Central Europe

VIENNA, 28 April 2021 - The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Valiant Richey concluded today the International "e-Roundtable Discussion on Combating Technology-facilitated Trafficking in Human Beings in Central Asia and across the OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation."

The two-day virtual gathering hosted more than 160 participants on behalf of governments, international organizations, academia and NGOs. Participants outlined the increasing role that the misuse of technology plays in facilitating human trafficking, with a specific focus on those regions.

Human trafficking generates $150 billion in profit every year. The Internet provides traffickers with an environment in which they can operate with increased safety and anonymity and advertise their victims to a broad audience on thousands of platforms at minimal cost. Consequently, technology has become one of the single greatest facilitators of human trafficking globally, particularly for sexual exploitation. One of the primary objectives of the roundtable discussion was to discuss websites that provide avenues for traffickers to increase exploitation of vulnerable victims.

"I encourage all OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation to update their laws and policies to address tech-facilitated human trafficking. While we see common problems, we also see common solutions,” said Richey. “Co-operation is of great importance, and I commend the existing approach to partnerships, which has demonstrated its effectiveness in numerous operations.”  

Concrete examples of practices and policies adopted by countries and stakeholders addressing technology-facilitated human trafficking were showcased. 

Richey stressed the need to involve the private sector in the conversation at the national level but emphasized that the problem requires urgent attention. "Those who turn a blind eye to exploitation must be held accountable for their role in allowing or facilitating trafficking. I encourage countries to work collaboratively with the private sector while ensuring that substantive action is taken." 

The OSCE enjoys a long-standing relationship with the Asian Partners for Co-operation. Over the past decades, the Asian Partners for Co-operation have contributed substantially to the OSCE's dialogue on various aspects of comprehensive security while providing ideas for future and closer co-operation.

VIENNA, 28 April 2021 — How states comply with international humanitarian law and the challenges they face in its implementation was the focus of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) meeting held online today under the Armenian FSC Chairmanship.

The meeting was the first Security Dialogue organized by the Armenian FSC Chairmanship and featured three speakers who addressed the representatives of the OSCE’s 57 participating States. They explored how international humanitarian law protects people and alleviates human suffering and key challenges faced by states when applying the law. They also discussed the international community’s role in ensuring respect for the principles of international humanitarian law, as well as how to address non-compliance.

“When following the unfolding situation in the world, one cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that there is an unacceptable gap between what international humanitarian law prescribes and the practical reality,” said Colonel Gevorg Martirosyan, Head of the Human Rights and Integrity Building Centre of Armenia’s Ministry of Defense. Describing the human suffering characterizing the gap, he emphasized how States “should act in line with their legal and moral obligations” to fill the gap, highlighting principles and treaties, such as the Geneva Conventions and their protocols, that form the basis of international humanitarian law.

Cordula Droege, Legal Officer and Head of the Legal Division of the International Committee of the Red Cross, outlined concrete legal and practical measures States can implement to comply with international humanitarian law, and how more should be done to highlight the benefits of compliance. Referring to protective measures under international humanitarian law, she said they should apply to parties to a conflict “with no exceptions”.

“We need to keep stressing the point that those ‘on the other side’ — whether the military, non-State armed actors or even those accused of ‘terrorism’ — are human,” Droege said. “Codes of conduct such as that of the OSCE code on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, which strongly affirms the commitment to the principles of international humanitarian law, provide a framework which can guide the armed forces and civil authorities in their commitment and effort to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law.”

Arman Tatoyan, Human Rights Defender of Armenia, explained the connection between human rights and international humanitarian law, underscoring that human rights are universal for all people and their protection without a distinction made for political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory. He emphasized how the international community and national bodies can further support states' compliance, highlighting the work of Armenia's Office of the Human Rights Defender in recording, reporting and presenting on compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law in conflict-affected areas.

