OSCE

524274 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe Farhod Nabiyulloev

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized a four-day training course for lawyers from the OSCE-supported Women’s Resource Centres (WRCs) and local authorities from 11 to 14 August in Dushanbe. The course trained participants on how to provide legal advice and legal assistance to victims of domestic violence and people at risk of experiencing domestic violence.  Some 23 lawyers from the Sughd, Khatlon, Rasht Valley regions, and Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan participated.

Specialized trainers/attorneys with many years of hands-on domestic violence law experience delivered the course.

During the course participants were familiarized with the legislative framework in the field of prevention of domestic violence, international and national mechanisms, identification of domestic violence and skills of working with victims of domestic violence. Other topic covered was redirecting mechanisms and mechanisms of recovering materials and moral compensation to victims of domestic violence in criminal and administrative cases. During the event, discussions on human trafficking also took place.

Participants had a hand-on exercises and group works which helped them to discuss issues and find solutions.

Shamsiddin Mirzosafarzoda, a lawyer from the local government authority of the Dusti district, Khatlon region found useful that during the course he was able to enhance his knowledge of national and international laws and how they are implemented. He also mentioned he found the sessions on legislation in the field of combating domestic violence and human trafficking particularly informative.

Mirzoboy Mallaev, a lawyer from WRC “Kuhsor” in the Ayni district, Sughd region said: “The involvement of lawyers from relevant state structures was very good and timely. This will expand and strengthen co-operation between local structures and will lead to the improvement of activities for the prevention of domestic violence.” He added that he will use his gained knowledge and skills in his field of activity.

The OSCE Programme Office will continue to support the Government of Tajikistan in implementing the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence. The Programme Office provides a comprehensive support to victims of domestic violence in the regions through a network of 14 OSCE-established WRCs in close partnership with local authorities.

The current activity is being implemented within the WRCs project of the OSCE Programme Office funded by Norway, the United States of America, Finland, the European Union, Andorra and Germany.

524271 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe Farhod Nabiyulloev

A four-day training course for psychologists from the OSCE-supported Women’s Resource Centres (WRCs) and local authorities was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe from 11 to 14 August in Dushanbe. The event brought together 23 psychologists, of which 22 were female participants from the Sughd, Khatlon, Rasht Valley regions, and Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan.

During the course participants learned about the psychological characteristics of children at different ages; children who witness domestic violence in the family; psychology of children who are victims of violence and how to help those children. Other main topics covered at the event were the problem of behavior - deviant and delinquent - in relation to oneself, in relation to others; art therapy and its methods and detection screening - sexual abuse.

Fotima Tojiboeva, a leading specialist of the Department of Women and Family Affairs of Local Executive Body in Isfara city, Sughd region said: “The involvement of the governmental authorities who are responsible for the implementation of the State Program for the Prevention of Domestic Violence is carried out in a timely manner. This will contribute to the improvement of this Program.” She also mentioned that she will use her gained knowledge and skills when providing psychosocial counseling to the survivors of domestic violence. 

“Since the work of a psychologist is a difficult and delicate one, it requires regular capacity building trainings. The OSCE-organized training course is very important for the work and daily activities of a psychologist,” said Barfia Shodieva, a psychosocial counselor of WRC “Oksana” in the Balkhi district, Khatlon region. She added that she will use her knowledge in her practical work.

The OSCE Programme Office will continue to support the Government of Tajikistan in implementing the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence. The Programme Office provides a comprehensive support to victims of domestic violence in the regions through a network of 14 OSCE-established WRCs in close partnership with local authorities.

The current activity is being implemented within the WRCs project of the OSCE Programme Office funded by Norway, the United States of America, Finland, the European Union, Andorra and Germany.

SARAJEVO, 16 August 2022 – The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is proud to support the Cultural Festival, organized by the Amfiteatar Busovača, in Busovača and Kaćuni from 16 to 21 August 2022.

The festival will gather young people from Busovača, representatives of relevant civil society organizations, and members of the public from across BiH.

“The Festival of Culture offers an opportunity to youth to express their concerns, underline their needs and tell us more about their dreams through art. Young people have the right to be heard, their opinions are valuable and must be taken into account. By empowering youth, we empower a better future for all citizens in BiH,” said Igor Nedera, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Travnik Field Office.

