OSCE

VIENNA, 26 July 2022 - OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will visit Andorra on 27 July to meet Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Ubach Font and other high-level officials and host the youth event “Debating Perspectives 20-30 Roadshow in Andorra”. She will also hold a press conference together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, at 15:40.

The Secretary General is travelling to Andorra to engage in policy discussions with Andorran youth representatives attending the “OSCE Debating Perspectives 20-30 Roadshow”. The event is part of a series of national and regional consultations aimed at giving young women and men a voice in decision-making processes and in the promotion of international security. In 2020-2021, consultations were held with youth from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Liechtenstein and Central Asia, reaching more than 200 young women and men. Key recommendations will be published in a policy paper that will provide decision-makers with a youth perspective on how to address challenges to security in areas such as human rights, energy and the environment, rule of law, education, and new technologies.  

As part of the event, the Secretary General will give a public lecture on European security challenges and the role of the OSCE. The session will be moderated by H.E. Mr. Jaume Serra, Ambassador of Andorra to the OSCE. 

As part of the visit, Schmid will also meet the Head of Government of the Principality of Andorra, Xavier Espot Zamora; Minister of Social Affairs, Youth and Equality, Judith Pallarés Cortés; and Minister of Education and Higher Education, Ester Vilarrubla Escales, as well as the Andorran Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

For media inquiries, please contact perspectives2030@osce.org.

THE HAGUE, 26 July 2022 – The Social Justice Center (SJC) from Georgia has been selected as the winner of the 2022 Max van der Stoel Award. The Award recognizes its work to support and empower vulnerable groups, including national minorities, in Georgia.

Since its foundation in 2012, the SJC (formerly Human Rights Education and Monitoring Centre) has worked towards long-term political and socio-economic transformation in Georgia, thereby putting the principles of human rights, equality and solidarity into practice. The SJC gives a voice to minority ethnic and religious groups, and supports their interests, with an emphasis on youth and women.

Commenting on its decision, the international Jury, chaired by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov, stated: “This non-governmental organization advances equality, solidarity, participation and democracy at the political, economic and social levels through programmes such as the Social Policy Programme, the Equality Policy Programme and the Justice and Democracy Programme. This has resulted in community organizations and campaigns to promote the interests of national minorities. 

“Acknowledging its activism and courage as it tirelessly advocates for equality for all social groups in Georgia, the Jury took the unanimous decision to reward the SJC with the 2022 Max van der Stoel Award.”

The Award of 50,000 euros was established by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2001 in honour of the distinguished Dutch statesman and first OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Max van der Stoel. It is awarded biennially to recognize a person, group or institution for extraordinary and outstanding achievements in improving the position of national minorities in the OSCE participating States.

The Award ceremony will take place in The Hague on 17 November 2022.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

VIENNA, 25 July 2022 - OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) Acting Head of Mission Antje Grawe today denounced the persecution of SMM’s national Mission members, including those deprived of their liberty in non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk, refuted claims against them, and called for their immediate and unconditional release.

“I denounce in the strongest terms the unfounded claims and fabricated accusations brought against our national Mission members and demand the immediate release of our staff deprived of their liberty in non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk. They have performed their duties with dedication and the highest level of professionalism and impartiality, providing objective information critical to the security and humanitarian situation in Ukraine,” said Acting Head of Mission Grawe.

The OSCE has and will continue to take steps to pursue all available channels to secure the privileges and immunities of current and former OSCE officials.

All OSCE officials are bound by the OSCE Code of Conduct, which stipulates, inter alia, that they shall neither seek nor accept any instructions regarding the performance of their duties from any Government or from any authority external to the OSCE. 

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On 24 July, the 8-week online course of 2022 OSCE-UNODA Scholarship for Peace and Security training programme on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation was concluded with 123 graduates [88% female] from 51 OSCE participating States and 8 Partners for Co-operation.

Most of the participants indicated that the programme contributed to increasing their knowledge on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation; and inspired their personal views on gender-mainstreaming in security sector. The online training achieved contributed to increasing women’s equal opportunities in policy-making, planning and implementation processes in this field.

