election process, the organization and competencies of the election administration bodies. “The exchange of experience was extremely helpful. I gained a clear insight into the organization and the way elections are conducted in Croatia.”

Darko Brajović, the OSCE Mission Democratization National Programme Officer, said that structures of electoral management bodies in the region vary. They depend on their tasks, the degree of independence and administrative capacity. “The OSCE Mission to Montenegro facilitated two study visits in which the Montenegrin SEC was able to compare how different electoral management bodies are structured and hence contribute to electoral reform dialogue in the country,” said Brajović.

The study visit was a part of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro’s project on elections that aims to contribute to improving the transparency of the electoral process and enhance public trust in elections.

434843 Kunduz Rysbek

To mark the Disaster Risk Reduction Day celebrated globally on October 4, a Second National Conference on “Disaster Risk Reduction: Challenges and Solutions” took place in Bishkek.

The Conference was organized by the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) of Kyrgyzstan and the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

The aim of the Conference was to promote Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) as one of the elements of the country's sustainable development strategy through discussions about innovative DRR approaches in the field.

Participants were able to identify several priority areas for 2020, such as upholding the principles of multilateral partnership, development of active international co-operation, increasing the capacity of the state civil protection system as well as the technical capacity of emergency response forces.

During October 1 - 4, the Ministry of Emergency Situations welcomed a Tajik delegation from the Committee for Emergencies and Civil Defence (CEDC) as part of a study tour supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. The participants learned about the good practices of the Training Centre and the Crisis Management Centre under the Ministry.

With the aim to foster the field missions’ co-operation and strengthen regional dialogue, the Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek Pierre von Arx, held a meeting with the delegation of the CEDC of Tajikistan.

Head of Office von Arx spoke about the ongoing co-operation between the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyzstan in the field of disaster risk reduction in the country.

The Tajik delegation shared their insight on a potential co-operation between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in 2020.

Reinforcing Kyrgyzstan’s preparedness to react in a timely way to disaster risks through improved co-ordination between government agencies, as well as reinforcing the exchange of experience between Central Asian states remains a strong focus for the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

TIRANA, 8 October 2019 – The OSCE Presence in Albania and the OSCE Gender Section presented today the results of the OSCE-led Survey on the Well-being and Safety of Women for Albania.

The survey, the first of its kind conducted in South-Eastern and Eastern Europe in 2018 within the framework of an EU-funded project, gives a detailed picture of the physical, sexual and psychological violence suffered by women and girls. In Albania, the research involved a representative survey of 1,858 women aged 18 to 74, 14 key expert interviews, seven focus group discussions and four in-depth interviews with women who had experienced violence.

It found that while violence against women is considered common, only few women report their experiences or seek support. Shame, fear of the perpetrator, lack of trust in institutions and the lack of financial support are barriers to women’s reporting. Cultural norms about women’s obedience to men and about sexual violence in intimate relationships contribute further to an environment that tolerates violence against women and girls. Gaps in the legislation and in its implementation persist.

The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Bernd Borchardt, said that data of the survey clearly show that cultural norms and attitudes surrounding violence against women and girls must be changed and that there is a need for action. “Both men and women must participate in changing these cultural norms. At the same time, women must be empowered to report violence; their reports must be taken seriously by police, prosecutors and judges, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.”

The Minister of Health and Social Protection, Ogerta Manastirliu, noted that the Government of Albania has taken concrete steps to fight domestic violence, and improved the law on measures against domestic violence. “Nonetheless, more has to be done to speed up the establishment of referral mechanisms for domestic violence cases in all municipalities and to enable the immediate response against this phenomenon at the community level.”

“The survey is an alarm bell that shows that we need to better co-ordinate our work with civil society organizations, and strengthen local mechanisms dealing with domestic violence,” Justice Minister Etilda Gjonaj said. She also stressed the need for better co-ordination among state institutions.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Brian Williams, stated that fighting the root causes of violence against women is a responsibility of the whole society. “Women must not carry the burden and risks of violence alone. Fighting the root causes of violence against women is a collective responsibility that includes men and boys, families, communities, and leaders of all kinds, whether teachers, CEOs, police, prime ministers, imams or priests.”