During the five days of the festival, guests will be able  to enjoy the theatre plays for children and youth, prepared by students of primary and secondary schools in Busovača. Also, three murals, sending a message of hope for a better future and societal togetherness will be unveiled in Busovača and Kaćuni.

“Recognizing young people as key partners for positive change and promoters of peace and reconciliation, we are glad to be part of this positive story and we invite citizens to join us at the Festival of Culture,” concluded Nedera.

VIENNA, 15 August 2022 – Following recent cases of criminal and administrative charges against journalists and media professionals in the Russian Federation, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, strongly deplores the continued practice of judicial persecution resulting in further decline in media freedom and access to information.

“Over the last few weeks, a considerable number of new cases of judicial persecution have been brought to my attention,” said Ribeiro. “These cases often refer to the alleged ‘dissemination of false information about the Russian armed forces,’ which is criminally punishable under a new law adopted following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”

Marina Ovsyannikova, former producer at Pervyi Channel, has been charged with ‘dissemination of false information about the Russian armed forces’ and faces up to ten years imprisonment for a single-person picket she organized in front of the Kremlin on 15 July. Perviously, Fortanga’s editor-in-chief and journalist Isabella Evloyeva faced a criminal charge for a similar offence of ‘dissemination of false information’ based on her posts on Fortanga’s Telegram channel about the losses of the Russian army and the bombardment of a shopping mall in Kremenchuk, Ukraine.

“The charge of spreading ‘false information’ in connection with the Russian invasion of Ukraine is being instrumentalized for the purposes of silencing dissenting voices,” Ribeiro said.

Furthermore, administrative fines continue to be used to financially undermine media outlets and journalists. For example, authorities imposed a fine on Novaya Gazeta for ‘abuse of media freedom’ and threatened to invalidate its registration both as a print and digital outlet. Vladislav Postnikov, editor-in-chief of the Ekaterinburg-based independent news outlet, Vietchierniye Vedomosti, and Sergey Smirnov editor-in-chief of Mediazona were also fined on charges of ‘discrediting the use of Russian armed forces.’

On 9 August, Life.ru journalist and former correspondent for Kommersant and Izvestia, Alexandra Bayasitova, was put in pre-trial detention and charged with ‘extortion in order to get property’ (art. 163-6.3, Criminal Code). She faces up to 15 years imprisonment if convicted.

“Journalists must not be punished for carrying out their professional duties. In addition, pre-trial detention should not be used for putting unjust pressure on media workers. By violating OSCE commitments, Russian authorities deny their citizens access to essential information and create an atmosphere of fear and repression,” concluded Ribeiro.  

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 facebook.com/osce.rfom.

524151 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe Farhod Nabiyulloev

Acting Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, Tea Jaliashvili met the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, Muzaffar Huseynzoda on 12 August 2022 to discuss areas of co-operation.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Huseynzoda expressed his appreciation for existing co-operation and reaffirmed interest in future partnership.

Acting Head of the Office expressed her gratitude to Huseynzoda and the host country for its strong support of the activities of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. She updated the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs about current priorities of the Office in Dushanbe in contributing to all three areas of security: Politico-Military, Economic and Environmental and Human Dimensions of Security.

524082

The first specialized training on operative essentials for anti-corruption officers was held in Yerevan on 8-12 August. The training, which focused on the effective investigation of corruption was hosted by the OSCE’s Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) with the support of the newly established Anti-Corruption Committee of Armenia (ACC).

Through the training, 26 operative officers from the ACC acquired new tools and skills in criminal intelligence and information gathering, special operative methods and tactics, and proper use of classified information for criminal investigation purposes.

Participants also discussed sharing knowledge and best international practices and standards on planning, implementing, and supervising varied relevant activities.

“The Armenian Anti-Corruption Committee as a newly established agency combating corruption attaches great importance to studying the advanced international experience in the subject field and adopting its best elements for ensuring tangible results. We appreciate the support of the OSCE and remain confident that this workshop will contribute to the development of professional skills of operative officers,” said Mushegh Babayan, Acting Deputy Chairman of the ACC.

