Central Europe

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 40 ceasefire violations. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 211 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded two ceasefire violations. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 223 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• SMM unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) spotted weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in two training areas in non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region; and beyond withdrawal lines in government-controlled areas of Donetsk region and in five training areas in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure and recorded ten ceasefire violations, including two explosions, close to the Donetsk Filtration Station.
• The Mission 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 SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a border crossing point near Izvaryne, Luhansk region and a checkpoint of the armed formations near Shevchenko, southern Donetsk region. Its UAVs again experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by probable jamming.*

COPENHAGEN, 13 April 2021 – Concerned by moves to legally dissolve the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) in Turkey, leaders of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s human rights and democracy committee said today that banning one of the country’s largest political parties would be a mistake and could further undermine democratic principles in Turkey. The recent arrest of HDP parliamentarian Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu, following the stripping of his parliamentary immunity, is only the latest in long string of elected officials whose mandates have been removed, the OSCE PA members said.

The committee leaders acknowledged that Turkey has in the past and continues today to face grave security concerns including terrorism and noted Turkey’s ongoing efforts in the international response to the refugee crisis, hosting more than 3.6 million Syrians displaced by the Syrian civil war. They stressed however that its response to challenges requires consolidation of democratic norms and full respect for human rights.

“The combination of the effort to ban the People’s Democratic Party and the repeated imprisonment of politicians is having the effect of denying millions of Turkish citizens their chosen representation,” said Kyriakos Hadjiyianni (Cyprus), Chair of the OSCE PA’s Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions. “Turkey should adhere to its international commitments, which require that duly elected officials must be provided with the protection to do their jobs to the end of their mandates. Some removals have taken place on flimsy evidence, and in the case of Mr. Gergerlioğlu for tweeting a news article.”

The Vice-Chair of the committee, Michael Georg Link (Germany), noted that the recent arrests and the moves to ban the HDP come against a backdrop of other concerning developments for human rights and rule of law in Turkey. “From Ankara’s recent decision to annul its ratification of the legally binding Istanbul Convention on violence against women to its ongoing imprisonment of journalists, and now these moves to suppress the HDP, the human rights situation in Turkey is increasingly becoming a matter of international concern. We are closely watching the legal proceedings against politicians such as Mr. Gergerlioğlu, as well as several journalists who are appearing in court during the next few weeks.”

Kari Henriksen (Norway), who serves as OSCE PA Vice-President and Rapporteur of the human rights committee said: “Turkey has a history of a vibrant multi-party system but the recent actions by the government undermine this pluralistic tradition. Parliamentary democracy is predicated on the respect for different policy approaches, opinions and views, and this cannot be a reason for removal from parliament. Closure of a political party is a drastic step and must only be taken with great caution and with respect for the highest principles of due process and freedom of expression.”

The OSCE PA has spoken out on previous occasions regarding the rule of law in Turkey. In 2018, following a wave of detentions in Turkey, the leaders of the human rights committee expressed concern that authorities were targeting political opponents in advance of local elections, noting that in the OSCE’s 1990 Copenhagen Document all participating States, including Turkey, agreed to “ensure that candidates who obtain the necessary number of votes required by law are duly installed in office and are permitted to remain in office until their term expires or is otherwise brought to an end in a manner that is regulated by law in conformity with democratic parliamentary and constitutional procedures.”

Other statements in recent years have expressed concerns over the application of measures imposed under the state of emergency imposed following the attempted coup in July 2016, including the arrests of parliamentarians, the dismissals of thousands of public servants from their jobs and a lack of clear legal procedures to safeguard individual rights.

The OSCE PA was among the first international organizations to visit Turkey following the failed 2016 coup and denounced the attempted seizure of power in the strongest terms.

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). 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. Since 31 March, the OM members are continuing the vaccination process on a voluntary basis in an organized way.

