Central Europe

The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan supported a contest on promoting “green” organizations that took place on 20 November 2020 in Nur-Sultan.

Some 40 representatives from the Parliament, the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources, the business sector, and international and non-governmental organizations participated in the event on site and via video conference. The event focused on promoting organizations with leading green practices and encouraging companies and their office employees countrywide to adopt sustainable environmental practices in their daily work.

The contest ran from 1 June to 30 October with results announced on 20 November 2020. Winners included government institutions, private companies, civil society and international organizations from across Kazakhstan. The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan in partnership with the Coalition for Green Economy and G-Global Development.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s long-term effort to promote the green economy in the host country and sustainable development principles in strengthening environmental security.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded seven ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and one 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 and observed a calm situation in all three areas.
• 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 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including at an entry-exit checkpoint (EECP) and two checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region and three EECPs and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a railway station in government-controlled Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region.*

VIENNA, 19 November 2020 – The promotion of freedom of information during health crises and the state of media freedom in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia were the focus of the two-day 17th OSCE South Caucasus Media Conference, which concluded today.

The annual event, which was held online and organized by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), brought together journalists, media experts, civil society and government representatives to discuss prospects and challenges in the media landscape in the South Caucasus region.

In particular, participants exchanged views concerning the implications for access to, and the free flow of, information resulting from emergency measures undertaken by governments in the region to protect human health and counter “fake news”. Participants emphasized that the media has a crucial role to play in providing information on public health issues, especially in times of a pandemic, and to counter false information. They said that the authorities should avoid taking disproportionate steps that would impede the work of journalists. 

“We have been living in times when the whole world is affected by a health crisis, with the COVID-19 pandemic having caused serious disruptions to our everyday lives,” said Jürgen Heissel, Director of the Office of the OSCE RFoM. “Although the effects of the pandemic and their implications for our societies are far-reaching and may last into the coming years, it is important to ensure that the measures to protect human safety conform strictly to international human rights standards, including those on freedom of expression and freedom of the media, and comply with the principles of legality and proportionality.”

Among other things, participants also discussed the issues of safety and security of media workers; the influence of the internet on the continued changes in media landscape; and other developments affecting media pluralism and diversity, as well as the ability of media outlets to fulfil their activities freely.

More information on the conference can be found here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/470367

Jeff Bieley Edita Buçaj

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 19 November 2020 – The OSCE Mission concluded today the first phase of its project "Mental Health of Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic." The project, implemented in co-operation with Education and Management in Kosovo (EDUMEN-K), a non-governmental organization specialized in providing support to the education sector, included training for teachers on how to alleviate mental health issues among students as a consequence of school closures and isolation due to public health measures.

According to research conducted by the University of Pristina on the effects of COVID-19 in education, 65.4% of students reported moderate stress levels due to the lockdown in the spring, whereas 26.9% reported high-stress levels. The Association of Psychiatrists also stated that COVID-19 might have long-term negative effects on human psychology in Kosovo. 

“The rapid closure of educational facilities as well as the urgent need to shift from classroom to online learning was one of the biggest challenges the education sector has ever faced. Moreover, students of all ages, both young women and men, had their in-person contact discontinued and lost the physical presence of their peers. These challenges have burdened young people and inevitably caused stress and possible mental and emotional health problems,” said Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.  

“Through training the teachers on how to deal with students’ stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, we aim to minimize the level of consequences that potentially students might have later,” said Braathu.

Over 400 teachers from all municipalities and communities Kosovo-wide were trained in this first phase. Training sessions included: basic knowledge about stress, stress management and strategies for preventing the consequences of stress after the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon completion of the training, selected teachers will be able to organize and lead stress management activities for students in their schools.

The second phase of the project is underway and will be completed by December 2020.

OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

An OSCE-organized webinar on the use of modern instruments in the digital information environment took place on 19 November 2020 in Ashgabat. The event brought together representatives of Turkmenistan’s key ministries and state institutions as well as journalists from the country’s leading print, broadcast and online media.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the webinar to contribute to advancing the knowledge of communication specialists and media professionals about opportunities available on the digital information market and enhance their skills in using modern instruments of communication in their daily work.

