OSCE

GENEVA, 12 July 2023 - The 58th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID), as mandated by the six-point agreement of 12 August 2008 and implementing measures of 8 September 2008, took place on 11-12 July 2023. As usual, this round was held in two working groups meeting in parallel on security and humanitarian issues.

This was the second round held this year in a continued highly challenging regional and geopolitical environment. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to the process and key role played by the GID as the only platform where the conflict consequences are addressed. The Co-Chairs expressed appreciation for this shared commitment.

Non-use of force/international security arrangements, as one of the key items of the GID, were discussed in detail. All participants actively engaged on the issue, but without reaching a common understanding on the way forward. Discussions will continue in future rounds.

The humanitarian situation on the ground was broadly reviewed. The issue of internally displaced persons and refugees could not be fully covered as per the agenda due to a walkout by some participants.

It was agreed to hold the next GID round in December 2023.

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An exchange of best practices on the functioning of Local Public Safety Councils (LPSCs) between the municipality of Elbasan and those of Lushnja, Cërrik and Gramsh took place in Elbasan, on 12 July 2023. The OSCE Presence in Albania organized the event in partnership with Elbasan Municipality with the aim to enhance the LPSCs effectiveness in tackling public security issues and promote co-operation between local institutions and non-institutional stakeholders to prevent and address security challenges within the community.

“Since its establishment with the Presence’s support in 2016, the Local Public Safety Council of Elbasan – the first of this kind in Albania – has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in increasing community safety and security. It now stands as an example of best practices that can be shared with other LPSCs across the country”, the Head of the OSCE Presence, Ambassador Bruce Berton, said at the opening of the meeting. He stressed that the success of LPSCs depends on the active engagement of all stakeholders – local officials, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, youth and media.

The event was attended by senior representatives of Elbasan, Lushnjë, Cërrik and Gramsh municipalities, including the mayors, the Head of Prosecution Office of Elbasan, the Director of Elbasan Local Police Department, and other representatives of various institutions and non-institutional actors, such as youth councils and civil society. They engaged in interactive discussions on the importance of LPSCs in preventing and addressing local security threats and best ways to make them act as bridges between the police and local institutions and communities to address public safety and security concerns. Security mechanisms established by Elbasan LPSC, as well as and civil society and youth initiatives on local safety and security were also presented at the roundtable.

Elbasan Mayor Gledian Llatja said: “We cannot be an island in Elbasan region or in Albania, thus we should share our experience with these community structures, be it good or bad, with each other, and create a safer environment not only in Elbasan municipality, but in the entire region and across the country”.

The Local Public Safety Councils – established in 56 out of 61 municipalities of Albania – are structures with consultative competencies, which bring together local stakeholders, such as local government, law enforcement agencies, civil society, youth, religious leaders and media, to discuss and improve the multi-agency co-operation in addressing local security and safety issues. The OSCE Presence in Albania has supported their establishment and functioning since 2016 and will continue to support these mechanisms with the aim to further institutionalize and strengthen their role in enhancing community safety.

548365 Kunduz Rysbek

From 12 to 14 July, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek provided support to the Ministry of Interior of the Kyrgyz Republic (MoI) with enhancing the professional capacities of the MoI psychological department staff through a three-day working seminar on Integrative psychological assistance in optimizing the level of subjective vitality and related areas in the premises of the Republic Training Centre of the MoI in Bishkek.

It brought together 21 police officers from all the seven provinces' police department of the Kyrgyz Republic, that enhances their knowledge on topics like the integrative psychological assistance  and methods of psychodiagnostics in the internal affairs bodies, technological map of the procedural composition of integrative psychological counseling and others.

The working seminar was conducted by the lecturer from the Academy of Management the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, candidate of Psychological Sciences of the Russian Federation Associate Professor – Ms. Maltseva. The main purpose of the activity was to build capacity  to psychologically correctly provide support to the MoI staff, as well as to improve co-operation and information exchange between all the MoI psychologists and obtain international experience.

VIENNA, 11 June 2023 – The Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, concluded her visit to Turkmenistan yesterday.