484901 Marina Živaljević

The findings of the “Analysis of verdicts of misdemeanour courts in Montenegro in the field of domestic violence and gender-based violence with reference to the practice of the Ombudsman and the European Court of Human Rights” were presented at an online event on 27 April 2021. The authors of the analysis are Nebojša Vučinić, human rights professor; Siniša Bjeković, Ombudsperson of Montenegro and his advisers Dina Knežević and Nemanja Dujović.

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro agreed to support the Office of the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms in preparing an analysis of outcomes of cases of domestic violence and gender-based violence in misdemeanour courts.  

Siv-Katrine Leirtroe, Acting Head of Mission, said that in the months following the outbreak of COVID-19, data showed that there was an increase in the number of reported domestic violence cases, both in Montenegro and globally. “Data collection and analysis is at the basis of any further assistance to shape and enhance effective policies and responses for the benefit of potential victims and survivors. For this reason, I am convinced that this work represents a good basis to integrate the principles of gender equality into courts’ procedures and practices in cases of domestic violence and violence against women,” said Leirtroe.

The authors chose to examine decisions from various misdemeanour courts, as they have the highest volume of violent crimes. “From this analysis of decisions from these courts, we can understand better the key elements and actors of violence, determining their origin and status, and other circumstances of the cases. This will helpful in developing policies to address some of the underlying issues of violence. We hope for inspiration based on the issues that are open here,” said Bjeković.

The OSCE Mission stands ready to support institutions and civil society organizations in promoting gender equal in society with zero tolerance towards gender-based violence.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 205 ceasefire violations, including 123 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 125 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded no ceasefire violations. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded four ceasefire violations in the region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) near Donetsk city’s Petrovskyi district, Syhnalne and Krasnohorivka, Donetsk region.
• Members of the armed formations again denied the Mission passage at a checkpoint near Olenivka, Donetsk region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and four checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including again at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Olenivka, Donetsk region. Its UAVs again experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference.*

ERGNETI, 27 April 2021 - The 99th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) was held today in Ergneti, co-facilitated by Ambassador Marek Szczygieł, Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) and Ambassador Annika Söder, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ergneti IPRM was accompanied by all necessary precautionary health measures.

The EUMM and OSCE representatives commended the commitment of the participants to the IPRM and stressed the importance of continuing the effective use of the EUMM-managed Hotline, in particular with a view to the upcoming Easter festivities. Ambassador Szczygieł called for a humanitarian approach during these days and special attention to the corresponding needs of the local population. Ambassador Söder encouraged all stakeholders to find solutions to decrease the challenges faced by the conflict-affected population and emphasized the value of dialogue and pragmatism.

The two co-facilitators took note of recent changes concerning freedom of movement and related pandemic measures, and called on participants to implement further solutions to improve the socio-economic situation stemming from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing closure of the crossing points along the administrative boundary line (ABL).

Discussions in the IPRM furthermore focused on issues pertaining to stabilization and normalization, including ‘borderisation’ processes along the ABL, detention cases and the wider effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As previously, deliberations were held in a constructive atmosphere, and facilitators pointed to the specific security needs of women, men, elderly, children and other vulnerable groups in the area.

All participants agreed that the upcoming agricultural season necessitated an increased dialogue through the IPRM format and the EUMM-managed Hotline.

Participants decided to hold the next meeting in the week starting from 14 June 2021.

SARAJEVO, 27 April 2021 - Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina visited Mostar today and met with city officials, the Mayor and City Council Speaker, Chairs of Mostar City Council caucuses and representatives of political parties, to congratulate them on their mandates, to learn about the priorities of the new city administration, and to offer OSCE Mission support in key areas.

Kavalec met with Mostar Mayor Mario Kordić and Salem Marić, Speaker of Mostar City Council to discuss the needs of the citizens and possibilities to strengthen transparency and communication. They also discussed the longstanding proposal for renovation and unification of Mostar's music schools and re-confirmed the Mission’s support for this project, which has the potential to improve musical education and raise the city's cultural profile.  

Kavalec enquired about the possibilities of improving city regulations in regards to fundamental freedoms. She also discussed possibilities for joint, inclusive initiatives aimed to foster a culture of remembrance.

