Central Europe

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 52 ceasefire violations, including 17 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 723 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 50 ceasefire violations, including 15 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 116 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM followed up on reports of a man who died due to shelling on 8 May in the Trudivski area of non-government-controlled Donetsk city’s Petrovskyi District.
• An SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was damaged in an emergency landing due to dual GPS signal interference.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. SMM long-range UAVs spotted people inside 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 five entry-exit checkpoints and four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk region.
• An SMM long-range UAV spotted a cargo train travelling north-west during daytime in an area adjacent to the border with the Russian Federation, in Donetsk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Bezimenne, Zaichenko and Nova Marivka, all in southern Donetsk region. Its UAVs 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 increased 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 increased from 8,034 to 9,264 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 805 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 18, compared to nine last week; six persons crossed into the Russian Federation while 12 persons 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, one family was observed crossing into the Russian Federation and another family was observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when four families were 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 an increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (419 compared to 349 observed during the previous week). There were 209 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 210 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.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (741 compared to 527 during the previous reporting week); 428 at the Gukovo BCP and 313 at the Donetsk BCP, 405 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation, and 336 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” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (53 compared to 45 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 unfavourable 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 increased from 94 to 141. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 140 trucks (99 per cent) were bound for Ukraine, and remaining one (one per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.  

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 a slight increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (135 compared to 133 observed during the previous week); 83 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 52 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 32 occasions; the OTs assessed that 16 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining same number 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, Lithuanian and Czech Republic licence plates; they also observed a vehicle with “DPR” plates.

On 12 May at 06:35, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a police car with two officers inside arriving at the BCP from the Russian Federation side and parking at the customs control area. The car was white in colour, with blue stripes on the sides and an inscription “Service” (in Russian).  No one was observed leaving or approaching the car. The car left the BCP towards the Russian Federation at 06:51.

On 12 May at 15:51, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with “LPR” plates and three persons on board, arriving at the BCP from Ukraine. After undergoing border and customs control procedures, the ambulance crossed the border into the Russian Federation.

On 12 May at 14:30, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a black passenger car type Mercedes with Russian Federation licence plates with a flashing light (turned off), arriving at the BCP from the Russian Federation side. Two men in business attire entered the BCP’s main building and after a short while returned to the BCP’s control area. At 14:40, a grey SUV and two minivans, black and white in colour, all with Russian Federation licence plates, arrived at the BCP from the Russian Federation side and parked on the left side of the main building.  Approximately ten individuals in civilian clothing waited outside the vehicles in the parking lot. At 16:45, the OT observed a group of four civilian vehicles accompanied by a traffic police car, all bearing "Republic of South Ossetia" plates, arriving at the BCP from Ukraine. After undergoing border and customs control procedures, all the vehicles, including the previously arrived ones, crossed the border into the Russian Federation at 17:14.

On 13 May at 05:20, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with “LPR” plates arriving at the BCP from Ukraine. The OT observed the driver and one medical personnel on board. After undergoing border and customs control procedures, the ambulance crossed into the Russian Federation.

On 13 May at 09:50, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with “LPR” plates and the inscription “Urgent Medical Help” and “Pediatric” (in Russian), entering the BCP from the Russian Federation side. The OT observed the driver and two persons on board. After undergoing border and customs control procedures, the ambulance left for Ukraine.

On 14 May at 00:30, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a truck and a white minivan with “LPR” plates, arriving at the BCP from Ukraine The vehicles had the sign “LPR Post” displayed on the sides (in Russian). After undergoing border and customs control procedures, the vehicles crossed into the Russian Federation at 01:09.

On 14 May at 06:38, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a white minivan with Russian Federation licence plates and an inscription “Ritual Cortege” on the side (in Russian), arriving at the BCP from Ukraine. The driver and one person were observed on the board. After undergoing border and customs control procedures, the vehicle crossed the border into the Russian Federation. The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position.

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 13 April 2021 to 18 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).

