Central Europe

COPENHAGEN, 7 April 2021 – Amid reports of rapidly growing military deployments by the Russian Federation in and around Ukraine, senior OSCE Parliamentary Assembly officials warned of the risk of escalation and reaffirmed its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

Expressing concern regarding the potential for renewed escalation of the seven-year conflict which has already left 14,000 dead, Congressman Richard Hudson (United States), Costel Neculai Dunava (Romania), and Laurynas Kasciunas (Lithuania), the Chair, Vice-Chair and Rapporteur, respectively, of the OSCE PA's General Committee on Political Affairs and Security, released the following statement:

“We are deeply concerned by reports of provocative and destabilizing Russian actions in and around Ukraine that could lead to grave escalation of this ongoing conflict. While Russian aims are not fully clear, there should be no doubt that that the international community is watching closely. We urge the Kremlin to de-escalate, withdraw, and fully respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity.”

The PA leaders recalled the Assembly’s consistent support to the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and its condemnation of Russian violations of its commitments under the Helsinki Final Act.

482975 Marina Živaljević

As part of its activities contributing to the visibility and safety of journalists, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro provided seven media outlets with over 320 jackets and vests with a “PRESS” insignia, which were handed over on 6 and 7 April 2021.

The jackets and vests were provided to the National Public Broadcaster Radio Television of Montenegro (RTCG), TV Prva, TV Nova, Daily Press and TV Vijesti, daily newspapers Pobjeda, Dan and portal Analitika. This equipment will ensure better identification and visibility of media professionals while reporting at live events and public gatherings.

Siv-Katrine Leirtroe, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, said: “The Mission’s support is part of our continuous efforts to further strengthen the safety of journalists. We hope that these vests and jackets will provide additional safety to media professionals while reporting during challenging circumstances.”

She added that the Mission will continue to support media outlets in line with OSCE commitments and principles, with the aim of enhancing their capacity and ensuring an enabling environment for journalists, who play indispensable role in any democratic society.

In the last three years, 300 vests were distributed to 13 commercial and public service media houses throughout Montenegro.

482930 Marina Živaljević

On 6 April 2021, Siv-Katrine Leirtroe, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, met virtually with the Minister of Defence of Montenegro, Olivera Injac.

Leirtroe congratulated Minister Injac on her appointment and noted that the Ministry of Defence has been a long-standing partner of the Mission, especially in the implementation of Montenegro’s Demilitarization Programme (MONDEM) from 2007 to 2018.

Deputy Head of Mission Leirtroe outlined the main goals of the Mission’s projects on ensuring the safety and security of state-owned stockpiles of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and conventional ammunition (CA), as well as the activities that support the national authorities in combatting the illicit use and proliferation of SALW/SCA. She also thanked the Ministry for its involvement in the OSCE Confidence-Building Measures network, as well as for the proposed areas of co-operation in the field of cyber security.

Minister Injac thanked Leirtroe for the opportunity to discuss concrete priorities in areas of arms control and cyber security and commended the continued good co-operation between the Ministry and the Mission. She pointed out that Montenegro remains strongly committed to OSCE values and priorities, especially in the politico-military dimension.

The meeting concluded with Deputy Head Leirtroe and Minister Injac expressing their readiness to continue the successful co-operation in implementing projects supporting national authorities in their strategic reform efforts.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, between the evenings of 2-5 April, the Mission recorded 1,424 ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 594 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Nine hundred ceasefire violations were shots and bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire heard on the night of 2 to 3 April in an area south of non-government-controlled Horlivka.
• In Luhansk region, between the evenings of 2-5 April, the SMM recorded 126 ceasefire violations, most of them on the evening of 2 April. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 427 ceasefire violations in the region.
• On 2 April in Donetsk region, a child died due to blast trauma and shrapnel wounds in non-government-controlled Oleksandrivske; and a man was injured due to shelling in government-controlled Krasnohorivka.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It saw people inside the latter two disengagement areas during daytime.
• 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 five checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission visited two border crossing points outside government control in Luhansk 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, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Staromykhailivka, Donetsk region.

WARSAW, 6 April 2021 – The numerous credible reports of criminal charges, administrative detention, intimidation and harassment targeting Belarusian citizens and human rights defenders simply for going about their lives or carrying out their work that have reached the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in recent months, are of increasing concern amid the ongoing human rights violations in the country.

“I am very concerned by the continued reports of human rights violations that have targeted thousands of people for taking part in peaceful protests since last August,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “The authorities have committed to respecting the right to gather peacefully and voice their views. Unfortunately, the reality points clearly to the use of mass arrests, excessive use of force, and unjustified and disproportionate penalties. All those who have been illegally detained should be released without delay.”

Since the August 2020 presidential election, thousands of Belarusians have been arrested, and hundreds detained or imprisoned for participating in peaceful protests. There have also been worrying reports of discrimination and attacks by the authorities on members of national minorities, most recently on the Polish community.

At the same time, ODIHR is deeply troubled by reports of the violation of the right to a fair trial, including closed court proceedings, as well as severe and excessive sentences handed down to peaceful demonstrators. In addition, recent proposals to amend the law governing work in the legal profession would prohibit both individual lawyers and law firms from defending people charged with criminal and administrative offences, resulting in infringements of the right to legal assistance and representation. 

“I am alarmed by the absence of investigations into the many allegations of torture and other ill-treatment and the impunity of those responsible, despite the thousands of complaints filed by alleged victims,” Mr Mecacci said. “At the same time, I’d like to emphasise that we remain ready to assist Belarus in increasing respect for human rights and strengthening democratic institutions in line with the commitments the country has made, for example by monitoring trials and reviewing legislation.”

ODIHR reminds the Belarusian authorities of their international obligations and OSCE commitments to respect human rights and the rule of law, uphold the absolute prohibition of all forms of torture and other cruel or degrading treatment, and to hold all perpetrators of human rights violations to account. ODIHR continues to offer its expertise and tools to help in these efforts, for the benefit of all citizens.

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 slightly increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week. 

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO). 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. On 31 March the OM members started with the vaccination process in the Mission's area on a voluntary basis. The medical service is provided by the host country authorities free of charge. 60% of the staff has already got the first shot.

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 slightly increased from 7,996 to 8,012 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 ten 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 seven, compared to three last week; three persons crossed into the Russian Federation while four 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, three families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while two 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 a slight increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (291 compared to 286 observed during the previous week). There were 150 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 141 bound for Ukraine.

Among the bus connections observed by the OTs, the following “irregular” route or destination: "Pervomaisk – Sevastopol – Yalta" was noted.

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 decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (711 compared to 803 during the previous reporting week); 372 at the Gukovo BCP and 339 at the Donetsk BCP, 352 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation, and 359 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in Belarus, Lithuania, the Russian Federation, and trucks with “LPR” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (39 compared to 32 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 significantly decreased from 75 to 17. Of the total number of trucks scanned, all 17 trucks (100 per cent) were bound for Ukraine.

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 a decrease in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (140 compared to 165 observed during the previous week); 69 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 71 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 34 occasions; the OTs assessed that 17 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 17 trains were travelling to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).

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

Other observations

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

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 2 March 2021 to 6 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).

482858

On 2 April 2021, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) held a seminar on the practical relevance and prospects for developing the open data systemin Uzbekistan. The PCUz organized the event in collaboration with the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistics (UZSTAT) and the Technological Park of Software Products and Information Technologies (IT-Park Uzbekistan).

Over 90 participants, including 16 women, representing various agencies and ministries, took part in the event. They discussed further developing the open data ecosystem in Uzbekistan. The event also included an award ceremony for the winners of the “Open Data Challenge 2020” hackathon. Young persons embraced the opportunity to present their projects and highlighted the importance of open data for their projects.

Akrom Sultanov, Head of UZSTAT’s Open Data Monitoring Department, spoke about planned measures of the government of Uzbekistan to improve the open data sector. “This year, and in the upcoming years, considerable efforts will be put into developing the open data sector based on Open By Default, Timely and Comprehensive, Accessible and Usable, Comparable and Interoperable, For Improved Governance & Citizen Engagement, For Inclusive Development and Innovation principles of the international Open Data Charter”, he said.

Voices of youth enriched the discussions at the event. “I believe that the development of an open database in Uzbekistan will bring many benefits to many areas. After all, data can tell us a lot of information that will be used to make the right decisions,” said Sevara Akhbaeva, one of the winners of the hackathon. “Availability of big data makes it possible for programmers to release their products,” said Bobur Abomuslimov, another hackathon winner.

SOFIA, 5 April 2021 –Bulgaria’s parliamentary elections were competitive and efficiently run despite the difficult circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and fundamental freedoms were respected. However, the massive use of state resources gave the ruling party a significant advantage, and a lack of editorial diversity was of concern, 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) concluded that while the legal framework is adequate for holding democratic elections, key long-standing recommendations to bring election legislation in line with international standards and good practice still need to be addressed. Observers also noted that recent amendments to election legislation, which included the use of machine voting, were adopted without meaningful consultation with relevant stakeholders.

“These elections saw strong competition among an array of parties, who were able to freely reach out to the electorate,” said Artur Gerasymov, special co-ordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term observers. “The media environment remains concerning, however. In particular, editorial diversity and analytical coverage, crucial for voters to make an informed choice, is largely lacking.”

The absence of investigative or analytical media reporting, together with political advertising in the guise of news, limited the ability of voters to make an informed choice. While public media is legally required to remain neutral and objective, public television offered little coverage of the political parties, but at the same time reported the activities of senior government officials in detail. Pressure on investigative reporters and a lack of investigation into attacks on journalists contributed to an atmosphere of self-censorship.

The ruling party gained a significant amount of exposure through a number of state investments related to COVID-19 pandemic and infrastructure projects that were launched during the election campaign. The international observers noted with concern the widespread practices of vote buying attempted in economically and socially disadvantaged communities.

“The long-term observers and many others informed the Assembly’s observation delegation about some long-standing problems, such as allegations of vote-buying, ‘controlled’ voting, and voter intimidation, attempted particularly among economically and socially vulnerable groups,” said Alfred Heer, Head of the PACE delegation. “The Assembly’s delegation expects the relevant Bulgarian authorities to undertake proper investigations regarding such serious cases and to be informed about the results in due course. This should take place before the next nationwide elections later this year in order to restore confidence in the democratic election process.” The Assembly, through its monitoring procedure, and the Venice Commission remain ready to cooperate with Bulgaria to improve its legal framework and electoral practices.

More than 6.7 million voters were registered to vote in yesterday’s parliamentary elections. The management of the COVID-19 pandemic dominated much of the campaign, which largely focused on personalities rather than political platforms. The tone of the campaign became confrontational at times, with intolerant rhetoric noted on occasion, including against Roma communities.

On election day itself, the voting process appeared transparent and machine voting was carried out efficiently, although poorly positioned voting machines and some procedural shortcomings did not always guarantee the secrecy of the vote. The large number of voters inside and outside the polling stations led to overcrowding in some places.

“The decision of the Bulgarian authorities to hold elections despite the challenges of COVID times, and its efforts to secure an inclusive process while ensuring the safety of all voters and election administrators, are highly commendable. I applaud the country’s determination to exercise this fundamental aspect of democracy despite the many hurdles the pandemic presents,” said Pascal Allizard, head of the OSCE PA delegation. “One important area of concern I would like to mention here is that while voter lists generally enjoy the confidence of the public, the possibility to be added to the voter list on the day of the election without strong safeguards is highly problematic.”

Public disillusionment and political polarisation pervaded the run-up to the election, which took place following prolonged street protests amidst allegations of corruption, a lack of respect for the rule of law, and the weakening of democracy.

“The lack of trust in politicians and public institutions more generally became increasingly clear in the course of the election campaign,” said Corien Jonker, who headed the ODIHR limited election observation mission. “But public trust is the beating heart of democracy. An accountable government, a vibrant civil society, and independent free media are all vital to rebuild trust not just in individual politicians, but in the entire system.”

The international election observation mission to the parliamentary elections in Bulgaria totalled 92 observers from 32 countries, made up of 27 ODIHR-deployed experts and long-term observers, 44 parliamentarians and staff from the OSCE PA, and 21 from PACE.

For more information, please contact:

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

Anzhelika Ivanishcheva, OSCE PA: +45 60 10 80 30 or anzhelika.ivanishcheva@oscepa.dk  

Chemavon Chahbazian, PACE: +33 6 50 68 76 55 or Chemavon.CHAHBAZIAN@coe.int

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 594 ceasefire violations, including 453 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 225 ceasefire violation in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded 427 ceasefire violations, including 58 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 31 ceasefire violations in the 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 corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission observed one truck and two vehicles bearing the logos of humanitarian organizations cross the contact line near Shchastia and Vesela Hora, travelling towards government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.
• The Mission 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, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Oleksandrivka, and at a railway station in Kostiantynivka, both in Donetsk region.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

In the late morning on 2 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 11:56, 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 and 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.

The patrol, after waiting for more than two hours, was hence unable to proceed. It left the checkpoint at 14:02 and returned to non-government-controlled Donetsk city.

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

Such denials at checkpoints of the armed formations restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line.

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 225 ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded one ceasefire violation in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded 31 ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 40 ceasefire violations in the 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 corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission observed one truck and two vehicles bearing the logos of two humanitarian organizations cross the contact line near Shchastia and travel towards non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.
• The Mission 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 in non-government-controlled areas, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Novoazovsk, Nova Marivka, Bezimenne and Starolaspa, all in southern Donetsk region.

SOFIA, 2 April 2021 – International observers will hold a news conference to present their findings following the parliamentary elections in Bulgaria.

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

What:

• A news conference of the international observers to the parliamentary elections in Bulgaria
• The news conference can be attended in person or via Zoom (details below)
• You can also follow the livestream on www.facebook.com/osce.odihr and www.oscepa.org

Who:

• Artur Gerasymov, Special co-ordinator and leader of the short-term OSCE election mission
• Alfred Heer, Head of the PACE delegation
• Pascal Allizard, Head of the OSCE PA delegation
• Corien Jonker, Head of the ODIHR limited election observation mission

When:

• 15.00 local time (GMT +3) on 5 April 2021

Where:

• Moussala Room, Hilton Sofia, 1 Bulgaria Blvd, Sofia

Registration:

• If you are planning to attend the press conference in person, you are encouraged to register at the link below
• To register for participation via Zoom, please register by 11:00 local time on 5 April using this link.

The international election observation is a joint mission of 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). The observation mission totals 93 observers from 32 countries, including 27 ODIHR-deployed experts and long-term observers, 44 parliamentarians and staff from the OSCE PA, and 22 from PACE.

For more information, please contact:

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

Anzhelika Ivanishcheva, OSCE PA: +45 60 10 80 30 or anzhelika.ivanishcheva@oscepa.dk  

Chemavon Chahbazian, PACE: +33 6 50 68 76 55 or Chemavon.CHAHBAZIAN@coe.int

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded one ceasefire violation. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 13 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded 40 ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded no ceasefire violations in the region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle near Buhaivka, Luhansk region.
• The Mission followed up on reports of the death of a man due to small-arms fire in non-government-controlled Oleksandrivka, 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 two corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted in non-government-controlled areas, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Oleksandrivka in Donetsk city, and at an airfield near Peremozhne, Luhansk region.

Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan

An OSCE-supported three-day online awareness-raising workshop on effective implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in line with the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on EIA, also known as Espoo Convention and its Protocol on SEA, concluded on 2 April 2021.

The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, in partnership with the UNECE, the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) and the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources, organized the event.

Some 55 representatives from the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources, regional ecology departments, Aarhus centers, non-governmental organizations, national and international experts discussed ways of implementing a new EIA and SEA procedure in Kazakhstan. Invited experts from Estonia and Poland presented international practices in carrying out EIA and SEA.  Participants were familiarized with the consultation process, as well as ways to verify developed documents and follow up monitoring.

The event supports the Office’s long-term efforts to promote green growth and sustainable development principles to strengthen environmental security.

KYIV, 31 March 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 regular meetings of the TCG ‎and its Working Groups held through video conferencing:

“According to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission’s assessments, the average number of ceasefire violations continues to remain well below the levels recorded prior to the entry into force of measures to strengthen the ceasefire in July 2020.

The recent increase in the number of ceasefire violations, the effectiveness of the measures to strengthen it as well as the general security situation in the conflict zone were the subject of extensive discussions in the Security Working Group and in the TCG.

At the same time, the sides stressed the importance of full compliance with the “Measures to strengthen the ceasefire” agreed by the TCG on July 22, 2020. This is particularly important to eliminate the residual violations of the ceasefire.

Despite the divergence on procedural issues, the participants of the Political Working Group discussed certain aspects of the action plan in full compliance with the Minsk agreements being developed under the tasking given by the TCG.

The Humanitarian Working Group was focused on the simultaneous opening of new crossing points near Zolote and Shchastia of the Luhansk region. This is what the civilians on both sides of the contact line have long been waiting for.

The mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees was also raised in the course of the deliberations.

Participants of the Economic Working Group discussed issues related to pensions and social benefits to the residents of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (CADLR) of Ukraine.

Also, topical issues of water supply across the contact line in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, environmental questions as well as the provision of mobile communication in CADLR were duly considered.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On the afternoon of 31 March, 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 12:44, 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 and remained stationary at the checkpoint.

During the next hour, 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 about 13:55, one of the vehicles without its trailer, which had been unhooked and remained stationary at the checkpoint, 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 14:17 the patrol left the checkpoint and returned to Donetsk city.

Such denials at checkpoints of the armed formations restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, thus impeding the implementation of its mandate. In recent weeks, the Mission has twice faced similar denials at the checkpoint of the armed formations near Olenivka, Donetsk region (see SMM Spot Report 1/2021 and 3/2021).

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 13 ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded three ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded no ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 22 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It saw a person inside the disengagement area near Zolote during daytime.
• The SMM saw anti-tank mines, some for the first time, near Betmanove, Vasylivka, Spartak and Kruta Balka in Donetsk region.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure. It heard 13 ceasefire violations, including eight 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 four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations in Novoazovsk, southern Donetsk region.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

KYIV, 31 March 2021 – The Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, Y. Halit Çevik, welcomed today the extension of the SMM’s mandate. “The unanimous decision of the 57 OSCE participating States to extend the mandate for another year signals continuing support for the OSCE SMM, and commitment to reducing tensions and fostering peace, stability and security in Ukraine,” said the Chief Monitor.

Stockholm, 31 March 2021 — The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ann Linde, welcomed today’s OSCE Permanent Council decision to renew the mandate and approve the budget of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) for another year until 31 March 2022.

“I welcome that consensus has been reached on the budget and mandate for the OSCE’s largest field operation, the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine,” Linde said. “The mission plays a vital role in the OSCE’s conflict resolution efforts through its monitoring and reporting on the security situation in Ukraine and facilitating dialogue. I fully support the Mission in the implementation of its mandate throughout Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.”

The Chairperson-in-Office recalled that the SMM’s mandate tasks the Mission with gathering information and reporting in an impartial and transparent way on the security situation in Ukraine and to establish and report facts in response incidents throughout Ukraine, including those concerning alleged violations of fundamental OSCE principles and commitments.

“The SMM monitors are the eyes and ears of the OSCE and the international community. These dedicated women and men work tirelessly to carry out their crucial tasks. They deserve our gratitude and support,” she said. “Today’s decision will allow them to continue contributing to reducing tensions and fostering peace, stability and security in Ukraine.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded three ceasefire violations. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 110 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded 22 ceasefire violations. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded no ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM lost spatial control of one of its mini-unmanned aerial vehicles near Vesela Hora, Luhansk region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It spotted people inside the disengagement area near Zolote.
• 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 corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations in Donetsk region and at two permanent storage sites in non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.