During her visit, Ribeiro held meetings with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Vepa Hajiyev, Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Dünyägözel Gulmanova, Chairman of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography of Turkmenistan Arslan Ashyrov, and Ombudsperson of Turkmenistan Yazdursun Gurbannazarova.

Ribeiro discussed numerous challenges to media freedom in the country with her counterparts. She specifically highlighted restrictions on the free flow of information, both online and offline, along with limited access to information in the country. She  urged the authorities to uphold the relevant commitments of the OSCE regarding freedom of expression and media freedom.

“In today’s interdependent world, freedom of the media is only achievable by ensuring equal access to the online information ecosystem,“ Ribeiro said. She noted that full and unrestricted access to the internet forms a crucial part of media pluralism in the country, which is indispensable for a secure and democratic society.

Further discussions addressed challenges in media legislation, the important role of independent public service media, specific concerns related to the safety of journalists in Turkmenistan, and possible co-operation between the RFoM and the authorities to strengthen a safe environment for media workers.

"I appreciate Turkmenistan’s commitment to multilateralism and to the OSCE in particular in its wish for peace and security. I would like to highlight the importance of free and independent media as a tool in achieving this goal," Representative Ribeiro said.

The Representative stressed the need for enhanced dialogue and offered her assistance to work jointly with authorities and other local and international partners to advance media freedom in Turkmenistan.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She 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

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A comprehensive online Training of Trainers (ToT) course on biosafety and biosecurity was held by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre on 27-30 June and 11 July. The training equipped 15 Ukrainian laboratory professionals, biosafety officers and public health officials with the necessary skills and expertise to ensure the safe handling and management of biological materials within laboratory settings, as well as further enhancing their skills in this dynamic field.

Developed by leading national and international experts, the course consisted of 11 interactive modules, case studies and practical exercises to provide a comprehensive understanding of best practices in a  wide range of areas critical to biosafety and biosecurity.

The training served as a dynamic platform for collaboration, and the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience. This virtual network facilitates the establishment of long-lasting professional relationships as well as enabling continuous improvement and encouraging the adoption of the latest biosafety and biosecurity standards.

As part of the training, Ukrainian life scientists utilized the biosafety and biosecurity online learning platform developed within the framework of the OSCE project funded by the European Union. This allowed scientists to cover the wider version of the course, get access to additional resources and materials, and verify acquired knowledge by obtaining certificates.

Participants also received guidance from a subject matter expert certified in effective methods of teaching adults on how to effectively deliver the training to their own teams and other life science professionals. This will help to ensure knowledge transfer, training a cadre of biosafety officers and fostering a culture of biosafety expertise.

The training evoked great interest and was highly appreciated by the professional community in Ukraine and gathered life scientists from the project stakeholders: Ministry of Health of Ukraine, State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, and National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine.

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On 10 July, in Tashkent, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz), together with the Public Fund to Support and Develop National Media in Uzbekistan and the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), held a roundtable discussion on Freedom of the Media in the Digital Age.

Forty participants, including representatives from the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, ministries and government agencies, journalists, representatives from the tech industry and civil society organizations, discussed the changes taking place in today's media landscape, opportunities and limitations of the media in the digital sphere, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism and how it affects freedom of expression. In addition, participants shared their experiences on the use of AI in journalism and addressed trends in regulating harmful content in the OSCE region. They also presented an overview of policy recommendations to governments about the use of AI and its main consequences on media freedom.

At the opening ceremony, Ambassador Clemens Koja, Acting OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, emphasized that "It is only through close co-operation at both national and international levels, as well as among various stakeholders, including civil society and the tech industry, that a responsible and human rights-friendly use of AI can be ensured."

Nozima Davletova, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Public Fund to Support and Develop National Media in Uzbekistan highlighted that “over the past seven years there has been a tremendous advance in technology. These developments have brought new opportunities as well as new challenges and risks. Therefore, we should understand how to make access to information safe, equal and impartial. In this environment, it is essential that we not only discuss the difficulties, but also propose solutions."

