Central Europe

VIENNA, 29 September 2020 – A special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict context was convened at 17:00 local time in Vienna today by Albania’s 2020 OSCE Chairmanship. The meeting was attended by representatives of the OSCE’s 57 participating States.

Opening the meeting, Ambassador Igli Hasani, Chair of the Permanent Council, reiterated the Chairmanship’s alarm at the ongoing clashes and deterioration of the situation on the ground. Dismayed by the rising number of casualties, he repeated the OSCE Chairmanship’s call for an immediate de-escalation and offered condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured.

Briefing the Permanent Council, Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, said he was receiving information directly from the ground and local interlocutors at the highest level. Ambassador Kasprzyk said he was in constant communication with the sides, and said his team were ready to resume monitoring on the ground as soon as the situation permits.

Representatives of the Minsk Group Co-Chair countries – France, Russian Federation and the United States of America – reiterated the Co-Chairs’ appeal to all sides to cease hostilities immediately and to resume negotiations to find a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

The Albanian OSCE Chairmanship repeated the importance of a negotiated solution and its support for the work of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs and Ambassador Kasprzyk in their efforts to stabilize the situation on the ground.

COPENHAGEN, 29 September 2020 – Balanced integration policies, supported by carefully negotiated forms of territorial autonomy, are key to preventing the risks, crises and conflicts possibly resulting from the increasing diversity within our societies, participants heard today at an online forum initiated and hosted by the Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. Focused specifically on the Moldovan experience with regional autonomy, the event was co-hosted with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Moldovan Parliament, and was addressed by PA President George Tsereteli (Georgia).  

The high-level dialogue, entitled “Functioning Autonomy as a Strategy for Inclusive Governance: International Practice and Moldovan Experience,” also featured participation by OSCE PA Treasurer and Head of the Danish Delegation Peter Juel-Jensen, who spoke about Greenland’s model of working autonomy, as well as other members of parliament.

Emphasizing the importance of well-equipped local institutions, President Tsereteli said in his opening remarks that decentralization in itself is not the solution to build more resilient regions. “While it is important to leave room for local initiatives, the key is to promote a continuous dialogue between national and subnational authorities to ensure better coordination and effective responses,” Tsereteli said.

He underlined the need to use all available tools to prevent, mediate, and peacefully resolve conflicts. “The High Commissioner on National Minorities is one of these instruments,” Tsereteli said. “Over the past quarter century, the High Commissioner’s tireless efforts have prevented more than one conflict from boiling over by assisting participating States to de-escalate inter-ethnic tensions.”

Juel-Jensen noted that questions of autonomy are always complicated and stressed that to be successful, autonomy must be based on mutual respect and understanding. He provided an overview of the relationship between Greenland and Denmark, noting that after centuries as a colony, Greenland has had self-government since 1979. Greenlanders control local administration, including questions of taxation, environmental protection and management of natural resources. Denmark consults Greenland closely on military and security policy, and provides vital economic support, he said.

Also offering a parliamentary perspective at the event were MP Mats Löfström, who represents the autonomous Aaland Islands in the Finnish Parliament, and several Moldovan parliamentarians, including Speaker Zinaida Greceanii and Deputy Speaker Vlad Batrîncea, as well as members of the Moldovan PA delegation.

Former OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and current OSCE PA consultant Lamberto Zannier addressed the opening session and moderated session two, focused on creating political conditions for functioning Gagauz autonomy in Moldova. Ambassador Zannier highlighted in his remarks the importance of investing in education to create conditions to facilitate integration while preserving cultural identity.

The event was moderated by Christophe Kamp, Director and Officer-in-Charge, Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. Other speakers included Gianni Buquicchio, President of the Venice Commission, Council of Europe; and Claus Neukirch, Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded 32 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and ten in Luhansk region. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded eight ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and nine ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as aimed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flying in areas east of Artema, Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. During evening hours, an SMM long-range UAV spotted a person inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• 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 entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Olenivka, Donetsk region.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

SUMMARY

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

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO) 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 significantly decreased from 10,270 to 8,353 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[2].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine, with an average net flow of 167 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 one, compared to one last week. No persons crossed into the Russian Federation while one crossed into Ukraine. This individual 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 while another two families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when five families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while another three families crossed into Ukraine.

Bus connections                                         

Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (304 compared to 364 observed during the previous week). There were 151 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 153 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 an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (1,047 compared to 988 during the previous reporting week); 654 at the Gukovo BCP and 393 at the Donetsk BCP, 622 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 425 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, Ukraine 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 just a slight increase in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (53 compared to 52 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.

