OSCE

581860 Participants in national training course discuss how to identify suspected foreign terrorist fighters and other criminals at border crossings, Samarkand, 25 November 2024. Communication and Media Relations Section

From 25 to 28 November, the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department and the Border Troops and Customs Committee of Uzbekistan held a national training course for border and customs officers to identify suspected foreign terrorist fighters and other criminals at border crossings.

“We must be mindful of cross-border threats related to movement of foreign terrorist fighters, drugs, artifacts, human, organ and other forms of trafficking. This training was a great opportunity to exchange experience and knowledge in their identification at the borders and develop new skills in this area,” said Zakirov Bekhzod, Deputy Head of the Customs Department for the Samarkand Region of Uzbekistan.

The 18 first- and second-line border and customs officers participated in practical exercises and were trained on identity management, crisis management, methods for detecting illicit small arms and light weapons, and techniques for preventing trafficking in human beings. The course also included a site visit to “Jartepa”, an Uzbek-Tajik border checkpoint, where in-person demonstrations of specialized equipment and operational procedures for inspecting passengers and cargos took place.

The training course was delivered by seven members of Uzbekistan’s National Mobile Training Team (NMTT). This was their second deployment mission since completing their own training with the OSCE in 2023, where they had learned from international experts from Belgium and the United Kingdom as well as members of the OSCE-led Mobile Training Team from North Macedonia. Training materials were provided by the OSCE and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.

These activities are part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Strengthening the resilience of Uzbekistan to address cross-border challenges emanating from Afghanistan”, funded by Germany, Sweden and the United States of America. The NMTT plans to carry out further training courses in 2025 at pre-selected border checkpoints throughout Uzbekistan.

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

The 2024 European Parliament elections were genuinely competitive, with fundamental freedoms respected. The elections were run professionally and effectively, and the bodies administering them enjoyed a high level of confidence. Aspects of electoral legislation needing further review related primarily to insufficient efforts to involve under-represented groups to form a fully inclusive parliament, differences in voting and candidacy rights across Member States that created unequal conditions for universal suffrage, disinformation and instances of political violence and threats during the campaign both against politicians and journalists, an absence of provisions allowing both citizen and international observers to access the process, and limited transparency and scope of campaign finance regulations.

These are some of the main conclusions from the final report on the June 2024 elections published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The report offers recommendations to bring elections further in line with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.

Key recommendations include:

• Ensuring equal suffrage rights and autonomous voting conditions for voters with disabilities;
• Further harmonizing the rules for the right to vote and to be elected across Member States;
• Making greater efforts to increase women’s participation in public and political life;
• Protecting journalists from threats and intimidation and ensuring swift investigation when pressure occurs;
• Urging contestants not to use intolerant and discriminatory rhetoric and calling on authorities to promptly condemn and investigate any such cases;
• Allowing for international and citizen observation of all aspects of the electoral process;
• Ensuring members of minority communities can enjoy their rights both as voters and candidates.

ODIHR deployed a Special Election Assessment Mission for these elections from 15 May to 14 June. Expert teams visited 20 of the EU Member States in the run up to election day and the mission observed the entire process across the EU.

All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to promptly following up on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations. The ODIHR Electoral Recommendations Database tracks the extent to which recommendations are implemented by states across the OSCE region.

581845 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 27 November 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized a half-day roundtable to evaluate the implementation status of the "State Complex Environmental Education Program (2021–2025)." The event attracted around 31 participants, consisting of 7 women and 24 men, including representatives from relevant institutions, Parliament, and civil society.

During the roundtable, participants reviewed presentations on the progress made by state institutions in executing the Program’s Action Plan, the contributions of universities and institutes to its implementation, and the role of public organizations in advancing the Program. The discussions also served as a platform to gather recommendations for future actions and to inform the development of the next phase of the Program.

This initiative highlights the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe's ongoing commitment to supporting Tajikistan in addressing environmental challenges and facilitating the effective implementation of the "State Complex Environmental Education Program (2021–2025)."

582538 Participants discussing youth crime prevention at an OSCE-organized training session on the launch and implementation of a dedicated pilot programme in the Kamza municipality, Albania, 3 December 2024.

From 3 to 5 December, the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, in co-operation with the OSCE Presence in Albania, organized a targeted training session to support the launch and implementation of a pilot youth crime prevention programme in the Kamza municipality, Albania.