“Violence against women in all its forms is a human rights violation. The European Union wants to ensure that women and girls participate fully in all aspects of society- political, social and economic development,” said the Head of section of Economic and Social Development of the European Union Delegation to Albania, Andrea Vera. “Collectively we should encourage all girls and women to speak up and we must end the culture of silence,” he added.

434792 Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan

Five participants from the Central Asian Youth Network (CAYN) met with OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger in Vienna on 4 October 2019. The discussion focused on security issues in Central Asia the OSCE’s work and its comprehensive approach to security.

The group attended a session of the OSCE Permanent Council and learned about the work of the various units of the OSCE Secretariat. They were also familiarized with the work of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the Parliament Assembly.

The participants attended some meetings jointly with a Youth Advisory Group from the OSCE Presence in Albania and had meetings with representatives of the OSCE Slovak Chairmanship, as well as a number of delegations of the OSCE participating States, including delegations of their respective countries.

The OSCE’s Focal Point on Youth and Security Anna-Katharina Deininger, as well as the OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office Special Representative on Youth and Security Samuel Goda, discussed the Chairmanship’s priorities in promoting the role of youth in addressing the complex challenges to security in the OSCE area.

The group participated in a meeting of the OSCE Group of Friends of Youth and Security, where they spoke about their engagement in CAYN and shared their views on how the CAYN model can be applied to other regions.

Participants were selected on the basis of their outstanding contribution to the 2019 CAYN seminar held in June. This year’s seminar focused on the theme “Data. Dialogue. Digital Security” and involved some 35 students and CAYN alumni from the wider Central Asian region.

The visit was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan with financial and logistical support from the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and the Conflict Prevention Centre.

The Central Asian Youth Network was launched in 2004 to enhance promising students' knowledge and understanding of contemporary security threats as well as the OSCE's role in addressing them.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, between the evenings of 4 and 5 October, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Between the evenings of 5 and 6 October, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions, compared with the previous 24 hours.
• The Mission saw fresh damage from small-arms fire to two apartments in Dokuchaievsk.
• Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM saw ongoing dismantling works at the broken section of the bridge.
• It recorded ceasefire violations inside the Zolote disengagement area.
• The Mission saw 45 weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line, including at the former Luhansk international airport.
• It saw anti-tank mines near Luhanske and Nyzhnie Lozove, some for the first time.
• Restrictions of the SMM’s freedom of movement continued, including at non-government-controlled checkpoints in Petrivske, Verkhnoshyrokivske and Yasne.*
• In Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv and Zolote-1/Soniachnyi, the SMM monitored peaceful gatherings related to the latest political developments

SDGs SDGs:  5 - Gender equality 16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

KYIV, 7 October 2019 – “I am struck by how much progress — genuine progress — has been made. But we need to build on this and keep the momentum going,” said the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Gender, Melanne Verveer, concluding her five-day visit to Ukraine. In line with the focus of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia, Miroslav Lajčák, on the crisis in and around Ukraine, Verveer’s trip centred on the role of women in peace and security, as well as the effects and prevention of gender-based violence. The visit included activities in both Kyiv and Donetsk regions.

The Special Representative on Gender had a series of meetings in Kyiv with government officials and the Ukrainian representative to the Working Group on Humanitarian Issues of the Trilateral Contact Group. The discussions centred on the implementation of Ukraine’s current National Action Plan on UN Security Council resolution 1325, in particular on efforts to increase the participation of women in defence and security sectors, legislative reform, the engagement of civil society, and cross-agency leadership in the area of women, peace and security. In the Donetsk region, Verveer’s focus was on the challenges and opportunities in implementing Resolution 1325 on the ground.