“I am glad to see that after many years, a fully functioning city administration has been established. I hope that new city officials will engage quickly to resolve pressing municipal issues and to move the city forward”, said Kavalec. “Transparency and accountability, and education are all areas of great importance. The Mission remains engaged and at the disposal to the new city administration in addressing all these issues,” she said.

Kavalec also met with the Chairs of Mostar City Council caucuses, Miroslav Grubišić, Chair of Croat Caucus, Zlatko Guzin, Chair of Bosniak Caucus and Velibor Milivojević, Chair of Serb Caucus. They discussed the functioning of the City Council and the Mission’s support to strengthening good governance, transparency and accountability of the city administration.

“The proposal to renovate and unify the Mostar music schools has been pending for some time now, despite the availability of donor funds and the support of the international community,” said Kavalec. “Earlier obstacles that hampered the functioning of the city administration are now gone and we hope to see an early decision to move forward for the benefit of all children in Mostar and the Canton.”

During the visit Kavalec met with Josip Merdžo, Secretary General of the Croat National Assembly. They discussed the current status of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton government establishment, as well as resolution of issues related to the unification of Mostar music schools.

Ambassador Kavalec concluded her visit to Mostar by meeting with Jozo Pavković, Editor in Chief of Večernji list where she discussed the challenges media face in time of pandemic and reiterated Mission dedication to strengthening media freedom in BiH.

WARSAW, 27 April 2021 – Following a parliamentary move against a number of constitutional court judges in Moldova last week after an earlier court decision found the conditions had been met for the president to dissolve parliament, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) called for the country’s parliament to respect the independence of the judiciary.

“An independent justice system is at the very core of our democracies,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “Passing a vote of no confidence in judges and deciding not to recognize a decision of the constitutional court is entirely at odds with the rule of law. With this in mind, I am watching developments in Moldova with concern.”

Guaranteed tenure for judges is key to the principle of judicial independence, which all countries of the OSCE have committed to uphold. In addition, respect for court decisions is central to the concepts of legality and legal certainty, an essential element of the rule of law that lies at the heart of the democratic system.

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 the first jab of the vaccine, and 59 per cent have received both.

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 8,378 to 8,256 per day at both BCPs compared to last week. During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine, with an average net flow of 20 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 13, compared to seven last week; six persons crossed into the Russian Federation while seven 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, seven families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while five families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when three families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and no families were 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 (355 compared to 326 observed during the previous week). There were 180 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 175 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 just a slight decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (728 compared to 735 during the previous reporting week); 365 at the Gukovo BCP and 363 at the Donetsk BCP, 355 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation, and 373 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 just a slight increase in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (42 compared to 40 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 decreased from 136 to 97. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 95 trucks (98 per cent) were bound for Ukraine, and the remaining two (two 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 an increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (176 compared to 140 observed during the previous week); 82 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 94 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 30 occasions; the OTs assessed that 16 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 14 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 and Lithuanian licence plates.

On 23 April at 14:40, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a group of nine brand-new ambulances type “GAZelle Next” with no licence plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking at the customs control area. All vehicles had the inscription "Urgent Medical Help" written in Russian on the side. The group was accompanied by an ambulance type “GAZelle Next” with “LPR” plates and the inscription “Ambulance” on the side. After undergoing border and customs control procedures, including an X-ray check, the ambulances left the BCP for Ukraine at 17:12.

On 24 April at 15:35, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed a group of seven long buses, coloured white with a green strip on the side, and Russian Federation transit licence plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking at the customs control area. The group was accompanied by a black SUV with “LPR” plates. The driver and one person were observed inside each vehicle. After undergoing border and customs control procedures, including an X-ray check, the vehicles left the BCP for Ukraine at 19:44. 