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 8,012 to 7,704 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 157 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 nine, compared to seven last week; four persons crossed into the Russian Federation while five 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, four families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while no families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when three families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and two 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 just a slight increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (299 compared to 291 observed during the previous week). There were 151 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 148 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 a slight increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (740 compared to 711 during the previous reporting week); 449 at the Gukovo BCP and 291 at the Donetsk BCP, 422 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation, and 318 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, Georgia, 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 (48 compared to 39 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 increased from 17 to 45. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 44 trucks (98 per cent) were bound for Ukraine, and the remaining one (two per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.

Minivans

The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[1] 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 just a slight increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (141 compared to 140 observed during the previous week); 84 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 57 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 19 occasions; the OTs assessed that ten trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining nine 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 observed vehicles with Georgian, Armenian, and Lithuanian licence plates; they also observed vehicles with “Abkhaz” plates.

On 8 April at 10:06, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking next to the main building. The OT noticed two paramedics entering the building. At 10:35, the ambulance drove back towards the Russian Federation. The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 9 March 2021 to 13 April 2021, please see the attachment here.

[1] 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).

483317

Vincenzo Del Monaco, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania and Albania’s General Prosecutor Olsian Çela signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 13 April 2021 with the aim of formalizing and further strengthening co-operation between the two institutions. The Memorandum will facilitate understanding and interaction on implementing future project activities.

Çela said that the signing of the Memorandum marked a qualitative leap in the positive co-operation between the Presence and his institution to date. “This step, which clearly structures our relations, will serve to further intensify our relations and will allow us to explore co-operation in other fields,” he said.

“We are proud and honoured to be the first international organization present in Albania to sign such a Memorandum of Understanding with the General Prosecution Office,” said Del Monaco at the signing event.

The Presence started co-operating with the General Prosecution Office (GPO) back in 2019 with a gap analysis, which served to inform better the Presence’s further activities and engagements in support of the prosecutorial system in the country. The gap analysis was also the basis for a Handbook on Prosecutorial Leadership. The Presence and the GPO will present the handbook later this month.

In the course of 2021, the Presence will also develop a guideline of investigation of a specific category of criminal offences to be determined in close partnership with the General Prosecution Office. Other future events include a roundtable discussion on the issue of missing persons during the Communist regime, where the GPO will play an important role; and a workshop and simulation exercise for prosecutors on human trafficking. The Presence will also support the GPO in developing their General Instructions for Prosecutors and will assist the Office in its legislative initiatives. 

NUR-SULTAN, 13 April 2021 — OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, concluded her official visit to Kazakhstan on 12 April. Nur-Sultan was the first stop on a four-day long trip of the Chairperson-in-Office to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Minister Linde will also visit Turkmenistan virtually through an online meeting with the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan.

“My visit to Central Asia this week demonstrates the OSCE’s strong support to the participating States in the region and to their efforts towards fulfilling our common commitments and principles,” Linde said.

Chairperson-in-Office Linde discussed the priorities of the Swedish Chairpersonship, with its emphasis on defending the European security order and upholding the OSCE concept of comprehensive security. The interrelatedness between political and economic security, human rights, democracy, the rule of law and equality constitute the very foundation of this concept.

Talks with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Deputy Prime Minster - Minister of Foreign Affairs Mukhtar Tileuberdi focused on further strengthening key areas of co-operation.

Underlining the importance of the Astana Commemorative Declaration, adopted by participating States in 2010, the Chairperson said: “The declaration is our common achievement, as it highlights adherence to the OSCE’s key commitments. Today, these key commitments, re-enforced in the Astana Summit, remain valid.”

During her trip, Minister Linde met with civil society representatives and discussed current issues, including challenges to be addressed in view of the COVID-19 pandemic as well the National Development Plan until 2025, which was adopted this March by the National Economy Ministry and the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms.