Listening to the stories of grassroots actors was the main priority for the Special Representative during her visit. She met with NGO leaders and representatives in Kyiv and Kramatorsk, including peacebuilders, and service providers to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and survivors of gender-based violence.

The role of women in reconciliation was another focus of the trip. During a civil society briefing in Kyiv, Verveer met with women who had, days earlier, come from either side of the contact line to meet at the bridge at Stanytsia Luhanska. These women, who are part of a group of informal peacebuilders from both sides of the contact line, also called for changes on the ground — from improved conditions for people waiting to cross checkpoints to an end to the violence. Praising the women for their determination, Verveer noted that this story of hope and reconciliation could not come at a more opportune moment, as the ongoing disengagement process allows for badly needed repairs to the bridge of Stanytsia Luhanska to begin. “There is clearly a momentum building, and we need to keep it going,” she added. “Reconciliation and peacebuilding are essential. These steps will have to grow in the days ahead.”

During her trip, Verveer met with Henrik Villadsen, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, to discuss the projects being implemented by the OSCE, such as innovative training to law enforcement actors on response to gender-based violence. She also met with the Chief Monitor of the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, Yaşar Halit Çevik, as well as the Mission’s Kyiv-based Gender Unit. As part of her trip to the Donetsk region, which was hosted by the field-based monitoring team of the SMM, Verveer discussed the crucial role of the SMM monitors in ensuring accurate reporting of the situation on the ground in respect of both men and women.

“The OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine acts as the eyes and ears of the international community on the ground,” Verveer said in Kramatorsk. “I strongly commend the Chief Monitor, as well as the women and men across the SMM working to mainstream gender — many of whom are operating in high risk situations. Their work embodies the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security. And, because of it, we know the true human toll of the ongoing crisis, and how much is at stake if the sides don’t find a way to end the violence soon.”

BRATISLAVA/CHISINAU, 7 October 2019 – A meeting of the Transdniestrian settlement talks in the 5+2 format will take place in Bratislava on 9 and 10 October 2019. The talks will be hosted by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák and Franco Frattini, the Special Representative of the Slovak Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process. 

The meeting, officially known as the “Permanent Conference for Political Questions in the Framework of the Negotiating Process on the Transdniestrian Settlement in the 5+2 format”, will bring together representatives of the Sides – the Republic of Moldova and Transdniestria, the mediators from the OSCE, the Russian Federation and Ukraine as well as observers in the negotiations – the European Union and the United States. 

The 5+2 meeting will review the course of implementation of confidence-building measures agreed in the framework of the “Berlin-plus” package and will scope possible complementary and new priority issues for further confidence building measures.  

The Transdniestrian settlement talks in the 5+2 format will be held at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava. On Thursday, 10 October, a press briefing on the outcomes of the 5+2 talks will be held in the Congress Hall of the Ministry, at 11:00 a.m. (Bratislava time), 12:00 p.m. (Chisinau time).

Media representatives wishing to attend the press briefing in Bratislava must register by sending an e-mail confirming attendance to tlac@mzv.sk by 18:00 p.m., 9 October 2019, and should arrive at the reception desk of the Ministry no later than 10:15 a.m. 

The press briefing will be also broadcast via video link to the OSCE Mission to Moldova in Chisinau, 75 Alexei Mateevici Street. Media representatives wishing to participate in the live press conference at the premises of the OSCE Mission must confirm their attendance by sending an e-mail with their name and the name of their media organization to MtMpress@osce.org by 18:00 p.m., 9 October 2019. 

Registered media representatives are kindly requested to arrive at the OSCE Mission to Moldova premises in Chisinau at least 30 minutes before the press conference and present a valid press card and/or ID. 

The press conference will take place in English with the simultaneous translation in Romanian and Russian languages. 

For more information, please contact the Press Office of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, at +373 22 223 495 or e-mail: MtMpress@osce.org.