The workshop featured case studies and practical exercises focused on preventing the escalation of criminal behaviour among young offenders. It laid the groundwork for the programme, during which OSCE-trained police officers and social workers from the Kamza municipality and Tirana will work together, enhancing their capacity to identify youth at risk of recruitment and involvement in crime, prioritize youth crime cases effectively and address the root causes of youth criminality. Following the successful completion of the pilot, the programme is expected to be expanded nationwide.

“Youth crime is a pressing issue that is often rooted in complex socio-economic challenges, family neglect, violence or peer influence. This pilot programme is a critical step towards building a sustainable model of youth crime prevention in Albania. By fostering inter-agency dialogue and co-operation, we can better understand and address the root causes of youth criminality, enabling effective interventions to steer young people away from crime,” emphasized Klaudia Hasanllari, Director of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Center in Albania.

The training session was delivered under the OSCE-wide multi-year extra-budgetary project “Enhancing youth crime and drug use prevention through education on legality and awareness campaigns addressing threats of organized crime and corruption” funded by Italy. Further donors supporting this project are Andorra, Finland, Germany, Norway and Poland.

581830

On 6 and 7 November 2024, more than 50 regional stakeholders gathered in Peshkopi to discuss joint approaches to reducing illegal logging in the four protected areas of Korab-Koritnik, Mavrovo, Shar Mountain and Sharri/Šara. The meeting was organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), in co-operation with the OSCE Presence in Albania and the think tank adelphi.

In 2021, the OSCE-adelphi report “Regional Assessment for South-Eastern Europe” identified the Shar/Šara Mountains and Korab Massif area as a climate-security hotspot in South-Eastern Europe and a priority for regional co-operation. Further stakeholder consultations conducted in 2022 and 2023 highlighted forest governance as an entry-point for joint action to address climate-related security risks throughout the protected area and to strengthen the region's climate resilience. 

“Illegal logging threatens the natural wealth of the region’s ecosystems, contributing to deforestation, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss, while undermining local livelihoods,” said Ambassador Michel Tarran, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, in his opening remarks. “The OSCE is committed to preserving these resources through supporting sustainable practices that build climate resilience and community well-being.”

The opening session also benefitted from welcoming remarks of Mr. Nexhbedin Shehu, Prefect of the county Dibra, who highlighted the important work of the OSCE in this area and welcomed future initiatives.

Senior Advisor at adelphi, Beatrice Mosello, noted the need for collaboration in light of both the environmental and socioeconomic interconnectedness of the geographical area.

“Climate change increasingly threatens the forests of the Shar/Šara Mountains and Korab Massif area by altering temperature and rainfall patterns, leading to habitat loss and increased landscape and wildfire risks, thus further intensifying the impacts of deforestation. Given the interconnectedness of the area from an environmental and socio-economic perspective, the associated security risks are shared among the four protected areas,” said Mosello.

The workshop provided an opportunity to present, discuss and validate findings from an ongoing study to assess the baseline of illegal logging in Shar/Šara Mountains and Korab Massif Area, assess the security implications for populations and ecosystems, analyze legal gaps, and provide targeted recommendations for regional stakeholders. During the workshop, examples of international initiatives to tackle environmental crimes were provided from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute.

"By bringing together representatives of park management authorities and municipalities of the protected areas, enforcement agencies, NGOs and international experts, and hearing from them about challenges and opportunities for co-operation in the area of climate change and forest governance, the OSCE and its partners are ensuring inclusive approaches within this pilot initiative. Through interactive discussions at the workshop, we have identified key areas for joint action and co-operation among stakeholders, which will provide a basis for future joint activities," said Ellen Baltzar Mossop, Climate Affairs Adviser at OCEEA.

The workshop concluded with a visit to the village of Rabdishta, where participants could witness first-hand the work of park rangers in relation to sustainable forest management and the prevention of illegal logging.

This workshop was organized within the framework of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Strengthening responses to security risks from climate change in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia”, which is implemented by OCEEA in partnership with adelphi and in close collaboration with the OSCE field operations. The project is funded by Andorra, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

BELGRADE, 28 November 2024 – The OSCE Mission to Serbia awarded the 2024 Person of the Year award to Ivana Stevanović, Executive Director of the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation, Veran Matić, President of Association of Independent Electronic Media and member of the Permanent Working Group for Safety of Journalists, and Nemanja Nenadić, Program Director of Transparency Serbia at a ceremony held in Belgrade today.

The Person of the Year award recognizes the important contributions of individuals in upholding OSCE values and commitments in their work throughout the year.