Linde also met Ambassador Volker Frobarth, the newly appointed Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan. She expressed her strong support for the office and its programmatic activities.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, between the evenings of 9-11 April, the Mission recorded 367 ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 20 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, between the evenings of 9-11 April, the SMM recorded 224 ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded six ceasefire violations in the region.
• On 10 April small-arms fire was assessed as directed at SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) near non-government-controlled Spartak, Vesele and Betmanove, 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. On 11 April, it heard four undetermined explosions close to the Donetsk Filtration Station.
• 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 Mission visited two border crossing points outside government control in Donetsk region, and observed a calm situation.
• The Mission observed a calm situation in south-east Kherson region, including at several checkpoints along the length of the administrative boundary line.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.* Its mini-UAVs experienced instances of GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by probable jamming, and an SMM long-range UAV flight was cancelled due to dual GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by jamming.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 20 ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 378 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded six ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 229 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Forced emergency landing of a long-range unmanned aerial vehicle near its base in government-controlled Stepanivka, due to dual GPS signal interference.*
• 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, and a transfer of funds from non-government to government-controlled areas. It heard nine ceasefire violations close to the Donetsk Filtration Station.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at five entry-exit checkpoints and four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

VIENNA/STOCKHOLM, 11 April 2021 — The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, will visit the OSCE participating States of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from 11 to 15 April. The Chairperson-in-Office will also visit Turkmenistan virtually through a digital meeting with the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan on April 16.

She will hold talks with Heads of state, foreign ministers and Government representatives and meet representatives of civil society. Talks will focus on strengthening the co-operation between the OSCE and the Central Asian countries and supporting the Central Asian participating States in fulfilling their OSCE commitments, including through the work of the OSCE field operations in the region.

Minister Linde will visit field operations in the countries, as well as the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and the OSCE Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe. The OSCE plays an important role in supporting the countries´ advancement in all three dimensions.

The focus of Linde’s visit will be to discuss the priorities of the Swedish Chairpersonship of the OSCE, such as upholding the OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security including joint OSCE commitments and regional co-operation. The Women, Peace and Security agenda and the meaningful participation of women in contributing to development, including women’s economic empowerment, will also be discussed during the visits.  

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

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

At 20:00 on 8 April, upon take-off from its base in Stepanivka (government-controlled, 54km north of Donetsk, 25km west-north-west of the contact line), an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) experienced GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by probable jamming. At 20:16 that same evening, the aircraft then experienced dual GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by jamming, while flying over areas near Hnativka (government-controlled, 39km north of Donetsk, 16km west of the contact line), after which the SMM continued with its planned flight over areas on both sides of the contact line.[1]

At 1:30 on 9 April, having registered persistent dual GPS signal interference - assessed as caused by jamming - throughout the flight, the SMM commanded the UAV to return to base in Stepanivka, and initiated an orbit manoeuvre in an effort to regain a GPS signal before landing. It was unable to do so.

At 2:31 on 9 April, due to the risk of a loss of spatial control, the Mission completed an emergency landing of the aircraft in a field about 100m from its designated landing spot at Stepanivka. The UAV now requires a full technical inspection before further monitoring activities can be undertaken, and will be grounded while this occurs.

This is the second time this week that the SMM’s long-range UAVs have experienced serious levels of GPS signal interference on take-off and landing, effecting both GPS receivers, in areas near their base in Stepanivka (see SMM Spot Report 6/2021). This interference has been increasing since 21 March.

Any GPS signal interference hinders 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.

The SMM 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, 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.

[1] 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 UAV’s position. 

VIENNA, 9 April 2021 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, expressed her shock by the killing of journalist Giorgos Karaivaz in Athens, Greece, today.

“This is a horrific event,” said Ribeiro. “Journalists should always be safe to do their work. I urge the Greek authorities to swiftly identify and bring to justice those responsible and to clearly determine the motivation behind this terrible attack.”

The Greek journalist was shot dead outside his home in Athens in broad daylight, as he was returning home from his work as a crime reporter on the TV network STAR. 

Karaivaz was known for his work reporting on Greek police and crime. The journalist operated the site bloko.gr, which reported on the subject.