The Senior Adviser of the Office of the OSCE RFoM, Deniz Wagner, noted that “today we find ourselves at a crossroads. In this ever-evolving digital information ecosystem, we need to ask ourselves, what do we want our online information ecosystem to look like? What role should AI play, and how can we develop a human rights based framework that serves the public interest? These should be the central questions for developing any regulation. A comprehensive and inclusive approach, focusing on governing processes rather than specific content can bring positive solutions.”

This roundtable discussion was organised within the framework of the PCUz UB project “Promoting Rule of Law, Human Rights and Media Freedom”.

WASHINGTON/ TASHKENT, 11 July 2023 — The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Atlantic Council, the US State Department and Inha University in Tashkent partnered to bring a multi-disciplinary cyber competition to Uzbekistan.

The first edition of the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge was developed specifically for university students in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The competition will take place on 11 and 12 July and will include student teams representing academic institutions from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge aims to identify and foster the next generation of leaders to face the cybersecurity challenges of the future. Founded in Washington, D.C. in 2012, the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge provides university students from varied academic disciplines with a deeper understanding of cyber strategy and policy challenges. Since 2012, the competition has expanded to eleven different sites around the world, training and diversifying the cyber talent community. 

“The Atlantic Council is thrilled to expand the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge to Central Asia,” said Safa Shahwan Edwards, Deputy Director of the Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative. “This is a tremendous achievement for the Cyber 9/12 competition program, the Cyber Statecraft Initiative, and the Atlantic Council as a whole. We are honoured to partner with the US Department of State, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and Inha University in Tashkent to support cyber capacity-building efforts and the development of next-generation cyber talent in a key region.”

“This competition aims to identify and foster the next generation of leaders to allow us to better prepare for the cybersecurity challenges of the future. I am confident that many of today’s participants will become future leaders and contribute to strengthening the cyber resilience of your countries and regions,” said Ambassador Clemens Koja, Acting OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

“The United States seeks to further regional partnerships to address dynamic cybersecurity challenges more effectively.  This is a crucial task for protecting both individuals and societies from malicious actors.  We are excited to see the participation of talented teams from five countries, and we look forward to continuing to work with our OSCE and Uzbekistani academic and governmental partners to create meaningful opportunities for students from across the region to learn and collaborate on current cyber issues,” said the U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick.

To train and develop the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, Cyber 9/12 competitors will assume the role of senior advisors in government, navigating a significant cyber incident impacting the region. Student competitors will gain invaluable and realistic learning experience on the technical, policy and strategy aspects of cybersecurity and connect with senior cybersecurity leaders.

For further questions or to observe the competition, please contact press@atlanticcouncil.org. Follow the conversation online using #Cyber912.

548266 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe Farhod Nabiyulloev

A three-week Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course (EOD level 1) started on 10 July at the Regional Explosive Hazards Training Centre (REHTC) of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Chimteppa, outskirts of Dushanbe. The representatives of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD), the MoD, the US Embassy in Dushanbe and the United States Army Central (USARCENT) participated in the opening ceremony of the training course.

Sixteen specialists from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Serbia will attend the course, hosted by Tajikistan’s MoD and facilitated by the OSCE POiD in partnership with USARCENT. USARCENT and the REHTC’s instructors will deliver the training course in accordance with the International Mine Action Standards.

The activity aims to develop the competencies and enhance the qualifications of military personnel from Central Asia in locating, exposing and destroying in situ, in a controlled environment such as a technical survey and/or clearance site, single items of mines, and specific explosive remnants of war.

In his opening speech, Deputy Head of the Engineering Department of the MoD, Colonel Hasanzoda Anvar emphasized the importance of the training in enhancing security and stability in Central Asia and thanked the project partners and stakeholders for their support and co-operation.

Lieutenant Colonel of the US Army Vitaly Gelfgat, Chief of Office of Military Cooperation of the US Embassy in Dushanbe expressed pride in Tajikistan's exceptional leadership in carrying out EOD operations training courses and their remarkable contributions to humanitarian de-mining activities. Recognizing the significance of these initiatives in promoting safety, enhancing security and safeguarding human lives, Mr Gelfgat emphasized the importance of sustaining the collaboration between Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries involved in such vital activities.

