OSCE

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

VIENNA, 4 April 2019 – Despite the latest recommitment to cease fire, beginning on 8 March, the security situation in eastern Ukraine remains volatile, the Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, said in his address to the OSCE Permanent Council today in Vienna.

Civilians are still paying a heavy price, Ambassador Apakan said in his briefing to representatives of the OSCE’s participating States and Partners for Co-operation, with mines and unexploded ordnance, combined with a fluctuating number of ceasefire violations, already claiming 20 civilian casualties this year.  In addition, he noted that 16 mostly elderly people crossing the contact line had died of natural causes since the start of winter, a stark reminder of the wider hardship they have been forced to endure for five years now. 

Calling for full adherence to the ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapons, Ambassador Apakan added that recent lives lost had underlined also the urgent need for humanitarian mine action. In line with the Chairmanship’s priorities, he said the SMM would continue to focus on people, especially the most vulnerable. He highlighted the need to repair the bridge at Stanytsia Luhanska, saying “such essential humanitarian measures should be expedited.”

415973 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

A five-day OSCE regional course, Introduction to Humanitarian Mine Action Systems, started on 1 April 2019 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. 

The course, jointly organized by Kazakhstan’s Defence Ministry, the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan and the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, gathered 31 military and civilian experts from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. 

The event provides a platform to enhance awareness of and skills for the safe, effective and efficient establishment of Humanitarian Mine Action Systems. The theoretical part of the training is delivered at Kazakhstan’s Partnership for Peace Training Centre (KAZCENT) in Almaty, while practical exercises are conducted at the Demining Centre of Kazakhstan’s Defence Ministry in Kapshagay on 4 April 2019.

During the event experts from the United States Army Central, the United States Air Forces Central Command, KAZCENT, the Demining Centre of Kazakhstan’s Defence Ministry, the Croatian Mine Action Centre, the Norwegian People’s Aid Tajikistan, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine and the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe are sharing experiences and best practices.

The course is part of the OSCE’s long-term support for the development of a co-operation mechanism among states in Central Asia to address concerns and challenges stemming from the disposal of explosive hazards.

416309 Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan

An OSCE-supported roundtable discussion on environmental problems in the Atyrau Region including the recent death of numerous tonnes of fish in the Ural River concluded on 3 April 2019 in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.

The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan in partnership with the Association of Environmental Organizations.

Some 50 representatives from the local administration, regional water authorities, business community, and non-governmental environmental organizations participated in the event. The participants discussed possible causes of the fish death and preventive mechanisms to avoid similar environmental accidents in the country. National experts from the Association of Environmental Organizations presented the recent water samples analysis based on the private laboratory results to identify possible contaminants in the Ural river. Authorities are currently investigating possible causes of the incident.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s long-term efforts to promote the green economy and sustainable development principles to strengthen environmental security.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

KYIV, 4 April 2019 – On the occasion of International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, observed to raise awareness about mines and progress towards their eradication, the Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, Ertugrul Apakan, and the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, Henrik Villadsen, highlighted the importance of mine action in the conflict-affected areas of eastern Ukraine. 

“Agreement to remove mines and stop the laying of new ones was reached in Minsk years ago,” said Apakan. “Yet, mines continue to take and disrupt the lives of Ukrainians on both sides of the contact line, leaving no doubt that more humanitarian de-mining is immediately required. The SMM is facilitating de-mining efforts, particularly in areas around schools, hospitals, residential housing and entry-exit checkpoints, in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and stands ready to continue its support in the future.”

Mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) pose an imminent threat to the civilian population in eastern Ukraine. In the past 12 months, the SMM confirmed that at least 70 people had lost their lives or sustained injuries as a result of explosions of mines and UXO. Eighteen of them were children. In addition to civilian casualties, mines and UXO also impede basic socio-economic activities, restrict movement, hinder recovery and development, and separate people.

“Reducing risks posed by mines and UXO requires the consolidated efforts of all partners – State and non-governmental agencies, and local and international organizations. In support of these efforts, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator helps develop supporting legislation and regulations; together with Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, supports the roll-out of IMSMA, a digital system for mine action planning; and provides equipment and training to national authorities,” Villadsen said.

 

416027 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 27 first- and second-line border officers and instructors of Kyrgyzstan’s border institutions from 2 to 4 April 2019 in Bishkek.

This training course is the tenth deployment of the Mobile Training Team, organized by the Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department. The course was supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and conducted in close co-operation with the State Border Service of Kyrgyzstan.

The participants learnt about the international, regional and national legal frameworks, the effective use of Interpol databases, Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Systems, travel document security as well as risk analysis and management practices in the identification of potential foreign terrorist fighters at borders in compliance with international human rights standards.

“This training course stressed the importance of both operational and legislative measures aimed at effectively addressing the cross-border movement of foreign terrorist fighters and other criminal groups,” said Almaz Maksutov, Deputy Head of Regional Directorate of the Border Services of Kyrgyzstan. “To implement these measures Kyrgyzstan introduced a number of amendments to its Criminal and Criminal-Procedural Codes which came into force this year.”

As well as covering the background, trends and current cases related to the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters, participants also engaged in interactive exercises on the detection of forged documents and imposters, and on understanding the behavioural indicators of foreign terrorist fighters.

The Mobile Training Team was represented by national border officers from Georgia, Romania and Ukraine, together with international experts from Interpol and the OSCE, who shared their knowledge and expertise.

The OSCE Mobile Training Team was established by the Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department in 2016. It is composed of 17 selected border and counter-terrorism experts from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation.

416279 Communication and Media Relations Section

Strengthening sustainable development in the Dniester basin was the focus of the OSCE-supported second meeting of the Transboundary Dniester Commission held on 4 April 2019 in Kyiv, Ukraine.

The meeting brought together high-level representatives from Moldova and Ukraine, along with officials of different agencies and representatives of other international projects, civil society and academia from both countries. The Commission is supported by the Global Environment Facility and by the OSCE in partnership with UNDP and UNECE. 

“Regular meetings of the Commission are of great importance for dialogue in order to catalyze win-win solutions essential to the sustainable development and stability of the region and for people of both states,” saidOSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine Henrik Villadsen. 

Representatives of the OSCE’s project team presented a transboundary diagnostic analysis of the Dniester and its basin and planned project activities in 2019. 

The aim of the transboundary project is to further support Moldova and Ukraine in implementing the bilateral Dniester Treaty and in enhancing the water sector on both sides of the border. Current co-operation efforts, supported by the project, include an integrated analysis of the state of the river and improving approaches to mutually beneficial use of water resources of the whole Dniester basin.

The Co-chairs of the Dniester Commission, Valentyna Tapis and Mykola Kuzio, high-level representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment of Moldova and of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine, presented interim results of joint work accomplished under the aegis of the recently established Dniester Commission and noted contributions of other international technical assistance projects relevant in the context of the Dniester basin. 

Representatives of Moldova and Ukraine discussed draft rules for the operation of hydropower reservoirs and opportunities for addressing current challenges from the national perspectives. Members of the Dniester Commission agreed on modalities of marking International Dniester Day on 26 May 2019 in Chisinau, Moldova. 

Supporting the Dniester Commission as a tool for achieving the sustainable development and protection of the Dniester River basinis one of the most important project objectives. The Commission will provide an opportunity to fulfill the obligations undertaken by Moldova and Ukraine under the  UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (1992) and the EU Water Framework Directive(2000).

This Global Environment Facility funded project is implemented by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities in close co-operation with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, the OSCE Mission to Moldova and in partnership with UNDP and UNECE.

