Central Europe

VIENNA/SARAJEVO/PODGORICA, 27 May 2021 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Kathleen Kavalec and Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro Siv-Katrine Leirtroe urge the authorities in Montenegro and BiH to swiftly investigate and prosecute those responsible for recent death threats against journalist and columnist Dragan Bursać and Editor in Chief of antenam.net Darko Šuković.

“Targeting and attacking journalists because of their work is an attack on freedom of expression, which is a fundamental human right. The authorities must do their utmost to swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible for threats against Bursać and Šuković, and to ensure that journalists can perform their professional activities without being intimidated or threatened,” Ribeiro said.

“Authorities must show that there can be no impunity for such acts.  These types of threats are clearly intended to have a chilling effect on free media and cannot be tolerated in a democratic society,” said Kavalec. "Journalists play a vital role in sharing critical information and informing the public, and law enforcement authorities must help protect their safety as they do so."  

Leirtroe said that journalists should be able to freely perform their duties, without threats and intimidation. “The lack of legal protections for journalists against those who attack them, as well as impunity fuels a vicious cycle of violence.” She added that the increased number of physical and verbal attacks in the last few years are worrying, urging institutions to properly address these cases.

Bursać is a recipient of many awards, the recent one being the Best Journalist in Southeast Europe awarded by the German Association for Southeast Europe in recognition for his outstanding work and contribution to democracy, the rule of law and media freedom in Europe.

487849 Communication and Media Relations Section

The democratic control of armed and security forces in the context of the Mediterranean region was the focus of a seminar organized online by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and the Republic of Albania on 27 and 28 May 2021.

The discussion brought together more than 150 participants from 29 OSCE participating States and the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation. They comprised senior officers from the armed forces, senior government officials, representatives of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and representatives of academia.  

Igli Hasani, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Albania to the OSCE, opened the event, highlighting that “the Code is the first-ever multilateral instrument to encompass norms and principles regulating the conduct of armed and security forces both at the national and international levels”.

The seminar addressed issues related to the history and development of the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, a landmark document adopted by the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) in 1994 detailing the governance of the security sector and the role of armed and security forces in democratic societies. It also explored the Code of Conducts’s questionnaire, the democratic control of armed and security forces, including the part played by the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and the role of parliaments and youth with a focus on regional security challenges.

Armen Papikyan, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the OSCE and current Chair of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC), commended the seminar session for its focus on aspects of women, peace and security within armed and security forces, as this topic is high on the agenda of the Armenian FSC Chairmanship. He also noted how the seminar complements the Annual Discussion of the Implementation of the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military on Aspects of Security, which will be held on 16 June 2021 and chaired by the Armenian FSC Chairmanship.

During the seminar, participants shared experiences and best practices in applying inter- and intra-state level commitments and principles enshrined in the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct contains key principles and commitments for the 57 OSCE participating States related to security relations between States and to the control of all armed and security forces within a State.

Tuula Yrjölä, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, underlined that “the significance of the Code of Conduct remains as high as ever, and it is up to the participating States to make full use of this tool. Sharing information, experiences and practices throughout the region is mutually beneficial and fosters transparency and confidence”.

The seminar was also supported by donations provided by Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 63 ceasefire violations, including 16 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 76 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 347 ceasefire violations, including 134 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 49 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM followed up on reports of two men injured due to the detonation of an explosive object near non-government-controlled Mykolaivka, Luhansk region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near Novotroitske, Donetsk region.*
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and recorded ceasefire violations in areas close to the latter two disengagement areas.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted. Its UAVs again experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference and its long-range UAV flight was cancelled due to dual GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by jamming.*

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From 25 to 27 May, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz), in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s State Committee on Statistics (UZSTAT), held a series of workshops on improving open data system quality.

Some 45 specialists of the UZSTAT, including 14 women, acquired relevant knowledge on open data. Jamison Crowell, Open Data Manager at Open Data Watch, an international non-profit organization, spoke about the Open Data Inventory (ODIN). ODIN assesses data provided on websites maintained by national statistical offices (NSOs) and other official government websites accessible from NSO sites. He also explained the meaning of the overall ODIN score, which indicates completeness and openness of NSO’s data offerings.

