Central Europe

Transitional Justice in Albania Citizens understanding and perceptions of the Communist past in Albania and expectations for the future OSCE Presence, German Embassy launch project to foster public discourse about Communist past in Albania OSCE Presence supports dialogue on Albania’s totalitarian past OSCE-supported summer school on Albania’s communist past and legacy starts in Tirana

The OSCE Presence in Albania and the University of Tirana launched the Centre for Justice and Transformation – a multi-disciplinary research centre in the field of transitional justice – at an online event on 26 November 2020.

The Centre will strengthen the scientific research and debate regarding human rights violations during the Communist regime. It will also focus on the impact that transitional justice measures have in advancing human rights and democratization of institutions in Albania. The Centre is a collaboration among the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of History and Philology, and is situated in the premises of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

“We strongly believe that truth-seeking and the collection and dissemination of information on past violations are essential to creating a safe environment for the progressive promotion and protection of the human rights,” said Vincenzo Del Monaco, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, at the launch event. “As a fundamental part of Albanian society, the young generation of students and researchers have the right to participate in the national discourse on dealing with the past. Young people should be provided with the scientific methodological tools for their effective participation in better understanding Albanian history and its effects on the current society and institutional framework. This would pave the way for a society without fear and in full respect of human dignity and rights.”

Artan Hoxha, rector of the University of Tirana, also stressed the importance of young generations to being better informed about Albania’s past. He thanked the Presence for the support, and said that the Centre would serve as a basis for the three faculties involved to have an interdisciplinary programme to be finalized with a Master’s Programme in Transitional Justice.

Representatives of national and international institutions working on transitional justice, faculty deans, lecturers engaged with the project, academia members and diplomatic corps also attended the event.

The Presence initiated the establishment of the Centre as part of its broader efforts to foster research and critical inquiry in the field of transitional justice in Albania, enhance academic analysis and contribute to a better-informed public and academic discourse on how to deal with the past. The project establishing the Centre is funded by the German and Swiss governments.

Since 2015, the OSCE Presence has supported a national dialogue in Albania about the human rights violations under the Communist regime. The efforts brought together various actors and stakeholders, including former-prosecuted people and about 1,500 young people across the country. In 2017 and 2018, the Presence supported the functioning and capacity-building of the newly established authority charged with opening the files of the Communist-era secret service. In 2018, the Presence, in co-operation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, launched its support to the development of a multi-disciplinary research concept on transitional justice, and to promoting its findings.

OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

Management approaches and tools aimed at protecting oil and gas infrastructure from natural or human-made hazards was the topic of an OSCE-organized online seminar that took place on 26 and 27 November 2020.

“Disaster risk reduction, including reduction of its destructive effect on strategically important infrastructure sites, represents a critically important aspect of international co-operation,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

The two-day event brought together representatives of the Main Department of Civil Defence and Rescue Operations of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Healthcare and Medical Industry, as well as law-enforcement bodies, oil and gas agencies and other relevant institutions.

The seminar familiarized participants with international standards and best practices on assessing possible risks and developing effective preventive and response measures to hazards in the oil and gas sector.

It also provided an overview of regulations for environmental protection during construction of oil and gas wells and of international standards related to safety during extraction and processing of natural resources.

International experts facilitated discussions on the implementation of mechanisms aimed at protecting oil and gas infrastructure and promoting energy security. They also shared experiences in risk management related to extraction, production, storage and transportation of oil and gas as well as measures to prevent and respond to emergencies caused by accidents related to oil and gas infrastructure.

Measures to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks and to protect the digital future of the oil and gas sector were among the topics discussed. A representative of the Office of the Co-coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities also presented the OSCE’s information platform, 'Critical energy infrastructure', which facilitates collaboration on topics across participating States.

“Our seminar demonstrated the importance of promoting co-operation and building trust among participating States, both at interstate and interagency levels,” said Drozd. “Partnerships within the OSCE, the world’s largest regional security co-operation organization, have the vast potential to counter these evolving threats and help protect the oil and gas sector from hazards.”