“Access to information is an important pre-condition for strengthening citizen participation in public life,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre. “It is our hope that such webinars will equip communication specialists and journalists with modern instruments which will help them enhance the channels of communication, increase their coverage and better understand the target audiences.”

During the webinar, experts from Poland and the Russian Federation provided an overview of media channels in digital markets and instruments for different stakeholders, , including media, companies and press services, and relations between participants of the digital communication market and instruments for interaction with the public on the Internet.

Participants reviewed the distinctive features of the digital information age and public expectations from different participants of the information market. . Discussions were also held on how journalists and press officers use social media networks and messengers in their work.

Experts stressed the important role of press services and media in providing information about COVID-19 pandemic and relevant preventive measures, including through the use .of modern instruments of communication,

The event was organized as part of the Centre’s project “Support in strengthening professional skills of journalists and communications specialists from state institutions”.

470919

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro delivered a set of desktop computers with additional equipment to the media outlet Portal Analitika on 19 November 2020 in Podgorica. This is only a part of the donation planned, with a second part to be delivered when the epidemiological situation in the country will allow. The activity is part of the Mission’s efforts to strengthen private media in Montenegro and contribute to their further professionalization and adaption to the challenges of digitalization.  

“In a rapidly digitalizing world, it is of utmost importance for journalists to keep up with the latest technological trends, to further improve their journalistic work through use of digital tools to provide the public with high quality content,” said Maryse Daviet, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro.

She underlined that there are a myriad of media formats and for media houses to stay competitive, they need technological tools to produce relevant and reliable information. “The Mission supports private and public service media in Montenegro in their efforts to stay competitive and sustainable,” said Daviet.

Tinka Đuranović, Executive Director of Portal Analitika, expressed her gratitude for the donation and described it as extremely important and useful for the editorial office. “Computers with a quality configuration will enable journalists and editors to use more advanced platforms and services for creating and placing visual content,” said Đuranović.

The challenges to working conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic make using new platforms and upgrading technical equipment even more important. The Mission remains committed to supporting media professionalization in Montenegro.

OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized an event to mark the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality status gained by Turkmenistan back in 1995. The first in a series of OSCE-organized online lectures for university students in Turkmenistan took place from 18 to 20 November 2020.

Over 30 students and teaching staff of the International Relations and Law Departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Institute of International Relations and International University for Humanity and Development attended lectures delivered by a professor from the Netherlands.

The lectures focused on the history of neutrality and security of small states, the nature of preventive diplomacy, and negotiation. International expert introduced participants to the profession of diplomacy and facilitated discussions on how culture and language can influence the negotiation process.

“By maintaining friendly, impartial, and mutually beneficial relations, neutral Turkmenistan has made many significant achievements within this status, one of the pillars of which is preventive diplomacy,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. “We organized this course to introduce future diplomats to insightful perspectives on neutrality and preventive diplomacy”.

“Turkmenistan’s adherence to preventive diplomacy principles is crucial as it will enhance the country’s valued contribution to stability and sustainable development in the region and beyond,” added Drozd.

A high-level career diplomat from Italy will deliver the second series, which will take place from 24 to 26 November 2020. Topics will include the evolution of European security following the Cold War, the value of neutrality, and protracted conflicts in the OSCE region. Students will discuss issues of national minorities and challenges of integrating diverse societies.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded two 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 and observed a calm situation in all three areas.
• 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 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including at an entry-exit checkpoint (EECP) and three checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region and three EECPs and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM observed a calm situation in south-east and south Kherson region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Kreminets, Donetsk region.*

Željka Šulc

Political parties, coalitions, and independent candidates participating in the 2020 local elections in the City of Mostar scheduled on 20 December 2020 signed an election pledge on 18 November 2020, promising to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process. The election pledge was developed by representatives of the Mostar City Election Commissions, civil society organizations and political subjects registered for 2020 local elections in Mostar, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The political subjects agreed to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process, which adheres to the basic principles of integrity and fairness, and upholds several key democratic principles, such as respecting the legality of elections, avoiding exerting political pressure on voters, and refraining from using inflammatory rhetoric.

“I am happy to see that citizens of Mostar will finally have an opportunity to exercise their democratic right. Local elections are especially important because this level of authority is usually the one that has the most impact on BiH citizens’ daily lives,” said Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission. “The OSCE Mission to BiH remains ready to support all reform processes and initiatives aimed at enhancing democracy, but true progress depends on the willingness of politicians to compromise and reach consensus to the benefit of all citizens. It is up to the signatories to bring the promises in these pledges to life and to stand by the promises they make with them.”

Political subjects in 26 local communities[1] across BiH have previously signed the election pledge.  This initiative is part of the wider efforts of the OSCE Mission, within its mandate, to support free, fair, and credible elections in the country.

[1] The 26 communities where election pledges have been signed are: Bihać, Bijeljina, Bileća, Brčko, Foča, Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje, Gradačac, Istočna Ilidža, Jajce, Kiseljak, Kostajnica, Livno, Novi Travnik, Odžak, Prijedor, Prozor, Sanski Most, Srebrenica, Srebrenik, Stolac, Teslić, Tomislavgrad, Trebinje, Visoko, Višegrad and Zenica.

Željka Šulc

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) digitally launched the report “Responses to COVID 19 pandemic - Human Rights and Gender Analysis” today, 18 November 2020.

This report examines whether gender and human rights considerations were sufficiently taken into account when developing the crisis response and looks into the negative consequences of certain measures on vulnerable communities. The report also discusses the impact of the crisis response on human rights and fundamental freedoms, the economic activity of citizens, and on rights to social protection.

“The battle to contain COVID-19 has impacted everyone, but certain groups have been more impacted by pandemic-related restrictions than others,” said Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. “In tackling the pandemic, certain policy decisions taken by BiH authorities had a disproportionate impact on more vulnerable sectors of the population.  It is critical to learn from this experience to guide the development and implementation of future measures.”

The report shows that some emergency measures in BiH raised serious human rights concerns – concerns that have also tested other democracies. For instance, the complete prohibition on movement for persons over 65 years of age and, in the Federation of BiH, under 18, was found to be a violation of the right of freedom of movement and declared unconstitutional by the BiH Constitutional Court on 22 April 2020.  In an urgent pandemic situation, it is not unreasonable to temporarily curtail certain freedoms in the interest of bringing the disease under control. However, the potential unintended consequences of certain measures on vulnerable populations was not sufficiently taken into account.  For example, the disproportionate effects these measures had on gender equality was not considered, nor what their impact on different categories of men and women would be.

These outcomes suggest an insufficient understanding of human rights-based responses and the lack of proper gender analysis, as well as a general lack of awareness on the need for more systemic inclusion of cross-cutting issues in an emergency response.

The OSCE Mission report provides recommendations for how to improve an emergency response in the future. This complex situation calls upon experts, practitioners, and academia to continue to collaborate, record, analyse, and learn from the experiences BiH is going through.

This report is part of the OSCE Mission to BiH wider efforts in increasing awareness of the importance of gender, diversity, and human rights in the official pandemic response.

470751

The importance of the inclusion of persons with disabilities within society was focus of an online event held on 17 November 2020. The OSCE in Uzbekistan, in co-operation with the Association of Disabled People of Uzbekistan, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and several international experts on the field of rights of persons with disabilities organized the seminar.

The event gathered over 50 representatives from the civil society of Uzbekistan and from across the OSCE region, Experts and speakers exchanged their views and best practices on how to promote and protect persons with disabilities and how the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can be key in further strengthening their rights.

Oybek Isakov, Chairperson of the Association of Disabled People of Uzbekistan, said: “This year, exactly 11 years passed since Uzbekistan signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. At the present time, the process of preparation for the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is under way, and this process should not be delayed since the ratification of the convention is the first step towards creating an inclusive society.”

“At the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), we believe the right to equal participation of persons with disabilities has a prominent place in the OSCE Human Dimension Commitments, because inclusive, strong democracies depend on the active participation of all citizens”, said Meaghan Fitzgerald, Acting Head of Democratization Department at ODIHR.

John MacGregor, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, said during his opening speech: “The PCUz is gradually increasing its activities in the field of rights of persons with disabilities. This year, on top of this very important event, for example, our office has translated OSCE/ODIHR materials into Uzbek language, which will enable persons with disabilities throughout Uzbekistan to better familiarize themselves with their rights. We are also in the process of printing the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the newly-adopted law on the rights of persons with disabilities in the Braille format. In partnership with ODIHR, the Association and a social scientist consultant, we are also conducting a survey analysis on the question of the access to the Parliament for persons with disabilities.”

This activity was undertaken within the framework of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan’s project “Support to the Promotion and Protection of the rights of persons with disabilities of Uzbekistan.”

COPENHAGEN, 17 November 2020 – Amidst demands by the opposition for repeat parliamentary elections in Georgia and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to the South Caucasus country today, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s political and security Chair and the leaders of the OSCE’s recent election observation mission reiterated that political deadlock must be overcome in order to ensure that the voters’ will is respected.

“Despite the grave challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, up to two million citizens of Georgia went to the polls on 31 October to make their voices heard,” said Special Co-ordinator and leader of the short-term OSCE election mission Elona Gjebrea Hoxha (MP, Albania) today. “The highest voter turnout since parliamentary elections in 2012 was a testament to the importance of these elections and the strong democratic commitment of all Georgians.”

Hoxha noted the importance of ensuring an inclusive process of reviewing complaints. “Such a process is critical to maintaining Georgian voters’ confidence in the electoral processes developed in recent years,” she said. “Now that this process is concluded all political parties elected should take their mandates, enter parliament, and continue their work within the institutions.”

Finnish parliamentarian Pia Kauma, the Head of the OSCE PA’s delegation of observers, recalled that the 31 October elections were competitive and, overall, fundamental freedoms were respected. “The observers found that Georgia, after long consultations facilitated by its international partners, had implemented important democratic reforms to advance its democracy by amending its constitution, improving the parliamentary governance model and setting in motion the transition towards a new electoral system,” Kauma said. She urged stakeholders to overcome the current polarization and to work together for a stable political framework.

“The parties involved in the political deadlock of this moment need to find a way to overcome it,” said United States Congressman Richard Hudson, who serves as Chair of the OSCE PA’s Committee on Political Affairs and Security. “While the complexity of this task is clear, a positive outcome is vital for Georgia’s democratic future.”

Hudson added that Georgia can continue to count on the support of its partners, including those on the ground who are doing an admirable job in trying to help the parties reach agreement, even if it ultimately remains up to Georgians themselves to address the current situation, defuse the political crisis and restore trust in the electoral process.

To read the election observation mission’s statement of preliminary findings and conclusions on the 31 October parliamentary elections, please click here.

A follow-up press release by the mission’s leaders is available here.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded two ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and again none in Luhansk region. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 86 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and none in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske and observed a calm situation in all three areas.
• The SMM observed 20 multiple launch rocket systems in a non-government- and nine tanks in a government-controlled area of Luhansk region, all in violation of withdrawal lines.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable repairs to and the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including at an entry-exit checkpoint (EECP) and three checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region and three EECPs and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Khreshchatytske, Donetsk region.

TIRANA/VIENNA, 18 November 2020 – The 27th Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) will take place online on 3 and 4 December 2020. Due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, for the first time, the Ministerial Council will be held via video teleconferencing (VTC).

The event will be held at the invitation of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Edi Rama.

The Ministerial Council is the central decision-making and governing body of the OSCE. The annual meeting is an opportunity for the Foreign Ministers of the 57 OSCE participating States to review and assess the security situation in the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian area, as well as the organization's work in all its fields of activity.

Advance accreditation of media representatives is mandatory. The deadline for registration is 17:00, 1 December 2020. Accreditation will be granted following self-registration via https://events.osce.org/2020-osce-ministerial-council-press-and-media/registration/Site/Register.

In order to join the Zoom meeting, participants must use the same name that was used for registration. Failure to do so will result in denied access to the Ministerial Council.

Please use the following suggestion for your registration: MEDIA/six digits max for your media outlet/Name Surname. E.g. MEDIA/NCNews/Jill Smith.

Follow the Ministerial Council on Twitter at @OSCE, @AlMissionVienna and #OSCEMC20 for up-to-date news and information.

SARAJEVO, 17 November 2020 - While the country waits for the official election results, Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, thanked voters in BiH for taking the time to cast their ballots and investing in a democratic future.  She also conveyed her gratitude to poll workers who made voting possible, observers who helped ensure the integrity of the election, and to the media for professional delivery of timely and adequate information to the public. 

“We congratulate the officials who voters have entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of serving citizens and wish them success in addressing the needs of their communities.  It is clear that BiH citizens have high expectations for their elected officials to focus on the betterment of their communities in the interests of all citizens,” stated Kavalec.  

While there were no major incidents during the elections, the OSCE Mission to BiH noted some areas of concern worth highlighting.

The turnout of voters in BiH remained relatively low, at around 50 percent, perhaps partially influenced by the COVID-19 concerns.  As for the process itself, the Mission noted that media, political parties and NGOs reported numerous alleged irregularities at different polling stations, including some cases in which observers were not allowed to enter polling stations. “We urge the Central Election Commission, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors across the country to react promptly. This is the only way to rebuild trust in election processes in BiH,” said Kavalec.  

On Sunday, Kavalec visited the Pod Lupom Coalition to thank them for their vital work. The Coalition deployed 2,600 independent observers throughout the country on election day. She noted that the presence of independent observers is one of the best ways to safeguard election integrity.

“Not allowing independent observers to enter polling stations is unacceptable. I raised this issue on election day with the Central Election Commission (CEC) members, who committed to addressing this and other alleged irregularities,” said Kavalec. The OSCE Mission to BiH once again expresses its gratitude to the CEC for all of its efforts in ensuring a transparent and fair election process and readiness to react to all alleged attempts of election fraud and electoral engineering.

Ambassador Kavalec also reminded election administration officials on the importance of a fair and transparent process of vote counting and tabulation, as a crucial step in protecting integrity of the election process and regaining citizens’ trust in the fairness of elections.

The OSCE Mission to BiH remains the partner of local communities in advancing everyday life for the benefit of all citizens in BiH.   

SUMMARY

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO) and one first responder[1]. The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.

Update on COVID-19 measures

Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are adhering to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities.

OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS

Persons crossing the border                                                                                                                                                                               

The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:

1. Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage.
2. Persons in military-style outfits.
3. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.

The average number of entries/exits increased from 7,118 to 7,400 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[2].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 58 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.

Responding to the COVID-19 situation, the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March. Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border (which entered into force on 19 March), are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was 14, compared to nine last week. Five persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another nine persons crossed into Ukraine. These individuals crossed the border on foot.

Families with a significant amount of luggage

The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, seven families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and seven families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when three families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and four families crossing into Ukraine.

Bus connections                                         

Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed just a slight increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (277 compared to 276 observed during the previous week). There were 143 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 134 bound for Ukraine.

On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (830 compared to 822 during the previous reporting week); 496 at the Gukovo BCP and 334 at the Donetsk BCP, 480 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 350 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania, Armenia and trucks with “LPR” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight increase in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (40 compared to 38 during the previous reporting week). These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane. All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.

Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP slightly decreased from 159 to 140. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 136 trucks (97 per cent) were bound for Ukraine, the remaining 4 trucks (3 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.

Minivans

The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[3] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (188 compared to 137 observed during the previous week); 103 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 85 into Ukraine.

Trains

The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 12 occasions; the OTs assessed that five trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining seven trains were travelling to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).

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

Other observations

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

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 13 October to 17 November 2020, please see the attachment here.

[1]                      First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time.

[2]              Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

[3]              Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).

Željka Šulc

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes the launch of the registries of public employees and appointees in the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton Goražde (BPC). The Mission has supported the BPC Government in the development of the registries, as part of its efforts to continue assisting in establishing similar registries in the Canton Sarajevo and the Brčko District. The Mission would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the role of the BPC Anti-corruption team and commend its commitment to the accomplishment of this complex task.

The registries, launched on 16 November 2020, represent a further step towards ensuring the transparent use of public funds in this Canton and building citizens’ trust in cantonal institutions. 

The registries will, among other things, enable access to financial data on employees of BPC’s public administration and institutions and provide information on officials appointed to conduct public functions along with appointments to oversight and steering bodies, committees and working groups. To ensure its accuracy and integrity, the registries are expected to be regularly updated. 

The Mission has been providing support to both legislative and executive structures in BiH to strengthen their anti-corruption efforts. To that end, the Mission has maximized the potential of digital technologies to prevent corruption, with BPC being the latest example. We hope to continue in the same vein, and focus on replicating best practices across BiH, starting with Central Bosnia Canton, where we also see promising developments related to the establishment of public registries.

The OSCE Mission to BiH remains committed to assisting the BPC in ensuring the transparent and responsible use of budget funds for the benefit of the Canton’s citizens.

COPENHAGEN, 16 November 2020 – With widespread protests ongoing in Belarus for more than 100 days, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli reacted today to increasing reports of excessive and disproportionate force by law enforcement. Police have reportedly used flash grenades, rubber bullets and tear gas, the President noted, and more than 1,200 people were detained on Sunday after demonstrations commemorating the death of protester Raman Bandarenka, a 31-year old activist who died in a hospital last week after reportedly being beaten by security forces.

“I have been deeply troubled by the intensified violence in Belarus in recent days, with reports of several deaths among protesters. Unfortunately, despite well-documented cases of human rights violations against peaceful protesters, not a single criminal case has been opened. Authorities must investigate abuses and take action to ensure that human rights violators are held accountable,” President Tsereteli said.

The President noted that despite the overwhelmingly peaceful nature of the demonstrations, prosecutions of protesters continue, with more than 900 ongoing criminal cases, and that lawyers, human rights defenders and journalists face pressure and intimidation.

“Since the election in August, thousands of protesters have been arbitrarily detained and have faced not only disproportionate fines but also violence at the hands of police,” Tsereteli said. “I call on the authorities in Minsk to respect international commitments on human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

He expressed particular concern over the deployment of police forces over the weekend to destroy a memorial set up to honor the death of Raman Bandarenka, and offered condolences to Banderenka’s family.

Protests have been ongoing in Belarus following the disputed 9 August presidential election. On 23 September, Tsereteli and Secretary General Roberto Montella held a web meeting with Belarusian Head of Delegation Andrei Savinykh, Belarusian opposition presidential candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and OSCE PA Bureau members, which focused on promoting dialogue. The PA has been in regular contact with both sides and has consistently called for civilized negotiations.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Between the evenings of 13 and 15 November, the SMM recorded 89 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded four ceasefire violations in the region.
• Between the evenings of 13 and 15 November, the SMM recorded 49 ceasefire violations in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 20 ceasefire violations in the 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 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including at three entry-exit checkpoints (EECPs) and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region and at two EECPs and three checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region.
• The SMM observed public gatherings in areas around polling stations during the second round of local elections on 15 November and found the situation calm and peaceful.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Khreshchatytske and Kreminets, Donetsk region.*

470526 Anna Vorobeva OSCE Mission to Moldova

During a hackathon co-organized by the OSCE Mission to Moldova from 6 to 8 November 2020, thirty-six young women and men from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River spent 72 hours designing innovative tech-based solutions to prevent and combat human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children in Moldova.

The hackathon was the result of a partnership between the OSCE Mission and a local NGO “Generația NIKA” and sought to raise awareness among youth about the issue of trafficking.

“The young people engaged in this event play a very important role in generating long-term change. Your efforts and the solutions you produce may have real implications in how Moldova as a society tackles trafficking in human beings and child sexual exploitation,” said Antti Karttunen, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission, during the opening ceremony.

During the hackathon, renowned experts in IT, business and start-ups as well as anti-trafficking experts from Moldova provided mentorship to the participants. Working in teams of five, young people developed practical applications to help upgrade Moldova’s approach in the prevention and prosecution of human trafficking and exploitation, as well as protection of victims and survivors.

The winning solutions were a web extension CoParent, which analyses the content accessed by children online, an online platform 4safe verifying the security of job offers for individuals seeking employment abroad and an onLife game, which notifies teenagers about the dangers of sexting and bullying.

According to a 2020 report by the Public Association International Centre “La Strada”, the phenomenon of human trafficking in Moldova is adapting to new social and technological realities. Manipulation techniques are shifting online. It requires robust information campaigns to address the risks of trafficking and labour exploitation among vulnerable groups, says the report. According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, in 2019, 341 people were victims of human trafficking in the country.

The Anti-Trafficking Hackathon was organized online in the context of the European Day to fight Trafficking in Human Beings. The prevention and combating trafficking in human beings and domestic violence, as well as protection of children against online sexual abuse are topics of the sub-Working Group on Human Rights and the Social Protection Working Group, as part of the Transdniestrian settlement process.