For more details, please visit https://dniester-commission.com/en/joint-management/dniester-commission/.

Communication and Media Relations Section

The Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department as part of a country visit aimed at facilitating Bosnia and Herzegovina’s participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Public Key Directory (ICAO PKD)held meetings with the country’s Ministry of Security, Ministry of Civil Affairs, Border Police and the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers and Data Exchange (IDDEEA) from 2 to 3 April 2019 in Sarajevo.  

During the meetings, Simon Deignan, Manager of the Travel Document Security Programme of the Border Security and Management Unit, emphasized the benefits of joining ICAO PKD from the perspectives of passport issuers, border control agencies and passengers.  He said the ICAO PKD is a secure and cost-effective central repository for exchanging the public keys of ePassports and allowing for their fast and safe authentication at the borders. He also highlighted the regional approach of the PKD initiative and that improving the border security of Bosnia and Herzegovina will support the country’s efforts to join the European Union. 

During the meeting with IDDEEA, Jeen de Swart, Senior Information Architect from the Ministry of Justice of Netherlands discussed step-by-step guidelines on the technical and administrative requirements for joining the PKD.  The OSCE’s support during the entire process was discussed as well. 

The OSCE’s facilitation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s participation in the ICAO PKD was welcomed by government representatives, the main contact points for PKD implementation were identified and future steps were discussed. 

This was the fifth country visit on ICAO PKD to the Western Balkans as a follow-up activity to the first OSCE Regional Workshop for South-Eastern Europe on the Directory, which was organized in Montenegro, in November last year. 

WASHINGTON, D.C., 3 April 2019 – Discussing the main priorities of the 2019 Slovak OSCE Chairmanship and current developments across the OSCE at his congressional U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (“Helsinki Commission”) hearing, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Slovakia’s Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák called on members of the Helsinki Commission to work together for a more stable and prosperous OSCE area – and one in which every person enjoys security and individual rights.

“We believe in multilateralism - this fundamental problem-solving and war-preventing tool in international relations; the raison d´être of the OSCE,” Lajčák stressed in his address. “We believe in nations coming together, building foundations of trust and working together to advance security and prosperity. We believe in the story of Helsinki,” he continued, as “this story ties together 57 states spanning three continents, helping to make security, human rights and the rule of law a reality for over a billion people.”

“The OSCE and the Helsinki Commission engaged on Slovakia’s road to democracy from the beginning. And today, we ourselves actively pass on our experience and expertise regarding democratic transitions,” he said.

The Chairperson-in-Office urged the Helsinki Commissioners to unlock the potential and rediscover the added value of the OSCE for the people it was created to serve, which includes local know-how, a vast presence on the ground, and outstanding, targeted expertise, including through its three independent institutions that deal with human rights, national minorities, and media freedom.

“We believe the OSCE is equipped with many of the tools we need to overcome the challenges of today and tomorrow. And we are dedicating our Chairmanship to adapting, updating and making better use of them,” Lajčák underlined.

Emphasizing the crucial role of the Helsinki Commission, Lajčák pointed out: “You keep us alert to emerging challenges – from cyber-terrorism, the use of technology in organized crime and human trafficking, to the safety of journalists and shrinking space for critical voices from civil society.”

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office concluded his hearing with a call for more dialogue and better co-operation. He also commended the Commissioners for their active role in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, saying that their participation brings the hopes, ideas and concerns of the people they represent to the Organization.

While in Washington, D.C., Lajčák attended the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) Ministerial Forum and a NATO Ministerial meeting on NATO at 70: Commemorating the Past. Preparing for the Future.

He also met with U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton; Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan; U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker; and Chairman of the Helsinki Commission Alcee Hastings.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

This report is for the media and the general public.

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• The SMM saw fresh damage to residential buildings in Yasynuvata and Dokuchaievsk.
• The Mission recorded ceasefire violations and military hardware inside the Zolote disengagement area.
• The Mission saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line.
• A civilian car driven by men in military-style attire drove aggressively toward an SMM patrol twice.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential civilian infrastructure.
• Restrictions of the SMM’s access continued in all three disengagement areas. It was also restricted at a checkpoint near Zaichenko.

Ceasefire violations[1]

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations, including about 80 explosions, compared with the previous reporting period (about 200 explosions). The highest number of ceasefire violations were recorded in areas south and south-east of Chermalyk (government-controlled, 31km north-east of Mariupol) and the highest number of explosions were recorded south-east of Svitlodarsk (government-controlled, 57km north-east of Donetsk).

In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations, including about 60 explosions, compared with the previous reporting period (about 25 explosions). The majority of ceasefire violations were recorded at north-easterly directions of Kadiivka (formerly Stakhanov, non-government-controlled, 50km west of Luhansk), and north-westerly and south-westerly directions of Kalynove-Borshchuvate (non-government-controlled, 61km west of Luhansk).

A car driven by men in military-style attire drove aggressively toward an SMM patrol twice

On 2 April, while traveling near Zaichenko (non-government-controlled, 26km north-east of Mariupol), a vehicle with civilian licence plates traveling in the opposite direction abruptly pulled into the SMM’s travel lane, forcing the first SMM vehicle to swerve to avoid a collision. The vehicle then manoeuvred in the same manner toward the second SMM vehicle and drove away. Approximately one hour later, the SMM patrol was stationary in the vicinity of Zaichenko when it again observed the same civilian vehicle with two men in military-style attire driving directly towards it. The vehicle stopped short of hitting the first SMM vehicle and then reversed and performed the same manoeuvre toward the second SMM vehicle, again stopping short of colliding before it reversed and drove away.

Fresh damage to residential properties in Yasynuvata and Dokuchaievsk

At 45 Hoholia Street in Yasynuvata (non-government-controlled, 16km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM saw fresh shrapnel damage (holes and scratches) to the north-  and west-facing sides of a one-storey inhabited house as well as small fragments of shrapnel in the adjacent garden and on a nearby table. A resident of the house told the SMM that in the evening of 1 April he had heard a loud explosion when the house had been struck by shrapnel.

On the same day, at 20 Radianska Street on the western edge of Dokuchaievsk (non-government-controlled, 30km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM saw two fresh holes in a double-paned west-south-westerly-facing window, assessed as caused by a single bullet. The SMM also observed two fresh scratches on the interior wall near the window and saw a bullet (12.7mm calibre) on the ground outside beneath the broken window. The owner of the apartment (male, late 50s) said that he was in another room with his daughter on the evening of 1 April when they had heard the sound of shattering glass and then entered the room to find the broken window and a bullet on the floor.

Disengagement areas[2]

On the evening and night of 1-2 April, the SMM camera in Zolote (government-controlled, 60km west of Luhansk) recorded a burst and four projectiles in flight, all at an assessed range of 1.5-3.5km south-south-east, all assessed as inside the disengagement area. It recorded an additional burst at an assessed range of 1.5-3.5km east-south-east which was unable to be assessed as inside or outside of the disengagement area. The same camera also recorded eight projectiles at an assessed range of 1.5-3.5km (six east and two east-south-east), all assessed as outside the disengagement area.

On 1 April, near residential houses inside the disengagement area near Zolote, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spotted an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) (BMP-1) and a modified military truck with an anti-aircraft gun (ZU-23, 23mm) mounted in the rear near a previously observed position of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, about 500m south of the area’s northern edge and 1.4km east of the area’s western edge. At a distance of about 1km north-east of the abovementioned positions and south of the railway tracks, the same UAV spotted an IFV (BMP-1) as well as two to four people. Approximately 1.3km north-east of the abovementioned positions, the same UAV spotted another IFV (BMP-1) as well as an additional two to four people.