VIENNA, 18 May 2021 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, today expressed her concerns regarding developments around Belarusian online media outlet, Tut.by. The authorities blocked the outlet’s website and raided its editorial office, its regional branches and the homes of several of its staff members.

According to reports, representatives of the Department of Financial Investigations started the raids this morning and seized equipment and documents in the course of a criminal investigation on tax evasion charges. The homes of the Editor-in-chief, Marina Zolotova, Deputy Editor-in-chief, Maxim Gaiko and journalist, Elena Tolkacheva, among others, were also searched. It was also reported that Zolotova and Tolkacheva were taken in for interrogation.

In addition, upon the General Prosecutor Office’s demand, the Ministry of Information blocked Tut.by’s website and its copies, reportedly for alleged violations of media legislation.

“Today’s developments around Tut.by, one of the most prominent independent media portals in Belarus, and its journalists again underscores the extremely alarming situation regarding media freedom, access to information and safety of journalists in the country,” Ribeiro said. “Blocking its entire website, which is an extreme measure, and disproportionately interfering with media actors’ activities only further contributes  to these ongoing concerns.”

Ribeiro said that she will continue to closely follow developments in the country and reiterated her calls on the authorities to reverse the dangerous trend negatively affecting media freedom and freedom of expression in Belarus.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

COPENHAGEN, 18 May 2021 – The challenge of repatriating, prosecuting, rehabilitating and reintegrating foreign terrorist fighters was in focus today at a hearing organized by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism (CCT). Concerned particularly with the possibility of repatriating nationals detained in conflict-affected areas following the territorial defeat of the Islamic State terrorist group, the event examined the experience of Kazakhstan as a case study for lessons learned and good practices.

In an effort to help inform other OSCE participating States about effective prosecution and rehabilitation strategies, authorities of Kazakhstan shared their experiences with the complexities of planning and conducting repatriation operations from Syria and Iraq, including the challenges of rehabilitating FTFs and their family members.

In his opening remarks, CCT Chair Reinhold Lopatka (Austria) said that terrorism and violent extremism represent multi-dimensional challenges that require multi-dimensional responses, as well as strong international networking and co-operation among governments. “The effective prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of ‘foreign terrorist fighters’ are no exception in this regard,” he said. “FTFs continue to pose complex security challenges to many of our countries: while some have returned home and faced prosecution, many more are stranded in Syria and Iraq.”Lopatka noted that in his recent visit to the region, he witnessed the dire situation first-hand, with thousands of people with suspected links to ISIL and other terrorist groups being held in precarious conditions and overcrowded camps for years, including many women and children. “This situation is clearly unbearable in the longer run, and I think it represents a ticking-bomb for the entire OSCE region. Duly co-ordinated international support efforts in countries like Syria and Iraq, as well as targeted prevention and de-radicalization campaigns in Europe, should be our top priorities in the coming months and years,” Lopatka said.

Briefing the PA on Kazakhstan’s experience with FTFs were Sarzhanov Kairat, Director of the International Security Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Bauyrzhan Bakirov, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Yulia Ovechkina, Deputy Chair of the Committee for the Protection of Children’s Rights at the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and Bibigul Munaitpasova, Head of the Department of the Committee of the Penitentiary System at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Kazakhstani representatives described the challenges of balancing the needs for law enforcement and prevention with the long-term strategies of reintegration and rehabilitation. They also provided background to the CCT members on the political and diplomatic groundwork required for such repatriations, the decision-making process related to the identification and choice of persons to be repatriated, and the evidence and charges applied to prosecute FTFs once repatriated.

Particular focus was placed on addressing concerns that some returnees may commit other violent acts, or participate in recruitment and incite others to take part in terrorist activities. Ensuring the appropriate treatment of these individuals, including prosecution, deradicalization and reintegration into society, is crucial not only in properly addressing their individual cases in compliance with international standards and obligations, but also in preventing future attacks and promoting internal reconciliation, it was stressed.

In the discussion, CCT members shared relevant experiences from their own countries, focusing in particular on prosecution of FTFs, rehabilitation of women and children and on the social perception towards returnees. It was also emphasized that while governments have an obligation to prevent and counter terrorism, the measures they apply in addressing challenges posed by FTFs must be human rights-compliant, proportionate and fully in line with the rule of law framework.

Closing the meeting, Secretary General Roberto Montella thanked the Kazakhstani authorities for sharing their experience and best practices. “It is important to work both bilaterally and multilaterally, including through parliamentary assemblies, to develop joint responses. In this context, I am proud that the OSCE PA provides a platform to learn from each other and will continue to promote parliamentary leadership on this topic of convergence among all participating States,” he said.

The Hearing was organized with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, represented during the meeting by Dr. Volker Frobarth.

For more information on the work of the OSCE PA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism, please click here. 

YEREVAN, 18 May 2021 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold a press conference on the opening of the observation mission to the forthcoming early parliamentary elections in Armenia on Wednesday, 19 May.

NB Due to social distancing requirements, only 25 journalists will be able to attend the press conference in person, while all others will have the opportunity to watch and ask questions via Zoom. Broadcast media wishing to film the press conference will be prioritised for personal attendance.

What: 

• An introduction to the role of the ODIHR election observation mission and its planned activities

• The press conference can be attended in person or via Zoom (registration details below)

Who: 

• Mr. Eoghan Murphy, Head of the ODIHR election observation mission

When: 

• 11:00 local time (GMT +4) on 19 May 2021

Where:

• Marriott Hotel, 1 Amiryan Street, Room Tigran Mets, Yerevan.

Registration:

• No registration is necessary if you are attending the press conference in person, but only questions from journalists will be taken

• To take part via Zoom, please register by 09:30 local time with Katya Andrusz, ODIHR spokesperson and Ivan Godarsky, media analyst at katya.andrusz@odihr.pl, ivan.godarsky@odihr.am

486787 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

Border officers of Tajikistan’s Border Troops completed a three-week training course on operational planning on 13 May in Khujand city. The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in co-operation with the Border Troops organized the course which was funded by the European Union.

The training course enhanced twenty Tajik border officer’s skills in operational planning, briefing techniques, information and risk management, gender awareness and command and control skills during the course. The officers learned how to collect data on case/situation, read topographic maps, and deal with cases of mass border crossing and provocation at the border.  

Colonel Shuhrat Yorov, Deputy Head of the State Border Protection Directorate of Tajikistan’s State Committee for National Security noted the co-operation between the Border Troops and the OSCE Programme Office has been beneficial for the country’s ​​border security. He stressed that capacity-building activities, such as this training course, “help improve their skills in analyzing the situation at the border, plan their patrol, combat activities and make timely decisions.”

Marodali Marodaliev, Training Officer with the Stabilization of Tajikistan’s Southern Border Region with Afghanistan project said that the course was designed for officers of the headquarters of Tajikistan’s Border Troops. He noted that what made it practical was that it was based on addressing difficulties that officers encountered in their day-to-day job.

This was the second in a series of nine training courses within the project on the Stabilization of Tajikistan’s southern border region with Afghanistan, funded through the European Union’s Foreign Policy Instrument. The project aims to increase the professional capacity of Tajik and Afghan Border Services to better tackle illicit activities in border areas.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On 17 May, the SMM was conducting an announced SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight. The UAV had taken off from its base in government-controlled Stepanivka (54km north of Donetsk) at 12:00 and had immediately experienced dual GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by jamming, which continued uninterrupted for the remainder of the flight. At 12:55, near Bakhmutske (government-controlled, 77km north of Donetsk), the SMM enabled the Emergency Control Mode over the aircraft and commanded it to return to base in Stepanivka due to the persistent dual GPS signal interference.

At 13:45, due to the risk of a loss of spatial control, the SMM conducted an emergency landing of the UAV in a field about 200m north-east of its designated landing spot at Stepanivka. As a result of the impact, the aircraft sustained damage to its tailfin and rear fuselage. The SMM retrieved the UAV. Long-range UAV flights are now suspended pending a technical assessment, including to identify any additional damage to the aircraft.

The Mission again highlights that since 21 March 2021 the SMM’s long-range UAVs have been experiencing increased levels of GPS signal interference on take-off and landing, affecting both of their GPS receivers, in areas near their base in Stepanivka (See SMM Spot Reports of 7 April 2021, 9 April 2021, 24 April 2021 and 6 May 2021). The Mission notes that, in each case, the source of GPS signal interference could have originated from anywhere within the radius of tens of kilometres from the UAVs’ positions.

The SMM yet again notes that OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 specifies that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. Unrestricted and unconditional access to all areas is essential to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation, the ceasefire, the withdrawal of weapons, demining, as well as disengagement. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.

These incidents hinder the Mission’s ability to conduct effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation in line with its mandate. Long-range UAVs are an essential part of SMM operations, especially at night and in areas where the Mission’s monitoring and freedom of movement are restricted. While the SMM cannot identify the precise source of jamming, it has observed the presence of jamming equipment on both sides of the contact line.

VIENNA, 17 May 2021 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, deplores the latest imprisonment of several journalists in Belarus.

Today, according to reports Lyubov Kasperovich, a journalist with Tut.by news portal, was placed for 15 days of administrative arrest for “participation in an unauthorized event”. She was detained on 14 May while covering a trial against a group of people.

On 15 May, journalists Alexander Burakov, a freelance reporter for German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, and Vladimir Laptsevich, a journalist with local online news portal Mogilev Region (6tv.by), according to reports were placed for 20 days of administrative arrest for “repeated participation in an unauthorized event”. Both journalists were detained on 12 May outside a courthouse in the eastern city of Mogilev while reporting on the trial of opposition activists.

On 14 May, freelance photojournalist Tatyana Kapitonova was placed for ten days of administrative arrest for “participation in an unauthorized event.” She was apprehended the day before, in Minsk, allegedly for reporting on a flower-laying event.

The Representative reiterated her call to the authorities to reverse the negative trend and bring their policies and practices in compliance with their OSCE commitments.

“The way the authorities in Belarus treat media workers remains deeply disturbing and, along with other worrying developments regarding media freedom in the country in recent months, it seriously jeopardizes the fundamental human right to freedom of expression,” Ribeiro said. “I call on the authorities to stop harassing journalists and release all those imprisoned.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, between the evenings of 14 and 16 May, the SMM recorded 1,173 ceasefire violations, including 53 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 197 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, between the evenings of 14 and 16 May, the Mission recorded 192 ceasefire violations, including 67 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 74 ceasefire violations in the region.
• A man was injured due to undetermined explosive objects in Dovhe and a girl was injured due to gunfire in Voznesenivka (formerly Chervonopartyzansk), Luhansk region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske and SMM unmanned-aerial vehicles spotted people inside the disengagement areas near Zolote and 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 three entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

486724 Marina Živaljević

As part of its technical support to the media, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro provided 28 mobile journalism sets to the Union of Local Public Broadcasters (ULES) for 12 local media houses on 17 May 2021.

The donated equipment encompassed smartphones with stands, mobile interview kits with microphones, tripod kits and complementary technical add-ons for the efficient use of the equipment. With the mobile equipment, journalists will be able to perform interviews, produce videos and edit material on the same device, producing news reports rapidly and easily while preserving production quality. The donation also included jackets and vests with a “PRESS” insignia, to ensure better identification and visibility of media professionals while reporting at live events and public gatherings.

Siv-Katrine Leirtroe, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, said that rapid evolution of technology has created a high demand for more flexible, faster and on-the-spot news reporting. “Strong technical capacities of media houses are a prerequisite for keeping up with emerging new media, where mobile journalism plays an important role as one of the most significant innovations in news production,” said Leirtroe.

Dragan Popadić, president of the ULES, expressing gratitude to the Mission, said that this donation represents the continuation of the excellent co-operation between the ULES and the OSCE Mission. “The Mission has provided support to the ULES by organizing training and education courses for journalists and upgrading the ULES’ joint portal – www.cglocalinfo.me. Now we receive a donation of this valuable and, above all, useful equipment for our journalistic and technical teams,” said Popadić.

The Mission will continue to support local media outlets in strengthening their technical capacities, visibility and safety of journalists.

486640 Communication and Media Relations Section Alexandra Taylor

Sharing international strategies and best practices from across the OSCE region is the aim of an OSCE workshop series for Armenia’s Ministry of Justice and police launched on 17 May 2021. The online workshops are designed to support Armenia’s implementation of police reforms by strengthening community policing strategies.

The workshop series is organized by the Strategic Police Matters Unit of the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department and comprises three sessions to be held over the month of May.

The topics covered by the workshops will include community policing as institutional solutions; legislation; community policing functions; target groups, such as young people and people with mental illness; as well as crime prevention and cooperation with the private and public sector.

The sessions will feature presentations by representatives of five OSCE participating States — Canada, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Norway and Sweden. They will share their national community policing strategies and models as well as best practices to further support Armenia in development of its own national strategies.

Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 17 May 2021 – On 16 May the world celebrates the International Day of Living Together in Peace. More than 25 years has passed since the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina ended and much has been achieved. However, more can be done to strengthen trust, enable constructive dialogue, and enhance mutual understanding and respect in order to ensure a durable peace and sustainable development for all the people in BiH. 

On this important day, the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo, the European Union in BiH, the OSCE Mission to BiH and the United Nations in BiH call attention to the numerous provocative memorials, murals, symbols, plaques, monuments, street names, and commemorations that glorify convicted war criminals, divisive historical figures or controversial events at the expense of the dignity of victims, survivors and those whose lives were lost.

These actions, in tandem with a widespread divisive rhetoric represent a clear regression from efforts to rebuild good neighborly relations, trust and constructive engagement between communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They undermine many post war achievements by inflaming tensions and perpetuating fears and divisions. In this regard, we recall that six months ago this week the members of the Presidency of BiH released a joint statement on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, in which all three members highlighted:

“the duty of all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina to step up efforts to ensure that peoples and citizens can live with dignity, with mutual respect and understanding,” and

“the obligation to sympathise with the pain and suffering of members of all peoples and citizens, and the obligation to show respect to all innocent war victims.”

In the joint statement, the Presidency members confirmed their “commitment to create a society tailored to all its peoples and citizens, especially young people whom we want to enable to stay and build [a] future in their homeland.”

In line with the BiH Presidency’s call, we urge all relevant stakeholders to make positive moves and amendments in a timely manner with actions that reflect compassion and empathy toward the pain and suffering of others as well as for their own communities. Now is the time for BiH’s leaders and communities to create an environment in which future generations can begin leading more secure, peaceful and hopeful lives. 

The need to “promote an environment conducive to reconciliation” is one of the 14 key priorities for EU integration.  It is a central component of the EU concept for which there is no more important beneficiary than the people of BiH themselves.

The BiH Presidency’s own words sum up exactly what is envisaged through the International Day of Living Together in Peace.  It is time to turn constructive statements and promises into action. It is time to build upon, and support, the work of those already taking such steps. The people of BiH deserve no less.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 197 ceasefire violations, including 92 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 208 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 74 ceasefire violations, including 49 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 332 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM saw fresh damage to and near four houses (of which three inhabited) near Marinka, Donetsk region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mid-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near Chermalyk.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. Its UAVs spotted people inside 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 checkpoint of the armed formations near Horlivka, Donetsk region and at a border crossing point near non-government-controlled Voznesenivka (formerly Chervonopartyzansk), Luhansk region. Its UAVs again experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 208 ceasefire violations, including 99 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 54 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 332 ceasefire violations, including 39 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 70 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM followed up on reports of injuries to a man due to the explosion of an undetermined object in Novoselivka Druha, Donetsk region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle close to the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It heard ceasefire violations inside the 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 two corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at school in non-government-controlled Zolote-5/Mykhailivka. Its unmanned aerial vehicles again experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference.