Participants discussed how and where ODIN looks for data and ODIN categories to be assessed, such as social, economic and environmental ones. Furthermore, they learned about ODIN indicators, definition of indicators and disaggregations, as well as coverage criteria.

Through constructive dialogue and capacity-building activities, the PCUz has been promoting the development of Uzbekistan’s open data ecosystem. Globally, Uzbekistan ranks 44th in the Open Data Inventory 2020.

VIENNA, 26 May 2021- To better understand and frame the gender aspects of human trafficking, the Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings launched today a breakthrough study: Applying gender-sensitive approaches in combating trafficking in human beings.

More than 200 people connected to join the discussion online.

"Boys, girls, men, and women are vulnerable to trafficking in human beings for distinct reasons and are affected in different ways. Adopting a gender-sensitive approach in combating trafficking is, therefore, crucial to ensure that no victim is left behind, regardless of their gender or the form of exploitation they have endured," said Valiant Richey, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.

The research is a first-of-its-kind, taking a comprehensive and holistic approach. It is based on findings of a multi-method research design, which included surveys, interviews, and expert group meetings with survivors, practitioners, service providers, and law enforcement. It explores promising practices and gaps in applying gender-sensitive approaches in trafficking prevention, protection, and prosecution. 

The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairpersonship on Gender, Liliana Palihovici, said: “Neglected women's rights create the ideal premises for human trafficking, especially trafficking in women and girls.”

Participants agreed that the OSCE study is a critical lens into gender and will make sure that no victims are left behind. It was noted that the trafficking in women is in fact not invisible or hidden, but sometimes ignored. Participants also discussed male victims of human trafficking and tailored responses to their specific needs.

Yasmin Vafa, the Co-founder and Executive Director of the American NGO, Rights4girls, pointed out that all over the world, women and girls of colour are disproportionately harmed by sex trafficking. "We cannot ignore the impact of colonization and the history of racialized gendered violence that contributes to the trafficking of Black and Indigenous people." 

Among other findings, the research highlights that the responses to trafficking in human beings are still concealed by gender stereotyping. On the other hand, failure to understand the full spectrum of gender aspects of human trafficking leads to exacerbating stereotypes, hindering protection and assistance to all victims.

The entire report can be found here.

PODGORICA, 26 May 2021 — OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde concluded her official visit to Montenegro today. She highlighted the importance of the country’s democratic development as vital to further enhancing security and stability.

“Overall progress has been achieved in fulfilling strategic reforms in Montenegro and, moving forward, this must remain the focus while continuing to ensure open and constructive political dialogue among actors, including in the parliament and state institutions,” said Linde. “We are ready to engage in further discussions on the country’s priorities and how the OSCE Institutions and the Mission can assist this path.”

During her visit, Linde met with President Milo Đukanović, Prime Minister Krivokapić, Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazović, Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović, and Speaker of Parliament Aleksa Bečić. “Countries in the region have demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening regional co-operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Montenegro’s role in sustainable development and regional peace and security is of great importance.”

In a meeting with women parliamentarians, Linde highlighted gender equality as a priority area for the OSCE and an important element to assess the level of democratization of any society. “A gender perspective needs to be integrated into policies, programmes, and laws. Gender equality is a key prerequisite to achieving comprehensive security.”

Chairperson Linde participated in a roundtable discussion with and civil society and youth representatives. “Political discussions about security, environment, media freedom, economic connectivity or any of the reforms today define the future of tomorrow and it is central that the whole of the society takes part in that process,” said Linde.

SARAJEVO, 26 May 2021 - The OSCE Mission to BiH and the Swedish Embassy in BiH on behalf of the OSCE 2021 Swedish Chairpersonship, the OHR, the EU Delegation to BiH/EUSR, the German Embassy in BiH, the U.S. Embassy to BiH, and the British Embassy to BiH strongly condemn the latest attacks on the personal and professional integrity of Banja Luka-based political analyst and journalist Tanja Topić by the Chairman of the BiH Presidency Milorad Dodik.

Threats and intimidation, as well as any kind of pressure, are absolutely unacceptable especially when expressed by high ranking political figures. Public officials are expected to set an example and serve as role models for respectful and accountable behaviour, and we use this opportunity to recall this obligation. Threats, insults, and misogynistic comments against media professionals which we have seen taking place across Bosnia and Herzegovina represent an attack on freedom of expression and on the democratic values of a society.