On 2 April, positioned near the northern edge of Zolote-3/Stakhanovets (government-controlled, 61km west of Luhansk), the SMM heard two undetermined explosions at an assessed range of 3-4km south (unable to assess as inside or outside the disengagement area).

Positioned in the disengagement area near Stanytsia Luhanska (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Luhansk), and near the disengagement area close to Petrivske (non-government-controlled, 41km south of Donetsk), the SMM observed a calm situation.[3]

Withdrawal of weapons

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons in implementation of the Memorandum and the Package of Measures and its Addendum.

In violation of withdrawal lines

Government-controlled areas

2 April

The SMM saw:

• six anti-tank guns (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm) being loaded onto a train in Kostiantynivka (60km north of Donetsk) and
• two anti-tank guns stationary (MT-12) near Kostiantynivka.

Non-government-controlled areas

31 March

An SMM mini-UAV spotted a probable tank (T-72) about 1.5km west of Kalynove-Borshchuvate.

1 April

Aerial imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence of four multiple launch rocket systems (types undetermined) in a training area near Miusynsk.

An SMM mid-range UAV spotted four self-propelled howitzers (2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm) near Hrechchyne (48km south of Donetsk).

Beyond withdrawal lines but outside of designated storage sites:

Government-controlled areas

2 April

The SMM saw:

• a surface-to-air missile system (9K33 Osa) near Zaliznianske (79km north of Donetsk) and
• eight mortars (PM-38, 120mm) being transported by a military utility truck headed south-west near Kostiantynivka.

Non-government-controlled areas

On 1 April, aerial imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence of:

• 23 tanks (type undetermined) and four surface-to-air missile systems (type undetermined) in a training area near Buhaivka (37km south-west of Luhansk) (for previous observations, see SMM Daily Report 26 March 2019);
• seven tanks (type undetermined) and six pieces of towed artillery/mortars (types undetermined) in a training area near Miusynsk (62km south-west of Luhansk) (for previous observations, see SMM Daily Report 26 March 2019); and
• 22 tanks (type undetermined) in a training area near Kruhlyk (31km south-west of Luhansk) (for previous observations, see SMM Daily Report of 12 March 2019).

Other weapons observed:[4]

On 1 April, aerial imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence of seven pieces of self-propelled artillery/mortars (types undetermined) and 16 pieces of towed artillery/mortars (types undetermined) in a training area near Buhaivka.

Weapons permanent storage site

At a permanent storage site in a non-government-controlled area of Luhansk region

1 April

The SMM noted that all weapons previously observed at the site were present.

Indications of military and military-type presence in the security zone[5]

Government-controlled areas

27 March

An SMM mini-UAV spotted two armoured reconnaissance vehicles (BRM-1K), an anti-aircraft gun (ZU-23), an armoured personnel carrier (APC) (MT-LB-S ambulance variant) and an IFV (BMP-1) near Nevelske (18km north-west of Donetsk).

30 March

An SMM mid-range UAV spotted three armoured reconnaissance vehicles (BRDM-2) in Novhorodske (35km north of Donetsk).

1 April

An SMM long-range UAV spotted:

• an IFV (BMP-1) near Myronivskyi (62km north-east of Donetsk);
• seven armoured combat vehicles (ACV) (type undetermined) near Troitske (69km west of Luhansk);
• an IFV (BMP-1) and an ACV (type undetermined) near Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk);
• an IFV (BMP-1) and an ACV (type undetermined) near Orikhove (57km north-west of Luhansk); and
• four ACVs (type undetermined) south-east of Bila Hora (54km north of Donetsk).

An SMM mid-range UAV spotted five IFVs (BMP-2), two APCs (MT-LB) and an armoured recovery vehicle (BREM-2) near Prychepylivka (50km north-west of Luhansk).

2 April

The SMM saw:

• four IFVs (two BMP-1, two BMP variant) near Popasna (69km west of Luhansk). (for previous observations, see SSM Daily Report of 31 March 2019);
• an armoured reconnaissance vehicle (BRDM-2) with a mounted heavy machine gun next to civilian houses used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Orikhove-Donetske (44km north-west of Luhansk);
• two IFVs (BMP-1) in Novhorodske; and
• two armoured reconnaissance vehicles (BRDM-2) and three IFVs (BMP-1) near Romanivka (government-controlled, 41km north of Donetsk).

Non-government-controlled areas

1 April

An SMM mini-UAV spotted an APC (BTR-80) at the Luhansk airport.

An SMM mid-range UAV spotted two IFVs (BMP-1) near Hrechchyne.

An SMM long-range UAV spotted:

• two ACVs (type undetermined) near Zhovte (17km north-west of Luhansk) and
• an IFV (BMP-1) and an APC (BTR-80) near Pryvitne (11km north of Luhansk).

2 April

The SMM saw an IFV (BMP-1) in Smile (31km north-west of Luhansk).

Automatic jamming system spotted near Luhansk city

On 1 April, an SMM mini-UAV spotted an automatic jamming system (R-330Zh Zhitel) in a compound approximately 2km south-east of Luhansk city.

Demining activities

On 1 April, the SMM saw 12 members of an international demining organization conducting demining activities on the eastern side of road T-1314, about 3km north of Shyrokyi (government-controlled, 38km north-east of Luhansk).

Presence of unexploded ordnance

On Stratonavtiv Street in Donetsk city, approximately 700m south of the Donetsk airport, the SMM saw for the first time a piece of unexploded ordnance (UXO) assessed as a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) (BM-21 Grad, 122mm) rocket embedded in soft ground approximately 1m outside of a residential house. The SMM did not assess the UXO as recent.

SMM facilitation of repairs to civilian infrastructure

The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to the Petrivske pumping station near Artema (government-controlled, 26km north of Luhansk) and to a power transmission line near Zolote-5/Mykhailivka (non-government-controlled, 58km west of Luhansk). The Mission continued to facilitate the operation of the Donetsk Filtration Station (15km north of Donetsk) and to monitor the security situation around the pumping station near Vasylivka (non-government-controlled, 20km north of Donetsk).

Border areas outside government control

On 1 April, while at a border crossing point near Ulianivske (61km south-east of Donetsk), the SMM saw two pedestrians (males, over the age of 40) entering Ukraine.

On the same day, while at a border crossing point near Uspenka (73km south-east of Donetsk), the SMM saw five cars (one with Ukrainian and one with Russian Federation licence plates, as well as three “DPR” plates) entering Ukraine and 11 cars (eight Ukrainian and one Russian Federation licence plates, as well as two “DPR” plates) exiting Ukraine.

The Mission continued monitoring in Kherson, Odessa, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Chernivtsi and Kyiv.

*Restrictions of SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate

The SMM’s monitoring and freedom of movement are restricted by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines, UXO and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations. They have also agreed that the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) should contribute to such response and co-ordinate mine clearance. Nonetheless, the armed formations in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions frequently deny the SMM access to areas adjacent to Ukraine’s border outside control of the Government (for example, see SMM Daily Report 2 April 2019). The SMM’s operations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions remain restricted following the fatal incident of 23 April 2017 near Pryshyb; these restrictions continued to limit the Mission’s observations.

Denial of access:

• Two armed members of the armed formations at a checkpoint north of Zaichenko (non-government-controlled, 26km north-east of Mariupol) prevented the SMM from continuing onwards through the check point to Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove, non-government-controlled, 23km north-east of Mariupol) citing “security reasons.”