Ivana Stevanović is recognized for her significant contribution to combating impunity for crimes against journalists and her unwavering commitment to promoting professional journalism. Stevanović has made noteworthy contributions to this cause, particularly in her role as a representative of  civil society at the Permanent Working Group on the Safety of Journalists. She has provided expertise in advocating for media reform, strengthening the ethics and professionalism of independent journalism, and monitoring media freedom in Serbia through SCF’s platform Cenzolovka.

Veran Matić is honoured for his unwavering support in promoting inclusive dialogue on the safety of journalists.  His contributions span multiple areas, including safety of journalists, media reform and policy development. Additionally, as Chair of the Commission for Investigating Murders of Journalists in Serbia, established by the government in 2013, Matić has proven himself an uncompromising advocate for combatting impunity for crimes against journalists and for media freedom.  As the editor-in-chief of two online platforms, javniservis.net and bezbedninovinari.rs, he has been instrumental in raising awareness among media professionals and the general public on the importance of fostering a safe environment for journalists. 

Nemanja Nenadić is awarded for his professionalism and dedication to advancing anti-corruption and electoral reforms. Through his active engagement in reform processes, he has built confidence among stakeholders by prioritizing dialogue and collaboration. He has consistently upheld an ethical, constructive and objective approach, fostering impartiality and inclusivity in his work. Recognized by government bodies and independent institutions, civil society organizations and peers alike, Nenadić remains a strong and trusted voice in the fight against corruption.

581803

On 27 and 28 November 2024, 22 officials from various government institutions in Turkmenistan, including the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance, the Financial Monitoring Agency, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, participated in a specialized workshop on preventing and investigating the criminal use of virtual assets and blockchain-based finance. The event took place in Ashgabat and was organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA).

The two-day programme was designed to address pressing challenges in combating financial crimes in the digital space. Topics included blockchain compliance processes, analyzing anonymity features, using specialized tracing software, and exploring real-world case studies such as phishing attacks, cryptocurrency mixers, and cross-chain transactions. Day one featured practical sessions where participants created cryptocurrency wallets, explored the mechanisms of blockchain anonymity, and delved into case studies involving notable incidents, including the recovery of hacked social media funds. Day two continued with a detailed examination of real-life investigations, including ATM fraud and phishing schemes, and concluded with discussions on regulatory frameworks and cross-border collaboration.

"Equipping our partners with the tools and knowledge to trace and recover illicitly acquired assets is a cornerstone of our mission,” said Kurban Babayev, Economic Adviser, OSCE Secretariat. “The OSCE remains committed to fostering expertise that addresses emerging threats from virtual assets and blockchain technology.”

The workshop is part of an OSCE extra-budgetary project on “Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets”, funded by Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The project supports OSCE participating States in building national capacities to mitigate criminal risks related to virtual assets.

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

Croatia’s 2024 early parliamentary elections were competitive, offering voters a broad range of political choices. The legal framework generally provided a sound basis for holding democratic elections, and the election administration enjoyed full confidence in managing all stages of the process.

While the media landscape is diverse, concerns remain about the concentration of media ownership and the political affiliation of many media outlets, including the public broadcaster, as well as the high volume of pending litigation against journalists.

These are some of the main conclusions from the final report on the April elections published today by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

The report offers 26 recommendations to improve the election process and support efforts to bring it further in line with the commitments made by all OSCE states, as well as other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.

Key recommendations include:

• Aligning the limits of multi-member constituencies with administrative and geographical boundaries.

• Guaranteeing universal and equal suffrage by establishing clear and objective legal criteria along with a transparent procedure for voter registration.

• Introducing detailed rules regulating campaign? loans, including provisions on their disclosure and reporting.

• Safeguarding the editorial independence of the public broadcaster by ensuring appointments of its management and oversight bodies maintain their independence, impartiality, and professionalism.

• Waiving the requirement for voters to register as members of national minorities.

ODIHR deployed an Election Assessment Mission on 5 April 2024, which remained in the country until 22 April.

All 57 participating States across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations. ODIHR’s electoral recommendations database tracks the implementation of previous recommendations across the OSCE region.

581755 OSCE experts share good practices in handling of complaints related to the security sector in Chisinau, 26 November 2024. Communication and Media Relations Section

On 26 and 27 November, the OSCE trained 14 staff from the Moldovan People’s Advocate Office (Ombuds institution) on the effective handling of human rights cases and inquiries into the security sector during a workshop held in Chisinau. The participants explored good practices in processing complaints related to the security sector, conducting investigations and producing reports.