Participants applied crime simulation techniques and corruption investigation methods during numerous practical exercises on handling diverse sources of information and planning and executing special operative measures and covert operations.

“We are excited to be a part of this practical workshop, especially since the OSCE has been instrumental in the establishment of the ACC before it became a fully operational governmental agency in Armenia in the fall of 2021. We are pleased to develop the capacity building and technical advice in the special investigative methods and tactics for efficient anti-corruption to investigate money laundering to the ACC as it has already launched activities to combat corruption in Armenia,” said Ralf Ernst, Deputy Co-ordinator at OCEEA.

The event was supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Embassy of Switzerland in Armenia and organized in the framework of the OSCE Project on strengthening anti-corruption reform in Armenia, financed by Switzerland, Italy, and Germany.

524016 Jeff Bieley

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo today published its latest thematic report on: The Right to Effective Representation in Criminal Proceedings and the Ex Officio Appointment System.

Covering the period between 2020 and 2021, the report reviews standards of defence representation and the function of the ex officio appointment system that assigns defence counsel to defendants who cannot afford a lawyer.

The report provides insight into the policy and legal frameworks for the provision of defence representation and draws on the findings of surveys with judges, prosecutors and lawyers, to assess some of the challenges and barriers to effective criminal defence representation in Kosovo.

The OSCE Mission advocated for the development of the current ex officio appointment system and was pleased to find that the system benefits from general support. Nonetheless, the report also notes concerns regarding standards of defence representation and emphasizes that it is important that indigent defendants receive effective ex officio representation whenever legal representation is in the interests of justice.

Launching the report, Ambassador Michael Davenport, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo said: “The provision of legal representation does not of itself guarantee the right to effective defence. The necessary legal framework, institutions and procedures need to be complemented by a professional defence culture determined to uphold standards. The OSCE report highlights the role of defence counsel and the importance of ex officio appointments. So I hope we can now seize the opportunity of wider judicial reform in order to strengthen defence counsel within the criminal justice system.”

The report lists a number of recommendations to key institutions including a comprehensive review of the current system, providing guidance on disclosure and access to case files, and improved training and qualifications for lawyers practicing criminal defence, particularly those undertaking ex officio work.

The full report is available in Albanian, Serbian and English on the website: https://www.osce.org/mission-in-kosovo/523952  

524004 Kunduz Rysbek

On July 26, 2022 in anticipation of World Day against Trafficking in Persons, a press café was held in Bishkek for media representatives and leading bloggers of the country to inform the society about issues related to the combat against trafficking in persons in Kyrgyzstan.

At present, according to national experts in the field, this industry ranks as the first most profitable in the world, already leaving behind trafficking in arms and drugs. The human trafficking problem is extensive and includes sexual slavery, illegal organ transplants, forced marriages abroad, begging, and more.

International Labor Organization data demonstrates that 11,4 million women and girls and 9,5 million men and boys are victims of forced labor annually; 5,5 million of them are children.

During the press café, experts from law enforcement and civil society discussed statistics on trafficking, cases and human stories from Kyrgyzstan, the National Referral Mechanism and various methods to better identify and help victims of trafficking, as well as on-going efforts to counter human trafficking.

The real-life stories of victims of trafficking from Kyrgyzstan illustrate that Kyrgyzstan is both a source and a transit country for human trafficking.

Notably, according to the national law enforcement experts, the number of victims of human trafficking is far higher in Kyrgyzstan as compared to the official statistics. The secrecy of this type of crime complicates the work of state agencies in combating this phenomenon, yet a joint and coordinated work of law enforcement agencies, social workers, and civil society organizations makes the fight against this problem more effective.

For many years, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek has been providing assistance to national stakeholders in capacity building, conducting seminars and training courses for law enforcement, social workers, and religious leaders, as well as information campaigns for the population.

In addition, first national trafficking simulation exercise had been conducted for the first time in Kyrgyzstan in 2021, which helped test the National Referral Mechanism in practice.  

523967 Jeff Bieley

Last night, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo presented five short documentaries on human rights and democratic values, as part of the DokuFest International Documentary and Short Film Festival held in Prizren.