Regular restrictions related to disengagement areas and mines/UXO:

• The sides continued to deny the SMM full access to the three disengagement areas, as well as the ability to travel certain roads previously identified as important for effective monitoring by the Mission and for civilians’ movement, through failure to conduct comprehensive clearance of mines and UXO.

Other impediments:

• During a meeting with a local representative in Holmivskyi (non-government-controlled, 49km north-east of   Donetsk), an armed man in military-style clothing interrupted the meeting and ordered the SMM to leave the building citing “the risk of imminent shelling” and stated that the SMM could only remain near the Cultural Centre in the centre of the village.
• Near Zaichenko, a vehicle with civilian licence plates twice manoeuvred toward the SMM patrol in an aggressive manner. For more information, see above.

[1] For a complete breakdown of ceasefire violations, please see the annexed table. During the reporting period, the SMM cameras in Krasnohorivka and Maiorsk were not operational.

[2]Disengagement is foreseen in the Framework Decision of the Trilateral Contact Group relating to disengagement of forces and hardware of 21 September 2016.

[3] Due to presence of mines, including those on a road between Bohdanivka and Petrivske, the SMM’s access to its camera in Petrivske remains limited; thus, the review of the camera footage may take place days later.

[4] The SMM was unable to assess whether these weapons were in violation of withdrawal lines in the absence of information on their calibre.

[5] The hardware mentioned in this section is not proscribed by the provisions of the Minsk agreements on the withdrawal of weapons.

GENEVA, Switzerland, 3 April 2019 - The 47th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place today.

In Working Group I, the Co-Chairs (UN Representative Cihan Sultanoğlu, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Rudolf Michalka and EU Special Representative Toivo Klaar) noted that the security situation on the ground had been challenged especially by the death of Georgian citizen Irakli Kvaratskhelia in the custody of Russian Federation Border Guards in the Gali district on 10 March 2019, as well as the temporary restrictions and closures of crossing points imposed in January 2019.

Regarding the death of Kvaratskhelia, the Co-Chairs called on the relevant participants to share all existing information in a timely manner.

On the restrictions and closures, the Co-Chairs and Co-Moderators reiterated that these measures were not justified as a means to providing public health benefits. They stressed that both the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs) and the hotlines should have been used.

Participants highlighted the importance of the IPRMs and the work of the Ergneti IPRM was positively assessed. The necessity of resuming the Gali IPRM without preconditions and further delay was stressed.

Concerns regarding military activities in the region were expressed. The Co-Chairs underlined the importance of providing advance notice on this and other sensitive issues.

Participants exchanged views on the agenda item on “non-use of force and international security arrangements,” benefiting from a corresponding information session.

In Working Group II, the participants reviewed the humanitarian situation on the ground, including the impact of the temporary restrictions and closures of crossing points. They also discussed issues relating to documentation, freedom of movement, missing persons, public health, education, livelihoods and environmental challenges. Unfortunately, due to a walkout by some participants, the issue of internally displaced persons/refugees could not be addressed. The Co-Chairs and Co-Moderators renewed their call for participants to engage constructively on all agenda items.

The participants agreed to hold the next GID round on 2-3 July 2019.

VIENNA, 3 April 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today expressed his disappointment over the court verdicts handed down today to a number of journalists and writers in the Özgür Gündem trial in Turkey.

Thirteen journalists and writers who participated in a solidarity campaign organized by the now closed Kurdish media outlet Özgür Gündem stood trial on charges related to terrorist propaganda. The Istanbul 14th High Criminal Court convicted Faruk Eren, Ertuğrul Mavioğlu, Fehim Işık, Celal Başlangıç, Öncü Akgül, İhsan Çaralan, Celalettin Can and Dilşah Kocakaya to 15 months in prison. All the sentences, with the exception of those against Can and Kocakaya, were deferred. In addition, former Chief Editor Hüseyin Aykol was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison.

“Sentencing journalists to prison for showing solidarity with a prosecuted newspaper greatly damages the freedom of the media and freedom of expression in Turkey, by shrinking the space for a vibrant and pluralistic media environment. Solidarity of journalists with their colleagues is not a crime; the journalists are not terrorists,” Désir said.

The Representative also noted that Mehmet Şirin Taşdemir, Ömer Ağın, Veysel Kemer and Yüksel Oğuz, who were accused of sending letters to the newspaper, were acquitted.

“I urge the Turkish authorities to stop sentencing journalists to prison as punishment for their views. I repeat my call on Turkey to release all journalists who are behind bars for their work,” the Representative said.

Earlier statements on Turkey by the Representative can be found at www.osce.org/fom.

BRUSSELS, 3 April 2019 – The Return Policy of European Union Member States and Belgium’s practices in this area were the focus of a visit by members of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on Migration to Brussels on Tuesday, led by Chair Nahima Lanjri (Belgium).

The delegation of parliamentarians stressed that both solidarity towards people in need of protection and the return of irregular migrants are key issues for a balanced and effective migration policy, and that return policies should be based on the principle ‘voluntary if possible, forced if necessary.’ With the proposals for a reformed EU Directive on Returns currently being debated in the European Council and the European Parliament, the delegation called for an emphasis on promoting alternatives to detention.

The delegation also stressed the importance of safeguarding the dignity and fundamental rights of all migrants, with special regard for vulnerable categories of migrants, especially children and families with minor children.

“Whether we are talking about ‘regular’ or ‘irregular’ migrants, accompanied or unaccompanied minors, refugees or asylum seekers, or any other category, we must remember that we are first and foremost talking about people and that the best interests of the child must always be given primary consideration. In any decision affecting children, including the implementation of return policies, it is vital that certain principles are upheld, such as the right to family unity and education.”

She stressed that unaccompanied minors should never be detained and children should be granted access to adequate education and, as far as possible, be allowed to finish the school year before being repatriated. In that context, she also drew attention to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, as it is celebrating its 30 years anniversary this year.

Lanjri also called for a more rigorous monitoring of forced returns to ensure that the principle of non-refoulement is not violated. Furthermore, she noted that voluntary returns should always be given preference, and preferably with prior preparatory groundwork through a social work approach. The experience of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) also clearly points to increased sustainability of returns when reintegration assistance is provided. Indeed, she called for re-examining the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of returns which currently relies to a great extent on statistics on the number of persons returned without further follow-up.

Members expressed concern that the detention of children with families was now a reality both on paper and in practice in Belgium. Taking note of legislative changes in July 2018 and the construction of closed family units, they emphasized that these should be used only as a measure of last resort. Members also called for limits on periods of detention to be counted on a cumulative basis rather than on individual periods, in order to prevent abuse.

The first part of the programme consisted of briefings on the current status of discussions within the EU on how to make returns more effective as well as on the basic principles which should underpin return policies. The OSCE parliamentarians met with officials from the IOM, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and non-governmental organizations working with vulnerable children. The second component of the programme examined current practice in Belgium, seeking to identify lessons learned and examples of good practice.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Steenokkerzeel repatriation centre in the vicinity of Brussels airport which is an immigration detention centre which, since the summer of 2018 also includes a number of ‘family units’ intended for the detention of families with minor children.

The delegation included members Margareta Cederfeldt (Sweden), Alfred Dubs (United Kingdom), Sylvie Goy-Chavent (France), Roman Haider (Austria) and Kyriakos Kyriakou-Hadjiyianni (Cyprus).

For more information on the work of the OSCE PA's Ad Hoc Committee on Migration, please click here.