471987 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized three online training courses on how to prevent corruption risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The training courses took place online from 12 to 27 November with a special emphasis on risks in the health sector and in the state procurement process. Some 15 participants from Tajik government structures and civil society participated.

The training aimed at building the capacity of government officials to be able to identify general corruption risks, focusing on state procurement process during the COVID-19 pandemic and ways to prevent them. The courses focused on procurement of medical and personal protective equipment, as well as the prevention of corruption in research and development, and increasing transparency in provision of health-care services.

Members of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations of Tajikistan on Transparency and Anti-corruption also participated and learned what their role could be in supporting governmental institutions in this process.

472011 Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan

The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, in co-operation with the National Bar Association and NGO Legal Policy Research Centre, organized the fifth National Forum of Defence Lawyers on 27 November 2020.

Some 150 lawyers from regional bar associations, parliamentarians, representatives of the Supreme Court, Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministries of Interior Affairs and of Justice, academia, as well as local and international legal experts discussed the key trends and challenges in digitalization of justice and its impact on the legal profession.

Participants discussed issues of the ‘online’ delivery of justice during the pandemic, related fair trial safeguards, and guarantees for the independence of the legal profession in the digital era.  They shared their views on the role of digital communications in connection with attorney-client privilege and confidentiality.

A lawyer from the German Federal Bar highlighted the benefits of special e-mail boxes for lawyers, while representatives of Bar Associations from the Russian Federation and Ukraine shared their experiences in digital transformation and related internal regulations. An international expert from the United Kingdom spoke about the work of online courts and related proceedings in England and Wales. Particular attention was paid to the development of ICT services in law enforcement and the judiciary in Kazakhstan.

The forum, which this year was held online, is part of the Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to strengthen the rule of law and support criminal justice reform in the host country.

471951

The Strategic Police Matters Unit of the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department (SPMU) presented the achievements and lessons learned from the four-year extra budgetary project on Intelligence-led Policing (ILP) during the project’s concluding conference on 26 November 2020.

Petrika Jorgji, Co-ordinator of the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship Task Force; Ambassador Anne-Kirsti Karlsen, Permanent Representative of the Delegation of Norway to the OSCE; and Rainer Konrad, Military Adviser of the Permanent Mission of Germany to the OSCE, as representatives of the main financial contributors to the project, welcomed some 130 participants from beneficiary countries as well as partner international organizations such as INTERPOL, EUROPOL, the EU’s Agency for Law Enforcement Training, and the EU’s Advisory Missions, to the online meeting.

Hans-Juergen Pechtl, Assistant Director of Criminal Analysis Sub-directorate of INTERPOL, said: “The Guidebook is an excellent managerial and policy tool which provides guidance on ILP implementation at the national level. Here at INTERPOL we frequently use the OSCE Guidebook in our trainings and we stand ready to collaborate in the future.”

Over the past four years, the OSCE Guidebook on ILP has been translated into 10 languages, 19 national and regional events were conducted and some 550 law enforcement officers and governmental officials of 35 OSCE participating States and 8 Partners for Co-operation were trained on ILP. The OSCE promotes ILP as a modern proactive policing tool that uses information and data for evidence-based decision-making and planning, leading to more effective and efficient police work.

During the conference, representatives of beneficiary countries presented evaluations of their national ILP programmes as well as concrete future ILP needs. SPMU representatives presented the results of the ILP Needs Assessment Questionnaire and the new extra-budgetary project on ILP for 2021–2023. The new project will shift from awareness-raising towards more capacity-building and technical assistant activities.

Guy Vinet, Head of SPMU, concluded: “ILP is a journey and it is important to remember that the starting point for this journey lies in policing — providing a safe and secure environment for the public. ILP is a tool to provide the best service to your citizens.”