Such threats must cease immediately, and we expect the relevant authorities to guarantee freedom of the press and freedom of opinion, which constitute core values of the OSCE and the European Union and remain preconditions for any country that aspires to join the EU. The safety of journalists, analysts and media representatives must be ensured at all times.

We are encouraged that 11 non-governmental organisations have spoken out about the use of threats and intimidation and welcome efforts in BiH to speak out in protection of democratic values.   

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 76 ceasefire violations, including 22 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 214 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 49 ceasefire violations, including 37 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 51 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM followed up on reports of a man injured due to the detonation of an unidentified explosive object in government-controlled Kreminna, Luhansk region.
• The Mission saw damage to two inhabited houses in government-controlled Hranitne and Pisky, Donetsk region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and recorded ceasefire violations in areas close to the latter two disengagement areas.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The Mission visited two border crossing points outside government control in Donetsk region.
• The SMM monitored the security situation in southern Kherson region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted. Its unmanned aerial vehicles again experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference.*

BELGRADE, 26 May 2021 — OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, concluded her visit to Serbia yesterday. She reiterated the OSCE’s strong partnership with Serbia in its strategic reform priorities.

“The OSCE is a key platform for dialogue on comprehensive security matters based on shared commitments and principles. All participating States have equal footing and Serbia is an active participating State of the OSCE,” said Linde. “Our common security requires joint efforts to address problems that breed threats to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, economic disparity or inequalities.”

During her visit, Linde met with President Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić and Foreign Affairs Minister Nikola Selaković. She also met with the international community representatives in the country.

Linde affirmed the Chair’s full support for the country’s reform process. “Serbia has made progress on its democratic reform agenda and the focus now must be on the quality and implementation of reform legislation and incorporating best practices,” said Linde. “The OSCE Mission has been helping Serbia in important achievements, such as bolstering the fight against organized crime, fighting corruption, investing in security sector reform and fostering a pluralistic and safe media environment. That co-operation continues.”   

Linde said that the OSCE Mission to Serbia has a role to play to contribute to regional security and fostering broader stability. “Serbia’s offer of COVID-19 vaccination for citizens of neighbouring countries is praiseworthy.”

CiO Linde met Ivica Dacić, Speaker of the National Assembly and representatives of the Women’s Parliamentary Network. “Political participation of women in Serbia is now at its highest level ever, but much more needs to be done in addressing gender-based violence and discrimination of women in political life. The economic empowerment of women is essential in achieving gender equality, inclusive social development, prosperity and stability for all of society.”

At the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Linde attended the youth roundtable discussion with civil society. “Given the importance of youth and the cross-cutting nature of the challenges facing them, we have to continue investing in them across all of its programmes,” said Linde. “Young people must also remain engaged if they want to affect the development of their community. Civic education can play a significant role in helping young people understand how democratic institutions work.”

CHISINAU, 25 May 2021 — The Special Representative of the Swedish OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, Thomas Mayr-Harting, has concluded a three-day official visit to Moldova today. During the visit, he reviewed the current state of affairs in the Transdniestrian Settlement Process and stressed the need to advance this process, as well as prepared the ground for the visit of the mediators and observers to the Republic of Moldova next week.

“The constructive dialogue should continue to find practical solutions to outstanding issues and address issues of immediate concern of both Sides in a timely manner and in the spirit of confidence-building for the benefit of people on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River,” said Mayr-Harting. “The more we engage in dialogue, the more trust we will build. People on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru expect efforts to set aside differences and make progress in the Settlement Process.”

In Chisinau, Mayr-Harting met with Moldovan President, Maia Sandu, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Aureliu Ciocoi, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Olga Cebotari.  In Tiraspol, he met with Transdniestrian leader, Vadim Krasnoselsky, and the Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator, Vitaly Ignatiev.

In his discussions with the Sides, Mayr-Harting exchanged views on the state of affairs in the Settlement Process ahead of the forthcoming visit of the mediators and observers, and reviewed the potential for moving on key current issues improving lives of people on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River, including freedom of movement, protection of human rights, transportation and healthcare. He also stressed the need to advance the Settlement Process and develop further joint proposals.