VIENNA, 3 April 2019 – Violent attacks or the threat of violence against journalists will be the focus of an international conference organized by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media in Vienna on 12 April 2019. The event will bring together many journalists who have experienced violence, or relatives and co-workers of victims of such attacks, including the son of killed Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and the Chief Editor of Aktuality.sk, where murdered Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak worked.

The conference will provide a forum for journalists to share their experiences and to contribute to discussions on how OSCE participating States can better protect the right to freedom of expression and of the media. In December 2018, the OSCE participating States adopted a landmark decision on the safety of journalists at the Ministerial Council meeting in Milan.

The event will also be attended by international media experts, academics and policy makers from over 30 countries. Key media participants will include, among others:

• Matthew Caruana Galizia, Investigative journalist and son of killed journalist Daphne Anne Caruana Galizia (Malta)
• Peter Bárdy, Chief Editor of Aktuality.sk, where killed journalist Ján Kuciak worked (Slovakia)
• Katya Gorchinskaya, Journalist/Media Manager and friend of killed journalist Pavel Sheremet (Ukraine)
• Svetlana Lukić, Editor-in-Chief of the Peščanik online portal (Serbia)
• Elif Akgül, Freelance journalist (Turkey)
• Lukpan Akhmedyarov, Chief Editor of the Uralskaya Nedelya newspaper (Kazakhstan)
• Tatyana Felgenhauer, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and presenter at Ekho Moskvy radio station (Russia)

The discussions are expected to focus on how journalists continue to investigate while their profession comes under increasing assault; on how to deal with threats and self-censorship; and the challenge to media freedom caused by the impunity for murders of journalists.

The agenda and more information about the event can be found here: www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/415115.

Representatives of the media are invited to attend the event from 9:00 to 18:30 on 12 April 2019 in the Neuer Saal of the Hofburg Conference Centre. Please register by sending an email to nicolas.ebnother@osce.org by 12:00 noon, Wednesday, 10 April 2019. For interview requests, please contact Jennifer Adams at jennifer.adams@osce.org.

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 facebook.com/osce.rfom. 

Contacts

Alexander Nitzsche
Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media 
Wallnerstrasse 6
1010 Vienna
Austria
Mobile: +43 676 511 84 04
alexander.nitzsche@osce.org

Joana Karapataqi, OSCE Presence in Albania OSCE Presence in Albania

The OSCE Presence in Albania and the Albanian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative signed on 2 April 2019 a co-operation agreement on joint activities to raise local capacities, promote transparency and strengthen anti-corruption efforts at local level.

In the course of this year, the Presence and the Albanian EITI Secretariat will organize four regional events that will involve the municipalities of Patos, Bulqiza, Burrel, Kukës, Përrenjas, Selenicë and Mallakastra. The events aim to raise the awareness of authorities, civil society, local communities and business community about the need to increase public benefit in the development of natural resource projects.

“The development of natural resources should go hand in hand with the benefits shared by the government, investors and the community. This development can only be effective when communities are involved. Lack of public information and community participation in development projects inevitably creates mistrust and problems even in the soundest projects”, said Bernd Borchardt, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, during a meeting with AlbEITI Director Ardit Kamberi.

The 2012 OSCE Dublin Declaration on Good Governance acknowledges the importance of transparency and takes note of the activities of multi-stakeholder partnerships and initiatives in this sphere, such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Albania became a member of EITI in May 2013.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

This report is for the media and the general public.

Summary

• Compared with the previous 24 hours, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region.
• The Mission followed up on reports of a man killed in Sakhanka due to shrapnel injuries, as well as a man and a woman injured in Pikuzy due to shelling, all in March.
• The SMM saw fresh damage to residential buildings and a school in Zolote-2/Karbonit and Zolote-5/Mykhailivka.
• It also observed fresh craters near Kalynove-Borshchuvate and Novotroitske.
• The Mission recorded ceasefire violations inside the Zolote disengagement area and near the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area.
• The SMM saw for the first time a piece of unexploded ordnance near Novobakhmutivka, unexploded ordnance and anti-tank mines near Marinka, an improvised explosive device near Olenivka and mine hazard signs near Kreminets and Verkhnotoretske.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential civilian infrastructure.
• Restrictions of the SMM’s access continued in all three disengagement areas. In addition, it was restricted at checkpoints near Zaichenko, Verkhnoshyrokivske  and Tavrycheske, as well as at a border crossing point and railway station near Voznesenivka, close to the border with the Russian Federation.*

Ceasefire violations[1]

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations, including about 200 explosions, compared with the previous 24 hours (about 75 explosions). The highest number of ceasefire violations was recorded in areas south-east of Chermalyk (government-controlled, 31km north-east of Mariupol).

On the evening of 31 March, among other ceasefire violations, the SMM camera at the Donetsk Filtration Station (DFS) (15km north of Donetsk) recorded seven projectiles in flight at an assessed range of 300-500m south-south-west.

In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations, including, however, more explosions (about 25), compared with the previous 24 hours (nine explosions). The majority of ceasefire violations were recorded inside and near the disengagement area near Zolote (government-controlled, 60km west of Luhansk) (see below).

Man killed in Sakhanka due to shrapnel injuries, as well as man and woman injured in Pikuzy due to shelling

In Sakhanka and Pikuzy, the SMM corroborated cases from March. The SMM followed up on reports of a man killed in Sakhanka (non-government-controlled, 24km north-east of Mariupol) from shrapnel injuries. On 12 March, staff at a morgue in Starobesheve (non-government-controlled, 32km south-east of Donetsk) told the SMM that on 5 March the body of a 59-year-old man who had died due to shrapnel injuries to the head had been brought to the morgue. On 6 March, a resident of Sakhanka (man, 50 years old) who said he was the man’s neighbor told the SMM that on the morning of 4 March, after shelling had occurred he had found the man lying inside the summer kitchen of his house with injuries to his head. 

The SMM followed up on reports of a woman and a man injured by shelling in Pikuzy (formerly Kominternove, non-government-controlled, 23km north-east of Mariupol) at two locations where the SMM previously saw fresh craters and damage to residential houses (see SMM Daily Report 25 March 2019). At 112 Akhmatovoi Street, the SMM saw a resident (woman, 75 years old) with a bandage stained with blood and bruises on the right side of her chest who told the SMM that she had been injured while inside her home when shelling occurred in the early morning of 22 March. About 300m further east-south-east, at 92 Akhmatovoi Street, the SMM saw a resident (man, 79 years old) with a scratch on the right side of his head who said that he had been injured while inside his house when shelling occurred in the early morning hours of 22 March.

Fresh damage to residential buildings and a school in Zolote-2/Karbonit and Zolote-5/Mykhailivka

On 30 March, on the north-eastern edge of Zolote-2/Karbonit (government-controlled, 62km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM observed six fresh craters: two in a field on the western side of a bridge that connects Zolote-2/Karbonit with Hirske (government-controlled, 63km west of Luhansk), three in a field on the eastern side of the bridge and one on the tarmac road on its south-eastern edge, all at a distance of 1-30m from the road. The SMM assessed the craters as caused by 120mm mortar rounds fired from an undetermined direction.

Also on the north-eastern edge of Zolote-2/Karbonit, at 43 Molodizhna Street, the SMM saw three shattered east-facing windows, two on the ground floor and one on the fifth floor of a five-storey apartment building. At 44 Molodizhna Street, the SMM saw a shattered east-facing window pane and five fresh holes in five east-facing windows on the ground floor of a five-storey residential building. At both locations, the SMM assessed the damage as caused by shrapnel. Two residents (men, aged 30-60) of the damaged flats on the ground and fifth floors told the SMM that they had been at home with their families in the afternoon of 29 March at around 17:00 when shelling had occurred. At Lunacharskoho Street, the Mission saw five fresh holes, assessed as caused by shrapnel, in five north-facing windows of a two-storey building of an operational school.