Conciliation as a flexible method for the peaceful settlement of disputes was the focus of a webinar held on 13 November 2020, and the launch of the book, Flexibility in International Dispute Settlement – Conciliation Revisited, which was edited by Christian Tomuschat (former President of the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE and Member of the Court’s current Bureau) and Marcelo Kohen (Professor of International Law at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva).

The event was organized by the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE, in collaboration with the Graduate Institute in Geneva.

“The aim of this event is simple: to demonstrate that this Court constitutes a hidden treasure whose advantages should finally be acknowledged,” said Tomuschat in his opening remarks.

He mentioned conciliation being at the crossroad of judicial tradition and diplomacy. “Conciliation does not aim at ensuring legal perfectionism; it looks rather for a pragmatic solution within a legal framework. From this perspective, conciliators should embody at the same time the qualities of a judge and a politician, personalities who are able to look beyond the legal horizon without, however, yielding to the pressure of the relevant facts.”

The launch of the book, Flexibility in International Dispute Settlement – Conciliation Revisited, which draws on materials from a symposium held in October 2018 in Geneva, was followed by a panel discussion that explored different experiences and possibilities of conciliation in inter-state disputes.

Kohen said that conciliation was still largely unknown even among jurists and he asked about the collective responsibility in the different roles that actors played, be in the academic and diplomatic world, or as members of jurisdictional bodies, to fill the knowledge gap.

Speakers of the panel discussion included Emmanuel Decaux, current President of the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE, Professor emeritus, University of Paris II, Panthéon-Assas; Marc Bossuyt, President emeritus, Constitutional Court of Belgium Professor emeritus, University of Antwerp, Member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; Marie Jacobsson, Ambassador, Principal Legal Adviser on International Law, Sweden’s Foreign Ministry; Guido Raimondi, President of the Social Chamber, Court of Cassation, Italy, Former President of the European Court of Human Rights; and Hélène Ruiz Fabri, Director of the Max Planck Institute Luxembourg for International, European and Regulatory Procedural Law.

The Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE, which is based in Geneva, provides a set of mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes between States. The Court was established by the Convention of Stockholm which entered into force on 5 December 1994. To date, 34 States have ratified the Convention.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded one ceasefire violation in Donetsk region and four in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded five ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and none in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable repairs to as well as the maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at seven entry-exit checkpoints and five checkpoints of the armed formations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

SUMMARY

On 26 November at 07:19 (Moscow time), the ninety-eighth[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 17:04 on 26 November.

DETAIL

Leaving the Russian Federation

On 26 November at 07:19, 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. Two trucks were civilian and four 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 07:19, 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. Two dogs were present and used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside. One Russian Federation border guard took photos and another one videoed the convoy crossing.

Three Ukrainian border guards and two customs officers were observed accompanying their Russian counterparts; they also performed a visual observation of the vehicles from the outside (without entering the trucks’ cargo space). By 07:30, all seven vehicles had left the BCP towards Ukraine.

Returning to the Russian Federation

At 16:53, 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. Two dogs were present and used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside. By 17:04, all seven vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation.

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

Head of Presence’s remarks at online workshop on re-use of confiscated criminal assets, 24 November 2020

The importance of the social re-use of assets recovered from organized crime and corruption as a public good, and the potential lever it creates to reduce crime and corruption was the focus of an online workshop the OSCE held for participants from Albania on 24 November 2020. The event brought together law enforcement practitioners and representatives of the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets, local and international civil society organizations and academia.

This event was the first in a series of national workshops organized as part of an extra-budgetary project to strengthen the fight against transnational organized crime in South-East Europe through improved regional co-operation in asset seizure, confiscation, management and re-use. The OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities are jointly implementing the project.

Opening the workshop, Vincenzo del Monaco, Head of OSCE Presence in Albania, said: “I am convinced that a regional perspective and approach is paramount when tackling the multi-faceted subject of today’s exercise. The OSCE, for its own nature, is in an ideal position to facilitate this exchange of views and experiences among key actors.”