During the reporting period, the X-ray vehicle at the Donetsk BCP was not operating due to the ongoing construction activities; consequently, no X-ray checks were observed by the OTs.

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 a decrease in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (138 compared to 160 observed during the previous week); 67 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 71 into Ukraine.

Trains

The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 40  occasions; the OTs assessed that 19 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 21 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 cars with licence plates registered in Georgia, Lithuania and Poland.

During the reporting week, the OTs at the Donetsk BCP observed ambulances on two separate occasions:

On 26 October at 21:13, the OT observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates, entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking next to the main building. At 21:23, the ambulance drove back to the Russian Federation with one patient on board.

On 29 October at 06:51, the OT observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates, bearing the inscription "Children Reanimation - Urgent Medical Help 148" (in Russian) on the side and a red cross on the front and rear of the vehicle, entering the BCP from Ukraine. The OT noticed two individuals on board with no uniforms. After undergoing border control procedures, the ambulance crossed into the Russian Federation at 06:59.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 25 August to 29 September 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).

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On 28 September 2020, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) organized a high-level conference to mark International Day on Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).  The event was organized in co-operation with the Public Foundation for Support and Development of National Mass Media.

The event recognized the significance of access to information, after the 74th UN General Assembly proclaimed 28 September as International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) in October 2019. This year, IDUAI will be focused on the right to information in times of crisis and on the advantages of having constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information to save lives, build trust and help the formulation of sustainable policies through and beyond the COVID-19 crisis.

Over 200 participants attended the event where they discussed the importance and methods to reach universal access to information. Participants were invited from Uzbekistan, the OSCE area and beyond. Representatives from Asia and the Middle East, working in the field of media, access to information, broadcasting companies, research centres specialized in Central Asia, in non-governmental organizations, and think tanks attended.

Key speakers included Tuula Yrjölä, Officer-in-Charge/OSCE Secretary General, Jürgen Heissel, Director of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Ambassador Ulrika Funered, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the OSCE and Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council in 2021, Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary for Global Communications, Helena Fraser, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Komil Allamjonov and Saida Mirziyoyeva, respectively. They focused on the importance of universal access to information, open data policies and media reforms compliant with international commitments.

“There are multiple OSCE commitments that relate to the public’s right to access information,” said John MacGregor, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan. “Noting that the public’s ‘need to know’ is particularly acute in light of the worldwide pandemic, I am very pleased to co-operate and collaborate with the Public Foundation for Support and Development of National Mass Media, an Uzbek NGO, to mark International Day for Universal Access to Information with such a high-level event.”

Information for Google Short title:  ODIHR final report on 2020 Croatia parliamentary elections 465135 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

This year’s parliamentary elections in Croatia were professionally managed, competitive and pluralistic despite challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. These are some of the main conclusions from the final report on the 5 July 2020 Croatian parliamentary elections, as published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

Voters were provided with a wide range of political alternatives and adequate information about candidates. The COVID-19 pandemic constituted a clear challenge for all electoral stakeholders. Nevertheless, the election administration ensured a well-managed process, despite the fact that some procedures were only adopted shortly before election day.

However, the principle of equality of the vote was undermined by the absence of regular review of constituency boundaries together with deviations in the size of in-country constituencies.

The report offers 21 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections in Croatia and to support efforts in aligning them with OSCE commitments, as well as other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.

Key recommendations include:

• Ensuring the equality of the vote through a periodic review of constituency boundaries accounting for changes in voter and population numbers
• Reviewing electoral legislation to ensure consolidation and harmonization of applicable provisions
• Considering setting up a single unified electoral code
• Strengthening legal gender representation requirements through more effective enforcement mechanisms
• Decriminalizing defamation and insult, and reviewing civil remedies designed to restore the reputation by taking into consideration the level of harm caused
• Defining more clearly the scope of jurisdiction of institutions responsible for oversight and the availability of enforcement mechanisms.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Between the evenings of 25 and 27 September, the SMM recorded eight ceasefire violations in Donetsk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded no ceasefire violations in the region.
• Between the evenings of 25 and 27 September, the Mission recorded in total 11 ceasefire violations in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded no ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. During evening and night hours, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle spotted people inside the latter two disengagement areas.
• 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, at an entry-exit checkpoint and the corresponding checkpoint of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM visited border crossing points in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• SMM observed border areas outside government control, including the settlements of Ulianivske, Novoazovsk and Markyne in Donetsk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a heavy weapons holding area and a checkpoint of the armed formations near Bezimenne, both in Donetsk region.*

VIENNA, 28 September 2020 – A healthy relationship between the police and the media can increase public confidence in law enforcement, help solve crimes and ultimately keep communities safe, said opening speakers of the 2020 OSCE Annual Police Experts Meeting (APEM), held in Vienna and online today.

