Central Europe

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded 63 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 28 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission recorded 21 ceasefire violations in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 18 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as aimed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle in Pervomaisk, Luhansk region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and observed a calm situation inside all three.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable repairs to and the construction and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations in Donetsk region and at three entry-exit checkpoints and two checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM visited two border crossing points, and monitored areas near the border with the Russian Federation outside government control in Donetsk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.

VIENNA, 18 December 2020 – On the occasion of the International Human Solidarity Day, 20 December, the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons' Expert Co-ordination Team (AECT) calls on States to increase their support to anti-trafficking civil society organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With the virus' spread, the world faces an unprecedented threat to public health that, in turn, creates extraordinary challenges to the economic and social cohesion of all communities. This poses an amplified risk of trafficking in human beings due to increased vulnerabilities, changing modus operandi of criminals, reduced activities of law enforcement, service providers and other anti-trafficking stakeholders, and impeded access to assistance.

Civil society organizations are particularly well placed to complement governments' activities in combating trafficking in human beings. However, they often face legal, financial and practical challenges affecting their daily work, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.

The AECT believes that national strategies and actions to combat trafficking in human beings, particularly in the current environment, would benefit substantially from the inclusion of and support to civil society organizations working to prevent human trafficking and assist its victims.

The AECT is a broad international forum that includes international, non-governmental, and inter-governmental organizations joining forces to prevent and combat human trafficking. It helps develop effective joint strategies and provides OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation with innovative and co-ordinated approaches to strengthen the prevention of trafficking in human beings and the fight against it.

The Team provides a unique platform for co-ordination, expert exchange and consultation among over 30 key international and regional organizations and civil society networks active in combating trafficking in human beings. 

Entire statement available in English and Russian here.

On behalf of the AECT (in alphabetical order): Anti-Slavery International ; Council of Europe (CoE) ; Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) ; ECPAT International ; European Women's Lobby ; Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime ; International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) ; International Labour Organization (ILO) ; International Network of NGOs against Trafficking in Human Beings and Other Forms of Violence (chaired in 2019-2020 by Volunteers’ Movement “The Alternative”) ; International Organization for Migration (IOM) ; International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) ; La Strada International ; Missing Children Europe ; Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (OSCE OSR/CTHB) ; Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM) ; Terre des Hommes ; The Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME); United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN WOMEN) ; United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) ; United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

474327 Communication and Media Relations Section

No activities of the OSCE executive structures, including contracts for goods and services, should ever contribute to any form of trafficking in human beings - was the base of the OSCE Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Being pilot training course. Focused on the prevention of human trafficking and labour exploitation in supply chains, including OSCE’s, the course was held from 3 to17 December 2020.

The OSCE procurement and project staff attended the course. The content was based on the draft Guidance for OSCE Procurement on CTHB/LE in supply chains, allowing staff better to understand risks in the OSCE supply chains, review their own practices to address such risks and to be part of a wider effort to CTHB/LE in-supply chains.

The course provided a conceptual overview for understanding countering trafficking for labour exploitations and organizational commitments that are relevant for the OSCE’s procurement procedures and allowed participants to analyse and reflect on how it would affect their department.

A pilot round was conducted over three online sessions to test the developed material and receive input from OSCE procurement and programmatic staff from the Secretariat, field operations and all executive structures, on what other information is needed and what aspects should be added.

The course consisted of:

• Key concepts and laws on CTHB/LE and the risks of CTHB/LE in OSCE supply chains;
• Using procurement processes and contracting to prevent risks of CTHB/LE;
• Supply chain mapping and addressing risks through each stage of the procurement process, from drafting to terminating a contract;

The course also had two modules which addressed procurement staff only: human rights risks assessment and contract management; engaging with suppliers and monitoring the procurement progress, as well as understanding the value of partnerships and collaboration in managing risks in procurement.