Over the course of the workshop, participants explored the opportunities and challenges in the current social re-use system in the country, relevant provisions in the legislative framework, the models used in other countries, and potential measures to address existing gaps.

The United States Ambassador to Albania, Yuri Kim, said: “When countries are successful at identifying and seizing illicitly-obtained assets, it not only targets criminals where it hurts the most — their dirty money making – but it also discourages criminal activity. Those assets can be responsibly repurposed to advance social good and demonstrate to the public that fighting organized crime is a responsibility shared by all, because it affects all of us.”

Luigi Soreca, the European Union’s Ambassador to Albania, said: “The fight against organized crime and corruption is a key priority for Albania on its path towards European integration. We are proud to have helped Albania in establishing the first social enterprises that make use of confiscated assets, an unprecedented undertaking not only in Albania but in the region as well. We see it as an important victory of civil society against organized crime, sending the clear message that what is stolen can and should be given back to society.”

Albania’s Deputy Interior Minister, Besfort Lamallari, outlining recent reforms and enhanced inter-agency co-operation, added: “Criminal asset recovery, including social re-use serves as the perfect example of turning the tables, by giving back to the society and affected crime victims what has been taken away from them by criminals. In the fight against organized crime and corruption, the government and law enforcement agencies are in the forefront, but citizens, both individually and collectively, have and can play an indispensable role. The symbolic message of social re-use of confiscated criminal assets is clear enough to anyone misled by or prone to wrong calculations or perceptions of easy money, with little or no risks. Crime doesn't pay!"

The project is financially supported by the United States Department of State, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.

OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

Enhancing co-operation on human rights promotion and protection was the focus of an OSCE-organized online seminar that took place on 25 and 26 November 2020.

Experts from Serbia, United Kingdom and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights provided an overview of models of national human rights institutions (NHRI) and shared experiences of co-operation between NHRI and government structures.

“The institute of the Ombudsperson is one of the most important national human rights institutions in charge of promoting fundamental human rights and freedoms,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“As ensuring human rights and fundamental freedoms is a key component of the OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security, the Organization is attaching particular importance to the creation and strengthening of these institutions.”

The seminar also addressed the legal basis for the establishment of the Business Ombudsman and operating models, role and functions of this institution. Participants discussed challenges and objectives of the Ombudsperson during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized the importance of the NHRI and its co-operation with government bodies in time of public emergency.

“Today’s seminar marks successful continuation of the Centre’s co-operation with the Office of the Ombudsperson of Turkmenistan launched in the first year of the existence of the Office and we believe that seminars addressing various aspects of NHRI’s activities contribute to the strengthening of the Ombudsperson’s Office and enhancing its co-operation with government institutions,” added Drozd. 

The two-day event brought together  representatives from the Ombudsperson’s Office, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, Ministry of Education, the Mejlis (parliament), the Bar Association, the Ministry of the Interior, the Supreme Court and other law-enforcement bodies and relevant agencies.

Communication and Media Relations Section

Enhancing economic connectivity perspectives and the operationalization of Euro-Asian inland transport links (EATL) were the focus of virtual consultations held by the OSCE and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) on 26 November 2020.

The event brought together over 140 delegates from more than 30 countries across the Euro-Asian region engaged in transport corridor management. Representatives of Ministries of transport, trade, customs and border management authorities, infrastructure managers, operators and private sector practitioners managing freight flows, independent corridor management experts, researchers, and academia also attended.

Based on the findings of the “Euro-Asian Transport Links project Phase III Report”, participants discussed the challenges and available solutions for making inland Euro-Asian transport operational and commercially more attractive. Participants shared information on existing inter-governmental and public-private sector stakeholder co-ordination mechanisms in the region and discussed options for expanding and strengthening them.

Vuk Žugić, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, emphasized the significance of the “Euro-Asian Transport Links project” for the economic connectivity and social stability of the region. “For its operationalization, not only technical know-how but also political will and co-operation is required,” said Žugić.