In the centre of Zolote-5/Mykhailivka (non-government-controlled, 61km north-west of Luhansk), at 6 Poshtova Street, accompanied by members of the armed formations, the SMM saw 20 fresh holes in a wall and four shattered windows on the north-facing side of a one-storey house, as well as glass shards on the ground, assessed as shrapnel damage. It saw more than 100 fresh holes in the metal gate and fence about 4m north the same house, 20 fresh holes in the north-facing side of a barn, as well as 20 fresh holes in the north-facing wall and metal gate of a garage located about 6-8m north of the house, all assessed as shrapnel damage. The SMM also observed a cut power line about 1m north from the house. About 15m north of the house, the SMM saw a fresh crater in the tarmac road. The SMM could not assess the type of weapon used or direction of fire. The SMM also saw a cut power line and fresh scorch marks on the grass within a 5m-radius of the house. A resident of the house (male, aged 60-70) told the SMM that he had heard explosions nearby at around 17:30 on 29 March.

At 8 Poshtova Street, the SMM observed 20 fresh holes in a wall and two freshly shattered windows on the north-facing side of a one-storey house, as well as glass shards on the ground, and at least ten fresh holes in a wooden fence about 4m north of the same house, all assessed as shrapnel damage. The Mission also saw a hole in an above-ground gas pipe, assessed as shrapnel damage. The SMM also saw a fresh crater in a field about 10m north of the house and another on a tarmac road about 10m further north. The SMM could not assess the type of weapon used or direction of fire.

At 9 Poshtova Street, the SMM saw a crater with a metal tube in it assessed as a remnant of ammunition (OG-9 or OG-15 grenade) next to a broken wooden fence (pieces of which were on the ground) about 7m north of a single-storey residential house. The SMM also saw a crack in the north-facing wall of a barn and broken bricks on the ground about 2m north of the residential house. The SMM could not assess the type of weapon used or direction of fire.

On the same street (about 20m north of the previous house), about 3m north of an abandoned single-storey house, the SMM saw in a tree line a fresh crater with three aluminium fragments inside it, assessed as remnants of ammunition (OG-9 or OG-15 grenade), and another fresh crater 7m further north. About 150m east of the abandoned house, the SMM saw two other craters near the road, 15m north of another abandoned house. The SMM also observed that all windows on all sides of the house had been shattered. The Mission was unable to assess the weapon type or direction of fire.

On 31 March, at 2 Pervomaiska Street in Zolote-5/Mykhailivka, the SMM saw a fresh hole in the north-facing part of the roof of a single-storey house. The SMM could not assess the type of weapon or the direction of fire.

Fresh craters near Kalynove-Borshchuvate and Novotroitske

On 31 March, an SMM mini-UAV spotted three impact craters assessed as caused by a 120mm mortar and eight impact craters assessed as caused by 82mm mortar rounds (not visible in imagery from 26 March) in a field near Kalynove-Borshchuvate (non-government-controlled, 61km west of Luhansk).

On 1 April, about 200m north of the entry-exit checkpoint near Novotroitske (government-controlled, 36km south-west of Donetsk) and west of road H-20, the SMM saw 13 fresh craters in a field marked with mine hazard signs. The SMM could not assess the type of weapon or direction of fire.

Disengagement areas[2]

On the evening of 31 March, the SMM camera in Stanytsia Luhanska (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Luhansk) recorded eight explosions, assessed as airbursts, at an assessed range of 2-4km west-south-west, near the disengagement area.

On the evening of 31 March, the SMM camera in Zolote recorded 16 projectiles in vertical flight at an assessed range of 2-4km south-east, assessed as inside the disengagement area, as well as six projectiles near the disengagement area. On the next morning, the same camera recorded a projectile near the disengagement area. During the day on 1 April, positioned in Berezivske (non-government-controlled, 53km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM heard ten bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire at an assessed range of 4.5-6km west, assessed as inside the disengagement area. Positioned on the eastern edge of Berezivske, the SMM heard an undetermined explosion and 20 shots of small-arms fire at an assessed range of 4-6km west, assessed as inside the disengagement area. Positioned 1km east of Orikhove (government-controlled, 57km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM heard three explosions assessed as impacts of artillery rounds near the disengagement area.

On 31 March, an SMM mid-range UAV again spotted at least 15 anti-tank mines (type unknown) laid out in a 10m-long row inside the disengagement area near Petrivske (non-government-controlled, 41km south of Donetsk), approximately 450m south of its northern edge and approximately 100m west of its eastern edge.[3]

Withdrawal of weapons

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons in implementation of the Memorandum and the Package of Measures and its Addendum.

In violation of withdrawal lines

Non-government-controlled areas

30 March

An SMM mini-UAV spotted three surface-to-air missile systems (9K35 Strela-10) in a compound near Katerynivka (formerly Yuvileine, 8km west of Luhansk).

Beyond withdrawal lines but outside of designated storage sites

Government-controlled areas

1 April

The SMM saw a surface-to-air missile system (9K33 Osa) near Pidhorodne (73km north of Donetsk).

Non-government-controlled areas

1 April

The SMM saw a piece of heavy artillery (type undetermined) under a tarpaulin loaded on a truck on road T-1321 near Uspenka (23km south-west of Luhansk).

Indications of military and military-type presence in the security zone[4]

Government-controlled areas

30 March

An SMM mini-UAV spotted two infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) (BMP variant) as well as an anti-aircraft gun (ZU-23, 23mm) mounted on an armoured personnel carrier (APC) (MT-LB) near Prychepylivka (50km north-west of Luhansk).

31 March

An SMM long-range UAV spotted:

• an anti-aircraft gun (ZU-23) near Bila Hora (54km north of Donetsk) and
• an APC (MT-LB) near Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk)

An SMM mini-UAV spotted five IFVs (BMP-1) near Myrne (63km south of Donetsk).

1 April

The SMM saw:

• four IFVs (three BMP-1 and one BMP variant) in the eastern outskirts of Popasna (69km west of Luhansk) and
• an APC (MT-LB variant) at a compound in Yurivka (35km north of Donetsk)

Non-government-controlled areas

30 March

An SMM mini-UAV spotted:

• an anti-aircraft gun (ZU-23) mounted on an APC (MT-LB) in Luhansk city and
• two APCs (MT-LB) in Katerynivka.

31 March

An SMM long-range UAV spotted:

• an APC (MT-LB) near Stare (formerly Chervonyi Prapor, 58km west of Luhansk) and
• 21 IFVs (BMP-1) and an APC (MT-LB) near Kruhlyk (65km south-west of Luhansk)

An SMM mini-UAV spotted four IFVs (BMP-1) and an APC (MT-LB) near Lobacheve (13km east of Luhansk).

Presence of mines, unexploded ordnance, improvised explosive device and mine hazard signs

About 20m north of highway H-15 at the forward position of the Ukrainian Armed Forces about 1.8km south-south-east of the entry-exit checkpoint near Marinka (government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM saw for the first time a piece of unexploded ordnance (UXO), assessed as a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) (BM-21 Grad, 122mm) rocket. About 500m further north-north-west, the SMM observed for the first time 24 anti-tank mines (TM-62M) in a fenced field. At the same location, it saw for the first time a red mine hazard sign (with “Stop mine” written on it in Russian language and “Danger mine” in English) attached to a wooden stick about 20m north of highway H-15.