On 25 April at 08.30, the OT at the Gukovo BCP, observed a truck with “LPR” plates waiting for customs control procedures in the hangar building, next to the Observer Mission’s Office at the BCP. From its position, the OT could not assess from which direction the truck had arrived. The truck driver opened the tarpaulins of the truck and was waiting for a checking procedure. From its authorized position, the OT (among them the Chief Observer) had the opportunity for a visual observation from the outside. In the cargo area of the truck, the OT observed two jet engines (the main part of the engine), similar to the KLIMOV VK-1 (used in the MIG-15 Soviet-era jet) and the Rolls-Royce Nene first generation centrifugal jet engines. On the same day at 20:19, the truck left the hangar and parked at the customs control area. At the time of submitting the Weekly Update, the truck was still parked at the BCP area.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 23 March 2021 to 27 April 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).

From 27 to 30 April in the Zhambyl region, the Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, in collaboration with Kazakhstan’s hydrometeorology service Kazgidromet, launched its first in a series of four surface water samples collection in the transboundary Chu and Talas river basin. The water samples taken by Kazgidromet specialists from 16 different locations will be delivered to the Kazgidromet’s local laboratory in Taraz for examining the physical and chemical composition.

Based on the water samples quality assessment, an OSCE-hired expert from Kazgidromet will prepare and present an analytical report on the state of the quality of water in the Chu and Talas river basin at the Intergovernmental Chu-Talas Water Commission meeting. A similar testing will be conducted by Kyrgyzstan’s hydrometeorology agency with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

The Chu-Talas Water Commission promotes bilateral co-operation between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan on allocating the water resources of the Chu and Talas rivers, and in maintaining the efficient use of water management facilities of intergovernmental status.

The project is part of the Office’s multi-year efforts to build the capacity of state institutions in the area of water governance and to contribute to the improved transparency and information exchange in transboundary water dialogue.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On the morning of 26 April, an SMM patrol travelling from non-government-controlled Donetsk city, consisting of two vehicles, one trailer and five mission members, arrived at the checkpoint of the armed formations near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk) to conduct an exchange of trailers with a second SMM patrol arriving from government-controlled areas.

At 10:35, while at the checkpoint, a member of the armed formations approached the first patrol and asked the SMM to open the doors and trunks of the SMM vehicles for a visual inspection. The patrol refused the request and remained stationary at the checkpoint.

At 11:05, members of the armed formations requested that each mission member fill out a “declaration of goods” indicating everything in the SMM vehicles and the trailer. The patrol refused to do so.

At 12:50, members of the armed formations handed over a document to the patrol stating that the Mission cannot cross the checkpoint.

At 13:30, the patrol left the checkpoint and returned to Donetsk city.

Since 1 March, the Mission has faced similar denials in Donetsk region six times: three times at the same checkpoint of the armed formations near Olenivka, on 1 March, 15 March, and 17 April; and three times at the checkpoint near Oleksandrivka (non-government-controlled, 20km south-west of Donetsk), on 31 March, 2 April and 8 April (see SMM Spot Reports 1/2021, 3/2021, 4/2021, 5/2021, 7/2021, and 9/2021).

On all occasions, the SMM undertook efforts to facilitate the patrol’s crossing that would enable the exchange of trailers, but the vehicles were not allowed to pass.

The Mission again notes that such denials at checkpoints of the armed formations not only restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, but also prevent the SMM’s logistical operations, which are essential for the implementation of its tasks.

The 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, as well as other mandated tasks. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, between the evenings of 23 and 25 April, the SMM recorded 382 ceasefire violations, including 297 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 374 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, between the evenings of 23 and 25 April, the Mission recorded nine ceasefire violations, including two explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded two ceasefire violations in the region.
• A boy was injured by the explosion of an object on 14 April in government-controlled Pokrovsk, Donetsk region.
• An SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was damaged in emergency landing due to dual GPS signal interference.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and three checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM monitored various checkpoints and areas near the Sea of Azov in south-east Kherson region and observed an unchanged security situation.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted. Its UAVs again experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference.*

484772 Marina Živaljević

On 26 April 2021, following a request from Aleksa Bečić, Speaker of Parliament, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro provided video equipment for livestreaming and broadcasting parliamentary committees.