This year’s APEM, entitled “Police and the Media: Co-operation in the Public Interest”, brought together over 200 law enforcement practitioners; government officials; representatives of OSCE delegations, regional and international organizations; researchers, journalists and media experts, and civil society from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation.

Participants acknowledged that direct communication with citizens via diverse media platforms have become an integral part of modern policing. In their efforts to share information and increase public confidence as well as prevent and reduce crime, police agencies are increasingly establishing specialized public relations and media units.

Opening the meeting on behalf of Albania’s 2020 OSCE Chairmanship, the country’s Deputy Minister of Interior, Romina Kuko, said: “Contemporary developments in the field of communication, digital technology and social media, have revolutionized the approach to events, news or communication style. Media already has access to almost unlimited information, meanwhile, the police, or any law enforcement organization, have an open field to collect first-hand evidence directly from the media. This situation requires for both parties (with opposing interests at first sight) to accept an indefinite co-operation contract, for the benefit of their work, but essentially for the benefit of the public.”

Considering widespread public access to social media, these platforms are increasingly becoming the preferred strategy of the police for directly communicating information to the public, and can help to detect crime, said Ambassador Luca Fratini, Director of the Office of the OSCE Secretary General.

“On the one hand, social media platforms have provided new tools for the police to directly engage the public,” he said. “On the other hand, targeted disinformation channelled through social media can inflict harm to public order, as well as lead to distrust towards law enforcement and feelings of insecurity among the public. … Transparency of the police work and its respect for human rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, is a principal way to counteract false and misleading messages, and avoid their actual and/or potential harm to society.”

As the media play an important watchdog role in democratic societies, journalists should enjoy safe access to report on public events at all times, including when covering demonstrations, unrest, catastrophic events and other public security incidents, noted Jürgen Heissel, Director of the OSCE Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media.

He added: “Oftentimes law enforcement officials are first in line when it comes to the protection of journalists. Together with the judiciary, they play a crucial role in protecting journalists and safeguarding a conducive media environment, both online and offline, and in combating impunity for crimes against media workers.”

Participants discussed good practices and lessons learned over the course of the one-day event.

The meeting’s first session discussed organizational changes and developments of skills and competencies within police agencies in public relations and media communications. Later, participants focused on new opportunities as well as challenges for the police with the expansion and advancement of social media. The final session was dedicated to the relationship and communication between the police and the media in crises and during high-risk events. Freedom of the media, journalists’ access to information and the safety of journalists were also covered.

Albania’s 2020 OSCE Chairmanship and the Strategic Police Matters Unit of the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department organized the event.

The main findings and outcomes of the meeting will be compiled in a report, which will serve as a basis for further discussions on its topics at the national, regional and international level, and as guidance for the OSCE when developing and providing capacity-building and technical assistance to the participating States and Partners for Co-operation.

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Ninety young women and men from several regions of Albania participated in a series of workshops on youth empowerment organized by the OSCE Presence from 3 to 25 September 2020. Throughout the events that took place in Shkodra, Mirdita, Përmet, Pogradec and Korça, the Presence aimed at helping young people become among the key players in identifying and addressing the security challenges in their communities. It also aimed at strengthening co-operation between community and institutions.

Among the topics discussed at these events were new security challenges facing young people, the prevention of radicalization and violent extremism, youth engagement in Local Safety Councils, the role and responsibilities of school security officers, mediation and conflict resolution skills, and domestic violence and gender-based violence in Albania.

“The energy and engagement of the young people on security matters makes us optimistic that they will be among the most active voices to boost co-operation and co-ordination between institutions and the community to improve community safety,” said Brunilda Halili, National Community Safety Officer at the OSCE Presence in Albania.

The Presence will also continue supporting young people from across the country in 2021 by raising their awareness and empowering them to address security challenges in their communities.

WARSAW/VIENNA, 28 September 2020 – The increasing challenges to the rights and freedoms at the heart of the OSCE commitments to human rights and democracy made 30 years ago, as well as the need for a greater understanding that only a dialogue based on mutual respect will enable us to overcome our common challenges, form the backdrop for a month-long series of webinars beginning today.