Žugić said that the OSCE remains committed to facilitate meaningful and inclusive dialogue, especially in improving the co-ordination and effectiveness of national and international efforts in addressing the remaining challenges for more effective Euro-Asian inland transport connectivity. “The Euro-Asian Transport Links corridors can play an instrumental role in improving the conditions for trade, leading ultimately to socioeconomic development and strengthening peace, security and stability in the region,” he said.

Yuwei Li, UNECE Director of the Sustainable Transport Division: “The UNECE`s EATL Project, launched in 2002, has contributed significantly towards making Euro-Asian inland transport a reality.” 

Among others, the project has led to the identification of nine rail and nine road links, 17 water transport links, 52 inland river ports and 70 maritime ports.  Over 300 infrastructure investment projects with a total cost of US$215 billion have been identified for prioritization.  “ While significant progress has been made in recent years, more action is needed to make the Euro-Asian inland transport networks truly operational and economically thriving,” said Li.

This event is part of a series of events co-organized by the UNECE Sustainable Transport Division, in the framework of EATL, and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. The OSCE has been providing political and practical support to the UNECE’s Euro-Asian Transport Links project since 2006.

COPENHAGEN, 26 November 2020 – One week before the Ministerial Council, the OSCE’s central decision-making body, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli addressed ambassadors at today’s Permanent Council meeting in Vienna. Noting that it has now been 30 years since governments came together to adopt the Charter of Paris for a New Europe and promote relations founded on respect and co-operation, he stressed that the OSCE must reach its potential to help build a safer and more stable future.

“While an increasing number of transnational and global threats are confronting the OSCE community and threatening our common security, we must empower the organization with the resources and political support it urgently needs to address old and new challenges,” Tsereteli said.

He regretted that the OSCE area remains plagued by confrontation and division and that the limited political-level engagement in the organization has led to a leadership vacuum in the executive structures.

“As we scan all around the OSCE region, despite the good work that the organization has done on the ground, in particular in the field presences, but also in the politico-military dimension, it seems that several participating States have largely failed to live up to this pledge,” he said.

The outbreak of war over Nagorno-Karabakh has been a painful reminder of the urgency in resolving protracted conflicts, he said, noting that it is now crucial that the sides commit to allowing the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees and reaching a long-term and comprehensive settlement. “As the ceasefire continues to hold, I truly hope it will offer an opportunity for serious negotiations that might finally lead to a long-lasting peace,” he said.

He noted that it is important to also keep attention focused on other conflicts in the OSCE region. “In Ukraine and in Georgia,” he said, “we need to see a continuation of serious negotiations, including of discussions at the highest level to facilitate peaceful breakthroughs that can alleviate the suffering of civilians trapped in the conflict zones.”

Tsereteli called the situation in Georgia “unacceptable,” noting that failure to implement the August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, continued military occupation, intensified borderization, and the division of local communities continues to endanger the health and lives of populations affected by the conflict.

He also reiterated calls to fully restore Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

The President discussed post-election events in Belarus, noting that the PA has expressed concern over the excessive use of force. “I am deeply troubled at the intensifying violence, with reports of several deaths, despite the overwhelmingly peaceful nature of the demonstrations in the past 100 days,” Tsereteli said.

Tsereteli informed the ambassadors of the outcomes of the PA’s series of Parliamentary Web Dialogues this year, as well as its efforts to resume election observation activities after a hiatus in the spring and summer due to the pandemic. With observers deployed to Montenegro at the end of August, and more recently to Georgia and the United States, he noted that the PA also plans to observe upcoming elections in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

“The readiness of our parliamentarians to actively take part in these missions is yet another reminder of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s dedication to help governments live up to their human rights commitments,” he said.

Looking ahead to the Ministerial Council next week, Tsereteli pointed out that given the multiplicity of challenges the OSCE has been entrusted with, it is urgent that foreign ministers come together and provide decisive leadership to fully enable the organization to accomplish its mission.