Programme Officer of the OSCE Programme Officer in Dushanbe Sonja Stanisavljevic noted that developing EOD capabilities will enable Tajikistan and its neighbouring countries in addressing explosive hazards independently and effectively.

The long-standing partnership between the POiD and MoD enables the implementation of programme activities on the ground level. By obtaining, strengthening and maintaining such regional networks and capabilities, the POiD supports Tajikistan and its neighbouring countries in the Central Asian region to effectively, efficiently and self-reliantly address the issues related to explosive hazards over the time.

TASHKENT, 10 July 2023 – Uzbekistan’s early presidential election was technically well prepared but lacked genuine competition. Positively, recent reforms to the legal framework have taken some previous ODIHR recommendations into account, but fundamental freedoms remain restricted, the low-key campaign lacked meaningful engagement with voters, and significant procedural irregularities were observed on election day, international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.

While acknowledging that the legal framework continues to be reformed, the framework does not yet fully provide a legal basis to hold democratic elections. The observers also noted a number of long-standing recommendations key to the democratic process remain unaddressed. Reforms are also needed to remove current limitations and allow for the full participation of civil society in the election process.

“It was positive to see that the reforms of the legal framework took a number of our previous observations and recommendations into account,” said Ambassador Urszula Gacek, head of the ODIHR observation mission. “But the realities of the election campaign, with the absence of political competition and existing limitations to freedom of expression, make it all the more important to take bolder measures towards a true democracy that includes all citizens.”

The election administration managed technical preparations for voting day effectively, but further safeguards to ensure the independence of lower-level commissions are needed.  While election day was calm overall, a number of shortcomings were observed that included serious irregularities and the failure to follow important procedures and safeguards. Together with indications of ballot box stuffing as well as numerous observations of seemingly identical signatures on the voter lists, this called into question the integrity of the process.

None of the registered candidates publicly criticized the current president or presented alternative political views and the campaign remained low key throughout, with observers noting that events often appeared orchestrated. While campaign regulations ban the misuse of public resources and the participation of state officials in the campaign, these lack effective safeguards for implementation. The introduction of social measures and announcements of new projects provided an undue advantage to the incumbent president and blurred the separation between state and party, to which all OSCE countries have committed.

While online media provide some space for a discussion of social issues, restrictive legal provisions and interference with the editorial independence of the media led to an absence of analytical reporting, hindering voters from making an informed choice. At the same time, legal measures such as those related to defamation, false information, and extremism, continue to disproportionally criminalize speech, contrary to international law.

Positively, the number of women in parliament has increased since reforms aimed at encouraging their participation in public and political life were launched in 2016, and women currently hold almost 30 per cent of parliamentary seats. However, women remain underrepresented and gender issues did not feature highly ahead of the election. With the exception of the one female presidential candidate, women did not feature prominently in the campaign.

ODIHR’s election observation mission took up its work on 7 June and will end on 18 July. The mission is made up of 16 experts sent by ODIHR as well as 24 long-term and 195 short-term observers deployed throughout Uzbekistan.

For more information, please contact:

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

VIENNA, 10 July 2023 - The 24th Central Asia Media Conference, titled "At a Crossroads: Safeguarding Media Freedom to Protect Democracy," concluded successfully in Bishkek last Friday. The conference shed light on the intrinsic connection between media freedom and democracy, addressing a wide range of media-related issues. Organized by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, the event brought together more than 120 participants from Central Asia, Mongolia and beyond.

The conference fostered meaningful discussions through engaging thematic panels and active participation from public authorities, media professionals, civil society representatives, OSCE Field Operations, and renowned experts from all over the OSCE region.

Key discussions and conclusions from the conference emphasized the significant technological transformation currently reshaping journalism, presenting both opportunities and challenges.

"Now, more than ever, we need to invest in a free and enabling media environment," said the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro. "This means we need media and information literacy, fact-checking initiatives, transparent government policies related to media freedom, strong quality journalism, and independent media regulators. But, most importantly, we need to support media pluralism, with a multitude of voices, including those of women journalists."