He encouraged the Sides to consolidate efforts in view of a result-oriented “5+2” meeting in Stockholm, which the Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship stands ready to convene.

During his visit, the Special Representative met a number of stakeholders and discussed the current status of the Settlement Process, including with leaders of political parties and the resident Ambassadors of the mediators and observers in the Transdniestrian Settlement Process.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 214 ceasefire violations, including 31 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 134 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 51 ceasefire violations, including 31 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 120 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM saw damage to houses, five of which are inhabited, in government-controlled Marinka and the Trudivski area of non-government-controlled Donetsk city’s Petrovskyi District, Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and recorded ceasefire violations in the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a border crossing point outside government control near Izvaryne, Luhansk region. Its unmanned aerial vehicles again experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference.*

SUMMARY

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week. 

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO) and a First Responder.[1] The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.

Update on COVID-19 measures

Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairpersonship. Following the host country’s recommendations, the observers are adhering to distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities. During this reporting period, the vaccination process provided by the host country medical system continues on a voluntary basis. By now, 73 per cent of OM staff have received both jabs of the vaccine.

OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS

Persons crossing the border

The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:

1. Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage.
2. Persons in military-style outfits.
3. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.

The average number of entries/exits decreased from 9,264 to 8,622 per day at both BCPs compared to last week. During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 282 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.

Responding to the COVID-19 situation, the host country closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March 2020. Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border (which entered into force on 19 March) are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April 2020, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was two, compared to 18 last week; one person crossed into the Russian Federation while one person crossed into Ukraine. These individuals crossed the border on foot.

Families with a significant amount of luggage

The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, no families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and four families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing into the Russian Federation and one family was observed crossing into Ukraine.

Bus connections                                         

Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (333 compared to 419 observed during the previous week). There were 169 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 164 bound for Ukraine.

On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region. Among the bus connections observed by the OTs, the following “irregular” route or destination was noted: Luhansk- Sevastopol.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (801 compared to 741 during the previous reporting week); 465 at the Gukovo BCP and 336 at the Donetsk BCP, 434 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation, and 367 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in Belarus, Lithuania, the Russian Federation, and trucks with “LPR and “DPR” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (49 compared to 53 during the previous reporting week). These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane. All trucks underwent systematic inspection by Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavorable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.

Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP slightly decreased from 141 to 138. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 138 trucks (100 per cent) were bound for Ukraine.  

Minivans

The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (153 compared to 135 observed during the previous week); 87 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 66 into Ukraine.

Trains

The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 21 occasions; the OTs assessed that 13 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining eight trains were travelling to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).

Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.

Other observations

The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis. The OTs also observed vehicles with Georgian, Armenian and Lithuanian licence plates and vehicles with “DPR” plates.

On 18 May at 18:32, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed two ambulances arriving at the BCP from the Russian Federation. The first ambulance “Peugeot” type with the “LPR” plates had an inscription “Ambulance” written in English on the sides. The second brand-new ambulance type “Gazelle” with no licence plates bore an inscription “Emergency Medical Services” written in Russian. After undergoing border and customs control procedures, including an X-ray check, both ambulances left the BCP for Ukraine at 19:46.

On 18 May at 19:48, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a cargo minivan with “LPR” plates arriving at the BCP from the Russian Federation. The vehicle had the sign “LPR Post” displayed on the sides (in Russian). After undergoing border and customs control procedures, the vehicles left for Ukraine.

On 19 May at 00:45, the OT at the BCP Donetsk observed two pavement milling machines type “XCMG XM200KII-2” arriving from the Russian Federation. At 02:40, after undergoing border and customs control procedures, the vehicles left the BCP for Ukraine.

On 19 May at 04:02, the OT at the BCP Donetsk observed an ambulance with its flashing lights on and an inscription “Emergency Medical Service” written in Russian, arriving at the BCP from the Russian Federation. After a short stay in front of the BCP’s main building, the ambulance left for Ukraine.

On 19 May at 14:15, the OT at the BCP Donetsk observed a light grey minivan with Russian Federation licence plates and an inscription “Ritual” written in Russian on the side arriving at the BCP from the Russian Federation. After undergoing border and customs control procedures, the vehicle left for Ukraine at 15:45.  