According to reports, two men on a motorcycle, one of whom was wearing what appeared to be army clothes, shot Karavaiz at least six times as the journalist was exiting his car in front of his home. An estimated 17 to 20 shell casings were found at the scene, and details indicate that the killers used a silencer, as neighbors did not hear any gunshots.

“The killing of a journalist for his work is an attack on the freedom of expression and on democracy. There can be no impunity for such heinous crimes,” the Representative stated.

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, the Mission recorded 378 ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 110 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded 229 ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded three ceasefire violations in the region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle near Vesele, Donetsk region.
• The Mission 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 three entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The Mission observed 11 trucks bearing the logo of an international humanitarian organization cross the contact line near Shchastia and travel towards government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Oleksandrivka. Its mini-unmanned aerial vehicles experienced multiple instances of GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by probable jamming.*

483068 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

A four-week training course on sustained field operation capacity for border officers of Tajikistan’s Border Troops was completed on 8 April in the Tursunzoda District. The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in co-operation with Tajikistan’s Border Troops organized the course, which was funded by the European Union.

Twenty-five border officers serving along the border with Uzbekistan participated in the course. The participants enhanced their skills in military and topography map reading, first aid related to battlefield injuries, tactical patrolling, radio communications, national border regulations, gender awareness, risk assessment, patrol report writing, and survival techniques. Mountaineering drills were also included in the course. Tactical patrolling modules included lessons on national legislation and international human rights commitments pertaining to the rights and treatment of detainees and refugees.

Colonel Sherali Nazirov, Commander of the Border Detachment in the Tursunzoda District said that the partnership between the OSCE, the EU and the Border Troops brings positive results in protecting the state borders of Tajikistan. He added that the course on sustained field operation capacity helped enhance the skills and knowledge of border officers.

This training course is part of a project funded through the European Union’s Foreign Policy Instrument. The project aims to increase the professional capacity of both Tajikistan’s Border Troops and Afghan Border Services to better tackle illicit activities in border areas. The project also aims to strengthen the capacity of the Committee on Emergency Situations and Civil Defense to respond to natural disasters in border regions.

483077 Andrii Dziubenko

On 31 March 2021, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine signed a statement on the approval of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) to ensure 8 million inhabitants of the Dniester/Nistru river basin between the two countries will benefit from the countries’ joint efforts to improve and ensure environmentally sound use of water and other natural resources and ecosystems in the region.

The SAP for the Dniester River Basin for 2021-2035 was developed through a project by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which was implemented by the OSCE in cooperation with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

The Programme is one of the key documents produced under the framework of the Commission on Sustainable Use and Protection of the Dniester River Basin (the Dniester Commission). The Programme is based on the findings of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis for the Dniester River Basin.

Both documents, the SAP and the Analysis, were developed using a methodology agreed by the two countries. A draft of the Programme was also made publicly available for six weeks for experts and civil society to provide comments. Some 40 suggestions for improvement were submitted.

The Programme defines several strategic directions from reducing water pollution to strengthening bilateral co-operation in water resources management and promoting sustainable use of water.

It also outlines 74 measures with key actions to be taken by responsible authorities, as well as funding sources (both national and international), estimated budgets, and implementation timeframes. The measures also include assessment indicators.

Progress on the Programme’s implementation will be reviewed annually at the Dniester Commission meeting. A selection of priorities will also be reviewed every five years.

The Programme was prepared in the framework of the GEF/UNDP/OSCE/UNECE project, ‘Enabling transboundary co-operation and integrated water resources management in the Dniester River Basin’, at the request of the governments of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

Željka Šulc

On 11 April 2021, the citizens of Travnik and Foča in the Federation of BiH municipality will vote again to elect their mayors, after the deaths of formerly elected mayors Mirsad Peco and Esed Radeljaš.   

Even in these sad circumstances, elections are an important cornerstone of a democracy. We hope that all eligible voters will use this opportunity to strengthen democracy in BiH by exercising their right to vote for the candidates they believe can best serve the interests of their communities.  In this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we urge all voters to protect both themselves and polling station workers by wearing masks and respecting all protective measures while voting.