The conference also identified other crucial aspects impacting media freedom in the region, such as the safety of journalists, and in particular women journalists, digital threats, legal challenges, and economic constraints.

Prior to the conference, Teresa Ribeiro conducted an official country visit to Kyrgyzstan.

She engaged in constructive discussions with Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Zheenbek Kulubaev, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ayaz Baetov, Minister of Justice, Daiyrbek Orunbekov, Head of the Information Policy Service of the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Chyngyz Esengul uulu, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sport and Youth Policy, Shukhrat Aitiev, Deputy Ombudsperson, and Zhibek Abdullaeva, Chair of the State Agency for Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The discussions covered several key topics, including the draft laws “On Mass Media” and “On Foreign Representatives”, as well as the implementation of the law “On Protection from Inaccurate (False) Information”. Ribeiro stated that a comprehensive legal review of the draft law “On Mass Media”, jointly prepared with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), will be shared with the Kyrgyz authorities shortly.

The Representative underscored the importance of aligning the draft legislation with international standards and OSCE media freedom commitments, noting the commitment by her interlocutors to ensure a meaningful, transparent and inclusive process.

Moreover, Ribeiro discussed safety of journalists, the crucial role of an independent public service media, and the need to ensure that any restrictions on media are in line with international human rights law, in particular the requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality.

“Media freedom is a crucial pillar of democracy, and essential to a free, secure, open and more resilient society,” said Ribeiro, welcoming the expressed readiness by authorities to continue working with various stakeholders in the country in achieving tangible and sustainable progress.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She 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

VIENNA, 7 July 2023 — Strengthening co-operation across borders to tackle climate-related challenges and security risks took centre stage at the OSCE High-Level Conference on Climate Change, which took place at the Hofburg in Vienna on 7 July.

Ministers, climate envoys and other high-level political actors from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation convened at the one-day event, hosted by the Secretary General. They discussed how participating States can work together to address these challenges caused by climate change, and how the OSCE can do even more to support these efforts. They were joined by representatives of international organizations and civil society, climate security experts and practitioners.

“From the very start in 1975, we recognized that changes in climate had implications for security,” said Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid. She laid out how the OSCE’s early awareness of climate challenges and its unwavering work on regional co-operation have helped to strengthen climate action, including by convening this high-level conference.

“Today we gather in a moment of great challenge across the security landscape, including when it comes to the impact of climate change. The aim of this Conference is to reflect on the work we’ve done and generate ideas that build on that foundation and help us take it even further,” she said.

“Given the OSCE’s focus on comprehensive security, it is especially worth noting that these factors are important drivers of insecurity and conflict, as well as potential triggers for migration from most vulnerable regions. It is indeed a vicious circle and we must strive towards a holistic approach to find the way out. North Macedonia, through its people-oriented approach and commitment to human security, stands ready to steer initiatives aimed at helping people face the challenges of today and tomorrow,” said the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani.

The event offered a platform to address specific challenges, from the impacts of the war against Ukraine on climate security and climate action to ways to increase co-operation across the region.

“As the Secretary General, I am proud of the work we do, and it has been great to hear how the OSCE’s support is making a difference. But, as I said earlier today, the aim of this conference is not only to reflect on the work we do but to explore what more we should do,” Schmid said.

The Secretary General shared her outlook for the future and laid out key ways to take climate action forward. These included investing in data-driven preventative and risk-informed policymaking, developing an integrated approach to addressing heightened climate vulnerabilities in conflict or crisis, mainstreaming climate considerations in the OSCE’s work, and establishing an OSCE Climate Fund.

More information on the High-Level Conference on Climate Change, including the OSCE paper on next steps for climate action, can be found here: OSCE High-Level Conference on Climate Change | OSCE.

OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

An OSCE-supported series of national trainings for trainers on travel document security concluded in Turkmenbashy on 7 July 2023.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the series of three-day events in close co-operation with the EU Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) in Turkmenistan (Phase 10) to provide future trainers with  basic and advanced training programmes and a set of materials for further training of the field staff.

Two national trainers representing the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan delivered two training courses, the first of which was held from 12 to 14 June 2023 in Turkmenabat. Both events brought together the total of twenty-six officials representing the State Border and State Migration Services of Turkmenistan in the Lebap and Balkan provinces.