“Democratic oversight is key for ensuring accountability of the security sector. We approach this issue as a strategic priority and would like to strengthen the capacities of the People’s Advocate Office for a comprehensive oversight that promotes the protection of human rights within and by the security sector institutions,” said Ceslav Panico, the People’s Advocate of Moldova, in his opening remarks.

“Safeguarding human rights is central to the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security,” emphasized Ruzanna Baghdasaryan, OSCE Project Officer. “We are, therefore, committed to supporting the pivotal work of the Moldovan People’s Advocate Office in fostering the protection of human rights in the security sector, which is essential for building public trust in the sector’s institutions and in the state security system as a whole.”

The workshop built on an OSCE-supported multi-stakeholder roundtable in July, where the People’s Advocate’s strategic concept for promoting and protecting human rights in Moldova’s security sector was presented. It also contributes to the OSCE-supported development of procedural and methodological guidelines to assist the People’s Advocate Office on this matter.

This event was organized as part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Support, Capacity-building and Awareness-raising for Security Sector Governance and Reform within the OSCE: Phase III”, funded by Finland, Germany, Norway, Poland and Slovakia.

581710 Participants in the Regional Conference on “Critical Infrastructure Protection in Central Asia: Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security” in Ashgabat, 22 November 2024. Communication and Media Relations Section

On 22 November 2024, 25 government officials from Central Asia gathered in Ashgabat for a Regional Conference on “Critical Infrastructure Protection in Central Asia: Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security”. The event was organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, in co-operation with the Government of Turkmenistan.

Experts and officials responsible for energy security, infrastructure protection, counter-terrorism and climate adaptation from government, academia, international organizations and the private sector discussed critical infrastructure resilience, such as physical security considerations, long-term climate variability and its impact on energy security, and how to enhance connectivity and international collaboration.

“I urge all participants of the event to make the most of this platform for a broad dialogue on countering long-standing and new threats to critical infrastructure, sharing best practices and approaches to infrastructure protection and opportunities to strengthen sustainability and regional co-operation,” said Yazguly Agabayev, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The Government of Turkmenistan also facilitated a site visit for the participants to an energy appliances workshop facility under the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan.

“Terrorists, hackers and natural events such as storms, heat waves and floods all disrupt, damage and even destroy critical infrastructure. In the face of these challenges to our critical infrastructure, the question we must ask ourselves is: how do we prepare for disruptions? In our view, one part of the answer is to increase the resilience of critical infrastructure networks through national policies and strengthened public-private partnerships,” emphasized Ambassador Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats, in her opening remarks.

Ambassador John McGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat highlighted the importance of international collaboration.

“Our interconnectedness means that the failure of critical infrastructure in one country can have ripple effects across borders. Thus, addressing this challenge requires a collective effort. The collaboration we pursue here today is a vital step in building stronger, more resilient infrastructure systems across Central Asia and beyond,” he said.

The conference was organized in part within the framework of the OSCE extra-budgetary projects “Strengthening Energy Sector Co-operation and Analysis in Central Asia in the Context of Afghanistan’s Energy Crisis”, funded by Germany and Sweden, and “Mitigating Climate Change Threats to Critical Energy Infrastructure”, funded by Austria, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United States of America.

581683 For Media inquires

On 25-26 November, 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana (the Office), in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) and the “Union of Crisis Centers of Kazakhstan” organized a regional conference titled “Domestic Violence Counteraction Systems in Central Asia: Correctional Programs for Aggressors” in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The event convened parliamentarians, government representatives, international and non-governmental organizations, experts, and academics from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Kicking off the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the conference served as a platform to share best practices, exchange experiences, and develop a unified regional strategy to combat domestic violence, tailored to the specific contexts of each participating country. Participants engaged in discussions on a range of critical topics, including legislative and legal frameworks for combating domestic violence, the role of law enforcement in addressing domestic violence, and systemic approaches to counteraction, such as rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders through correctional programmes in Central Asia. Other sessions focused on supporting victims, including children who witness violence, leveraging IT technologies for prevention and response, and the vital role of the media in raising awareness and fostering change.

A key focus of discussions was the need for a holistic approach to combat domestic violence, which includes both protecting victims and rehabilitating aggressors. Studies indicate that correctional programmes for aggressors can significantly decrease the risk of repeat offenses and enhance safety for victims. Germany’s successful implementation of such programmes was cited as a model, incorporating specialized measures for aggressor rehabilitation.

Nicholas Mazik, Senior Human Dimension Officer at the Office, stressed the shift in perspective from victim-blaming to focusing on the accountability of perpetrators and engaging men and boys as allies in the fight against gender-based violence.