On 19 May at 20:21, the OT at the BCP Donetsk observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates and the inscription “Urgent medical help” written in Russian on the side, arriving at the BCP from the Russian Federation. The ambulance parked in front of the BCP’s control area. Two paramedics entered the BCP’s main building and returned after a short while accompanying a woman to the ambulance. At 20:43, the woman returned to the BCP’s main building and the ambulance drove back into the Russian Federation.

The truck with “LPR” plates carrying four jet engines (the main part of the engine, similar to the Klimov VK-1 and the Rolls-Royce Nene jet engines), observed by the OT at the Gukovo BCP on 25 April and reported in recent Weekly Updates is still parked at the BCP’s customs control area facing in the direction of the Russian Federation.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 20 April 2021 to 25 May 2021, please see the attachment here.

[1] First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time.

[2] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles that correspond to driving licence C1).

487549

The Scholarship for Peace and Security training programme launched on 24 May 2021 with participation by some 150 young professionals from 60 OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation. The programme, which was established in 2017, is organized jointly each year by the OSCE in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in Vienna.

The 2021 edition comprises a one-month online course, which will end on 30 July 2021, and an in-person course in Vienna, pending COVID-19 restrictions. It will focus on developing participants’ knowledge of conflict prevention and resolution through arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation in the OSCE area. The interactive online course is also designed to provide a closer look at security-related topic, as well as facilitate networking and provide information on career opportunities.

Each year, the programme places particular emphasis on encouraging the participation of women to contribute to diminishing the gender gap in these fields. In this year’s edition, 131 of the 150 participants are women. 

The programme also encourages its alumni to stay connected within the field. Many of the 300 graduates from previous editions are still engaged in arms control, disarmament, non-proliferation, conflict prevention and resolution, and other fields related to security.

487513 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

On 25 May 2021, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) organized an online awareness-raising seminar on improving the ability to recognize, investigate and prosecute hate crimes, involving criminal justice authorities and civil society in Armenia.

The event launched two comprehensive hate crime training programmes, to be implemented in Armenia in the coming years. In close co-operation with the national police, ODIHR will provide Training against Hate Crime for Law Enforcement (TAHCLE). Furthermore, the Armenian Academy of Justice, Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor General’s Office have agreed to carry out the Prosecutors and Hate Crimes Training (PAHCT), with ODIHR’s support.

The PAHCT and TACHLE programmes aim to strengthen the knowledge and skills of participants in key areas: preventing and responding to hate crimes, interacting effectively with victims of hate crimes, and helping build public confidence and trust in criminal justice agencies.

“The effective response to hate crime cases requires all chains of the criminal justice system to be trained in recognizing and handling hate crimes,” said Katarzyna Gardapkhadze, First Deputy Director of ODIHR. “To this end, we commend the multi-faceted approach Armenia is taking, by simultaneously training police, investigators and prosecutors, as a critical step to ensuring an effective state response to hate crime.”

In line with the results of an assessment carried out by ODIHR ahead of the seminar, the Office is developing customized training curricula to meet local needs, policies, and legislation. Following this, ODIHR will conduct a number of train-the-trainers sessions with criminal justice authorities. Those trained will be expected to deliver the programmes to pre-selected groups of police officers, investigators and prosecutors.

The Armenian government’s efforts to address hate crime and discrimination are reflected in the recent law on the rights of persons with disabilities. This aims to create a more inclusive society by fighting discrimination and thus ensuring that no one remains marginalized, isolated and invisible. At the same time, the Armenian parliament adopted a new progressive Criminal Code this month that will contribute to the effective prosecution, adjudication and punishment of hate crimes.

ULAANBAATAR, 25 May 2021 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today formally opened a special election assessment mission (SEAM) for the 9 June presidential election in Mongolia, following an official invitation from the national authorities.

The mission is headed by Lolita Čigāne (Latvia), and consists of a team of nine international experts based in Ulaanbaatar. The mission will assess the election for its compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. Observers will look closely at fundamental aspects of the election such as voter and candidate registration, campaign activities and the media coverage of the campaign, the work of the election administration and relevant state bodies, implementation of the legal framework, and the resolution of election disputes.

Meetings with representatives of state authorities and political parties, civil society, the media and the international community are also planned. The ODIHR SEAM will co-operate closely with the health authorities of Mongolia and follow the health guidelines they have established.