The final version of the training course, for a broader audience of OSCE staff members, will start in 2021. This activity supports the goals and commitments the OSCE set in the 2013 Addendum to the OSCE Action Plan, and the OSCE MC Decision 6/17 from 2017.

SARAJEVO, 18 December 2020 - On 20 December the citizens of Mostar will, finally have the opportunity, after waiting 12 long years, to vote in local elections for the City of Mostar.   

I encourage all eligible voters to use this opportunity to strengthen democracy by exercising your right to vote for the candidates you believe will best serve the interests of your community.  n 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 epidemiological measures while voting.

On 18 November 2020, numerous political parties, coalitions, and independent candidates participating in these local elections signed a pledge to respect the principles of free and fair elections. Those who signed the pledge agreed to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process and to uphold key democratic principles, including to respect the legality of elections, to avoid exerting political pressure on voters, and to refrain from using inflammatory or divisive rhetoric.  We call on all political parties and candidates to respect these principles, to show respect for their competitors and for voters before, during, and after election day, and to accept officially-confirmed electoral results. We call for peaceful celebrations following the announcement of the results.  

Local election administration officials must ensure that vote counting and tabulation are carried out in a fair and transparent manner. Doing so will help protect the integrity of the election process and help build public trust in democracy more generally. It is crucial that officials refrain from any activity that might jeopardize the integrity and transparency of elections, which could lead to possible prosecution or sanctions.

On behalf of the OSCE Mission to BiH, let me express appreciation to the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections ‘Pod Lupom’ that will deploy independent observers to all polling stations in Mostar. The presence of independent, trained election observers is one of the best safeguards of election integrity.  Citizens can also play an important role in defending the integrity of the voting by reporting any indications of possible electoral irregularities or fraud they may witness to the Central Electoral Commission, independent observers, the police and/or prosecutors.  

Thank you also to all the members of the Central and Mostar Municipal Election Commissions, polling station workers, observers, police and other officials who are working so hard to make it possible for these elections to proceed as safely as possible.

Dear citizens of Mostar,

By taking the time to cast your ballots, you will ensure that your voice is heard in future decisions of your local community.

The OSCE Mission to BiH looks forward to continuing to support the democratic development of Mostar for the benefit for all citizens. 

COPENHAGEN, 18 December 2020 – Marking International Migrants Day, Chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on Migration Margareta Cederfelt (Sweden) highlighted the contributions of migrants to society and recalled the difficulties that they face, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that COVID-19 travel restrictions, border closures and lockdowns have created new challenges for migrants while exacerbating their existing vulnerabilities.

“This year has been tough for all of us, but let us not forget that it has been harder for some than others,” Cederfelt said. “Millions of migrants have been stranded around the world due to mobility restrictions imposed in response to the pandemic. Many others have lost income as sectors such as hospitality, restaurants, transportation and tourism have suffered. As we celebrate International Migrants Day under the theme ‘Reimagining Human Mobility,’ we should remember the migrants who need support in these difficult times.”

Cederfelt noted that the pandemic has also highlighted the valuable contributions of migrants. “Migrants have in many ways made life in the pandemic more bearable, often working on the frontlines to provide food, health care, transportation, and other essential services,” Cederfelt said.

Pointing to troubling situations in a number of countries, Cederfelt urged governments to implement independent and effective human rights monitoring mechanisms to ensure that the fundamental rights of migrants and asylum seekers are upheld, including at the borders of the European Union.

Yesterday, the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration held an online meeting focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina, which included briefings by authorities as well as representatives of inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations working on the ground. Committee members heard from representatives of the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UN High Commissioner on Refugees representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Danish Refugee Council, and NGOs “SOS Balkanroute” and “Are You Syrious,” a member of the Border Violence Monitoring Network.

Participants discussed the migratory situation in the country, warning of an impending humanitarian crisis due to the planned closure of yet another reception facility without alternative accommodation plans, even as winter is setting in. They stressed the need for urgent action to be taken to accommodate the needs of migrants without proper shelter, as well as pursuing coherent and long-term solutions to managing migration.