The Mission procured robotic cameras and additional production equipment for the two conference rooms to enhance Parliament’s existing information technology system. This enabled openness and transparency of the workings of the Parliament, which is part of a public outreach plan.

After signing a donation agreement in March, acting Head of the Mission, Siv-Katrine Leirtroe and the Speaker of Parliament Aleksa Bečić unveiled today plaques at the entrance to the committee room as an expression of gratitude to the Mission for the donation of the equipment valued at €81,485.

This equipment will also provide for broadcasting live on the new Parliamentary Channel, a specialized informative television programme established within the National Public Broadcaster RTCG.

“We are proud to support Parliament’s public outreach initiatives which will enable citizens to follow the work of their members of parliament. This equipment represents a long lasting asset that will ensure enhanced openness of the parliamentary work in the future,” said Leirtroe.

Speaker Bečić said that one of the key goals of this convocation of the Parliament was to raise openness and transparency, because that in itself strengthens the control and supervisory role of the Parliament.

“From my first day as Speaker, I came across good, open and friendly co-operation by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, which in recent months has helped us implement numerous projects to raise transparency and publicity of the Parliament,” said Bečić.

In partnership with the Parliament, the Mission will continue to implement projects focused on strengthening the capacity of the committees, building the capacity of the parliamentary staff, supporting co-operation amongst parliaments and promoting a more gender sensitive parliament.

TIRANA, 26 April 2021 – The Albanian parliamentary elections were characterized by a lively and inclusive campaign, thanks to a legal framework that helped ensure respect of fundamental freedoms. At the same time the campaign saw authorities taking advantage of public office and allegations of pervasive vote buying, international observers said in a statement today.

The joint observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), found that in spite of some ambiguities and inconsistencies, the legal framework forms an adequate basis for democratic elections to take place. Recent changes to the legal framework provided additional safeguards and were based on a broad political consensus. The new election administration coped well with the extensive new tasks it had taken on, and enjoyed overall trust.

“Last year's political agreement triggered important reforms and introduced e-technology which served to boost confidence in the electoral process. This shows that political compromise and convergence serves the best interest of the Albanian people,” said Azay Guliyev, Special co-ordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term observers. “I encourage all political forces to maintain the same spirit in the steps that follow election day and to take additional actions to pre-empt a misuse of administrative resources and pressure on public civil servants in future electoral cycles.”

Some 3.5 million people were registered to vote in the elections, which took place against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While fundamental freedoms were respected, messaging during the election campaign focused on party leaders rather than political platforms. The tone of the language used during the campaign by some leading politicians was confrontational, and at the same time, the media did not provide essential information for the voters to make their choice. The prevalence of vote buying throughout the country was also of concern.

“In spite of the general improvements to the overall framework, allegations of widespread practices of vote buying throughout the election process remain a serious problem in Albania, and this has a negative impact on the general public perception and trust in the electoral process. So do the incentives and the pressure put on civil servants,” said Aleksander Pociej, Head of the PACE delegation. “PACE and the Venice Commission are ready to continue the collaboration with the Albanian authorities to further improve the legal electoral framework in the country.”

The newly introduced electronic voter identification system was set up in all polling stations. Its aim was to reduce the risk of voter fraud, although the hasty introduction left no time for a public discussion or independent scrutiny of the new system. While the process on election day itself was mostly transparent and smooth, pandemic-related measures were poorly implemented and social distancing was not always respected.

“The introduction of e-voting technology represents an important and welcome improvement for Albania. I was pleased to witness the large-scale effectiveness of the biometric identification system, which was used countrywide. This is an important step which can only strengthen confidence in the electoral process,” said Reinhold Lopatka, Head of the OSCE PA delegation. “I was concerned about the incidents that have preceded election day and I want to underscore that incitement to violence will not be tolerated.”

Despite a well-developed legal framework in place to stop the misuse of state resources, many public figures continued to campaign during their official capacity. This, together with the launch of several large government infrastructure projects in the run-up to the election, gave the ruling party a considerable advantage.