The training course introduced participants to the document check system and international standards and recommendations for document screening technical equipment and systems.  National trainers provided an overview of document fraud types and elaborated on identification means in border control.

Addressing future trainers, William Leaf, Political Officer, OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, said: “The OSCE participating States have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to prevent the movement of terrorists through effective border control and issue of strengthened identity and travel documents as well as preventing their falsification and forgery.”

“It is my firm belief that the joint OSCE-BOMCA training programme on travel document security will contribute to the enhanced operational and analytical capacities of national document control experts to detect forged travel documents and prevent illegal border crossings,” said Leaf.

During practical exercises, participants learnt how to identify basic materials used for document production and got familiarized with forged technological security elements. They also discussed personalization methods and characteristics and electronic document verification methodology and fraud.

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The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani met today, 7 July, with the newly elected President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pia Kauma, Member of Parliament for Finland, on the margins of the OSCE High-Level Conference on Climate Change in Vienna.

Chairman Osmani congratulated President Kauma on her election and underscored the importance of the Parliamentary Assembly in providing democratic accountability to the whole organization. He welcomed the engagement of Parliamentarians and the added value they bring to the work of the OSCE. 

Chairman Osmani and President Kauma also discussed the outcomes of the OSCE PA 2023 Annual Session that concluded on 4 July, including the Vancouver Declaration, and avenues to enhance governmental-parliamentary co-operation in the OSCE.

Osmani reaffirmed the Chairpersonship’s readiness for active engagement and willingness to continue co-operation for common contributions towards upholding OSCE principles and commitments.

548101 Communication and Media Relations Section Alexandra Taylor

Over 25 experts from the Government of the Republic of  Tajikistan attended a workshop from 4 to 6 July 2023 dedicated to enhancing the protection of vulnerable targets — critical infrastructure and soft targets, such as public places — from terrorist attacks. The workshop was co-organized by the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.  

One of the main events of the workshop was the launch of the Republic of Tajikistan’s Roadmap to Strengthen the Protection of Vulnerable Targets against Terrorist Threats, which is one of the outcomes of the United Nations Global Programme on the Protection of Vulnerable Targets from Terrorist Attacks. With this Roadmap, UN agencies and others such as the OSCE can pursue co-ordinated support to the Republic of Tajikistan in this important domain.

“As the Republic of Tajikistan continues to grow its critical sectors such as tourism, industry, education and transportation, it is important that we support the development of national frameworks for protecting these sectors against terrorist threats. This will help to contribute to both the safe and sustainable development of the country,” said Rati Japaridze, Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe.

Sahobiddin Sadriddinzod, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable targets from terrorist threats during the opening remarks: “Common security threats require united and co-ordinated regional and international efforts. A vivid practical example of this is the successful co-operation of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan with international partners and relevant stakeholders in organizing a series of high-level international conferences within the framework of the Dushanbe Process on Countering Terrorism, a platform that promotes multi-pronged co-operation to combat terrorism and violent extremism that leads to terrorism.”

During the workshop, national and international experts discussed diverse approaches to designing protective strategies for critical infrastructure and soft targets, including public places. They focused on national legislative and policy frameworks, facility security and public-private partnerships. They also underscored the importance of protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular during crisis situations when critical services are disrupted or terrorist attacks take place.

Feedback and outcomes from the workshop will be used by the OSCE in future initiatives for delivering tailored support to the Republic of Tajikistan as part of the Organization’s continuous support in preventing terrorism and violent extremism.

The workshop was also the first national activity on this topic in Central Asia since the regional expert workshop on the protection of vulnerable targets from terrorist attacks held in November 2022 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

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Modern law enforcers need to be especially vigilant and know how to safely use IT technologies in order not to compromise people’s personal data, disrupt investigation or make their institutions vulnerable to attacks of criminals. Piloting of a new course on cyberhygiene developed by the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine’s future law enforcers and emergency response personnel started with the first three-days session organized in Kamianets-Podilsky, Khmelnytska Oblast on 6-9 July 2023.