The documentaries are the result of two film-making camps organized by the OSCE Mission and DokuFest with 20 young women and men from Novi Pazar, Podgorica and Prishtinë/Priština. The participants were mentored by award-winning director Blerta Zeqiri, filmmaker Leart Rama, and Eroll Bilibani, the head of DokuFest’s educational department, DokuLab.

Through a collaborative film-making process, the participants produced their documentaries on challenges faced by underrepresented members of society. Each film brings the author’s strong points of view on the topics explored, which range from an experimental observation of a can-collector living in extreme poverty, to the story of a woman on a journey to find her true self.

“Together with DokuFest, this year we enabled a forum for young people to discuss equal opportunities and joint problems, and helped them develop the knowledge and skills to play an active part in society,” said Ambassador Michael Davenport, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. “By empowering and building capacities of various groups through these projects, we aim to foster networking and inter-societal co-operation among young people who want to advance dialogue and human rights through their personal example.”

The event continued the long-standing collaboration between the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and DokuFest, where every year the Mission has supported events on topics such as youth, gender equality, media and information literacy.

For more information on DokuFest, see their website here: www.dokufest.com

OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

An OSCE-organized training course on passenger and vehicle screening procedures at a maritime checkpoint took place in Ashgabat from 1 to 5 August 2022. 

The agenda of the five-day online event included sessions on modern practices in port control procedures and security management operations at marine checkpoints. The training course gathered 16 representatives from the respective law enforcement and border security, port administration and navy forces present at the seaport facilities and territory.

An expert from the United States introduced participants to international best practices in observing maritime security standards and efficiently implementing screening operations at marine checkpoints, including screening of passengers, luggage and vehicles. The instructor also talked about the role of temporary mobile checkpoints and roadblocks as well as of quick reaction forces and special border units during emergencies.

During the course, participants exchanged views on the screening process and the alternative screening methods they use in addition to modern practices.

Opening the event, William Leaf, Political Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat said: “Modern Turkmenistan is rapidly developing and expanding the geography of its railway, air and sea routes, thus increasing cargo and passenger flow passing through its borders. Today, Turkmenbashy International Seaport on Caspian Sea shore needs to effectively implement international maritime security procedures, and it is very important to have well-trained security personnel capable to operate advanced screening technologies. The Centre’s current training will serve as a worthy contribution to the capacity building of law enforcement and border officials and improvement of security procedures at marine checkpoints”.

KYIV, 3 August 2022 - During their visit to Kyiv, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Poland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau, and OSCE Secretary General, Helga Maria Schmid have announced a new OSCE support programme for Ukraine.

“Supporting Ukraine – its Government, people, civil society and institutions – has been and remains the OSCE’s top priority. Even though we had no other option but to close our two field operations due to the position of the Russian Federation, the OSCE remains engaged and committed to assist Ukraine in these challenging times,” Chairman Rau stressed.

“The programme we are launching is ambitious and I believe it will help the country to address the multiple and unprecedented challenges it is facing due to the ongoing Russian military attack,” he underlined.

Secretary General Schmid emphasized that the new support programme will build upon the trusted partnership and diverse experience the OSCE gained over the last three decades in Ukraine.

“Prior to the outbreak of the war, the OSCE had the largest international presence in Ukraine. I thank our staff, our greatest asset. With this new programme, we will make every effort to preserve and use the invaluable experience and expertise we have built.” she underscored. 

The new support programme sets out the implementation of approximately 25 projects. 

Programme activities will focus both on addressing the immediate threats and risks posed by the war and on supporting Ukrainian institutions and civil society organizations in developing Ukraine’s long-term democratic and social resilience.

523745

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department's Strategic Police Matters Unit (TNTD/SPMU) organized a regional training-of-trainer course on gender-sensitive policing of violence against women and girls (VAWG) from 25 to 29 July 2022 in Warsaw, Poland.

The training was conducted in partnership with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Gender Issues Programme’s Women and Men Innovating and Networking for Gender Equality (WIN) project.

A total of 30 police officers and prosecutors (21 women and 9 men) from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia were trained to effectively respond to cases of VAWG while maintaining a victim/survivor-centred approach.  