“After the many political conflicts in Albania in recent times, it is encouraging to see that trust in the election process is slowly being rebuilt,” said Urszula Gacek, who headed the ODIHR limited election observation mission. “All parties participated and voters turned out in greater numbers. It is regrettable that irregularities such as misuse of office and instances of vote buying still remain.”

The international election observation mission to the Albanian parliamentary elections totalled 125 observers from 32 countries, consisting of 42 ODIHR-deployed experts and long-term observers, 60 parliamentarians and staff from the OSCE PA, and 23 from PACE.

For more information, please contact:

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR: +48 609 522 266 or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl

Anna Di Domenico, OSCE PA: +45 601 08380 or anna.didomenico@oscepa.dk

Bogdan Torcatoriu, PACE: +33 6 50 39 29 40 or bogdan.torcatoriu@coe.int

484568 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 23 April 2021, representatives of Tajikistan’s Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence (Committee) in Khujand city of the Sughd region completed a four-week training course on sustained field operation capacity. The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, in co-operation with the Committee, organized the training course, which was funded by the European Union.

The course focused on improving and enhancing Sughd regional rescuers’ skills required for addressing complex rescue operations and preparing them for conducting sustainable field operations in challenging conditions, typical for the Committee’s area of operations.

During the training course, another group of 16 rescuers from Sughd (in addition to the 82 rescuers trained previously) refreshed their skills in military/topography map reading and orientation, trace tracking, and river crossing, and in search-and-rescue operations in mountainous and water areas, in transport and collapsed buildings and during mudflows, avalanches and road accidents. Participants also learned about legal, human rights and gender sensitivity when conducting rescue operations.

Participants practiced the use of new technology, such as thermal imager night vision and digital vibro-acoustic devices during search-and-rescue operations. They were also familiarized with first aid and medical safety requirements for rescuers.

Theoretical sessions were held in the Department of the Committee in the city of Khuajnd and covered topics including emergencies and their classification, climate change and its impact, and disaster preparedness and response. Practical sessions were conducted in Khujand and Kairakkum cities. Local experts from the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe and the Committee delivered the training sessions.

Colonel Latifzoda Hotamsho Latif, Deputy Chairperson of Tajikistan’s Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence, expressed his confidence in the training courses. “They will help improve staff skills and the overall capacity of the Committee to effectively respond to natural disasters and other crises, thus making a positive contribution to the overall security of Tajikistan,” he said.

Tea Jaliashvili, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe noted that this is the sixth out of 10 Sustained Field Operational Capacity courses that aim to train 150 rescuers by the end of the year; within the EU-funded project.

Abdumalik Abduhamidov, Commander of the Special Rapid Response Rescue Team of the Committee in the Sughd region stressed that the training courses enabled participants to learn skills that no education institution in Tajikistan offers. “The level of qualification of rescuers has been improved through this training and today we can say with confidence that the knowledge gained during the course will help us carry out high-quality rescue operations in the future,” said Abduhamidov.

The event was conducted as part of the OSCE’s project on the “Stabilization of Tajikistan’s southern border region with Afghanistan”, which aims to strengthen the capacity of the Committee’s response to natural disasters in border regions.

Information for Google Short title:  Addressing anti-Semitism through education Short description:  ODIHR and UNESCO propose policy and reforms to tackle intolerance and discrimination 484715 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

Addressing anti-Semitism through education is the focus of two events co-organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) this week. 

The Regional Conference for Policymakers and Educators will be attended by education policymakers, teacher trainers, representatives of the Jewish community and civil society from South-Eastern Europe. Together, they will hear about and examine the various policy measures that government officials can take to address anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance and discrimination. This topic will be discussed within the frameworks of ODIHR and UNESCO’s work in supporting education systems, schools and teachers in this area.