Twenty students of universities of Ukraine’s Ministry of Interior from across the country are first trainees who are testing the new course. The training covers basics of cyber safety rules, including ways to protect personal data, main threats and risks related to use of e-mail, social networks and other tools, security tips for IT-equipment, including mobile phones, features of malware and needed physical measures to ensure protection of information resources.

“Successful cyber-attack can slow-down or totally disrupt work of an institution, law enforcement and emergency services cannot afford taking such risks, as often people’s lives and well-being depend on their swift and efficient work. As human factor is a key vulnerability in digital world, we hope these trainings will increase immunity of these Ukrainian agencies against masterminds of cybercrime,” – said Pierre Baussand, OSCE Support Programme Manager.   

The course will be tested at three other sessions with at least 80 students involved.  Based on the outcomes of the piloting, the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine will refine the course, train the trainers and equip them with the necessary materials. The goal is to make cyberhygiene an integral part of the usual educational process for the institutions that train law enforcers and personnel of emergency services.   

These efforts are part of a project implemented by the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and with financial support from Organisation’s participating States and partners, full list of the Programme’s donors is available here. 

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On 30 April 2023, Uzbekistan adopted by referendum the new edition of the Constitution, which introduces articles directly related to changes in the Parliament’s election system. Starting from 2024, Uzbekistan plans to implement proportional representation for 50% of the seats in the Legislative Chamber (Lower Chamber) of the Oliy Majlis. This presents a unique opportunity for persons with disabilities to pursue deputy positions and strive for the 75 available seats.

As a result, from 5 to 7 July, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan in collaboration with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Association of Disabled People of Uzbekistan organized a training course on enhancing negotiation skills. This marks the first phase of a series of capacity-building training courses for representatives of disability-focused NGOs who aspire to participate in Uzbekistan’s 2024 parliamentary elections.

A total of 35 representatives (15 women, 20 men) from across different regions of Uzbekistan, including the Republic of Karakalpakstan, attended the training event. Participants acquired practical techniques on how to conduct successful negotiations. The second phase of the training will take place in August 2023 and will complement negotiation techniques with public speaking skills.

In his remarks, Ambassador Clemens Koja, OSCE Acting Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, regarded proportional representation as an opportunity for persons with disabilities to pursue deputy positions in the Legislative Chamber of the Parliament, and encouraged them to “seize the moment and work together to create a political landscape that truly reflects the diverse voices of the people of Uzbekistan."

547954 Kunduz Rysbek

From 03 to 06 July 2023, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek in cooperation with the Antiterrorism Centre of the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic (ATC SCNS KR) conducted an awareness raising and competence building training for state bodies of the Kyrgyz Republic in the implementation of the state policy in countering violent extremism and terrorism. The activity took place at Lake Issyk-Kul as a part of the 10th Annual Expert Meeting on Countering Terrorism involving representatives of state bodies and experts. 

The Expert Meeting aimed to let representatives of state agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic familiarize themselves with the new Program of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on Countering Extremism and Terrorism for 2023-2027 as adopted in March 2023. During the event, results of the implementation of the previous Countering Extremism and Terrorism Program were presented and discussions of major achievements and strengths as well as weaknesses and challenging areas of its implementation were held. The participants learnt the main goal, objectives and basic principles of the new Program of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on Countering Extremism and Terrorism for 2023-2027 and its primary areas and directions were presented. During the activity, national experts presented a draft Plan of Actions to implement the new Program and discussed with the participants the mechanisms of the implementation thereof and efforts to counter the dissemination of violent extremism in local communities, among women and the youth in particular.

This Expert Meeting provided a venue for a wide-ranging discussion of objectives and expected results set in the new Program, as well as the interaction of respective implementing agencies and the execution of activities provided for in the implementation thereof. National experts provided explanations concerning the content of the Program along with areas/directions, objectives and activities set forth therein. 

The main purpose of the activity attended by around 30 representatives of state agencies was to build capacity in their efforts to counter violent extremism and terrorism, as well as to discuss the implementation of the state policy and improve cooperation and interaction in this area.