Other issues raised included specific protection needs of unaccompanied minors, obstacles in accessing the asylum system, border violence and “pushbacks,” and ongoing work in state capacity building and identifying victims of human trafficking. The priorities of the BiH government were outlined by Saša Kecman, Advisor to the Minister at the Ministry of Security. He explained that the Ministry is working on a number of issues, including improving the entry system, capacity building, and countering irregular migration.

Ad Hoc Committee members expressed concerns about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting that the COVID 19 pandemic has exacerbated tensions and hostility towards migrants. They discussed the challenges of migrants “sleeping rough” and recurrent reports of “pushbacks” along the border between BiH and Croatia, underlining the importance of reinforcing accountability through the establishment of a credible and effective monitoring mechanism with the participation of national human rights institutions as well as civil society to trigger concrete action.

Cederfelt also noted that the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration is planning a field trip to BiH as soon as the conditions permit to hold consultations with a broad range of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders and to see the situation on the ground.

For more on the OSCE PA's migration-related work, please click here.

WARSAW, 18 December 2020 – In a year that has made our common humanity so clear as the world struggles to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, greater efforts must be taken to safeguard and promote the human rights of all migrants, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on the occasion of International Migrants Day.

As we look towards 2021 in the hope it will bring health, wellbeing, and new opportunities to us and our loved ones, let us not forget the plight of the many migrants across the OSCE region who remain on the move or trapped in overcrowded camps or shelters. Whether they are travelling with their families or have left them far behind, they too are hoping that the next year will bring them safety and stability.

The pandemic has exposed many challenges already present in our societies for this ever-growing group of people, and highlighted the precarious situation in which many migrant communities across the OSCE region live. They were affected by border closures and movement restrictions, continue to suffer from unemployment or face greater risk exposure as essential workers responsible for keeping our societies and economies running.

Migrants have also found themselves the target of intolerance and hate-motivated attacks following the outbreak of the pandemic, and often unjustly blamed for the rapid spread of the virus. Migrant women in particular have suffered from discrimination and hatred. It’s important to understand that hate crime can lead to lasting trauma among victims, their families and communities as they struggle with a sense of fear and uncertainty that goes beyond the individual crimes perpetrated against them. 

On today’s International Migrants Day, it is therefore time for OSCE countries to strengthen their commitment to combat xenophobia and protect the human rights of migrants across the region.  At the same time, better co-ordination between national services responsible for migrants is needed to ensure their long-term integration, as well as improved co-operation between host countries. Migrants should never be left unprotected due to a lack of policy at national or international level.

In recent years, ODIHR has provided opportunities for more than 2,000 officials, experts and civil society representatives working on different aspects of migration and human rights to learn and exchange good practices in areas ranging from alternatives to immigration detention through to border monitoring. Other ODIHR resources in this area, including policy recommendations and guidance, can be found here.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded 28 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 31 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission recorded 18 ceasefire violations in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded eight ceasefire violations in the region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as aimed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle in Dachne, Luhansk region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and observed a calm situation inside all three.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable repairs to and the construction and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and two checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM visited a border crossing point on, and monitored areas close to, the border with the Russian Federation outside government control in Donetsk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including near non-government-controlled Staromykhailivka, where the SMM had to land its UAV after members of the armed formations threatened to shoot it down.*

Željka Šulc

The winners of the essay competition for students on the topic of “Ecological incidents in Bosnia and Herzegovina and their possible solutions”, which was organized by the Banja Luka Field Office of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), were awarded on 17 December 2020.

The OSCE Mission’s organizing partners in this competition were the Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics at the University of Banja Luka; the Faculty for Ecology at the Independent University Banja Luka; and the Faculty for Ecology at the University for Business Studies.

The essays covered a variety of issues, such as the current issue of the disposal of COVID-19 medical waste, reducing the environmental footprint, and the pyralene chemical leak in Banja Luka a few years ago.