Maaike van Adrichem, manager of the WIN project said that “barriers for women to report are related to shame, stigma, and secondary victimization, and that innovative, transformative approaches should be applied when conducting training for law enforcement.”

“The police play a hugely important role in protecting the human rights of citizens, including by preventing and addressing violence against women and girls,” highlighted Andrea Huber, Head of ODIHR’s Human Rights Department.

This course aimed to prevent and fight gender-based violence and protect victims/survivors. The five-day initiative also covered topics such as causes and cycles of violence, violence prevention, harmful biases, attitudes and stereotypes, risk assessment, victim/survivor protection protocols, referral mechanisms and inter-agency co-operation.

Bjorn Tore Saltvik, project manager at the TNTD, stated that “by sharing their knowledge and skills with their peers, the trained trainers become agents of change.”

To support the criminal justice practitioners from South Eastern Europe in their fight against gender-based violence, the OSCE will organize national workshops, to adapt the curricula to the local frameworks, and national specialized training courses. These activities are planned for the second half of 2022 and will contribute to the full implementation of the Council of Europe’s Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

These activities take place as part of the project Enhancing Criminal Justice Capacities for Combating Gender-based Violence in South-Eastern Europe (2021-2024).

523622 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe Farhod Nabiyulloev

Eighteen specialists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan completed a three-week regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal course (EOD level 1) at the Regional Explosive Hazards Training Centre (REHTC) of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defence in Chimteppa, on 29 July 2022.

The course was hosted by Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defence and facilitated by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in partnership with the United States Army Central (USARCENT). USARCENT and the REHTC’s instructors delivered the training course.

The main topics covered at the course were explosives and explosive theory; identification of explosive ordnances; EOD safeties; EOD recognition; EOD equipment; protective works and personal protective equipment; transportation, storage and disposal of explosive ordnances.

Tea Jaliashvili, Acting Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe stressed the importance of joint endeavours in implementing the project. She said: “Only by means of all parties engaged - Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defence; Tajikistan National Mine Action Centre; the US Department of State; Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan’s Ministries of Defence and the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe - it was possible to ensure the programme’s efficiency and effectiveness.”

Representing Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defence, Major General Egamzod Sharaf, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Ministry said: “The Tajik Ministry of Defence highly appreciates the contribution of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in training regional specialists on EOD course since the level of the threat of terrorism and the threat posed by explosive hazards have not decreased in the region yet.”

The course will sustain the training capacity within the Ministries of Defence of Central Asia to train its staff on explosive hazards and operational management resources. It will allow the Ministries to continue internal capacity development and skills transfer in their respective departments in Central Asia and other OSCE participating States in accordance with national and international standards.

Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 29 July 2022 - The OSCE Mission to BiH supports the crucial role of political parties in creating an enabling environment for women in politics.

We find inappropriate the recent insults directed against women politicians based on their physical appearance. Sexism, attacks and harassment deter women from engaging in political life, expressing their opinions and actively contributing to decision-making.

The Mission calls on all political parties to ensure zero tolerance for gender-based harassment and sexism.

523515 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz Hungary, Parliamentary Elections and Referendum, 3 April 2022: Election Observation Mission Final Report

The parliamentary elections and referendum in Hungary were well run, but marred by the absence of a level playing field. While contestants were largely able to campaign freely, there was a pervasive overlap between ruling coalition and government messaging and activities. Candidate registration was inclusive, offering voters distinct alternatives, but biased news coverage limited voters’ opportunity to make an informed choice.

These are some of the main conclusions after the 2022 parliamentary elections and referendum, as detailed in the final report published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).The report offers 30 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections and support efforts to bring them further in line with commitments made by all OSCE countries, as well as other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.

Key recommendations include:

• Revising the legal framework for elections and referendums to ensure better compliance with OSCE commitments and international standards;
• Reviewing the legal framework for combating the misuse of administrative resources, including the misuse of public office, to ensure a level playing field for all contestants;
• Revising the electoral dispute resolution framework to guarantee that all voters have effective means to appeal against administrative decisions;
• Providing for observation of all stages of the electoral process by citizen observers;
• Bringing the legal framework for defining constituency boundaries in line with international standards and good practice to guarantee the equality of the vote;
• Revising the law to require public and private broadcast media to cover the election campaign fairly and impartially, and ensuring the media have access to public information;
• Harmonizing voter registration and out-of-country voting procedures for all citizens abroad.