The conference concluded with the development of actionable recommendations to improve domestic violence response in Central Asia. It promoted the exchange of successful practices and strategies, enhancing public awareness of domestic violence as a pressing societal issue.

In December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, alongside the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and FES, plans to facilitate a study visit to the Southern Palatinate Intervention Center in Landau in der Pfalz, Germany. This initiative will provide key national responders with an opportunity to examine effective correctional models firsthand and consider their adaptation and implementation in the region. The aim is to improve perpetrator management and enhance support systems for survivors.

WARSAW, 27 November 2024 – An 18-month joint project to support the integration of migrants and refugees in Poland, which has demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing one of society’s most pressing challenges, ended today with a closing event to celebrate its achievements.

The Academy on the Integration of Migrants and Refugees in Polish Cities provided ten tailored training courses to staff working with migrants in 13 cities and towns across Poland: Białystok, Częstochowa, Gdańsk, Hrubieszów, Katowice, Kraków, Leszno, Lublin, Łódź, Poznań, Rzeszów, Warsaw, and Wrocław. It was a joint initiative of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities Programme (CoE ICC Programme), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Union of Polish Metropolises.

“It has been a pleasure for ODIHR to coordinate this important initiative, working closely with our partners to ensure our combined support goes exactly where it is needed,” said Tea Jaliashvili, ODIHR Director’s Alternate and First Deputy Director. “This project has given us an excellent opportunity to support Polish cities and at the same time collect best practices that can be used by other countries of the OSCE region. We hope to build on the lessons learned from Poland to support integration efforts across the Baltic states in the coming years.”

Participants developed their skills in areas ranging from intercultural competence and in-depth analysis of successful migrant integration practices, to countering misinformation, inclusive communication, addressing gender-based violence, and building stakeholder partnerships.

“Polish cities have been on the frontlines of the Ukrainian refugee crisis from Day 1, receiving and empowering those forced to flee,” said Kevin J. Allen, UNHCR Representative in Poland. “By actively engaging civil society and the private sector, city officials facilitated impressive socio-economic inclusion, with major positive impacts for host communities. Simply put: Poland has demonstrated how local solidarity and smart policy choices result in a win-win situation for all.”

The initiative was timely as Polish cities are the first point of contact for the majority of migrants and refugees, wherever they arrive from. Cities across Poland have shown great initiative and resilience, particularly in integrating hundreds of thousands of people from Ukraine, as Poland has been a major host country for Ukrainian refugees ever since Russia’s 2022 military attack. A UNHCR report presented during the event highlighted that Ukrainian refugees’ contributions to Poland’s labour market and tax revenues have outweighed related expenditures. However, continued local investment in inclusive strategies is crucial to address lasting barriers such as language proficiency and job matching. Economic benefits alone do not guarantee social acceptance, underscoring the importance of local integration initiatives.

“In an international context marked by fear of diversity and anti-immigration rhetoric, cities play a crucial role in building cohesive societies through intercultural inclusion,” said Thorsten Afflerbach, Head of Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Programmes Division at the Council of Europe. “This Academy provided flexible and tailor-made support to Polish cities, enabling them to welcome refugees and foster inclusive communities that benefit all.”

The courses were delivered in close cooperation with the Union of Polish Metropolises. “We are grateful to all our partners, and of course the participants,” said Tomasz Fijołek, Director of Legislation of the Union of Polish Metropolises. “The knowledge gained will be useful both professionally and personally.”

Inspired by the Academy’s success, plans are underway to adapt the project for municipalities in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania over the next two years.

Media contacts:

ODIHR: Katya Andrusz, Spokesperson – katya.andrusz@odihr.pl

Council of Europe: Tania Baeva-Frachon, Media Officer: tatiana.baeva-frachon@coe.int

UNHCR Poland: Rafal Kostrzynski, Assistant Communications Officer – kostrzy@unhcr.org

Union of Polish Metropolises: Julia Wiśniewska, Communications Coordinator – j.wisniewska@metropolie.pl

581743 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 27 November 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized the National Forum of Civil Society Organizations - Gender Movement Activists, titled "United Against Violence," in Dushanbe. This important event brought together 84 gender activists, government representatives, and international organizations to discuss strategies for advancing gender equality and combating violence against women and girls.

Key topics discussed during the forum included the initiatives of gender activists in implementing national strategies for gender equality and violence prevention. A particular emphasis was placed on strengthening the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the implementation of the CSO Strategy for Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls. Participants explored ways to enhance CSOs' influence in decision-making processes, improve relevant legislation, and foster better coordination between civil society, government entities, and other key stakeholders.