Dr. Maja Manojlović, Assistant Professor and Head of the Symposium for Ecology and Environment Protection at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics University in Banja Luka stated how daily environmental incidents at the local and global levels, require us to adapt our living habits in terms of sustainability, taking care of our legacy and the legacy of future generations.

Competition winner, Andrijana Martinov, a student of the second cycle at the Faculty of Ecology at the University of Banja Luka wrote about the attitude toward COVID-19-related waste materials outside health and stationary institutions. “Most of us do not know why the professionals in ecological area of expertise fail to fight and offer a systemic solution to this and similar problems,” she said.

Dmitry Iordanidi, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, added: “As we all see in our daily lives, Bosnia and Herzegovina faces serious environmental challenges, including toxic air pollution, illegal dumping, poor waste management, uncontrolled construction and other problems which threaten people’s health, living standards, and security whilst endangering this country’s natural resources and rich biodiversity.”

Recognizing that a clean and safe environment is in the interests of all citizens, the OSCE Mission works to raise awareness and promote collective responses to the manifold environmental challenges that BiH faces. 

The perspectives of young people presented through the essays aim at enriching the debate on how to address environmental challenges from a different angle. Considering that environmental problems are huge, the stands of future ecologists are important in promoting principles of good environmental governance.

SUMMARY

On 17 December at 06:34 (Moscow time), the ninety-ninth[1] Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). A total of seven vehicles were checked by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers prior to their crossing into Ukraine. All seven vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation by 14:54 on 17 December.

DETAIL

Leaving the Russian Federation

On 17 December at 06:34, the Observer Mission observed the arrival of a Russian convoy at the gate of the Donetsk BCP. The convoy consisted of seven vehicles: one escort car and six cargo trucks. One truck was civilian and five trucks belonged to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES). All six cargo trucks bore the inscription “Humanitarian aid from the Russian Federation” (in Russian). At 06:34, the vehicles entered the customs control area. Once the convoy arrived, the vehicles were visually checked from the outside by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers. The truck drivers rolled up/opened the tarpaulins of the trucks and the border guards and customs officials performed a visual observation from the outside. One dog was present and used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside. One Russian Federation border guard took photos and videoed the convoy crossing.

Three Ukrainian border guards and two customs officers were observed accompanying their Russian counter parts; they also performed a visual observation of the vehicles from the outside (without entering the trucks’ cargo space). By 06:46, all seven vehicles had left the BCP towards Ukraine.

Returning to the Russian Federation

At 14:50, the convoy returned and queued in the customs area. The Russian Federation border guards and customs officers visually checked the returning convoy from the outside. Ukrainian representatives – three border guards and two customs officers – were present during this check. The Ukrainian officials also performed visual checks of the trucks from the outside. One dog was present and used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside. By 14:54, all seven vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation.

[1]Based on the Observer Mission’s counting, this convoy is considered the ninety-ninth convoy that has crossed into Ukraine through the “Donetsk” or “Gukovo” BCPs. However, so far all these convoys crossed through the “Donetsk” BCP.

473901 Communication and Media Relations Section Mersiha Causevic Podzic

Experiences of local governments where migrants contribute successfully to the economic growth of hosting communities, was the focus of the OSCE webinar hosted on 16 December 2020, ahead of International Migrants Day on 18 December. 

Experts and practitioners from local authorities, academia, the private sector and international organizations discussed policy approaches that could harness the socioeconomic potential of diverse societies.

“Migrants can successfully contribute to the economic growth of host communities provided policy approaches lay down the conditions to participate in the labour market,” said Luca Fratini, the Director of the Office of the OSCE Secretary General. “When migrants are granted the possibility to take an active part in their own socioeconomic integration, they can trigger benefits for everyone, migrants and the host society alike.”

The Deputy Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Ermelinda Meksi, reminded the audience that international migration as a form of development is clearly stated in OSCE commitments in the second dimension.