“Educators play a key role in building their students’ resilience to anti-Semitism, prejudice, extremist and hateful narratives, or conspiracy thinking, while they also have a duty to keep schools safe and inclusive for all students. To be able to do so, they need training and the adoption of effective policy frameworks. This and other ODIHR and UNESCO events, and the materials we published together, aim to support participating States’ educational systems in achieving this goal,” said Katarzyna Gardapkhadze, First Deputy Director, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

Participants will also learn about and discuss topics related to national strategies, effective pedagogical approaches and teacher training frameworks to address anti-Semitism through education. Supporting educators on this topic is all the more relevant in the context of the COVID-19 induced rhetoric directed against certain minority groups - that are being scapegoated, dehumanized, and demonized as the cause of the virus and its spread. Jewish communities have been among the primary targets of such intolerant discourse, particularly online. This reality underscores the urgency to effectively address anti-Semitism in our societies - as well as intolerance, discrimination, and hate - more broadly.

Education reforms in North Macedonia

The second event, an online workshop in North Macedonia, will aim to assist education stakeholders in North Macedonia with the implementation of the teaching resources jointly developed by ODIHR and UNESCO. It will also provide an opportunity to present these materials during an in-depth discussion about the current educational context in the country, including the reform process focusing on primary school education programmes.

“Education is the most powerful tool for fighting Anti-Semitism and discrimination, violence and intolerance in general. We can prevent the destruction of democratic values in society only by educating our citizens. Therefore, we push our educational system in such a direction so that the current and new generations acquire comprehensive knowledge and learn from historical events,” said Mila Carovska, Minister of Education and Science, Republic of North Macedonia. “I would like to thank ODIHR and UNESCO for the preparation of the educational materials, which I believe will be of crucial importance.” 

Both events are part of ODIHR’s “Words into Action to Address Intolerance” project as well as UNESCO’s programme "Global Citizenship Education". Find out more in the educational materials developed by ODIHR and UNESCO: Addressing Anti-Semitism through Education: Guidelines for Policymakers and Addressing Anti-Semitism in Schools: Training Curricula (2020). 

484703 Marina Živaljević

On 21 and 22 April, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, the Montenegrin Regional Youth Co-operation Office (RYCO) Chairperson and members of the RYCO Local Branch Office (LBO) organized the 13th RYCO Governing Board meeting in Podgorica.

Montenegro assumed the chair of the RYCO Governing Board, the highest decision-making body of RYCO, in January.

Vasilije Lalošević, Director of the Directorate for Youth and Sports in Montenegrin Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports and the Chair of the Governing Board, said that RYCO has the support of both the OSCE Mission and the Government. Both are committed to finding solutions to the problems of young people in Montenegro and the region. “I am glad that this year we are chairing the RYCO Governing Board, because we will do our best to create a healthy and productive youth policy in the best possible way. We thus show that Montenegro has leadership potential in this field,” said Lalošević. .

Andrea Mićanović, Co-Chair of the Governing Board, said: “It is both a pleasure and an honour to host you all in Montenegro and to organize this meeting in a hybrid format, during which we will exchanged our views, good practices and come up with decisions that would be in the best interest of RYCO and the youth in the region.”

The newly appointed RYCO Secretary General, Albert Hani, said that he would continue on the RYCO successful trajectory within the framework of the Berlin Process. “The work of RYCO is extremely important and we already made improvements in terms of co-operation and peace building process in the region. Communication will always be the focus of RYCO and we should strengthen it even more in the time to come,” said Hani.

Participants discussed relevant 2020 annual reports, as well as working materials and programmatic activities.

Former RYCO Secretary General Đuro Blanuša attended the meeting to ensure a seamless transition. The first Governing Board meeting in Montenegro was held virtually on 5 March and was also supported by the Mission.

VIENNA/WARSAW, 26 April 2021 – Transparent, inclusive lawmaking is vital to underpin democracies and the principles on which they are built, OSCE leaders said as a two-day meeting to discuss topics including the challenges and opportunities of crafting laws in periods of crisis opened today.