The forum also included collaborative workshops where participants worked in small groups to develop a Work Plan for Gender Activists in 2025, aimed at implementing the CSO Strategy. This plan focused on advocacy, building institutional capacity, and addressing harmful gender stereotypes through education and awareness-raising activities.

The forum concluded with a collective commitment to intensify efforts to eliminate gender-based violence, ensuring that the momentum generated would lead to long-term change.

581653 Communication and Media Relations Section

The report “Co-operation in North-west Azerbaijan and Eastern Georgia”, which tackles joint co-operation in the areas of climate change, landscape fire management and wildfire risk reduction, was officially launched on 19 November during a side event at the 29th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP29) in Baku. Jointly developed by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the think tank adelphi, the report highlights approaches for addressing shared climate-related challenges and identifies entry-points for strengthening cross-border co-operation between two pilot municipalities, Dedoplistskaro in Georgia and Zagatala in Azerbaijan.

Building on the findings of the earlier report “Regional Consultation for the South Caucasus – Azerbaijan and Georgia”, published in 2021, the study draws on a bilateral workshop in Tbilisi on 26 October 2023 and consultations with national and local stakeholders in Azerbaijan and Georgia including in the two pilot municipalities in April 2024. It also benefitted from the expertise provided by the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC).

During the launch event at COP29, speakers emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration in tackling the growing risks posed by climate change and wildfires. As Eastern Georgia and North-West Azerbaijan share similar ecological characteristics and wildfire vulnerabilities, the report outlines strategies for community engagement, capacity-building for local and national disaster response, nature-based solutions and risk reduction measures designed to enhance resilience in both countries.

"This report is a testament to the importance of co-operation," said Ambassador Dzhusupov, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) during his statement at the event. "Georgia and Azerbaijan are demonstrating how countries can come together to address the impacts of climate change while protecting shared ecosystems and communities. The OSCE stays committed to supporting partnerships to reduce risks stemming from climate change."

The side event featured a key note presentation by adelphi, followed by a panel discussion which included representatives from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, as well as government representatives from Sweden and Switzerland.

The report provides the basis for the next steps of the project including the development of a joint co-operation strategy and implementation plan followed by pilot activities to operationalize cross-border co-operation between the two countries on wildfire risk reduction in the context of strengthening climate resilience.

This report was prepared within the framework of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Strengthening responses to security risks from climate change in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia”, which is implemented by OCEEA in partnership with adelphi and in close collaboration with the OSCE field operations. The project is funded by Andorra, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

581641

On 27 November, more than 40 representatives from Central Asia, OSCE structures, UN agencies, and civil society organizations gathered for the second meeting of the Central Asia Regional Expert Council (REC) on the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees.

Launched in Tashkent in May 2024 at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the REC brings together experts to tackle rehabilitation and reintegration challenges. The council works through specialized groups focused on accountability, psychosocial support, countering terrorist narratives, and civil society engagement.

The meeting highlighted the importance of civil society-led rehabilitation programs and the integration of gender- and age-sensitive approaches. It also explored legal frameworks and the capacity-building needs essential for sustainable reintegration.

"Repatriating nationals from conflict zones is not only a humanitarian imperative, but also a cornerstone for long-term regional security. The OSCE remains a steadfast partner in these efforts," said Ambassador Antti Karttunen, Head of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

As of March 2024, more than 2,100 returnees have successfully reintegrated across the region, thanks to ongoing rehabilitation programs.

The event was co-organized by key Uzbek institutions, OSCE structures, and UN agencies, highlighting strong regional and international cooperation.

581677 Communication and Media Relations Section

On 27 November, over 40 representatives from Central Asia, OSCE executive structures, UN entities and civil society organizations gathered for the Second Meeting of the Central Asia Regional Expert Council (REC) on the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees. The REC was inaugurated in Tashkent in May 2024 upon President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s initiative.

The REC aims to consolidate expertise in prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts across Central Asia while providing recommendations through working groups focusing on accountability, psychosocial support, countering terrorist narratives and civil society engagement.

The meeting focused on civil society led rehabilitation programmes, exploring how gender and age-sensitive considerations can be integrated into their initiatives. Participants also examined legal frameworks that support processes of reintegration and identified capacity-building needs.

"Repatriating nationals from conflict zones and reintegrating them into society is not just a humanitarian imperative but also a cornerstone for sustainable regional security. The OSCE remains a steadfast partner in supporting these efforts through capacity-building and fostering regional co-operation," said Ambassador Antti Karttunen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

"Central Asian states have demonstrated strong commitment and leadership in tackling one of the most complex challenges of our time," he added.