The webinars, organized by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in co-operation with the office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) and the office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM), and with the support of Albania’s 2020 OSCE Chairmanship, will focus on topical issues of human rights, democracy and the rule of law that are critical for maintaining and strengthening security throughout the OSCE region.

“OSCE countries recognized 30 years ago that the security of citizens is only possible when their human rights are fully respected,” said Katarzyna Gardapkhadze on behalf of ODIHR. “The times we are living through are difficult, but they offer opportunities for progress that we must grasp with both hands. We look forward to seeing governments and civil society come together at these webinars to discuss how to turn these opportunities into reality for all.”

It was 30 years ago in Copenhagen and Paris that the participating States of the OSCE committed themselves to further protect and promote the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens, as well as strengthen democracy and the rule of law. The 1990 Copenhagen Document and the Paris Charter for a New Europe were milestones in the history of the OSCE and represented landmark political agreements for the entire region, an area of more than one billion citizens. They cemented the Organization’s unique concept of security in which only pluralistic democracies, based on the rule of law and respect for human rights, can bring lasting security to the region.

“These webinars on some of the most urgent challenges for democracy and human rights are particularly important in this exceptional year, which has been overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath,” said Inid Milo, Head of Albania’s 2020 OSCE Chairmanship Task Force. “OSCE states and civil society will come together for what we hope are frank and open discussions, leading to real solutions that benefit citizens across the OSCE region.”

The series will open today with reflections from former Finnish President Tarja Halonen, the first woman to hold the country’s highest post, on the situation of human rights and democracy 30 years after Copenhagen. She said:

“We must keep in mind the optimism and inspiration we had 30 years ago when making the Copenhagen and Paris commitments. Today, it is ever more important to continue to defend the rules-based international order, promote and protect human rights and work to achieve sustainable development.”

The webinars will also discuss the importance of building and nurturing diverse and inclusive societies, which are able to learn more quickly from different ideas and traditions, and at the same time are more resilient during periods of crisis.

“The basic logic of integrating diversity is that everybody’s opinion matters and that all members of society are equal,” said Christophe Kamp of the HCNM. “It is vital that we strike a balance between majority and minority interests that allow everyone to maintain their individual identities, while at the same time realizing and valuing our shared interests. Thirty years on, the Copenhagen Document continues to provide a clear compass for achieving this.”

The ever-increasing role of technology in our lives, as well as a decline in government transparency in some places, have brought new challenges to freedom of expression and freedom of the media, as well as access to information. Not only are these freedoms cornerstones of the OSCE commitments to human rights and democracy, but they are vital tools for countering disinformation and ensuring a well-informed public debate.

“For our democracies to be both stable and vibrant, we need to encourage, facilitate and support the sharing of information, ideas and expertise,” said Jürgen Heissel of RFoM. “OSCE countries recognized the important role of journalism, an independent media, and a lively cultural environment 30 years ago to achieve these goals, and this remains just as true today.”

In a year affected overwhelmingly by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our lives and societies, this series of webinars does not aim to cover the entire spectrum of the activities of ODIHR, RFoM or HCNM. At the same time, they will provide a much-needed opportunity to discuss tolerance and non-discrimination; the situation of Roma and Sinti; the rule of law; freedom of the media and access to information; multilingual education; and, finally, the role of human rights defenders and civil society in promoting and protecting human rights. Participants will be given an opportunity to put their questions or make recommendations via Zoom.

For more information and programme updates, please see the dedicated webpage with links to the individual events. Interested media and members of the public can watch the discussions live on ODIHR’s Facebook page.

The OSCE Presence in Albania, together with the Faculties of Law and of Social Sciences of the University of Tirana, organized a training course from 22 to 25 September 2020, for academic staff of the new Master’s Programme in Criminology. The Master’s programme, which will start this academic year, is the first of its kind in Albania. The OSCE Presence in Albania initiated the programme as part of a project financially supported by the United States Mission to OSCE.

Some 35 academics from both the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Social Sciences participated in the training conducted by two international experts in criminology, Professor Kimberly McCabe and Professor Keith Smith, from the University of Lynchburg, Virginia, USA. The training built upon the needs assessment analysis from a workshop held in May 2020 with the same target group.

The aim of the event was to deepen the knowledge of the academic staff of the Master’s programme, and to provide them with a more detailed overview of special courses related to criminology. The four-day training course covered topics such as improving criminal justice efforts through education in criminology; teaching adult students and practitioners; teaching research methods; utilizing student research in the field, promoting leadership and staff development; victimology, ethics and corruption; legal systems and juveniles; violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (VERLT); and organized crime and trafficking.