The ODIHR Election Observation Mission for the 3 April 2022 parliamentary elections and referendum took up its work on 24 February 2022 and remained in country until 15 April.

All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to follow up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.

523544 OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

On 29 July 2022, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized an online seminar on the role of the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in protecting women’s rights and promoting gender equality.

The event brought together representatives from the Office of the Ombudsperson of Turkmenistan with the aim to explore and discuss functions of the Ombudsperson’s Offices in other OSCE participating States and exchange practical experiences.

The discussions were led by speakers from the Office of the People`s Advocate of Moldova (Office of the Ombudsperson of Moldova), who presented legal instruments and mechanisms for the protection of women’s rights and promotion of gender equality.

They also discussed the role of the Office of the People's Advocate in the protection and promotion of human rights in the Republic of Moldova and strengthening co-operation between NHRIs and national state bodies and civil society.

“Working for peace, security and prosperity requires that all the people in a society are included and their rights protected,” said Rune Castberg, officer in charge of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“OSCE participating States are therefore strongly committed to making gender equality a reality everywhere – at home and in public life, in politics and the military, in the economic and environmental spheres, in every realm of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” added Castberg.

523518 OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

An OSCE-organized regional training workshop on countering illicit trafficking of cultural property took place from 26 to 28 July 2022. The three-day event, held in a blended format, aimed to strengthen further regional co-operation to combat all forms and aspects of trafficking in cultural property and related offences.

The event brought together, online and in-person, around 55 officials from relevant border security agencies and the Ministries of Culture of the five Central Asian countries, dealing with cultural heritage protection and security. The workshop provided both crime prevention and archaeological perspectives in terms of cultural heritage, facilitating the exchange of best practices in combating this serious crime.

The Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, the Head of Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, a representative from the UNESCO Tehran Cluster Office and the Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the Embassy of Japan in Turkmenistan made opening speeches.

“The illicit trafficking of cultural property is a transnational threat and the threat is real,” said Rune Castberg, Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. “The illicit trade involves many actors and highly sophisticated networks, stretching across the entire OSCE area and beyond.”

“Given the transnational dimension of illicit trafficking of cultural property, the regional event will emphasize the importance of strengthening further international and regional co-operation to preserve the priceless human heritage for future generations,” added Castberg.

International experts stressed the global and regional importance of combating the illicit trade in cultural property and discussed the impact of such crimes on communities, their cultural diversity and self-expression. In addition, the international experts highlighted the contribution and support of UNESCO in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property and talked about the latest trends in the illicit trafficking of cultural property. 

The workshop also addressed the methods and motivation of criminal networks engaged in the illicit trafficking of cultural property. The international experts underscored the need to raise awareness of this dangerous phenomenon within an individual organization and a larger public to enhance the effectiveness of efforts aimed at the protection of cultural heritage.

The regional training workshop is organized within the framework of the Centre’s extrabudgetary multi-donor project “Strengthening State Border Service Capacities of Turkmenistan” and supported financially by the Government of Japan.

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

Thirty-eight OSCE participating States invoked the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism on 28 July 2022 in order “to establish a mission of experts to look into and report on the ongoing concerns […] identified as particularly serious threats to the fulfilment of the provisions of the OSCE human dimension by the Russian Federation, to assess Russia’s legal and administrative practice in light of its OSCE commitments, to establish the facts, and to provide recommendations and advice”.

The Moscow Mechanism was last invoked on 2 June 2022 to “consider, follow up and build upon the findings of the Moscow Mechanism report received by OSCE participating States on 12 April” addressing “the human rights and humanitarian impacts of the Russian Federation’s invasion and acts of war, supported by Belarus, on the people of Ukraine, within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and territorial waters”. It provides the opportunity for participating States to send missions of experts to assist in the resolution of a particular question or problem relating to the human dimension. Further information is available here.

Any information relevant to the work of the Moscow Mechanism can be sent to the following email address: moscowmechanism2022@odihr.pl. The information will then be forwarded to the expert mission, once established.

The 38 countries that have invoked the Moscow Mechanism in this case are: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

WARSAW, 2 August 2022 – Governments need to go beyond their responsibility to remember the Roma and Sinti genocide of 1944 to ensure that school curricula and other educational initiatives engage with young people to discuss the potentially dangerous consequences of racist ideologies, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on today’s Roma Genocide Remembrance Day.

“It is unacceptable that Roma and Sinti communities are continuing to suffer so desperately from intolerance, systemic racism and discrimination wherever they live,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “Learning the essential lessons from the history of the Roma genocide means to redouble our efforts to combat prejudice, bias, and racism against Roma and Sinti in the here and now.”

2 August marks the anniversary of the massacre of 4,300 Sinti and Roma in Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1944. ODIHR continues to support countries across the OSCE in preserving the memory of the Roma and Sinti who lost their lives during the Second World War and in helping to ensure that this history is included in school curricula and public initiatives that raise awareness of the fatal consequences of racist ideologies based on intolerance and hatred.

ODIHR also seeks to stress the positive developments that take place across the OSCE region in the protection and promotion of Roma rights. One such development this year is the decision by the Czech authorities to demolish a pig farm built on the site of a Nazi-era concentration camp for Roma and turn it into a remembrance site, a move that Roma communities and activists have advocated for many years.

The joint Roma Genocide website set up by ODIHR and the Council of Europe is a source of knowledge and information for governments, public institutions, universities, schools, and civil society. ODIHR also cooperates with organizations including the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) to help ensure greater effectiveness in strengthening Holocaust education, remembrance and research worldwide.

OSCE countries recognized more than three decades ago that “effective human rights education contributes to combating intolerance, religious, racial and ethnic prejudice and hatred, including against Roma” (Moscow 1991), and gave ODIHR responsibility for supporting national authorities in combating “acts of discrimination and violence against Roma and Sinti” (Athens 2009). 

ANDORRA LA VELLA, 28 July 2022 - OSCE Secretary Genera Helga Maria Schmid visited Andorra on 27 July to engage in policy discussions with Andorran youth representatives and attend the closing event of the “OSCE Debating Perspectives 20-30 Roadshow.” During a lecture at the Roadshow, the Secretary General focused on the OSCE’s vital role to promote comprehensive security including the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. She highlighted the crucial role of youth in promoting democracy, and called for increased efforts to empower women and enable their equal participation, including in peace processes.

The Secretary General also gave a briefing on the OSCE’s efforts to address the devastating impacts of Russia’s war against Ukraine. 

“The OSCE and Andorra share common priorities: whether it is addressing the security-related impacts of climate change, empowering women and youth, or promoting quality education, Andorra’s support for the OSCE maximizes our collective impact. Andorra is leading by example and this can greatly contribute to shaping regional cooperation for lasting peace and security,” said Schmid. “My hope is that this event today will improve the understanding of the Organization among young generations and the benefits that the OSCE brings to Andorran citizens.”

The sentiment was echoed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Ubach Font who also recognized the importance of collaboration in a meeting with Schmid.

“Andorra strongly supports multilateralism based on dialogue and cooperation,” said Minister Ubach Font. “We particularly look forward to feeling the cooperation between Andorra and the OSCE on issues related to education and effective responses for fighting climate change.”

Schmid also met the Head of Government of the Principality of Andorra; the Minister of Social Affairs, Youth and Equality; and Minister of Education and Higher Education, as well as the Andorran Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Schmid’s visit marked the first OSCE official visit to Andorra since the country became an OSCE participating State in 1996.

At the end of the Roadshow, the young participants presented recommendations for a safer future to Secretary General Schmid and Minister Maria Ubach Font, identifying gender equality, youth political participation, climate change and inclusive education as key priorities.

“These ideas are great examples of how youth can contribute to democracy and security. Amplifying youth voices is not just the right thing to do. Our collective efforts can be sustainable only if co-designed through a genuine dialogue with young generations. I will take with me these recommendations to Vienna to inform our work."