Over 370 people from across the OSCE region registered for the online meeting, with representatives from OSCE states, civil society, international organizations and national human rights institutions. Participants will explore recent trends in lawmaking and the particular challenges that arise during periods of crisis, focusing on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They will also discuss the need to increase public participation in the lawmaking process and the benefits that digital tools can bring.

“Democracy can never be taken for granted,” said the Swedish Ambassador-at-large for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, Annika Ben David, for the Swedish Chairpersonship. “It requires continuous work and must constantly be defended. Discussing these issues openly and transparently is the best way forward.”

Respect for democratic principles and the rule of law are reflected in the transparency and openness of the lawmaking process. The democratic backsliding witnessed in many places around the OSCE over recent years has exposed a number of underlying weaknesses, from the drafting of laws, through the frequent imbalance between the different branches of government, to the lack of public consultation.

“Laws have a powerful impact on our daily lives, and our legal systems should make sure that the rights of the people are fully respected,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “That’s why good laws are always based on democratic principles and drafted following full consultation, while good lawmaking ensures that the voices of all the groups making up our diverse societies are heard.”

Legislation has an enormous effect on everyday life, on people’s rights, and on their livelihoods. This makes the way in which laws are designed and adopted and their consultation with the general public all the more important. As well as increasing trust in the democratic process, transparent and accountable lawmaking also strengthens the fight against corruption and can contribute to international development efforts including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

OSCE countries have committed to respecting democratic principles and the rule of law as crucial elements for lasting peace and stability in the region. ODIHR’s many activities to strengthen the rule of law include support to countries in identifying weaknesses in their lawmaking process and helping them to improve their legal systems and carry out reforms where needed.

Supplementary Human Dimension Meetings are a platform for the OSCE’s participating States and OSCE institutions, as well as international organizations and civil society, to exchange views and good practices in order to find common solutions for the challenges facing societies across the OSCE region. Today’s discussion follows February’s meeting on media freedom and gender equality, with one more planned for 2021.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 374 ceasefire violations, including 133 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 488 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded two ceasefire violations, both explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded six ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM followed up on the deaths of two men and injuries to two other men due to a hand-grenade explosion in non-government-controlled Snizhne, Donetsk region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) near Marinka and Krasnohorivka, Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and saw people inside the latter two areas during night time.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and three checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• 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 SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted. Its UAVs again experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

At 19:00 on 23 April, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) experienced GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by probable jamming, upon take-off from its base in Stepanivka (government-controlled, 54km north of Donetsk). Subsequently, at 19:05, while flying over areas near Yablunivka (government-controlled, 49km north of Donetsk), the long-range UAV experienced dual GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by jamming.

At 19:09, while flying over areas near Oleksandro-Kalynove (government-controlled, 47km north of Donetsk), having registered persistent dual GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by jamming, and being unable to find an interval in jamming in which to effect the transfer between short- and long-range antennae, the SMM commanded the UAV to return to its base in Stepanivka. Between 19:09 and 19:50, the Mission conducted an orbit manoeuvre in order to regain a GPS signal to allow the safe landing of the aircraft but was unable to do so. At 19:30, the Mission requested, on both sides of the contact line, that jamming be ceased; however, it persisted. At 19:51, due to the risk of a loss of spatial control, the Mission enabled the Emergency Control Mode over the aircraft.

At 19:52, the aircraft completed an emergency landing at its designated landing spot in Stepanivka. As a result of the impact, the aircraft sustained damage to its internal fuel tank, landing gears, and underslung camera pod. Long-range UAV flights are now suspended pending a technical assessment, including to identify any additional damage to the aircraft.

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 and  9 April 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.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 488 ceasefire violations, including in total 416 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 276 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded six ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded no ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM saw damage caused by gunfire to an inhabited apartment in non-government-controlled Zolote-5/Mykhailivka, Luhansk region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a government-controlled area of Zaitseve, 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 maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and three checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• 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 monitored various checkpoints along the administrative boundary line and the Sea of Azov and along the North Crimean Canal in south-east Kherson region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Diakove, Luhansk region. Its UAVs again experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference.*