Throughout the entire project, the Presence aims at establishing a multi-disciplinary Master’s Programme on Criminology in Albania, offering a comprehensive, integrated curriculum, which is beneficial for various career paths in the justice system. In turn, through the Master’s programme, the Presence aims at improving the research capacities of professionals, academics and policy-makers in Albania to identify root causes of crime.

The Master’s programme will allow students to explore the inter-relationships between crime, justice and society in a comparative context, as well as promote restorative justice for victims and victim-centred responses. It will concentrate on the practice of human rights, especially in the contexts of discrimination, migration, VERLT, right to privacy, and hate crimes.

The project is implemented in close co-operation with the Faculty of Law of the University of Tirana, with the support of the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Interior.

COPENHAGEN, 27 September 2020 – Following reports of armed clashes along the Line of Contact in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, OSCE Parliamentary President George Tsereteli condemned today’s military actions and urged restraint from Armenia and Azerbaijan to prevent further hostilities and the loss of life.

“I call on both sides to cease hostilities in the interests of civilians who live in the area and recommit to negotiations under the auspices of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group in pursuit of long-term resolution of the conflict,” Tsereteli said. “I am deeply concerned by this most recent escalation, particularly by reports of civilian deaths and the threat that it poses to regional security. As stated today by the Co-Chairs, the sides must take all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground. There is no alternative to a political solution.”

OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella added that the Parliamentary Assembly will continue to offer a forum for dialogue between Azerbaijani and Armenian parliamentarians. “The OSCE PA is ready to host parliamentary talks between the parties if requested by both sides,” Montella said. “While the Minsk Group is the OSCE platform where this dispute ultimately needs to be settled, the Assembly can complement these efforts by helping to build confidence between the sides.”

WASHINGTON DC, 28 September 2020 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold a press conference on the opening of the observation mission to the US general elections on Tuesday, September 29th.

NB Due to social distancing requirements, only 40 journalists will be able to attend the press conference in person, while all others will have the opportunity to watch and ask questions via Zoom. Broadcast media wishing to film the press conference will be prioritized for personal attendance.

What:

• An introduction to the role of the ODIHR election observation mission and its planned activities
• The press conference can be attended in person or via Zoom (details below)

Who:

• Ambassador Urszula Gacek, Head of the ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission

When:

• 2pm Eastern Standard Time on September  29, 2020

Where:

• Grand Ballroom, Marriott Metro Center, 775 12th St NW, Washington, DC

Registration:

• No registration is necessary if you are attending the press conference in person, but only questions from journalists will be taken
• To take part via Zoom, please register with: Katya Andrusz, ODIHR spokesperson, katya.andrusz@odihr.pl and Ivan Godarsky, media analyst: ivan.godarsky@odihr.us or +1 (310) 303-4496

For further information on ODIHR’s election observation activities in the United States of America, please visit: https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/USA

VIENNA/TIRANA, 27 September 2020 – Noting the dramatic increase in violence along the line of contact today and reports of civilian casualties, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Albania’s Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Edi Rama, called for urgent de-escalation of the situation.  “I urge all involved to immediately return to the ceasefire before the human toll of this conflict increases any further,” Rama said.

Rama noted that the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, have been in close contact with the sides.  Rama fully supports their efforts to stabilize the situation on the ground and reiterated that there is no alternative to a peaceful negotiated solution of the conflict.  He underscored his support for the Co-Chairs’ efforts to resume substantive negotiations without preconditions, as soon as possible.

The Chairperson-in-Office also offered his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this latest round of violence.

Moscow, Paris, Washington DC, 27  September 2020 – The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America) made the following statement: 

The Co-Chairs view with concern reports of large scale military actions along the Line of Contact in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone.  We strongly condemn the use of force and regret the senseless loss of life, including civilians. The Co-Chairs appeal to the sides to cease hostilities immediately and to resume negotiations to find a sustainable resolution of the conflict.

The Co-Chairs call on the sides to take all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground and reiterate that there is no alternative to a peaceful negotiated solution of the conflict. 