About 150m south-west of a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM saw for the first time a black plastic bottle with a fuse, assessed as an improvised explosive device, and a metal trip wire next to a concrete block on the median strip between two lanes of a road used daily by civilians and the SMM.

About 2km north-east of Novobakhmutivka (government-controlled, 28km north of Donetsk), the SMM saw for the first time a piece of UXO, assessed as the remnants of a missile tube (type undetermined), embedded in a road used daily by civilians and the SMM.

About 280m west of a checkpoint near the Kargil plant in Kreminets (non-government-controlled, 16km south-west of Donetsk) and about 20m south of highway H-15, the SMM saw for the first time a red plastic sign (with “ Stop mines” written in Russian and “Danger mines” in English) attached to a wooden stick in the ground.

In Verkhnotoretske (government-controlled, 23km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM observed for the first time two white boards with “Mines” written in black in Russian language attached to sticks in a field next to a road.

SMM facilitation of repairs to civilian infrastructure

The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to the Petrivske pumping station near Artema (government-controlled, 26km north of Luhansk). It also continued to facilitate the operation of the DFS and to monitor the security situation around the pumping station near Vasylivka (non-government-controlled, 24km north-east of Donetsk).

Border areas outside government control

While at a border crossing point near Marynivka (78km east of Donetsk) for about an hour, the SMM saw eight cars (one with Ukrainian and five with Russian Federation licence plates, as well as two with “DPR” plates) entering Ukraine and 16 cars (one with Ukrainian, five with Russian Federation and one with Polish licence plates, as well as nine with “DPR” plates), five covered cargo trucks (four with Ukrainian licence plates and one with “DPR” plates) and two buses (with “DPR” plates) exiting Ukraine.

While at a border crossing point near Voznesenivka (formerly Chervonopartyzansk, 65km south-east of Luhansk), the SMM saw 11 cars (six with Ukrainian and three with Russian Federation licence plates, as well as two with “LPR” plates) and seven pedestrians entering Ukraine, and four cars (one with Ukrainian and three with Russian Federation licence plates) and 16 pedestrians exiting Ukraine. After about 20 minutes, an armed member of the armed formations told the SMM to leave the area.*

While at the Chervona Mohyla railway station in Voznesenivka, the SMM saw two trains (one with fuel bowsers and one with coal transportation wagons, with their cargo not visible). After two minutes, a member of the armed formations told the SMM to leave the area.*

The Mission continued monitoring in Kherson, Odessa, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Chernivtsi and Kyiv.

*Restrictions of SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate

The SMM’s monitoring and freedom of movement are restricted by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines, UXO and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations. They have also agreed that the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) should contribute to such response and co-ordinate mine clearance. Nonetheless, the armed formations in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions frequently deny the SMM access to areas adjacent to Ukraine’s border outside control of the Government (for example, see below). The SMM’s operations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions remain restricted following the fatal incident of 23 April 2017 near Pryshyb; these restrictions continued to limit the Mission’s observations.

Denial of access:

• At a checkpoint north of Zaichenko (non-government-controlled, 26km north-east of Mariupol), two armed members of the armed formations again denied the SMM passage south to Sakhanka (non-government-controlled, 24km north-east of Mariupol), citing risks to the security of the patrol as the reason for the denial.
• At a border crossing point near Voznesenivka (formerly Chervonopartyzansk, non-government-controlled, 65km south-east of Luhansk), an armed member of the armed formations again told the SMM to leave.
• At the Chervona Mohyla railway station near Voznesenivka, a member of the armed formations again told the SMM that it had to leave the area, citing the lack of “instructions for the SMM to be present there”.

Regular restrictions related to disengagement areas and mines/UXO:

• The sides continued to deny the SMM full access to the three disengagement areas, as well as the ability to travel certain roads previously identified as important for effective monitoring by the Mission and for civilians’ movement, through failure to conduct comprehensive clearance of mines and UXO.
• At a checkpoint of the armed formations south of the bridge in Shchastia (government-controlled, 20km north of Luhansk), a member of the armed formations told the Mission that he was not aware of any demining activities having taken place during the previous seven days and that the road north of the bridge was still mined.

Delay:

• At a checkpoint west of Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, non-government controlled, 29km north-east of Mariupol), four members of the armed formations again stopped the SMM and allowed it to pass only after about 35 minutes of waiting at the checkpoint, citing the need to obtain “permission” from their “superiors”.

At a checkpoint north of Tavrycheske (non-government-controlled, 35km north-east of Mariupol), four members of the armed formations (two of them armed) stopped the SMM and allowed it to pass only after about 20 minutes of waiting at the checkpoint, without providing any reason.

[1] For a complete breakdown of ceasefire violations, please see the annexed table. During the reporting period, the SMM camera in Krasnohorivka was not operational.

[2]Disengagement is foreseen in the Framework Decision of the Trilateral Contact Group relating to disengagement of forces and hardware of 21 September 2016.

[3] Due to the presence of mines, including on a road between Bohdanivka and Petrivske, the SMM cannot access its camera in Petrivske, and thus the SMM has not been able to access observations from the camera since 22 June 2018.

[4] The hardware mentioned in this section is not proscribed by the provisions of the Minsk agreements on the withdrawal of weapons.

PODGORICA, 2 April 2019 - OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger concluded today a two-day visit to Podgorica, during which he met with Montenegro’s highest officials and highlighted the significant progress achieved in fulfilling strategic reforms in the country.

“Strong institutions are the pillars of a consolidated democracy and all political actors should contribute to their strengthening. Parliament is the key institution in a democratic system.   The peaceful, democratic nature of political discourse needs to be preserved and political dialogue must take place within the parliament and state institutions,” said Greminger.

“I have to commend the work of the Committee on further reform of electoral and other legislation. There is a definite need for thorough and timely reform,” said Greminger. “The only way to achieve progress is through mutual dialogue and compromise in order to implement recommendations that reflect international standards. The political will of all sides is crucial to ensure full implementation of proposed recommendations.”

In his meetings with Montenegro’s senior officials, Greminger noted that protests are part of the democratic process, as long as they stay peaceful. “While the region made considerable progress towards peace and stability and in strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law, recent events show that these achievements cannot be taken for granted and need to be further consolidated.”

During his separate meetings with media and NGO representatives, Greminger reaffirmed the OSCE’s support for free, independent, and pluralistic media, stressing the importance of ensuring the safety of journalists. He also pointed out that the active participation and commitment of civil society representatives in the country’s reform agenda is important, especially in the youth, gender and democratic development spheres.

In a meeting with opposition party leaders, Greminger stressed that strong opposition is necessary to safeguard democracy. “It is important to hear critical voices. Peaceful protests are part of democracy, but differences should be debated in Parliament.” 

Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro Maryse Daviet said: “Thanks to the close partnership that the Mission has forged with the government, institutions, civil society and other stakeholders, it is well positioned to continue to support Montenegro in meeting their long-term strategic goals in line with OSCE commitments and principles.”

Greminger met with President of Montenegro Milo Ɖukanović, President of the Parliament Ivan Brajović, Prime Minister Duško Marković, Deputy Prime Minister for the Political System, Internal and Foreign Policy Zoran Pažin, Minister of Culture Aleksandar Bogdanović, Minister of Sports and Youth Nikola Janović, opposition party leaders, as well as representatives of NGOs and the media in Montenegro.

During his visit, the Secretary General also met with the staff of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro. The OSCE Mission to Montenegro was established in June 2006.

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 increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 21 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 the people 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 people and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.

The average number of entries/exits decreased from 9,935 to 9,562 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 minus 76 per day for both BCPs.