486511 OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

The Second National Risk Assessment (NRA-2) Report on Anti-Money Laundering, Combating Financing of Terrorism and the financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (AML/CFT/PWMD) in Turkmenistan and its Risk Management Action Plan (RMAP) were presented at a virtual meeting on 14 and 15 May 2021.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, in close co-operation with the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and its Financial Monitoring Service (FMS), organized the event that brought together representatives of financial and non-financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, supervisory bodies, and other relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies.

International experts Igoris Krzeckovskis and Oxana Gisca assisted in drafting the NRA - 2 and its RMAP, shared their recommendations, and discussed further steps necessary for implementation of the Action Plan.

“It is an honor for us to note that the report, like the previous report for 2017–2018, was prepared in a close and productive co-operation with the Ministry of Finance and Economy and its FMS and other government agencies, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Central Bank, NGOs and private sector”, said Ivana Markovic Boskovic, Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“The Government of Turkmenistan also adopted thelaw on AML/CFT/PWMD in a new edition in March of this year, which was prepared with the support of the Centre,” said Markovic Boskovic. “The Centre intends to continue its long-term support to the Government of Turkmenistan, following its economic and environmental mandate, to improve further the national AML/CFT/PWMD framework, including the implementation of the RMAP.”

486487

An OSCE-supported two-day training seminar on suspicious transactions reporting (STR) concluded on 14 May 2021 in Nur-Sultan.

Some 180 representatives from the Financial Market Regulation and Development Agency, the Financial Monitoring Agency, the National Bank and second-tier banks attended the event, which was conducted in a blended format.

International experts from Slovenia and Croatia shared their expertise on best practices in the OSCE region related to STR. They elaborated on indicators for classifying an activity as an unusual and suspicious transaction. They also covered topics such as assessing money laundering and terrorist financing risks, risk management system tools, and aspects related to ensuring the quality of STRs submitted to authorized agencies.

Situation analysis in Kazakhstan concluded each day of the training seminar. The experts, based on a previously implemented national anti-money laundering legislation desk review, identified legal gaps and proposed country-tailored recommendations to address the shortcomings.

The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan organized the event in co-operation with the Financial Monitoring Agency as part of the Office’s multi-year efforts to promote good governance and advance the host country’s Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism system in compliance with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.

486406 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz Joint statement in support of the Office of the Polish Commissioner for Human Rights

Strong and independent National Human Rights Institutions are key to underpinning democracy and the rule of law and ensuring respect for human rights, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) together with five other human rights organizations in a joint statement today.

As the search to find a new Human Rights Commissioner in Poland continues, the organizations urge the national authorities to ensure a smooth transition and to take every care that the institution can continue to work effectively and independently throughout the selection and appointment process.

Today’s statement was signed by ODIHR together with the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions, the European Network of Equality Bodies, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, the International Ombudsman Institute, and the European Office of the UN Human Rights Commissioner.

ODIHR and its partners added that they remain ready to support, assist and advise the Polish authorities involved in the selection and appointment process to ensure it is fully in line with international standards and that the new Human Rights Commissioner is able to continue the institution’s important work.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 54 ceasefire violations, including 15 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 112 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 70 ceasefire violations, including three explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded no ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM observed anti-tank mines, some for the first time, near Luhanske and Lozove, and in Donetsk city, Donetsk region.
• 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 three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM visited two border crossing points outside government control and monitored areas close to the border with the Russian Federation in Donetsk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted. Its unmanned aerial vehicles again experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference.

VIENNA, 13 May 2021 – When looking at media freedom in the OSCE region, I see a bleak picture, said OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro. She presented her first biannual report to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna today.