“To ensure that the potential benefits of migration are maximized and widely shared, governments need to tailor appropriate regulations,” said Meksi. “The physical movement of people between countries is a tremendous engine of trade, entrepreneurship, and the spread of ideas. Assisting new destinations to absorb and benefit from migration flows is an essential part of any serious policy agenda to regulate migration in this century. This is even more important now that the COVID-19 pandemic is calling for unprecedented collaborative efforts to cope with the negative consequences of lockdown measures and support a much needed recovery”

Since the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, OSCE participating States have acknowledged the increasing importance of and the benefits stemming from effective migration management for the socio-economic development, social cohesion, security and stability in all countries.

“Recognizing that migrants and refugees are not only people in need but also individuals with skills and talents to offer, can contribute to changing the narrative on migration,” said Luca Pianese, OSCE Senior Migration and Security Expert. “In doing so, migrants can be powerful levers for economic, social and cultural development.”

The Webinar was organized jointly by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and the External Co-operation Section of the OSCE Office of Secretary General. 

KYIV, 16 December 2020 — 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:

“Today was this year’s last regular meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group.

I would like to recall that the Normandy Four Summit was held in Paris in December last year. Let this be a call for action resolutely aimed at implementing the taskings given to the Trilateral Contact Group by the leaders of the Normandy Four.

According to the assessment of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM), the ceasefire continues to be generally respected. However, in recent weeks there have also been alarming trends towards an increase in its violations.

Compliance with the ceasefire, including the functioning of the measures to strengthen the ceasefire that came into force on 27 July 2020, and of the co-ordination mechanism for responding to its violations, were the focus of the discussions in the Security Working Group.

Adherence to the ceasefire has had a positive impact on the lives of the civilian population in the conflict zone.  However, the number of civilian casualties caused by mines and other explosive devices has increased compared to the previous year. In this regard, I consider it essential that the agreements that have been preliminary achieved in the field of security be finalized in the TCG, including those on the identification of new demining areas, without linking this to any political preconditions.

The Political Working Group discussed issues related to the implementation of the mandate given by the TCG to develop a draft action plan in full compliance with the Minsk agreements.

I look forward to the prolongation of the law "On Special Order of Local Self-Government in Certain Areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Regions" by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to help productive discussions in the Working Group.

The Humanitarian Working Group discussed the conditions for the future operation of the entry-exit crossing points (EECPs) on the contact line near Zolote and Shchastia of the Luhansk region.

The deliberations also concerned issues of mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees as well as the search for missing persons.

The Economic Working Group focused on water supplies across the contact line and the payment of pensions to Ukrainian citizens residing in certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Ukrainian side reported on the opening of a multifunctional service centre at EECP Novotroitske in the Donetsk region.

On the eve of the forthcoming New Year and Christmas holidays, I once again urge the sides to respect a sustainable ceasefire. As we continue our work in the TCG in the coming year 2021, I hope for mutual understanding, a constructive approach and the political will of the sides to achieve a peaceful conflict settlement.”

474057

The First Forum on the Role of Women Parliamentarians in the Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan took place on 14 December in Tashkent. The event was organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) in partnership with the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Gender Equality Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan and UN Agencies such as UNDP and UNFPA.

Members of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Republic of Uzbekistan, deputies of local Kengashes (councils), members of the Youth Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan, officials of government agencies and public organizations, representatives of international organizations and the media attended the forum.

The aim was to create a platform for effective co-operation between women’s parliaments and deputy groups at the national and regional levels on issues of expanding women’s participation in political life.

The forum was opened by Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In her opening speech, she stressed: “The full participation of women in solving political and socio-economic problems is a prerequisite for economic progress, democratic development and stability in society. As the results of last year’s efforts, 48 women-deputies were elected to the lower chamber of parliament, which is 32% of the total number of deputies. For the first time in the history of Uzbekistan, the number of women in the national parliament has reached the level established by the UN recommendations. The parliament of our country rose to 37th place among 190 parliaments of the world in terms of the number of women”.