We welcome and support the efforts of the Central Election Commission (CEC) to ensure full transparency in its work and to identify and respond to possible attempts of election fraud. Citizens should report any cases of suspected fraud to the CEC and relevant law enforcement authorities. Election observers, both independent and from political parties, should be allowed to perform their duties without hindrance. This is a fundamental safeguard for the integrity of elections, and we welcome the engagement of the ‘Pod Lupom’ Coalition, which announced the deployment of independent observers at all polling stations in both locations.

We also welcome the measures taken by the CEC to ensure that those with COVID-19 have an opportunity to vote with the help of a special mobile team.

We urge authorities to provide the necessary personal protective equipment to all election personnel and to ensure all protective measures are respected in the polling stations.  In cases where schools are used as polling stations, authorities should ensure that disinfection takes place immediately after voting is completed. It is important that children and school staff in the country are able to resume their activities without undue health risks.

We call on all political parties and candidates to uphold the principles of free and fair elections, show respect both for their competitors and for voters before, during and after the elections and accept officially-confirmed electoral results. .

The OSCE Mission to BiH wishes all citizens of Travnik and Foča (FBiH) a safe and peaceful election day, which contributes to a stronger and more prosperous future.  

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

In the early afternoon on 8 April, an SMM patrol traveling from non-government-controlled Donetsk city, consisting of three vehicles with three trailers and six mission members, arrived at the checkpoint of the armed formations near Oleksandrivka (non-government-controlled, 20km south-west of Donetsk) to conduct an exchange of trailers with a second SMM patrol arriving from government-controlled areas. At 13:00, a member of the armed formations approached the first patrol and asked the SMM to open the trailers for a visual inspection. The patrol refused the request since the trailers were locked as diplomatic containers. The patrol remained stationary at the checkpoint.

During the next hours, 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.

At 14:55, one of the vehicles without its trailer, which had been unhooked and remained stationary at the checkpoint, attempted to cross the checkpoint; however, a member of the armed formations again did not allow its passage.

At 15:20, the aforementioned vehicle without a trailer was allowed to proceed through the checkpoint area, in order to meet with one other SMM vehicle coming from government-controlled areas at the most forward checkpoint of the armed formations south of Oleksandrivka, and exchange diplomatic mail. After the exchange, the first vehicle returned to the checkpoint near Oleksandrivka where the other vehicles were waiting.

At 15:35, the patrol left the checkpoint and returned to Donetsk city.

The Mission has faced similar denials four times in Donetsk region in recent weeks: two times at the checkpoint of the armed formations near Olenivka, on 1 March and on 15 March, and on 31 March and 2 April at the same checkpoint near Oleksandrivka (see SMM Spot Reports 1/2021, 3/2021, 4/2021 and 5/2021).

Such denials at checkpoints of the armed formations not only restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, but also prevents the SMM’s logistical operations, which are essential for implementation of its tasks.

The SMM 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.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 110 ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 55 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded three ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded two ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM followed up on the death of a five-year-old boy in non-government-controlled Oleksandrivske and saw a crater and shrapnel damage at the house he was visiting.
• An SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was unable to take off from its base in government-controlled Stepanivka, Donetsk region, due to dual GPS signal interference, assessed as jamming.*
•  The Mission 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 three entry-exit checkpoints and three checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission observed 11 trucks bearing the logo of an international humanitarian organization cross the contact line near Shchastia and travel towards non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a heavy weapons holding area and six checkpoints of the armed formations (one in a border area outside government control), in southern Donetsk and in Luhansk regions.*

WARSAW/VIENNA, 8 April 2021 – All societies still feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the challenges for Roma are particularly acute, say the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on International Roma Day.

From education to employment, from poverty to poor living conditions, Roma have long been Europe’s most marginalized group. FRA surveys repeatedly show widespread discrimination, antigypsyism and social exclusion.