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 a similar number in Luhansk region.
• A man was injured by shrapnel in Staromykhailivka.
• Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM observed that the pedestrian bypass bridge was open for passage and that the wooden ramps on the broken section of the bridge had been removed.
• The Mission observed 18 weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas, including multiple-launch rocket systems.
• The SMM saw for the first time anti-tank mines near Verkhnoshyrokivske, on a road being used by civilians, and near Donetskyi.
• The SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate the operation of the Donetsk Filtration Station and maintenance and repairs to water pipelines near Pankivka and between Zolote-3/Stakhanovets and Popasna.  
• Restrictions of the Mission’s access continued, including at a border crossing point near Izvaryne and at a checkpoint in Petrivske, both in non-government-controlled areas.*

VIENNA, 5 October 2019 –The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed concern about the disproportion of punishment of blogger, Vladislav Sinitsa, following yesterday’s decision of the Moscow City Court to uphold his imprisonment in appeal.

Earlier in September 2019, after a single hearing, the Presnensky District Court of Moscow sentenced Sinitsa to five years in prison after finding him guilty, under Russia’s anti-extremism legislation, of inciting hatred and threatening violence against a “social group” (law enforcement personnel), in a tweet published in the wake of the police crackdown during recent election related protests in Moscow. According to the prosecution, the tweet contained calls for reprisals against the children of law enforcement officers. The blogger denied the accusation.

“I am concerned about the disproportion of the sentence against Vladislav Sinitsa,” Désir said. “Even in cases where restriction to freedom of expression can apply, in accordance with international standards, the principle of proportionality must be respected and taken in consideration. The five years prison sentence for a tweet, although reprehensible, is a very harsh and disproportionate punishment. I call on the authorities to carefully review the sentence against the blogger.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission saw small-arms fire damage to a functioning school in Zolote-5/Mykhailivka.
• Explosions occurred near the SMM in the Trudivski area of Donetsk city’s Petrovskyi district.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as aimed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle near non-government-controlled Horlivka.
• Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM continued to observe workers from government-controlled areas working on the pedestrian bypass bridge, constructing a new bus stop and clearing and burning vegetation.
• The Mission observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas, including multiple-launch rocket systems.
• The SMM saw mines near Vesela Hora and demining activities near Nyzhnie Lozove.
• The Mission spotted probable trucks near Manych and vehicles near Cheremshyne on a dirt road in the middle of the night, areas beyond government-controlled near the border with the Russian Federation where there are no border crossing facilities.
• The SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate the operation of the Donetsk Filtration Station, and repair works to water pipelines between Zolote-3/Stakhanovets and Popasna.
• Restrictions of the Mission’s access continued, including at a checkpoint in non-government-controlled Petrivske.*
• The SMM monitored a peaceful protest in Lviv related to the latest political developments.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

VIENNA, 4 October 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today reiterated his call on the authorities to drop criminal charges of condoning terrorism against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva.

Prokopyeva, a journalist with Radio Ekho Moskvy (Echo of Moscow) and a contributor to various other media, including the Russian Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio, was indicted with “publicly condoning terrorism”.

Earlier in February 2019, Désir intervened on Prokopyeva’s behalf with the Russian authorities, when law enforcement officers detained and interrogated the journalist, searched her apartment, and seized her computers, phones and files (see https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/411116).

“I reiterate my call on the authorities to drop the charges brought against Prokopyeva, who had no involvement in any terrorist activity or intention to condone terrorism,” Désir said. “The journalist’s view, even if critical, has nothing to do with justification or promotion of terrorism.”

The charges, punishable by a prison sentence of up to seven years, stem from Prokopyeva’s comments on the radio when she expressed her views regarding a terrorist attack in the Russian city of Arkhangelsk in October 2018 that were critical of the authorities.

The Representative noted yesterday’s statement by Russia’s Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights on this matter. According to the statement, the Council’s Standing Committee on Freedom of Information and the Rights of Journalists did not find any signs of condoning terrorism in the case.