In the question and answer session of the President’s remarks, ambassadors expressed appreciation for the Assembly’s work in a number of areas, including the attention it pays to people in conflict zones, gender issues, and its efforts to build dialogue within Belarus between the government and the opposition. The PA’s role as a platform for mutual respectful and constructive dialogue on pressing issues facing the OSCE was noted, as well as its role in promoting adherence to international commitments.

For President Tsereteli’s full remarks to the Permanent Council, please click here.

VIENNA/NICOSIA, 26 November 2020 — Under the auspices of the Cyprus Media Dialogue project, the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) organized an online event today to conclude the second exchange opportunity for journalists from the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities.

The project, closely developed with the Cyprus Journalists’ Union, the Basin-Sen/Press Workers’ Union and the Turkish Cypriot Journalists’ Union, aims to encourage co-operation between media outlets and journalists, and to advance accountable, quality journalism.

Today’s online event gathered representatives from all three Cypriot journalist unions and the 15 selected journalists who took part in the exchange programme, to highlight its usefulness and discuss lessons learned.

Tasked with preparing articles, photo stories, audio/video reports, or commentaries on a local topic of their choice, Greek Cypriot journalists worked in a Turkish Cypriot media outlet, and Turkish Cypriot journalists worked in a Greek Cypriot media outlet during the exchange in 2019. The results of the exchange can be viewed in an online news exhibition.

“Co-operation is paramount to enable a diverse media environment and to ensure the free flow of information,” said Jürgen Heissel, Director of the Office of the OSCE RFoM. “The activities under this project contribute to this cause by providing media content about the life of both communities to the Cypriot public. Whilst enhancing the understanding of everyday life across the island, the exchange opportunity also enables professional networking and the sharing of best practices from the newsroom.”

He added: “The Office of the OSCE RFoM remains committed to continuing the fruitful co-operation that has been established and to implementing joint activities with the island’s journalist unions.”

More information about the Cyprus Media Dialogue project can be found here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/cyprus-dialogue.

471906 Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan

An OSCE-supported international online conference entitled “Preventing Gender-based Violence against Women and Strengthening Women's Access to Justice” to mark the global campaign on 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence concluded on 26 November 2020.

The event was jointly organized by the National Commission for Women, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (National Commission), the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund, and Ne Molchi (Don’t Stay Silent) Public Fund. Some 80 members of the National Commission, representatives of the central state bodies, international organizations, employees of the regional Commissions for Women, Family and Demographic Policy, and heads of Crisis Centers took part in the event.

Key speakers led discussions on the best international practices in preventing domestic violence, issues related to the interagency response to domestic violence, activities of the crisis centers and effectiveness of the measures to prevent and combat violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Fighting violence is one of the priorities of our government. Domestic violence has negative consequences on society and country’s development. All measures taken by Kazakhstan are aimed at creating zero tolerance for violence against women and children, said Lazzat Ramazanova, Chairperson of the National Commission in her opening remarks.

“In Kazakhstan, more than 500 applications are received every day by the police on family and domestic conflicts that is why protection and support from the state, international foundations, and non-governmental organizations should reach every family. It is necessary to carry out comprehensive, systematic work, both with survivors of violence and with aggressors. The only way to stop violence is to unite efforts and combat it together,” stated Dina Smailova, human rights activist and one of the leaders of the Ne Molchi International Movement.

In its efforts to tackle and mitigate gender-based violence, in 2020 the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan built capacity of Crisis Centers in eight regions of Kazakhstan by providing additional premises and hiring experts to provide comprehensive assistance to individuals subjected to domestic violence.

The conference is a part of the Programme Office’s multi-year effort to assist the host country and civil society in preventing and combating domestic violence and in raising public awarness on the issue.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded five ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and none in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded two ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and none in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable repairs to and the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at six entry-exit checkpoints and three checkpoints of the armed formations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Bezimenne and Olenivka, Donetsk region.*

KYIV, 25 November  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:

“According to the assessments of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, the ceasefire continues to be generally respected.

However, two civilians have been recently wounded as a consequence of shelling in the conflict zone. This was the first such occurrence since 27 July 2020.

I urge the sides to do their utmost to respect the ceasefire.

These issues were in the focus of the Security Working Group's discussion on the overall situation in the conflict zone. In addition, the functioning of measures to strengthen the ceasefire and the coordination mechanism for responding to its violations were considered.

Owing to divergent views, the Political Working Group was unable to advance in developing a draft action plan in full compliance with the Minsk Agreements. Progress on this issue requires constructiveness and willingness to compromise.

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

The deliberations also concerned the issues of search for missing persons, as well as mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees. On the eve of the New Year and Christmas celebrations, progress in this respect could be a significant humanitarian gesture.

The Economic Working Group focused on water supplies across the contact line in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Environmental issues were also discussed, as well as pension payments and social and other services for Ukrainian citizens residing in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.”

471768 Communication and Media Relations Section

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an immediate reduction in energy demand and carbon emissions and has curbed investments across the sector with uncertain consequences for the energy transition, state participants of the Third Vienna Energy Strategy Dialogue titled “Implications of the global energy transition” held virtually on 24 November 2020 from Vienna.

The OSCE, the World Energy Council Austria, Ernst & Young and the Federation of Austrian Industries hosted the event which focused on the socio-economic implications of the global energy transition, and geopolitical and security challenges in the new energy landscape.

The leading international forum for stakeholders of the energy sector brought together more than 100 high-level participants from politics, industry, science and civil society to share experiences and ideas on safe, affordable and environmentally responsible energy systems.

“The pandemic is giving governments and companies around the world the unique opportunity to rethink our current energy production and consumption patterns, and to design a more inclusive and sustainable energy future,” said Vuk Žugić, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.

Participants noted that energy consumers and producers across the OSCE region are adapting to major changes, ranging from depressed demand for hydrocarbons and new power consumption patterns from a public confined at home, to a hastened digitalization across sectors and affordability issues arising from the sudden economic decline.

“The tremendous challenges we have been facing can only be addressed collectively,” said Žugić. “The OSCE thus remains committed to facilitating the dialogue and transnational co-operation needed to ensure that energy security is safeguarded, now and in the coming years.”

Dr. Michael Strugl, President of WEC Austria, elaborated that “the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to a demand disruption in the energy sector. Geopolitical tensions make energy security of countries relying on energy imports uncertain.”

During the first panel, keynote speakers Dr Angela Wilkinson (WEC), Dr. Ayed S. Al-Qahtani (OPEC) and Prof. Nebojsa Nakicenovic (IIASA) shared their insights on the socio-economic implications of the global energy transition. Amongst other, the speakers addressed topics such as demand disruption and the future of oil and gas in a pandemic-stricken world; access and affordability during the economic crisis; and low-carbon stimulus spending in the post-COVID energy sector.

Mr. Brent Wanner (IEA), Mr. Gottfried Tonweber (EY) and Dr. Jonathan Koomey delivered a keynote speech each during the second panel, which addressed the geopolitical and security challenges in the new energy landscape. Key topics addressed were energy security and network resilience in the age of decarbonization and digitalization; the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on global energy geopolitics; and the role of information technology in leading the energy transition.

TIRANA / VIENNA / WARSAW, 25 November 2020 - On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, OSCE leaders called on participating States to increase their efforts and resources to combat violence against women and girls, particularly in times of crises.

They urged to treat gender-based violence as a priority, because it increases during conflict and other crises, including the current COVID-19 pandemic. They noted that the ongoing health crisis has led to a rise in all types of violence against women and girls, especially domestic violence.

Chairperson of the Permanent Council Ambassador Igli Hasani noted that women’s empowerment alone is no guarantee in effectively combating gender-based violence and violence against women. Ambassador Hasani emphasized the crucial need to also involve men and boys in efforts to eliminate this phenomenon. Hasani praised the work the OSCE is doing in this regard, but called for more concerted efforts between governments, civil society, women´s organizations, youth representatives and the private sector to effect positive change in community attitudes and practices related to violence against women.

OSCE leaders stressed that more needs to be done to respond with targeted and effective actions to all forms of gender-based violence and to ensure that women and girls are guaranteed their most fundamental right to safety.

OSCE Officer in Charge/Secretary General Tuula Yrjölä warned that the COVID-19 pandemic is reversing the hard-won progress on advancing gender equality. “Participating States should increase efforts and take additional measures to implement the strong commitments on preventing and combating violence against women, to protect and support women in conflict settings and other crisis situations,” Yrjölä said.

The OSCE-led survey on gender-based violence in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe shows that conflict and crisis exacerbate enduring patterns of violence against women, thereby impeding progress towards comprehensive security for all.

According to the survey published last year, conflict-related violence has lifetime consequences on women affected by it. Overall, 81% of women in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, who faced gender-based violence in conflict, suffered from a long-term psychological effects.

The devastating effect of violence against women also has a lasting impact on wider society as it can prevent survivors from contributing their skills and knowledge to their full potential.

“This year of lockdowns and quarantines has seen an increase in violence against women, as their exposure to abuse at the hands of an intimate partner or family member has risen and their ability to get the support they need has diminished,” said Katarzyna Gardapkhadze, ODIHR’s First Deputy Director. “While support services for victims are vital, our main aim should be prevention. We need to provide support to victims, but above all we need to work towards preventing violence against women before it happens, and in that we all have a key role to play – both women and men.”

Communication and Media Relations Section

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department’s Action against Terrorism Unit, in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organized an online train-the-trainer course from 23 to 25 November 2020, with the aim of strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) capacities in countering the financing of terrorism.

Senior experts and practitioners from the Ministry of Security of BiH, the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH, the State Investigation and Protection Agency, the Ministry of Interior of the Federation of BiH, and the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska took part in the course.

Together with the OSCE lead trainers, participants co-produced scenario-based exercises, adapting the OSCE-UNODC training courses on countering terrorist financing to the needs of BiH. Participants also learned how to facilitate presentations and discussions with representatives from multiple agencies at the upcoming training courses.

As part of a sustainable training programme delivered by the OSCE and the UNODC, the senior experts participating in the train-the-trainer courses, jointly with the OSCE and UNODC lead trainers, will go on to train further experts from relevant authorities in BiH in the coming years.

The multi-year training programme on countering terrorist financing aims to increase the country’s capacity to detect and combat terrorist financing and strengthen compliance with international standards in this area. These international standards are embedded in relevant international conventions, UN Security Council Resolutions, UN norms, OSCE commitments that promote human rights-based approaches in countering terrorist financing, the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) and interpretive notes.  

The train-the-trainer course emphasized the key role of inter-agency and international co-operation and of multi-stakeholder approaches in countering terrorist financing.

471735 Marina Živaljević

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro has joined the worldwide campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence”, that runs annually from 25 November, the International Day against Violence against Women, to 10 December, International Human Rights Day.

To mark the 16 days of activism, the Mission, in partnership with the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro, produced three TV spots for national TV stations and social networks. 

The objective of the campaign is to illustrate the unequal distribution of power, underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions, limited access to resources, financial dependence and the consequences of violence against women.

Tea Dakić, psychiatry specialist in the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, Maja Raičević, executive director of the NGO Centre for Women’s Rights and Fana Delija, executive director of the NGO Centre for Roma Initiatives appear in the videos, as women in the fight for zero tolerance against gender-based violence.

This year’s Mission campaign relies on the OSCE-led Survey on the Well-being and Safety of Women, conducted in 2018 in South-Eastern and Eastern Europe, that provides comparable data on different forms of violence women experience in their childhood and throughout the course of their lives. In Montenegro, it included a representative survey of 1,227 women aged 18 to 74.

Joining the global campaign, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro shows its commitment to promote gender equality and to stand with its partner, the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights, to contribute to a society of zero tolerance towards gender-based violence.