While mission members will visit a limited number of polling stations on election day, there will not be any systematic or comprehensive observation of the voting, counting or tabulation proceedings, in line with ODIHR’s methodology for election assessment missions.

The day after the election, ODIHR will publish its preliminary conclusions about the electoral process and present its findings at a press conference. An invitation to participate will follow separately.

A final report containing an assessment of the entire election process and recommendations will be published approximately two months after the election.

Further information on ODIHR’s election observation activities in Mongolia is available here: https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/mongolia/ 

Media contacts:

Pietro Tesfamariam, media analyst, pietro.tesfamariam@odihr.mn

or

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson, at +48609522266 (Warsaw mobile), or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl.

VIENNA, 25 May 2021 — OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will visit Ukraine this week for meetings with high-level Ukrainian officials and travel to the east of the country.

Schmid plans to hold talks with senior-level officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and Dmytro Razumkov, Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament. The talks will focus on the crisis in and around Ukraine and on ways to strengthen co-operation between the OSCE and Ukraine.

During her visit, the Secretary General will also meet with staff members from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) and the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine (PCU). She will also meet with representatives of international humanitarian organizations, as well as civil society representatives and youth activists.

She also plans to visit eastern Ukraine to see first-hand the situation in conflict-affected areas and the work being carried out by SMM and PCU on the ground. 

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, between the evenings of 21 and 23 May, the SMM recorded 601 ceasefire violations, including 323 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 197 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, between the evenings of 21 and 23 May, the Mission recorded 235 ceasefire violations, including 154 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 337 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM lost spatial control of its mini-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) near non-government-controlled Vesela Hora, Luhansk region and Nova Marivka, Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Kreminets, Donetsk region. Its UAVs experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference.*

VIENNA/STOCKHOLM, 24 May 2021 — The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, will visit Serbia on 24 and 25 May and Montenegro on 25 and 26 May.

Linde’s visit will focus on core aspects of the OSCE’s work and the support that the OSCE Missions have given to their host countries´ development related to regional security, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and equality, strengthening the women peace and security agenda and the importance of women’s economic empowerment. She will also emphasize the importance of good governance, anti-corruption and the fight against transnational organized crime.

In Serbia, Linde will meet with President Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić and Foreign Affairs Minister Nikola Selaković, the Women’s Parliamentary Network and Ivica Dacić, Speaker of the National Assembly. The meeting with Foreign Minister Selaković will be followed by a press conference on 24 May at 18:00.

Linde will attend the youth roundtable with civil society at the OSCE’s Mission to Serbia and meet with representatives of the international community in Serbia.

In Montenegro, Linde will meet with President Milo Đukanović, Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić, Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazović, Foreign Minister Đorđe Radulović and the President of the Parliament Aleksa Bečić. The meeting with Foreign Minister Radulović will be followed by a press conference on 26 May at 10:00.

Chairperson Linde will also meet with representatives of the Women’s Parliamentary Club and participate in a youth roundtable with civil society.

For more information about Sweden's 2021 OSCE Chairpersonship, please visit the OSCE website: https://www.osce.org/chairmanship

For inquiries about participation in press conferences, please contact the MFA in each country.

STOCKHOLM, 23 May 2021 — The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde condemned the circumstances of the arrest of journalist Raman Pratasevich in Minsk on 23 May 2021.

“I am alarmed by reports that a civilian plane has been forced to land in Minsk in order to arrest independent journalist Raman Pratasevich” said CiO Linde. “It is a deeply disturbing and reckless behavior. I call on Belarus to immediately release journalist Pratasevich.”

She also called on Belarus to adhere to all its international obligations, including its international commitments in terms of media freedom and human rights as an OSCE participating State, and demanded an immediate explanation from Minsk.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 197 ceasefire violations, including 128 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 815 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 337 ceasefire violations, including 308 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded one ceasefire violation in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded four ceasefire violations assessed as inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at five entry-exit checkpoints and four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission monitored a gathering in Kyiv.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a border crossing point near Voznesenivka and at the Chervona Mohyla railway station in Voznesenivka, in Luhansk region and at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Novoazovsk, in southern Donetsk region. Its unmanned aerial vehicles experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference.*