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 atwww.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

434639 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Concept of one society and inter-culturalism focus of OSCE-supported high-level conference in Skopje

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier concluded a visit to Skopje, where he spoke at an event on 3 October 2019 presenting a new draft national strategy that aims to foster social cohesion in North Macedonia. His visit is a follow-up to his previous trip to the country in April 2019.

As part of his visit, Zannier met various interlocutors at the national level, including President Stevo Pendarovski, Speaker of the Parliament Talat Xhaferi, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and a number of ministers. He also met representatives of local administrations. The High Commissioner discussed issues pertaining to the integration of diverse societies, including language and education issues.

He also looked at how historical narratives are reflected in public space and searched for positive examples of cultural manifestations that help overcome divisions.

NICOSIA, 4 October 2019—The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Desir, launched yesterday in Nicosia the second exchange opportunity for journalists from both Cypriot communities.

To kick off the launch, the Representative met with the 15 journalists selected to take part in the exchange and who will work for one week, at a host media, before the end of 2019. The project was developed in partnership with the Cyprus Journalists' Union, the Basin-Sen/Press Workers' Union and the Turkish Cypriot Journalists' Union.

“This exchange opportunity represents a unique occasion to meet and work with journalists and editors from another community; to immerse themselves in another newsroom; to create new working relationships — perhaps develop friendships — and to report on a local story,” said Desir. After the exchange, the participants will share their stories in their home media with their readers, viewers or listeners.

“Within the “Cyprus Media Dialogue” project that we initiated in 2017, the exchange opportunity aims to encourage and enhance dialogue, co-operation and solidarity between media and journalists from both Cypriot communities,” Desir said. “It will contribute to support media diversity, the free flow of information by providing media content about the life of both communities to the Cypriot public and will advance quality and ethical journalism in Cyprus.

”This exchange opportunity programme was made possible thanks to the financial support of three OSCE participating States: Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.

During his visit to Cyprus, the Representative met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and with the Government Spokesperson, Prodromos Prodromou, to present the exchange project. They agreed on the importance of safeguarding and promoting the value of freedom of the media.

More on the Cyprus Media Dialogue: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/cyprus-dialogue.

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    

434546 Communication and Media Relations Section

The OSCE launched activities in Kazakhstan to support the development of green ports and connectivity in the Caspian Sea Region. They included a launch event on 30 September 2019 in Nur-Sultan and two technical workshops with port authorities in Aktau and Kuryk on 2 and 3 October, respectively.

The gathering was held at the International Centre of Green Technologies and Investments. More than 30 representatives from the relevant ministries, private sector companies, business associations and OSCE experts participated. They exchanged views on the future of sustainable trade in the Caspian region and the role of digitalization as an enabler for trade facilitation.

The event was organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Affairs, with support from the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The workshops in the ports of Aktau and Kuryk were attended by the port authorities, representatives of the port trade community and international experts. They discussed further steps to implement energy efficiency and trade facilitation in the port operations.

The events are part of the OSCE project which aims to help facilitate trade flows from Asia to Europe through the Caspian Sea by making them faster, cheaper and more sustainable. Apart from Kazakhstan, the OSCE project covers Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

“Through this innovative flagship project the OSCE will make a contribution to strengthening regional sustainability, connectivity, security and economic growth across the Caspian Sea Region. This will have positive economic implications for the OSCE region as a whole,” said György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan.

The regional approach, advocated by the OSCE for this project, aims at strengthening regional connectivity between the main ports of these three countries. This will be achieved by establishing a digital platform to reduce trade costs, facilitate information exchange and increase overall efficiency and security along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

As part of the OSCE efforts to encourage connectivity in the region, a regional briefing for representatives of the project’s beneficiary countries was held on 4 October in the port of Baku.

Officials from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan met and exchanged views on the project implementation at the regional level.

The events in Kazakhstan followed the start of project activities in Azerbaijan in June 2019. In late October, the project will continue with technical meetings in Ashgabat and the Port of Turkmenbashi, supporting Turkmenistan on green ports and connectivity.

The project receives financial support from Azerbaijan, Germany, Italy and Iceland.