As of March 2024, more than 2,100 citizens have successfully returned to the region and participated in rehabilitation programmes supporting their reintegration into families and communities.

The meeting was co-organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the State Security Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Committee on Family and Women under the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA).

581596

From 19 to 21 November 2024, the OSCE Presence in Albania organized its second simulation-based training on human trafficking. Over three days, about 50 participants worked through complex trafficking cases involving vulnerable girls and women exploited for sexual purposes and children exploited for criminal activity.

The training focused on practical, multi-agency exercises, where participants practiced conducting co-ordinated interviews with victims and perpetrators. They also worked together to plan rescue operations and investigations centered around the victims’ needs.

This year’s session, titled “The identification and investigation of trafficking in human beings in Albania”, built on the success of the first training in 2021, which was the first of its kind in the country and supported by the OSCE Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Human Trafficking.

The training included a diverse group of professionals, such as police officers, prosecutors, child protection workers, social service providers and civil society representatives. It also featured role-playing exercises, with some participants acting as victims or perpetrators. The trainers were high-ranking professionals from the Albanian State Police, the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime, the State Agency for Child Rights and Protection and civil society organizations.

Using the OSCE’s “learning-by-doing” approach, the training allowed participants to practice their skills in a realistic setting, with trainers offering immediate feedback. The goal was to ensure that these methods are integrated into the daily work of professionals tackling human trafficking.

In addition to focusing on traditional trafficking, the training also addressed cyber trafficking, helping participants understand how technology is used to facilitate human trafficking. Police and prosecutors collaborated on open-source investigations to tackle tech-facilitated trafficking.

This training was part of the OSCE’s project “Advancement of the anti-trafficking training capacities”, funded by the United States of America, Norway and Italy.

581590

On 25 November, the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking of Human Beings and the Money Laundering Reporting Office of Switzerland (MROS) launched Switzerland’s first dedicated anti-trafficking guide for financial institutions and intermediaries.

The guide, launched at an event in Bern, aims to ramp up financial sector action to identify and prevent human trafficking in financial flows. It was developed under the auspices of the “Financial Intelligence against Human Trafficking” (FIAHT) project that was kicked off in January 2024 by the OSCE and MROS.

Throughout the year, multiple public and private sector stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies across Switzerland, exchanged information on human trafficking risks and patterns. This culminated in the creation and launch of specialized guidance aimed at the financial services industry.

“The fight against human trafficking cannot be waged in isolation. It requires a collaborative approach and a united front, with financial intelligence units, institutions and regulators working together with law enforcement, NGOs, survivors and international bodies,” said Kari Johnstone, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Human Trafficking. “The FIAHT project has achieved that unity and broad collaboration, and our guide will equip financial institutions with the necessary knowledge and data to recognize and respond to trafficking-related financial activities.”

“The FIAHT Guide combines the expertise of the financial sector and authorities. With clear indicators, it enables financial intermediaries to detect human trafficking and file precise suspicious activity reports – a decisive step in the fight against this crime,” said Toni Brönnimann, Head of FIU MROS.

The launch of the guide underscored Switzerland’s ongoing commitment to advance its anti-trafficking action by implementing innovative and forward-looking projects such as FIAHT, thereby mobilizing private sector action to prevent and combat human trafficking.

581416 Marina Živaljević

Joining the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, on 25 November the OSCE Mission to Montenegro launched the 2024 campaign “See for Yourself, You’re Not a Small Boy”. This initiative is supported by the Basketball, Handball, and Water Polo and Swimming sports associations of Montenegro together with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demographics, and the NGO Women’s Safe House.

This year, the campaign welcomes renowned athletes Nikola Vučević, Petar Popović, Nebojša Simić, Miloš Vujović, Petar Tešanović, and Stefan Vidović who play an integral role in raising awareness of gender-based violence against women and girls.

The campaign, developed by creative author Andrijana Vešović-Zombijana, tackles stereotypes and seeks to shatter the silence surrounding violence against women and girls. In the coming weeks, engaging social media content will be shared on the campaign’s Instagram platform (@vidjisam), the Mission’s Facebook page and other partners’ platform to spark  critical conversations, inspiring youth and encouraging action within society.