“COVID and related restrictions triggered a perfect storm of exclusion for Roma across Europe. Already shoved to the margins of society they experienced still further deprivation, discrimination and harassment,” said FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty. “Our governments must put Roma front and centre in efforts to build our ‘new normal’.”

The coronavirus pandemic further highlights how long-standing disparities have placed many Roma in an even more vulnerable position and increased prejudices. ODIHR’s monitoring of the media portrayal of Roma in 2020 showed that hate speech increased sharply, with misinformation about Roma communities and their role during the pandemic also rising.

“This is the time to pay more attention to vulnerable communities such as the Roma and Sinti, whom have yet again been targeted and made scapegoats for a situation in which they have suffered so much themselves,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “I call on governments to increase efforts to counter prejudice against Roma and Sinti and support communities that the pandemic continues to hit hard.”

Roma communities particularly suffered under the public health measures, as FRA’s COVID-19 bulletins outline.

In many countries, Roma children lack smart devices and internet access. This prevents them from participating in online learning and risks leaving them even further behind.

Governments need to help Roma children to access remote learning and materials, as recommended by ODIHR in its report on the impact of COVID-19 on human rights.

Even before the pandemic, many Roma and Travellers were without jobs or worked under precarious conditions. For example in 2019, 1 in 2 young Roma or Travellers aged 16–24 were not in employment, education or training in the six countries FRA surveyed.

As governments restricted movement to stop the spread of the virus, many Roma, such as street vendors and travelling traders, could not work. In addition, working informally restricted access to social benefits.

Successful engagement with Roma communities needs a twofold approach: on the one hand working to reduce poverty and combat racism and discrimination, while on the other hand supporting Roma empowerment and enabling members of the community to participate fully in public life.

ODIHR’s annual ‘Nicolae Gheorghe’ Roma Leadership Academy is one such initiative. It works closely with the Roma to increase their know-how and skills and maximize their policy and decision-making influence and impact.

Nationally, governments need greater investments to address prejudices and antigypsyism, especially within public administrations. Countries need to engage directly and locally with Roma and Traveller communities making sure to also include Roma in elected positions as well as Roma civil society organizations. This would provide governments with reliable information, and enable the development of measures to end, or at least soften, the negative impact of lockdowns.

The coronavirus pandemic placed many Roma in an even more vulnerable position than they were already in. Roma societies therefore need immediate and urgent assistance to quickly and effectively recover from the pandemic.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On the evening of 6 April, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was unable to take off from its base in government-controlled Stepanivka (54km north of Donetsk) to conduct regular monitoring of areas on both sides of the contact line, due to dual GPS signal interference assessed as caused by jamming. This is the first time such interference has prevented a take-off since the Mission launched long-range UAV operations in October 2014.

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, located approximately 25km west-north-west of the contact line.

During pre-flight trials of the long-range UAV on the evening of 7 April, jamming at ground level persisted, impairing safe operation.

High levels of GPS signal interference with either or both GPS receivers have also been encountered during the UAVs’ regular flights. Over the last two months, 62.5 per cent of SMM long-range UAV flights encountered GPS signal interference, and on 75 per cent of the affected flights, it occurred more than once.

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 UAV’s position.

Any GPS signal interference hinders 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.

The Mission underlines that OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 specifies that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.

KYIV, 07 April 2021 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Heidi Grau, made the following statement to the press after the extraordinary TCG meeting‎ held through video conferencing:

“The extraordinary meeting of the TCG was devoted to the discussion of the general security situation in the conflict zone and the issues of effective implementation of measures to strengthen the ceasefire against the background of the increasing number of its violation and ongoing information warfare in the media space.

During the meeting, the participants reiterated their commitment to the ceasefire regime. Discussions will continue at the regular TCG meeting to be held in a week's time.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 55 ceasefire violations. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 65 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded two ceasefire violations. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded no ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It saw people inside the latter two areas during night time.
• 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 three checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a railway station in non-government-controlled Voznesenivka, Luhansk region, near the border with the Russian Federation.*