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

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits noted crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs was 35 this week compared to 29 last week: 19 of them crossed into the Russian Federation, and 16 into Ukraine (91 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 have tinted windows, and buses and minivans have drawn curtains.

Families with a significant amount of luggage

The OTs continued to report on families crossing the border, sometimes with elderly people and/or children, 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 eight were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when no families were observed crossing into Russian Federation and three into Ukraine.

Bus connections                                         

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

During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (339 compared to 333 observed during the previous week). There were 180 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 159 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 do not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation have Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OM observed a significant increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border in both directions and at both BCPs. Compared to the previous week, the total number of trucks went from 748 to 854 (324 at the Gukovo BCP and 530 at the Donetsk BCP); 467 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 387 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in Belarus, the Russian Federation and some 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 to 47 (compared to 41 during the previous reporting period). 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 undergo systematic inspection by Russian Federation officials, which may include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.

Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP decreased from 194 to 109: of the total number of trucks scanned, 71 trucks (65 per cent) were bound for Ukraine; the remaining 38 trucks (35 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 132 to 156 vehicles; 82 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 74 into Ukraine.

Trains

The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains running on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 30 occasions, compared to 28 last week; the OTs assessed that 14 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and 16 to Ukraine (more details are provided on the sections “trends and figures at a glance”). 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. In addition, some cars with Georgian licence plates and “DPR” plates were also observed.

On 27 March at 11:24, an ambulance with licence plates from the Russian Federation registered in the Rostov Region, arrived at the Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation. The ambulance bore the inscription “112 – urgent medical help” (in Russian). After it parked near the border checking area, two paramedics exited the vehicle carrying a medical suitcase and went towards the vehicles which were crossing into Ukraine. At 11:38, same day, the ambulance returned towards the Russian Federation.

On 29 March at 15:11, a Russian Federation police van with two police officers arrived at the Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation side. The OT noticed one person in the rear of the car which had its flashing lights turned on. It underwent border control procedures and left behind the main building. At 15:35, the same vehicle returned to Russian Federation. Inside the car were two police officers and two persons in the rear of the van which had its flashing lights turned on. When leaving the BCP, the police vehicle used its siren.

On 1 April at 10:12, a police vehicle with Russian Federation licence plates entered the Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation. The OM observed that the vehicle did not proceed to the Ukrainian side. At 10:29 on the same day, the vehicle returned to the Russian Federation. The OT noted that on its return, one additional passenger was inside the vehicle.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 12 February to 2 April 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).                       

415706 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

A four-day training programme on the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Heritage (PITCH), organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) with the support of the Border Management Unit of the OSCE Project Office in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, drew to a close on 29 March 2019.

Twenty-one officers from the customs administrations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan participated in the training, aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of customs officers in preventing offences related to the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage.

The training was conducted as part of an OSCE project that aims to position this phenomenon higher on the agenda of the national services of OSCE participating states, with a focus on further capacity building, in a systematic manner, in accordance with identified best practices.

This approach is also in line with the WCO’s global deployment strategy for the PITCH training for customs administrations, as set out in the WCO Council’s 2016 Resolution on the Role of Customs in Preventing Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Objects as well as in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2347/2017. The WCO PITCH training is specifically aimed at enhancing the operational capacities of frontline customs officers who act as the first line of defence in the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural objects.

“This joint WCO-OSCE initiative serves as an example of partnership, synergy and mutual support resulting in rapid deployment of the standard PITCH training for the benefit of Central Asian customs administrations,” stated Ana Hinojosa, WCO Director of Compliance and Facilitation. She added that “the WCO reaffirms its readiness to build on this success and continue providing the necessary support to its Members in this critical region.”

“We do believe that shared expertise and knowledge will contribute towards protection of the unique and extremely rich cultural heritage of Central Asian countries,” said Goran Stojkovski, Customs Adviser at the OSCE Secretariat’s Border Management and Security Unit.

“Bringing representatives of Customs administrations of participating Central Asian states together to benefit from the WCO PITCH training promotes the principles of confidence building and co-operation, as well as the sharing of resources and knowledge in the prevention of and fight against this specific phenomenon,” said Stojkovski, adding that “this is a great example of the implementation of the core commitments of the OSCE Border Security and Management Concept, which has proved its efficiency since its adoption in 2005.”  

The deployment of the PITCH training for Central Asian Customs administrations was the first joint effort by the WCO and OSCE, based on the Working Arrangement that both Organizations signed in 2018, providing a framework for co-operation in areas of mutual interest.

The training was supported by experts from French Customs and the Netherlands, who covered modules on the identification, handling and documentation of cultural objects, the international legal framework, investigation sources and operational exercises. A working visit to the National Museum of Tajikistan was also organized as a part of the training.

Mirvete Islam, OSCE Mission to Skopje Ilona Kazaryan

An OSCE-supported one-day gender assessment workshop focusing on ways to strengthen women’s participation in the parliament took place in Skopje on 2 April 2019.

The workshop gathered some 30 participants, including Members of Parliament from the Committee for Equal Opportunities of Women and Men, the Women Parliamentarians’ Club, as well as other staff of the parliament. The event was organized in close co-operation with the National Democratic Institute.

“Gender equality is not simply about the number of women and men represented. It is also about gender-sensitive law making, gender-responsive oversight and gender-sensitive Parliament Service policies and practices,” said the Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Clemens Koja.

Member of Parliament Daniela Rangelova, Chairperson of the Parliament’s Committee for Equal Opportunities of Women and Men, said: “The Parliament is undertaking important activities related to the empowerment of women and establishment of efficient gender institutional mechanisms and public policies in the country.”

“This workshop provided us with new insights and it will inform future activities to be undertaken. It is already clear that there is a need for a more systematic approach related to gender mainstreaming in our parliament. We are looking forward to working with the OSCE on the challenges identified throughout today’s discussion.”

The Mission will analyse the data collected during the assessment workshop and prepare a detailed report with an action plan for the parliament’s consideration.

Marina Živaljević

In order to promote gender equality at the local level, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, in co-operation with the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights, organized a two-day workshop on gender equality for municipal gender focal points on 28 and 29 March 2019 in Podgorica.

Seventeen participants from 15 Montenegrin municipalities learnt about the National Action Plan for Gender Equality as well as how to plan and measure the achievement of gender equality at the local level and apply a gender perspective in the development of municipal budgets. The workshop was an opportunity to exchange good practices, evaluate accomplishments and activities, and share challenges and views on gender-related issues.

In welcoming the participants, Lia Magnaguagno, OSCE Democratization Programme Manager, said that the Mission supported the establishment of the Municipal Gender Focal Point Network in 2013 and continues to support the development of its capacity as an important tool for promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women at the local level. “We are well aware that you are facing numerous challenges in your daily work, but we are also convinced that, as a network, you can come up with innovative solutions and ideas,” said Magnaguagno.

Biljana Pejović, Head of the Department for Gender Equality at the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights, presented a draft National Action Plan for achieving gender equality and an overview of the implemented activities in the past year. She emphasized the importance of gender-responsive budgeting, and an allocation of resources in order to meet the needs of women.

Human rights expert Slavica Striković said that even a superficial analysis of both local and state budgets shows that taxpayers’ money is spent in a way that deepens gender differences. Therefore, it is necessary to undertake more concrete steps in order to introduce gender-responsive budgeting, she concluded.

The OSCE Mission will continue reinforcing the endeavours of the network by providing expertise, facilitating training events and co-ordinating between stakeholders, said Magnaguagno.