Sports associations voiced strong support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of athletes using their influence to promote social change. The Basketball Association stated that the participation of Nikola Vučević and Petar Popović exemplifies their dedication to creating positive change off the court. “They inspire youth to embrace the values of respect and equality. Their presence reminds us that being a true champion goes beyond sports - it’s about standing up for what’s right.” Similarly, the Handball Association noted that Nebojša Simić and Miloš Vujović set an example of how athletes can profoundly influence societal attitudes. “They are showing that taking a stand against violence is the ultimate display of strength and integrity.” The Water Polo and Swimming Association echoed these sentiments, adding that our duty, as a community of athletes of all ages, is to promote the Olympic spirit and values, one of the most important ones being education including the prevention of all forms of discrimination. “Petar Tešanović and Stefan Vidović bring unparalleled passion to this campaign, demonstrating that everyone can contribute to the fight against gender-based violence. They remind us that teamwork and solidarity are as essential in fighting for this cause as they are in sports. This is exactly what our ‘Ajkule (sharks)’ are doing, united in delivering the message – Stop violence against women and girls!"

The Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Giovanni Gabassi, emphasized the transformative power of sports in fostering societal change. “This campaign, alongside youth-focused education initiatives, represents a significant step in building a culture of respect, empathy, and zero tolerance for violence,” said Gabassi.

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demographics reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to raising awareness among boys and men about all forms of gender-based violence, not only on 25 November, but every day because no girl or woman should be alone in this fight/struggle. These athletes are part of the campaign to stand jointly against violence.

The NGO Women’s Safe House highlighted the significance of early prevention and education. “It is our duty to work intensively on prevention, raising awareness amongst boys and girls that violence against women is never acceptable and gender equality is the norm. The involvement of high-profile athletes, admired as role models, reinforces these attitudes where society embraces zero tolerance for violence.

The campaign’s central message “See for yourself - You’re not a small boy. Stand against violence and be better,” is a call to action for individuals, communities and institutions to take a stand against violence and champion equality and respect for all.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence international campaign kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

VALLETTA/VIENNA, 25 November 2024 – The 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) will take place on 5 and 6 December 2024 at the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta’ Qali, Malta.

Accreditation is mandatory. Journalists planning to attend the Ministerial Council, either in person or virtually, must register online by 27 November 2024, 17:00 CET. The registration form is available here. 

Pool Opportunities

The following media pools are currently scheduled. Additional opportunities may arise closer to the event and will be communicated to accredited journalists.

Thursday, 5 December 2024

08:20–09:50: Arrival of Heads of Delegations and doorstep opportunity.

10:00–10:20 (Photo/Video only): Opening Plenary Session – Opening Remarks.

12:00–13:00: Side Event on Gender and Security.

17:00–18:00: Side Event on Media Freedom.

Friday, 6 December 2024

12:45–13:15 TBC (Photo/Video only): Closing Plenary Session. Exact timing will be announced at the Media Centre on the day.

13:30: Final Press Conference by OSCE Chair-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg (open attendance – no pool).

Important Notes:

• All opportunities, except the final press conference, are pool attendance only.
• Participation in any of the pools is contingent on the agreement that any footage obtained as part of a pool must be freely shared with other media in the media centre if requested.
• Participation in the arrivals pool precludes attendance in the opening session pool due to logistical constraints.
• To ensure timely access to the VIP arrivals area on 5 December, media representatives are advised to arrive at the venue by not later than 07:30. This allows sufficient time to proceed through security screening and reach the location where VIP arrivals will take place.
• Media interested in pool opportunities must email pressoscemcmalta.mfet@gov.mt to register their interest.

Remote coverage and livestreaming

The arrivals of Heads of Delegations, the opening and closing plenary sessions, and the final press conference will be livestreamed on the OSCE website: https://www.osce.org/live.

Accredited journalists who are unable to attend in person and require broader access to the proceedings must register to receive a link for remote participation. Only registered journalists who have completed the media accreditation process will be granted access to the Virtual Media Centre.

Interview Requests

Requests for interviews should be directed to the OSCE Communications and Media Section at press@osce.org.

Further Information

Detailed instructions regarding media facilities, accreditation, hotel bookings, and visa applications are available here. 

Stay updated by following the Ministerial Council event page and our social media channels for real-time updates and highlights.

• Twitter/X OSCE: https://x.com/OSCE
• Instagram OSCE: @osceorg

• Twitter/X OSCE Chairpersonship 2024: https://x.com/OSCE24MT 
• Facebook OSCE Chairpersonship 2024: https://www.facebook.com/OSCE24MT/
• LinkedIn OSCE Chairpersonship  https://www.linkedin.com/company/malta-osce24/posts/?feedView=all