In his opening speech, John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan stressed that in order to respond to “the immense challenges that we are facing today, leadership must have a woman’s face now more than ever, especially in the decision-making positions.” He said: “My office and the OSCE institutions stand ready to provide as much support as needed for Uzbekistan in its efforts to pursue a National Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality in the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2020–2030.”

Forum participants expressed their views on the creation of a women's parliamentary association, determined its general goals and objectives, strategy and directions of action.

At the end of the Forum, participants opinions and proposals were summarized, and recommendations were developed.

473793

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) conducted a training course on “Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in accordance with the Istanbul Protocol”. The event was held from 14 to 16 December 2020.

The training course was organized together with the National Human Rights Centre and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights' Regional Office for Central Asia.

During the event, international experts from the Danish Institute Against Torture (DIGNITY) provided information on the investigation and documentation of torture, international standards for the investigation under the Istanbul Protocol, the co-operation of experts in the investigation of torture, the physical and psychological evidence of torture.

Medical personnel of penitentiary institutions of the Main Directorate for Execution of Sentence of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and representatives of the National Human Rights Centre participated in the training course. Through the course, they advanced their knowledge in areas such as state’s obligation to investigate, document and prosecute torture, the implications of the principle of do-no-harm and values of inter-disciplinary collaboration in the documentation of torture, and fundamental principles and application of the Istanbul Protocol. The event also included a presentation of the Uzbek language translation of the Istanbul Protocol.

Professor Akmal Saidov, Director of the National Human Rights Centre noted: “The promotion, protection and observance of human rights in Uzbekistan is one of the priorities of the state policy, and the Istanbul Protocol provides a brief description of the minimum standards that states must adhere to, to ensure effective investigation and documentation of torture.”

Richard Wheeler, Senior Project Officer at the OSCE PCUz said: “During 2017-2020, serious work was undertaken by Uzbekistan to identify and eliminate shortcomings in torture prevention, affecting the level of protection of human rights and freedoms. The OSCE PCUz most certainly commend Uzbekistan’s efforts in prioritizing urgent action against torture and ill-treatment.”

The training course is part of the OSCE PCUz project “Promoting the Sustainable Development of the National Human Rights System in Uzbekistan”.

473652

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) held an online seminar on the outcomes of studying a number of international conventions of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) on 14 December 2020. The event was organized in co-operation with the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, the non-governmental organization “Legal Problems Research Center”, and the Hague Conference on Private International Law.

Over 50 participants, including high-level state officials, representatives of HCCH and OSCE experts, attended the online meeting.

The main objective of the event was to discuss major research findings from the study of selected international HCCH conventions and prospects of accession to the conventions. The research was conducted by two groups of national experts invited by the PCUz. Experts who participated in the seminar put forward evidence-based recommendations and proposals that promote private international law development in Uzbekistan.

“This event is particularly significant for mainstreaming the legal framework in order to ensure the protection of property rights and integrate international best practice,” said John MacGregor, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan. “This event also contributes to the ongoing comprehensive reforms and improvement of investment climate in Uzbekistan.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded 31 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded no ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission recorded eight ceasefire violations in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 21 ceasefire violations in the region.
• A man was injured by the detonation of an explosive object in Slovianoserbsk, Luhansk region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and observed a calm situation inside all three.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable the construction of and repairs to critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations in Donetsk region and three entry-exit checkpoints and two checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM visited two border crossing points and monitored areas close to the border with the Russian Federation outside government control in Donetsk region.
• The SMM observed a calm situation in southern Kherson region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.

473847 Albanian Chairmanship online event, 16 December 2020.

Better understanding of the needs and potential of young people in public life focus of OSCE expert event

The importance of promoting youth political participation was the focus of a joint online event ‘Advancing Political Participation of Young People across the OSCE region’, hosted by the 2020 Albanian OSCE Chairmanship and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). Participants discussed the necessity to better understand the needs and contributions of young people to political and public life across the OSCE region.