In words of 2022 graduates:

I would like to use this opportunity to thank the whole team for this absolutely game-changing experience. As a student and young professional, I have taken multiple online certificate courses, but never have I experienced such an engaging program. Despite being in the (mostly) disarmament field for multiple years now, I have still learned so much - from the lessons, speakers but also from the peers in our weekly breakout sessions. It truly was such an honor to be a part of this.

This Scholarship is a great opportunity for young professionals to reveal the importance of peacekeeping and peace-building measures, where everyone should be engaged. I am really grateful for being a part of it, appreciate the support of our mentors and very thankful for the knowledge I gained!

The training very much broadened my horizons and I am grateful for having the possibility to learn about topics I did not necessarily know that much about before. I know that one of your goals is to form the next generation of (female) disarmament advocates - and judging based on my case, you have definitely achieved that.

The in-person course for female graduates is envisaged from 7-11 November 2022 in Vienna.

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Model OSCE is an engaging workshop where young people simulate the work of the Permanent Council by representing the OSCE participating States, and learn more about the Organization’s comprehensive model of security and its consensus-based decision-making processes.

Twenty-three young professionals and students from Central Asian countries took part in the Sixth Model OSCE from 18-23 July 2022 in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan.

The participants stepped into the shoes of diplomats representing different OSCE participating States and learned how multilateral institutions function and how countries make decisions by consensus. They simulated the adoption of the OSCE Gender Action Plan and learned how people can influence the negotiation processes in conflict resolution.

In addition, the participants took part in a series of briefings and exercises on negotiations and diplomacy conducted by international and local experts, as well as speakers from the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic and diplomatic missions in Kyrgyzstan. “In these five days we empower young people with a negotiation toolbox in hope they will use these skills in creating inclusive communities," – shared Ida Manton, an expert in international negotiations.

“The OSCE’s commitment to promote the role and inclusion of youth in its peace and security agenda dates back to the Organization’s founding document, the Helsinki Final Act, in which participating States committed to furthering the development of contacts and exchanges between young people,” – said Alexander Eliseev, Head of the Politico-Military Department, OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

The Model OSCE is organised within the framework of the Programme Office’s efforts to empower youth’s role in enhancing peace and security in Central Asian region, strengthening democratic governance, and in close co-operation with the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the OSCE Academy in Bishkek.

523580 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Thematic Recommendations and Guidelines Central Asia Regional School on Multilingual and Multicultural Education organized by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities opens in Almaty Multilingual education: Creating equal chances for everyone

During his official visit to Kyrgyzstan from 24 to 27 July 2022, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov discussed the country’s inter-ethnic policy and the importance of multilingual education with representatives of the government and civil society, including national minorities.

Abdrakhmanov met with President Sadyr Japarov; Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Edil Baisalov; Minister of Internal Affairs Ulan Niazbekov; Minister of Culture, Information, Sport and Youth Policy, Azamat Jamankulov; First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nuran Niyazaliev; Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Nadira Djusupbekova and representatives of the People’s Assembly of Kyrgyzstan.

The High Commissioner agreed with the authorities to advance their long-standing constructive co-operation with his office. He underscored the progress of Kyrgyzstan in multilingual education and encouraged continued efforts within the HCNM Central Asia Education Program, including the exchange of good practices with other OSCE participating States. Abdrakhmanov also emphasized the role of effective participation of national minorities in social, economic and public life for cohesion and integration of the multi-ethnic and multi-confessional society of Kyrgyzstan.

The High Commissioner also met with representatives of the regional authorities, education professionals, and members of civil society and national minority communities in Osh.

523748 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities discusses inter-ethnic policy and multilingual education with government of Kyrgyzstan Thematic Recommendations and Guidelines In Uzbekistan, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities welcomes recent steps to strengthen regional co-operation and inter-ethnic relations in Central Asia Central Asia Regional School on Multilingual and Multicultural Education organized by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities opens in Almaty Multilingual education: Creating equal chances for everyone

On his official visit to Uzbekistan from 28 July to 2 August 2022, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov met representatives of the national and regional authorities and civil society in the Tashkent and Fergana regions to discuss inter-ethnic relations and regional cooperation.

In Tashkent, the High Commissioner met President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and other high-level officials. They discussed the participation of national minorities in cultural, social, economic, and public life and the best ways to accommodate the rich ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity of society in Uzbekistan.

High Commissioner Abdrakhmanov reaffirmed his availability to assist with the HCNM thematic Recommendations and Guidelines and underscored the importance of regional cooperation and sharing best practices in diversity management among OSCE participating States in Central Asia to promote regional stability, security, sustainable development, and economic growth.

“Effective consultations with national communities on matters that concern them at national and local levels are key to ensuring that ongoing reforms in different fields of life reflect national minorities’ aspirations and bring the best results,” Abdrakhmanov said.  He also encouraged both the authorities and representatives of national minorities to continue their efforts in this direction.

The High Commissioner also met with Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Olij Mazhlis Nurdinzhon Ismoilov, Minister of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education Abdukodir Toshkulov, Minister of Public Education Bakhtiyor Saidov, Acting Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov, First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Olij Mazhlis and Director of National Human Rights Centre Akmal Saidov, and Chairman of the Committee for Interethnic Relations and Friendly Cooperation with Foreign Countries Rustambek Kurbanov.  

Abdrakhmanov congratulated the authorities on the Week of Friendship of Peoples, which Uzbekistan has celebrated since 2011. He also commended ongoing reforms, including education reform aimed at increasing inclusivity and access to education for vulnerable groups, in particular girls, including those with minority backgrounds. He welcomed the government’s intention to engage in the HCNM Central Asia Education Program, which aims to develop bilateral and multilateral co‑operation in the region as well as to improve the education of national minorities and the integration of diverse societies through multilingual and multicultural education.

In the Fergana region, Abdrakhmanov met with local authorities and representatives of national cultural centres.

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On 22 July 2022, an OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group discussion was held in Vienna on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of co-operation between the OSCE and Japan. Japan was the first Asian country to be invited to a CSCE meeting in 1992.

Currently, co-operation is taking place against the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which is putting the spotlight on the importance of strengthened partnership, active co-operation and engagement between Europe and Asia. Participants explored opportunities for co-operation among OSCE participating States and Asian Partners for Co-operation in the context of human security as approach to peacebuilding.

The meeting was organized by the Swedish Chair of the Group in co-operation with Japan and included a video message by State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Takako Suzuki. “We will continue to make every effort to realize peacebuilding in the international community also through this solidarity,” she said.

“The OSCE Asian Partnership is more important than ever, including the need to strengthen security for all and by all, across our two regions. As Chair of the OSCE Asian partnership this year, Sweden appreciates Japan’s long-standing commitment and support to our security cooperation,” said Permanent Representative of Sweden to the OSCE and Chairperson of the OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group, Ulrika Funered in the opening session.

Permanent Representative of Poland to the OSCE and Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council, Adam Hałaciński highlighted that through its active contributions to the OSCE Asian Partnership, Japan has continuously shown its attachment to, and observance of, high standards in such spheres as human rights and international law. “In the face of the unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine the values of humanity and multilateralism are as important as ever,” he added.

“Since participation as a Partner, Japan has actively contributed to OSCE discussions at Hofburg and in activities of field operations. I am glad to look back at what we have achieved so far and look forward to further co-operation in future,” said Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Japan to the OSCE, Akira Mizutani.

OSCE Secretary General, Helga Maria Schmid highlighted, how valuable it is to work together: “Japan has been a committed Partner for Co-operation from the start and has set an example on the role that a Partner state can play in contributing to various OSCE projects and activities,” she said.

The following thematic discussion focused on human security as approach to peacebuilding. It featured OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats, Alena Kupchyna, Representative of the Secretary-General at the United Nations Office in Belgrade, Mari Yamashita, and Director of the OSCE Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe, Richard C. Niebusch as panellists.

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Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) and Deputy Head of the OSCE Secretariat Tuula Yrjölä concluded her two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan where she held bilateral meetings with host country officials, and discussed, inter alia, OSCE-Kyrgyzstan co-operation, especially in light of the 30year anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s participation in the Organization, regional co-operation, and current security challenges.  