Ribeiro expressed her worries about the gross violations of free speech and journalists’ rights for the past period and commemorated the two recently killed journalists in the OSCE region. “These murders are a terrible blow to all media, to society, and all of us, as they show that we still live in a region where journalists literally risk their lives when doing their work,” said Ribeiro. “But mostly, these attacks are a terrible blow to the family, relatives and friends of these journalists, who now have to live on without their beloved ones. My deepest sympathies go out to them.”

Ribeiro referred to the blatant infringements on media freedom in a number of countries, most notably in Belarus, where a large number of journalists were detained and physically attacked and where new regulations were introduced that violate freedom of expression. She also mentioned the many less visible issues that negatively affect media freedom and journalists’ rights. “These violations creep in slowly, and taken together form a new systemic approach that silences critical voices and dismantles media pluralism.”

The report mentions some of the developments that Ribeiro witnessed, including the growing distrust towards journalists and anti-media sentiment, increasing abuse of journalists offline and online (especially women media workers), the use of legal means and arbitrary detention to hinder and harass journalists and a gradual restricting of the free flow of information. Ribeiro also mentioned the challenges that the growing importance of the online sphere poses, including disinformation and the increasing use of artificial intelligence. “When seen in their overall context, such developments can and will lead to a gradual, but certain decay of a freedom we all hold, and should hold, dear.”

Ribeiro used the opportunity to acknowledge the work of her predecessors and particularly paid tribute to Freimut Duve, who served as the first OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media from 1998 to 2003 and who sadly passed away last year. Ribeiro said: “Today more than ever, we should remember his words: ‘There is no freedom without media freedom!’”

The Representative’s full report is available here: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/b/9/486283.pdf

Media are invited to contact the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media for questions and interview requests.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

VIENNA, 12 May 2021 — How technological advances contribute to a new generation of warfare and the challenges this presents was discussed at an OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) meeting held online today under the Armenian FSC Chairmanship.

The meeting was the third Security Dialogue organized by the Armenian FSC Chairmanship and focused on new generation warfare, which is characterized as a non-nuclear, contactless warfare with the use of high-precision weapons. The three invited speakers examined advances in weapons and technologies and their effect on the strategic and tactical dimensions of warfare. They also looked at the challenges these advances pose and how participating States and the OSCE can address them.

“Technology has always driven conventional weapons and their evolution,” said Sarah Marie Grand Clement, Researcher in the Security, Technology and Conventional Arms Programmes at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. “However, what is new is the pace and scale of technological development which has increased and led to a step-change in conventional weapons.”  

She explained how globalization and the addition of new actors working through the private sector are pushing innovation and rapidly expanding the reach of a range of new technologies that can be applied to conventional weapons. These include artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems, information and communication technologies, as well as technologies related to space, electromagnetism, materials, and advanced missiles.

Colonel Zhirayr Amirkhanyan from Armenia’s Ministry of Defense, explored the role advanced technologies have played in new generation warfare, amplifying threats and creating new ones. Describing these technologies as “disruptive”, Amirkhanyan said: “The challenges of the new generation warfare can be properly assessed only via discussing the disruptive technology against the backdrop of the prevailing international setting, as well as its repercussions on technological, operational, societal realms, as well as technology management and arms control issues.” The existing and future arms control mechanisms should be aimed at managing the disruptive impact of those weapons on international security, he added.

Some of the challenges are threat perceptions and ensuring internationally controlled management of new weapons and technologies, said Tobias Vestner, Head of the Security and Law Programme at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. Using AI as an example, he highlighted legal, political, and ethical concerns this and other technologies raise and how the OSCE can support participating States in addressing those.

“Compared to other international and regional organizations, the OSCE has the best tools to alleviate problems of uncertainty for its participating states,” Vestner said. He underlined how the Organization provides a forum for exchanging information and building trust that can help to enhance co-operation for regulating new technologies in the field of conventional weapons.