To note, the new Program of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on Countering Extremism and Terrorism for 2023-2027 was drafted by the ATC SCNS KR with the active support by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek. As part of this cooperation, in June 2023, the new Program was presented on the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week attended by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, ATC SCNS KR, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)and representatives of the civil society.

The Annual Expert Meeting on Countering Terrorism arranged by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek is a platform for information sharing and discussion of various aspects of preventing violent extremism and countering terrorism, and facilitates the development and improvement of the practice in combating these threats in compliance with the national law and international principles.

STRASBOURG, 5 July 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani concluded his visit to the Council of Europe today.

In his address to the Council of Europe, OSCE Chairman Osmani laid out the challenges faced in the current, difficult geopolitical climate.

“Today’s democracies are under attack through different ways and means. We face unprecedented security challenges, marked by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This war is a constant hurdle. A limit to all. To multilateralism, to dialogue, to agreement.”

Osmani emphasized that Ukraine remains a key priority for the OSCE Chairpersonship, but added that “at the same time, we attach particular importance to protracted conflicts and regional instabilities across the OSCE region, which are also impacting the lives of people. The OSCE has an important role to play in addressing these challenges. Its toolbox and capacities are beneficial in supporting peace and co-operation.” 

He underscored the differing, yet complementary roles, the OSCE and the Council of Europe play in the European security architecture, and the importance of their values and principles. He cited the tangible impact of the two organizations’ close partnership and the shared priorities of the OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia and the Council of Europe Presidency of Latvia to better people’s lives.

“These are the times when we need to reinforce our partnership, missions and values. To work and act together. Our mutual commitment to uphold a rules-based order, while respecting human rights and dignity, is fundamental,” Osmani stressed.

During his visit, the OSCE Chairman also met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić. They spoke about the OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia and ways to further strengthen co-operation between the two organizations and with the OSCE’s field offices and institutions.

Chairman Osmani also met with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović. They exchanged views about the challenges of human rights promotion in the given circumstances and the need for reinforced co-operation between the two organizations to this end.

“The OSCE and the Council of Europe share a common goal: the promotion of stability and security on the basis of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights in Europe,” said Osmani. “In unprecedented times like today, our co-operation across our organizations is more essential than ever and working together can help us maximize our positive impact.”

547880 Kunduz Rysbek

On 28-29 June, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek together with the Border Service of State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic and representatives of the border services from the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan conducted a Line of conduct practical exercises.

The Line of conduct practical exercises organized annually in accordance with the annual co-operation plan between the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and the Border Service of State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic and aimed to strengthen co-operation and security, as well as contribute to confidence building, and good co-ordination of joint activities at the border.

The event served as a platform for the participants to discuss border security with the focus on transnational threats and how transnational threats can be addressed effectively.

To supplement the Line of conduct practical exercises, on 30 June 2023 the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek supported a friendly football tournament among participants. Carrying out of similar sport events promotes additional conditions to strengthen regional border co-operation as well as contributes to good neighborly relations in the region.

547874 Kunduz Rysbek

On June 30, a regional forum "Digitalization of criminal justice" was held in Bishkek with the support of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic. Representatives of the Prosecutor General's Offices of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, a number of heads of departments of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Supreme Court, ministries and departments attended the forum.

The experience in digital transformation of the Kyrgyz Republic was presented, in particular, automated information systems "Unified Register of Crimes", "Unified Register of Offenses", legal portal "Tolom", "Registration of inspections of business entities”.

Representatives of the Committee on Legal Statistics and Special Records of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan presented the information systems "Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations", "Unified Register of Administrative Offenses", "Unified Register of subjects and objects of inspections", "Zandylyk", "Electronic criminal case" and other systems.

Colleagues from the Republic of Uzbekistan presented their experience in the field of digitalization of criminal justice, after which a panel discussion was held on common challenges and trends in digitization.

The Prosecutor General's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic plans to hold similar IT-forums of digital prosecutors on an annual basis in an expanded format with the support of international partners of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the L. Boltzmann Institute.

The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek supports digital transformation in Kyrgyzstan and provides comprehensive support in its implementation.