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded no ceasefire violations in either Donetsk or Luhansk regions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 24 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and four in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized 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 entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM visited a border crossing point in a non-government-controlled area of Donetsk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Olenivka, Donetsk region.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded 24 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and four in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 80 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and one in Luhansk region.
• The Mission followed up on reports of a man who sustained injuries from the detonation of an explosive device in Donetsk city’s Leninskyi district on 30 August.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. During evening hours, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle spotted people inside the latter two disengagement areas.
• 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 and the corresponding checkpoint of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

Anna Vorobeva OSCE Mission to Moldova

An online dialogue meeting focusing on reporting on the Transdniestrian settlement process, co-organized by the OSCE Mission in Moldova and the local NGO Independent Journalism Centre (IJC), was held on 24 September 2020. The event aimed at encouraging co-operation between journalists from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River, and contributing to media pluralism and advancing quality journalism.

During the event, the IJC presented results of their media monitoring, commissioned by the OSCE Mission, which assessed how media on both banks report on the settlement process.

“The monitoring showed that the Transdniestrian settlement process and related issues are not a priority for the bulk of mass media. The media does not analyze the process but rather releases occasional news stories with quotes from official press releases,” concluded Nadine Gogu, IJC Director. “In multiple cases, media reports on sensitive issues lacked balance and were biased towards one of the Sides.” She recommended that media outlets report on the settlement process in an accurate, inclusive and systematic manner. 

Antti Karttunen, Deputy Head of Mission, noted in his opening remarks that “by providing access to factual and accurate information on the Transdniestrian settlement process for the people on both banks, journalists can contribute to the advancement of the negotiations.”

In course of the dialogue meeting, journalists from both banks learnt good practices in promoting media pluralism and collaboration from their counterparts in Cyprus.  

In 2017, with the support of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot journalists’ unions signed a Memorandum of Co-operation, which laid the ground for networking, exchange of information and joint activities between the unions. This included professional exchange programmes and the creation of a glossary of commonly used, yet sensitive, phrases in the journalists’ respective languages. The glossary serves as a voluntary reference tool for journalists in their everyday work.

The presentations prompted a discussion about how media representatives from both banks can co-operate and build closer professional links. Among the initiatives voiced by the participants were producing joint media content about the life of people on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru.

“The journalists can report about things, which people on both banks have in common: joint business projects, cultural traditions, brave doctors fighting the pandemic,” said Luisa Doroshenko, a journalist from the left bank.  

The dialogue meeting is part of the Mission’s project on promoting media ethics on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River.

TBILISI, 25 September 2020 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission (EOM) for the 31 October parliamentary elections in Georgia, following an invitation from the Georgian authorities.

The mission is led by Ambassador Jillian Stirk and consists of a core team of 13 experts based in Tbilisi and 27 long-term observers, who will be deployed throughout the country from 1 October. In addition, ODIHR plans to request OSCE participating States to send 350 short-term observers, who would arrive several days before election day. 

The mission will assess whether the elections are held in line with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. Observers will closely monitor fundamental aspects of the elections such as voter registration, campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant government bodies, election-related legislation and its implementation, and the resolution of election-related disputes. The mission will also monitor media coverage of the campaign.

Meetings with representatives of relevant authorities and political parties, civil society, the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation.

On election day itself, the ODIHR EOM will join efforts with delegations from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to monitor the opening of polling stations, voting, the counting of ballots and the tabulation of results.

An interim report will be published to update the public and media during the course of the observation. The day after the elections, a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions will be issued at a press conference, and ODIHR will publish a final report summing up the observation and making recommendations for improvements approximately two months after the end of the election process.

For further information, please visit https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/georgia/461776

 or contact Egor Tilpunov, Media Analyst: +995 591803941 or egor.tilpunov@odihr.ge

or

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson: +48 609 522 266 (Warsaw mobile), or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl.

 

A webinar dedicated to the role of media in countering terrorism and extremism, was conducted on 21 and 22 September 2020. Twenty journalists from the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Ferghana region participated in the event. It was organized within the framework of co-operation between the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and the Center for Retraining Journalists of Uzbekistan.

This event was part of a series of webinars, which started in July 2020, for journalists from Uzbekistan’s Andijan, Samarkand and Surkhandarya regions. The series aims to equip regional journalists with the necessary skills to inform the public about the threat of terrorism, consider gender-based aspects while reporting on the topic and work in partnership with civil society groups. Subjects covered during this webinar included leading journalistic investigations, the use of new multimedia technologies in reporting, and journalists’ safety.

“The OSCE makes a comprehensive contribution to international efforts to combat terrorism, promote the practice of co-operation and co-ordination-based approaches to countering terrorism at all levels, and fosters public-private partnerships,” said Richard Wheeler, Project Officer at the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan. "Mass media has the unique potential to counter the spread of ideas related to VERLT among youth".