During the meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dinara Kemelova, the sides discussed co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, led by Ambassador Alexey Rogov, and the Office’s activities aimed at assisting Kyrgyzstan in implementing OSCE commitments and supporting host country’s priorities. The discussion was also focused on the socio-economic situation in the country, border security, and implications of developments in Afghanistan for Kyrgyzstan. Special attention was paid to President Sadyr Japarov’s initiative to better protect mountain ecosystems and build climate resilience as well as possible contribution the OSCE could make to support these efforts, in light of the 2021 OSCE Ministerial Council decision No. 3/21 on Strengthening Co-operation to Address the Challenges Caused by Climate Change.

Director Yrjölä’s meeting with the Deputy Chairperson of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic Taalatbek Masadykov was an opportunity to discuss the implications of the developments in Afghanistan for Central Asia, and Kyrgyzstan’s coordination with the OSCE to counter transnational threats.  Masadykov also highlighted the important role the OSCE Academy plays in providing  higher education and connecting the youth from across Central Asia, Mongolia, Afghanistan and beyond.

Promoting respect for fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, electoral reform, freedom of speech, gender equality, combating domestic violence and rights of the child were among the topics discussed at the meeting with the the Ombudsperson of the Kyrgyz Republic Atyr Abdrakhmatova. The parties agreed to continue working actively on priority areas of the host country.

Director Yrjölä also met civil society representatives to discuss current challenges and activities. She visited the Programme Office to meet staff and the OSCE Academy where she was updated by its Director, Dr. Alexander Wolters, on the recent efforts to expand the Academy’s educational offers and academic partnerships. She  engaged with students on their experiences at the Academy, as well as shared about the work of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre.  The OSCE Academy remains a flagship project for the Organization, and a unique educational institution that brings together talented youth from Central Asia, Mongolia and Afghanistan to promote regional exchange and co-operation.  

Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ton van den Brandt

In the year of the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the mandate of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM, current Representative Teresa Ribeiro has published today reports on three of the building blocks she uses to advance media freedom.

The first report analyses the series of so-called “Joint Declarations on freedom of expression” that the RFoM has published annually since 1999 with the three other international media freedom rapporteurs. The report identifies the factors that contribute to the Joint Declaration’s value with a specific focus on the collaborative process leading up to their adoption, their progressive content and their demonstrated influence upon courts and other actors, particularly in the OSCE region. In critically reviewing the texts to date, the independent researcher concludes that the Joint Declarations constitute the most significant body of non-binding standards on freedom of expression at the global level, one whose relevance to policy debates deserves broader recognition. It concludes with a set of recommendations for how the Joint Declarations can be advanced and implemented across the OSCE region by states, non-state actors, and the OSCE institutions themselves.

The second report analyses the 20 communiqués the RFoM has issued since 2014 on a range of different themes relating to freedom of expression and information; media and internet freedom; and the safety and freedoms of journalists and other (media) actors. The study provides an analysis of this corpus of communiqués, which were introduced as a new form of output that would have more depth and impact than regular press releases or statements. The independent researcher concludes that the communiqués are a useful instrument with complementary focuses and consistent approaches, while offering a few modest recommendations.

The third report focuses on the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Safety of Journalists, a dedicated and comprehensive document, focusing on numerous inter-related aspects of the safety of journalists. In his report, the independent researcher concludes that the strength of this Decision derives from the fact that it achieved the necessary consensus among OSCE participating States. The study recommends that OSCE participating States use the Decision as a starting point for inclusive dialogue with all relevant stakeholders geared towards ensuring a safe and enabling environment for journalists, and as an envisaged review and revision of national laws, policy and practice, to ensure their full compliance with international human rights law and OSCE Commitments. Finally, it recommends that participating States make good use of the guidance offered by the Decision for the development of national action plans to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists in practice.

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SARAJEVO, 21 July 2022 - This morning news portal BUKA lost access to their Facebook page because their account was hacked.

Hacking websites and related social media accounts as well as blocking access to media content is a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression.

Media outlets play an important role in keeping society informed on issues of public interest; such cyber security attacks tarnish the trusted relationship between the media and its audience.

We believe that Facebook will resolve this issue in time before more damage to BUKA is caused.

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The Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department organized a third online training on 19 and 20 July. The workshop, titled “Identification of Impostors at Border Crossing Points”, was held for the members of the OSCE Border Security and Management National Focal Points (NFP) Network and selected representatives of border and customs services. The training was conducted by experts from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Interior and brought together 243 participants (71 women, 172 men) from 32 OSCE participating States.

“It is crucial for border security officials to keep their skillsets up to date, as challenges in travel document security are constantly developing. Phenomena such as morphing, impostors, and now counterfeit Schengen visas are becoming more and more frequent.  Therefore, today we emphasize the need to constantly keep acquiring new skills and knowledge, in order to prevent irregular movements in an efficient way”, said Dennis Cosgrove, Head of the OSCE Border Security and Management Unit, in his opening remarks.

Impostors represent one of the main challenges in the field of identity fraud. Despite improved travel document security features, stricter controls on documents’ issuance and strengthened security checks at cross-border checkpoints, identity fraud is on the rise. Criminals have been constantly diversifying forging methods as they look for ways to assume false identities without detection.

This online training enhanced the abilities of front-line officers to identify potential criminals travelling under false identities. It included a strong interactive component, including memory tests, exercises on facial appearance and comparison, lectures and practical modules on anatomical features, and examination techniques of facial components. Additionally, the training dedicated a specific session on Schengen Visa Security, Schengen Visa features, and related forgery methods.

Real examples and cases encountered by participants while performing their duties were presented and discussed. This course is part of a series of activities on the detection of forged travel documents and impostors organized by the OSCE Border Security and Management Unit in different countries since 2015.

The OSCE Secretariat held the second national workshop on the effective management and re-use of confiscated assets in Montenegro on 18 July.

The workshop focused on how to improve the management and re-use of assets confiscated from organized crime and corruption cases. Participants included representatives from the Montenegrin Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Finance, the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office, the Supreme Court, the Cadastre and State Property Administration, civil society organizations, and asset recovery experts.

In addition to raising awareness on the importance of developing and establishing an effective asset management and re-use system, the workshop also served as a consultative meeting for the Montenegrin authorities to discuss the new draft law on the confiscation of proceeds of crime and subsequent bylaws. Experts on asset confiscation, management, and re-use from Albania, Croatia, Romania, and the UK presented legislative frameworks and processes in their respective countries as well as practices from EU countries.

Representatives from the Government of Montenegro and the international community welcomed the workshop and emphasized the importance of asset management and the re-use of confiscated assets in the fight against crime and corruption. James J. Arguin, the senior justice advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica, stated that “Social re-use of assets serves two goals:  it ensures that criminals do not profit from their crimes, and helps rebuild community resilience and respect for the rule of law.”

The event was organized as part of a regional extra-budgetary project on asset recovery that supports criminal justice practitioners and other key actors in the asset recovery cycle. This project is supported financially by the United States, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom and implemented by the Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.

OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Foreign Minister of Poland, Zbigniew Rau, and OSCE Secretary General, Helga Maria Schmid, today reiterated their call for the unconditional and immediate release of three national Mission members of the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), detained in Donetsk and Luhansk for more than three months.

“I call again attention to the unacceptable situation of the national OSCE Mission members still detained in non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk, detained for engaging in their official duties as OSCE staff,” said Secretary General Schmid. “OSCE SMM Mission members have always performed their duties with the highest level of professionalism, dedication and impartiality. They must be released immediately“. 

OSCE Chairman-in-Office Rau deplored that SMM staff are held unjustifiably in conditions unknown to their families and loved ones. “I wish to recall their contributions to the SMM’s former mandate to provide impartial information related to the security and humanitarian situation in Ukraine“, said OSCE Chairman-in-Office Rau. “We call for their immediate release.” 

The OSCE’s duty of care towards all of its employees continues during and after the closure of the SMM. The OSCE has and will continue to take steps to pursue all available channels to secure the privileges and immunities of current and former OSCE officials.

523126 Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ton van den Brandt

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, visited Portugal from 5 to 8 July 2022. Ribeiro held consultations with the Speaker of Parliament Mr. Augusto Ernesto Santos Silva. She also met with several governmental officials, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Portugal Mr, João Gomes Cravinho, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mr. Francisco André, the Minister of Justice Ms. Catarina Sarmento e Castro, as well as the Minister of Culture Mr. Pedro Adão e Silva and the Secretary of State for European Affairs Mr. Tiago Antunes.

Furthermore, Ms Ribeiro had meetings with the Ombudsperson for Human Rights, Ms. Maria Lúcia Amaral and the Members of the Parliament Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees. The Representative also had an exchange with the Chairperson of the Regulatory Authority for the Media (ERC) Mr. Sebastiao José Coutinho Póvoas and the Director of the Public Broadcaster Mr. António José Teixeira. Ms Ribeiro met with several media representatives, as well as with the President of the Journalists Union (Sindicato dos Jornalistas), Mr. Luis Filipe Simões.

On top of the agenda was the decline of media freedom in the OSCE region, as well as developments and challenges related to the current war in Ukraine. Establishing a clear link between media freedom, public debate and democracy, the Representative discussed Portugal’s achievements and challenges, urging the authorities for the decriminalization of defamation.

VIENNA, 18 July 2022 – While OSCE participating States made a steady progress in combating trafficking in human beings, more work needs to be done to scale-up their responses both at policy and practice levels, the OSCE 2021 Survey Report says. The main findings were presented at the event organized by the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings in Vienna today.

“Trafficking in human beings is not like any other crime. It feeds off economic and gender inequalities, and weak institutions,” stressed OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid. “The OSCE report gives us a blueprint on where to invest. Now we need the political commitment to make those investments.”

The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Valiant Richey highlighted the emerging trafficking trends that report reveals. These include trafficking for the purpose of remote sexual abuse (e.g., online pornography), increased risks of online child exploitation, and substantial increases in forced criminality and forced begging, as well as trafficking for sham marriages.

“There is an urgent need for enhanced political will from OSCE participating States to increase investments and confront this global scourge at scale,” Richey stressed.

In his remarks, he also pointed to worrying findings of the report showing that only seven OSCE participating States reported holding technology companies criminally liable for knowingly facilitating trafficking on their platforms. At the same time, Richey noted that the report highlights positive trends, such as the doubling of countries with anti-trafficking procurement policies in place.

The 2021 Survey Report is a follow-up to a 2015 survey developed in order to track national progress made towards the implementation of OSCE anti-trafficking commitments. The survey provides comprehensive data identifying positive practices and persisting challenges and serves as an updated baseline for measuring future progress.

The Survey Report features new sections such as the role of technology in facilitating and combating human trafficking and online child sexual exploitation and presents recommendations for participating States and the broader anti-trafficking community.

In the long term, the Report will serve as a crucial touchpoint for whether countries are progressing in their efforts to eradicate trafficking in human beings.

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 18 July 2022 — The OSCE Mission launched today its latest thematic report Protection of Cultural Heritage in Kosovo, which reviews current practices and offers recommendations to relevant institutions.

Covering the period between 2014 and 2020, the report concludes that the effective protection of cultural heritage in Kosovo should not be limited to physical restoration and that a broader approach is needed. Inclusive management, imaginative spatial planning, awareness raising, and training for  cultural heritage personnel are also required to ensure the preservation of cultural heritage.

The report provides insight into the policy, legal and administrative frameworks of cultural heritage protection and analyses the close interconnectivity between heritage protection, security, infrastructure and spatial planning issues. It notes that, while many provisions are already in place, full implementation requires a better coordinated approach. The report also highlights the need to amend the Law on Cultural Heritage and fully align primary and secondary legislation to ensure a more coherent approach to cultural heritage.

“The OSCE Mission has consistently supported efforts to protect and promote the rich and varied cultural legacy in Kosovo, as the effective preservation of cultural heritage is important for all communities,” said Ambassador Michael Davenport, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. “We believe the report we launched today, its insights and recommendations, will help the institutions in their efforts to preserve and protect cultural heritage for future generations.”

Addressing the participants at the launch event, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Hajrulla Çeku highlighted the importance of cultural heritage protection as a priority of the Government. “We have an extraordinary cultural wealth, which is a universal value and key to creating social interaction and overcoming differences between communities,” he said. “We are committed to placing culture and cultural heritage at the centre of the fundamental principles of coexistence, mutual respect and development of a democratic society.”

The report lists a number of recommendations to key institutions to enhance the protection and valorization of cultural heritage, including: to introduce management plans for cultural heritage sites, to conduct heritage impact assessments for planned interventions, to adopt a more inclusive definition of cultural heritage, and to enhance the resilience of cultural heritage sites against climate change and intentional destruction.

The full report is available in Albanian, Serbian and English on the website at: https://www.osce.org/mission-in-kosovo/522892

Protecting the human rights of trafficking victims must be placed at the heart of all responses to this global crime that particularly targets women and girls, who are even more at risk in situations of armed conflict, OSCE leaders said at the opening of a two-day conference today.

Almost 300 participants from OSCE states, civil society, international organizations and national human rights institutions across the OSCE region registered for the meeting in Vienna, which will provide a forum to discuss the rights of human trafficking victims both in peacetime and during armed conflict.

“The unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine has shaken the foundations of international and European security, causing thousands of unnecessary deaths and enormous suffering to the civilian population,” said Ambassador Adam Hałaciński, Permanent Representative of Poland to the OSCE, on behalf of the Polish 2022 OSCE Chairmanship. “It has also caused Europe’s biggest refugee crisis since World War II. The refugee and humanitarian crisis has the potential to turn into a trafficking one, as many experts predict.”

According to UN figures, approximately 40 percent of all global human trafficking cases take place within the OSCE region. The risk of becoming a victim grows during armed conflict, when traffickers are able to plausibly offer rescue and safety or assistance, but in fact with the intention of trafficking them for exploitation. The reach of traffickers has also expanded together with the internet, and the online world offers traffickers anonymity and immediate, global access to individuals and groups with specific profiles. At the same time, new technologies also bring advantages for monitoring and combating trafficking.

Children are especially at risk of becoming victims of trafficking, and the trauma can remain with them far into adulthood. The protection needs of child trafficking victims are significantly different from those of adults, and a dedicated session will therefore focus on child victims of trafficking and ways in which to improve and strengthen child protection systems.

This year ODIHR launched the second edition of a handbook on establishing and strengthening national referral mechanisms to assist OSCE countries in improving their efforts to combat trafficking and support victims. These mechanisms are national frameworks that enable governments to coordinate their efforts to protect and promote the human rights of trafficking victims in strategic partnership with civil society, the private sector, victims, and others working in the field.

“Victims of human trafficking are ripped away from their homes and out of their societies, affecting all those involved for the rest of their lives,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “There are now also new threats that have made individuals and groups already at risk of trafficking even more vulnerable. ODIHR will continue its work with countries across the OSCE to strengthen national frameworks and partnerships with civil society in order to combat human trafficking, and at the same time ensure the voices of victims are heard and their human rights respected.”

Supplementary Human Dimension Meetings are a platform for the OSCE’s participating States and OSCE institutions, as well as international organizations and civil society, to exchange views and good practices to find common solutions for the challenges facing the OSCE region. Today’s discussion is the final SHDM of 2022 and follows meetings dedicated to international cooperation to address violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and the importance of democratic institutions in times of crisis.

WARSAW/VIENNA, 16 July 2022 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau, concluded his visit to South-Eastern Europe.

In Belgrade, the OSCE’s Chairman-in-Office discussed cooperation and security issues with President Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić and Foreign Minister Nikola Selaković, as well as with representatives of civil society.

“My visit has coincided with serious security challenges the OSCE region is now facing. Over the past few years, we have witnessed a gradual decline in the feeling of commitment to the values that have shaped our Organization,” said Minister Rau. “I am pleased that Serbia shares the OSCE’s understanding of fundamental values and respects them.”

Minister Rau also met with the OSCE Mission’s Head of Field Operation, Ambassador Jan Braathu, and its staff. He thanked the Mission’s work in supporting Serbia’s reform process. The Chairman of the OSCE underlined special efforts made to integrate national minorities.

During his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister Rau met with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Deputy Foreign Minister Josip Brkić, the representatives of the Collegium of both chambers of parliament, the international community, and the Central Election Commission, as well as civil society activists and the staff of the OSCE’s Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, including its Head, Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec.

Minister Rau called on the representatives of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to enhance internal dialogue and intensify efforts to build a stable state. He reiterated OSCE’s support for reforms, including those of the election system and in rule of law, and encouraged all sides to engage in inclusive and transparent election reform.

“At this political stage, the fate of the reform process is in the hands of Bosnia and Herzegovina itself. It is you who know best what solutions are good and feasible under current circumstances. The OSCE is here to help your country through the process. I want to reaffirm the Organization’s full support and the Mission’s readiness to provide any assistance and expert consultations to enhance security, stability, and prosperity of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Minister Rau during talks in the parliament.

In Pristina, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office met with President Vjosa Osmani, Speaker of the Assembly Glauk Konjufca, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, Minister for Communities and Returns Goran Rakić and the Central Election Commission.    

“The purpose of my visit to Pristina has been to meet the institutional leaders, partners of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, and get first-hand information on the ongoing reforms in the fields of the judicial system, fight against corruption, enhancing media freedom, and advancing much- needed electoral reforms,” said OSCE Chairman-in-Office. “I was also pleased to hear from the Head of OSCE Mission, Ambassador Michael Davenport and from my interlocutors about important OSCE work to support and advance the rights of non-majority communities.” 

“Through its field operations, the OSCE contributes to the further development of a democratic and multi-ethnic society. I sincerely hope that this will also lead to fostering stability and reconciliation in South-Eastern Europe,” stated Minister Rau.

VIENNA, 15 July 2022 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, today denounced the continued shrinking space for freedom of expression and media freedom in Russia as the authorities enact more restrictive laws.

Ribeiro’s comments follow President Vladimir Putin’s signing on 14 July of the law “On amendments to certain legal acts of the Russian Federation” that provides important changes in the media law, in particular, in relation to foreign media in Russia as well as the enactment of the law “On control over the activities of persons under foreign influence.” 

“It is deeply troubling that Russia continues to impose such severe restrictions that are completely incompatible with the right to freedom of expression and media freedom,” Ribeiro said. “I call on the authorities to repeal these highly restrictive and disproportionate laws, and stop other initiatives that curtail public discussions and free flow of information, and exert a dangerous chilling effect on the work of media workers.”

The law “On amendments to certain legal acts of the Russian Federation” broadly empowers the Prosecutor-General or her/his deputies – upon consent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – to ban the activity of foreign media that disseminates its products in Russia, including online, whenever the activity of a Russian media outlet in another country was banned or restricted. Such a ban can also involve withdrawal of accreditation of foreign correspondents in Russia, registrations and broadcast licenses, freezing of bank accounts and bank operations, and closure of bureaus of affected foreign media.

The same statute also introduces amendments to the law “On the Mass Media” allowing, for the first time since the law was adopted in 1991, the Prosecutor-General or her/his deputies to suspend the activities and ultimately close down media outlets without a court decision. The statute can be enacted if the prosecution considers actions to be in  violation of a broad spectrum of bans, including dissemination of information “directed to discredit the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the aims of protection of the interests of the Russian Federation” or simply “untruthful information” on such a use (even unintentionally), as well as calls to introduce sanctions against the Russian Federation and expressions of disrespect towards Russian public bodies. During the suspension period, the publishers, editors and journalists of the affected media outlet(s) are not allowed to conduct any activity regulated by law “On the Mass Media”.

The new law “On control over the activities of persons under foreign influence” brings together and expands the existing ‘foreign agent’ regulations (which OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ribeiro addressed on many occasions previously) by introducing more overly vague and broad terms. It allows an entity to be labeled a ‘foreign agent’ if it “has received support and/or is otherwise under foreign influence” and engages in a broad range of activities, including raising issues of public interest and other standard journalistic practices. Among other things, the law also establishes a separate register of persons affiliated with a so-called ‘foreign agent’ by including anyone who is in any way connected (or was connected) with organizations and/or individuals carrying such a status.

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.