The Chairperson in Office Special Representative on Youth and Security Keisi Seferi in her welcoming remarks, highlighted the fact that “Building strong democratic institutions, for as long as it´s a process, really needs the boost of young person’s participation”. Seferi also recognized that the belief in the power of voting as a driving force for democratic societies should be harnessed.

″For a democratic society to be genuinely inclusive, all segments of society must be engaged. ″ said the Chairperson of the Permanent Council, Permanent Representative of Albania to the OSCE Ambassador Igli Hasani. In acknowledging inclusivity and participation at the core of democratic rights, Ambassador Hasani recognized that stable and peaceful societies should support the needs and interests of young people. This prepares them for leadership and representation responsibilities.

“In periods of crisis, the traditional reflex is to resort to old solutions instead of having the courage the try new ideas. But there is growing frustration with this approach, and recent research shows that globally, youth satisfaction with democracy is declining,” said ODIHR’s First Deputy Director Katarzyna Gardapkhadze. “In their response to today’s crisis, institutions have a unique opportunity to build more inclusive and responsive democracies – and we must seize this opportunity.”

Augusta Featherston, ODIHR’s Youth Focal Point and Associate Democratic Governance Officer, said: “Too often, the conversation around youth political participation fails to address the responsibility democratic institutions have to be more genuinely inclusive for young people. Today’s event began to identify those institutional gaps among OSCE participating States, with the aim of supporting a more meaningful political engagement of youth across the OSCE region.”

Representatives from the participating States, OSCE Executive Structures and OSCE institutions, youth representatives, academics and representatives of international and civil society organizations attended the event.

Communication and Media Relations Section

A two-day workshop on organized crime, asset confiscation and social re-use, organized jointly by the OSCE and UNODC, took place on 15 and 16 December 2020 for beneficiaries in South-Eastern Europe.

More than 100 participants from civil society organizations, academia, youth organizations, law enforcement and asset management agencies from the region and beyond gathered for the event.

“Transnational organized crime represents one of the greatest threats to security, stability and economic growth across the OSCE region, because it systematically exploits institutional, social and economic vulnerabilities, thus creating instability, weakening our state institutions and undermining socio-economic development and prosperity,” said Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats.

The discussion aimed at raising participants’ awareness of the security threats posed to societies by organized crime, the benefits of social re-use of assets confiscated in organized crime and corruption cases, and the role that academia and, in particular, youth can play in this context.

The Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities Vuk Žugić stressed in his opening remarks the importance of the social re-use of confiscated assets. “Such practice is the best way to ensure that what has been stolen from societies is given back. This component is a powerful reflection of the effectiveness of national institutions in building prosperous societies based on the rule of law and improving the business climate.”

During the event, participants gained knowledge on organized crime; assets confiscation and social re-use, on how they can contribute to the fight against organized crime and corruption, and learned how to integrate these topics into their work. The event provided an opportunity to promote a common understanding and share experiences and best practices on the social re-use of confiscated assets.

The workshop was organized in the framework of the OSCE project on “Strengthening the fight against transnational organized crime in South-Eastern Europe through improved regional co-operation in assets seizure, confiscation, management and re-use” and the UNODC “Education for Justice Initiative”. The project is funded by the United States Department of State, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.

473820 Željka Šulc

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) organized an online roundtable discussion titled, ‘Mostar: Youth and Elections’, on 16 December 2020 involving representatives of the Youth Council of the City of Mostar, the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections Pod Lupom, and the OSCE Mission’s Youth Advisory Group, as well as other youth organizations.

The aim of the roundtable discussion was to raise awareness of youth participation in elections as an important cornerstone of democracy.  The focus was primarily on eligible voters in the city of Mostar, which has been without an elected, accountable administration for more than 12 years.

“Your vote matters. By exercising your right to vote for the candidates you believe in can best serve the interests of your communities; it will strengthen democracy in this country,” said Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, highlighting the need for young people to work together and to exercise their right to vote. “The fact is that, at the local level, joint work with youth can make a difference.”

The roundtable discussions included the Mission’s local election pledge initiative, which entails several key commitments aimed at contributing to a peaceful and fair electoral process in the local communities. They also considered the challenging mandate ahead of newly elected officials in Mostar who will face several outstanding issues requiring urgent solutions. 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was also discussed. The roundtable participants highlighted the need to encourage all voters to protect both themselves and polling station workers by wearing masks and respecting all epidemiological measures while voting.

“The possibilities of misusing an election decreases with high voter turnout,” said Kavalec. “So please treasure this right, and exercise it at liberty.” 

Kavalec concluded that the OSCE Mission to BiH will continue to work closely with the local administration to support the citizens of Mostar. 

473817 Marina Živaljević

Co-operation among forensic centres is vital in the fight against transnational and organized crime, particularly in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, was the conclusion of ‘Regional Forensic Days in Danilovgrad’, an online conference organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the national Forensic Centre of  the Police Directorate on 16 December 2020.

More than 20 participants from accredited forensic laboratories from Bosnia and Hercegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia took part in the conference and exchanged their experiences and research results on specific aspects of forensic science.

Originally planned for April, the conference was delayed and took place virtually due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To support the Forensic Centre in hosting virtual conferences, the Mission donated 10 laptops for each department together with a WebEx licence and digital forensic licences valued at almost 20,000 EUR.

Stephen Harmon, acting Programme Manager at the Mission said that today’s event served as a forum for discussing and exchanging best practices for organizing forensic examinations during this challenging period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Without your thorough scientific expertise, prosecution of serious and organized crime would be impossible,” said Harmon. He announced that the Mission will donate additional software and equipment to the Police Directorate to further support cyber-crime investigations and fight serious and organized crime. “Some of the donated equipment has already been used to organize this conference. The final package of equipment will be delivered to the Police Directorate in the forthcoming days,” said Harmon.

Aleksandar Ivanović, Head of the Forensic Centre, said that regional forensic co-operation should play a key role in identifying perpetrators. “Regional exchange of forensic data is a ‘conditio sine qua non’, or an essential action, for shedding light on cases of cross-border crime, corruption and terrorism. In addition to our good co-operation and good will, for more efficient work in conducting criminal-forensic investigations, it would be necessary to make this regional exchange official through a protocol or agreement on co-operation between our forensic institutions,” said Ivanović.

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro reinforces its commitment to supporting the Montenegrin authorities in fighting organized and serious crime.

COPENHAGEN, 16 December 2020 – Taking note of increasing violations of media freedoms in Belarus, the leadership of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s human rights committee today called on authorities in Minsk to end prosecutions and harassment of media professionals for their journalistic activities.

According to Reporters Without Borders, around 370 media professionals have been arrested since 9 August and eight are still being held. Kyriakos Hadjiyianni, Michael Link and Kari Henriksen stressed the responsibility of the government to provide an enabling space for freedom of expression so that reporters are free to conduct their work and help inform the public.

“With hundreds of press freedom violations in recent months, the environment for media professionals in Belarus has gone from bad to worse since the 9 August election,” said Hadjiyianni, Link and Henriksen in a joint statement today. “The authorities’ crackdown on reporters covering demonstrations has included prosecutions, violence and searches, as well as throttling the internet and disrupting distribution of newspapers. This media crackdown is unacceptable and must end. We urge authorities to provide journalists with a safe working environment and release those who are in detention.”

The committee leaders recalled the recommendations of the OSCE Rapporteur’s Report under the Moscow Mechanism on Alleged Human Rights Violations related to the Presidential Elections of 9 August 2020, and reiterated the need for Belarus to review criminal and administrative decisions taken against journalists and to prosecute those accused of press freedom violations in accordance with international standards.

Hadjiyianni, Link and Henriksen are the Chair, Vice-Chair and Rapporteur, respectively, of the OSCE PA’s General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions.