Central Europe

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, in co-operation with the Public Foundation for Support and Development of National Mass Media and with the support of the Agency of Information and Mass Communications under the Administration of the President, is organizing an online training course from 18 to 20 August 2020, to enhance the skills of journalists, press officers, bloggers and other media representatives in the country.

The course, entitled: "The work of a journalist in a digital format: social networks and blogging, coronavirus and self-isolation, external and internal pressure" is part of a joint project to support media in Uzbekistan. It aims at facilitating in the professional development of journalists and bloggers to improve the quality of news and information flows in Uzbekistan. Over the course of three days, the participants will be able to share experiences, receive training and refresh their skills.

“Free and independent media are the cornerstone of democratic societies. The OSCE is engaged in media development through organizing trainings and by providing support for journalists,” said OSCE Project Officer Richard Wheeler.

During the online training, participants will study and discuss changing trends in media consumption and the media landscape, look at various mass media and social networks, analyze where fake news comes from and why people believe it, effective storytelling, and editorial work in the digital era and during a pandemic, as well as other relevant topics.

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 19 permanent international staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). Four selected observers are waiting for their deployment, postponed according to the host country`s recommendation. 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 applying a self-isolation regime between shifts at the border checkpoints and 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. After the reopening of the host country`s airspace on 1 August, the OM has started with planned leaves in a careful manner.

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 9,937 to 10,888 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 396 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 two, compared to two last week. No persons crossed into the Russian Federation while two of the observed 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, four families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another six families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when four families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while another four 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 slight decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (360 compared to 363 observed during the previous week). There were 194 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 166 bound for Ukraine.

Among the bus connections observed by the OTs, the following “irregular” routes or destinations: "Luhansk-Sevastopol" and "Luhansk-Simferopol were noted. 

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a significant increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (1,033 compared to 865 during the previous reporting week); 509 at the Gukovo BCP and 524 at the Donetsk BCP, 566 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 467 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, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, and trucks with “LPR” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks did not change, and it remained 61 similar to the previous 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 ground construction activities and no X-ray checks were observed.

Minivans

The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] 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. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans decreased from 163 to 142 vehicles, 64 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 78 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 25 occasions; the OTs assessed that 12 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 13 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 Poland and Georgia.

During the reporting week, the OTs at both BCPs noticed helicopters flying along the border on two separate occasions: 

On 12 August at 10:10, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a helicopter type Mi8 flying from the south-east in a north-easterly direction. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT. The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position.

The same day at 10:27, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a helicopter type Mi8/Mi17 flying from the north-east in a north-westerly direction at an altitude of approximately 200m. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT.

During the reporting week, the OTs observed ambulances on four separate occasions:

On 12 August at 22:20, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates with two individuals on board entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building. The vehicle had the inscription "Urgent Medical Help" (in Russian) on the side. At 22:43, the ambulance drove back to the Russian Federation.

On 13 August at 08:27, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with "LPR" plates and two individuals on board entering the BCP from Ukraine. After undergoing border control procedures, the vehicle crossed into the Russian Federation at 08:49.

The same day at 13:50, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with “LPR” plates and two individuals on board entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking at the customs control area. The vehicle underwent border control procedures and left for Ukraine at 13:55.

On 15 August at 14:18, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed an ambulance with a driver on board entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building. The vehicle drove back towards the Russian Federation at 14:28. The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position.

On 14 August at 13:05, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a group of 16 brand-new type vehicles with no licence plates, accompanied by a car with "LPR" plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking at the customs control area. Out of 16 vehicles, there were eight passenger minivans painted in yellow with the sign "Children" (in Russian) displayed on the sides, six white cargo minivans (all minivans were type "Ford") and one public utility vehicle type "Kamaz". After undergoing customs control procedures, all the vehicles left for Ukraine at 17:45.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 14 July to 18 August 2020, please see the attachment here.

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

[2] 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).

SKOPJE, 18 August 2020- The OSCE Mission to Skopje announced today the list of the civil society organizations that received small grants under the Mission’s COVID Fund initiative, designed to support local organizations in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable and underserved communities during the COVID-19 crisis.

The organizations that received funding are:

• The National Network to End Violence against Women and Domestic Violence will provide support and legal advice to survivors of domestic violence.
• The Association for Research, Analysis and Development Zelena Lupa will provide prisoners with health-related information and personal protective equipment.
• The Council for Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (SPPMD) will develop a publication for primary school teachers on the safety of children in the digital world.
• The Lastovica Association will develop an eLearning Center for children and young adults with disabilities.
• The Association of Special Educators and Rehabilitators (ASER) will develop an E-Platform to support children with disabilities and their families during the pandemic.
• The Association for Research, Communications and Development PUBLIC will produce an online version of their street magazine “Face to face”.
• The Association for Democratic Initiatives will engage mediators trained by three health experts to help people in smaller and rural communities, as well as with people with disabilities, to address their health needs.
• The Sumnal Association for Development of the Roma Community will provide the Roma community with information about how to access basic educational and health services and continue educating pupils through its Early Childhood Development Centres.  
• The Healthy Options Project Skopje will work to improve the mental health and quality of life of children and young people who use drugs, through counselling and delivery of humanitarian packages.
• The Youth Alliance Krushevo will develop a digital space for sharing information, connecting and educating youth so they can cope with the social and economic challenges during the pandemic.
• The Association for Media Literacy Planet-M will organize its annual youth film festival via a digital platform suitable for real time streaming of films and other videos of informal educational content.

The Mission will provide a total of EUR 153,346 to fund these projects.

“I congratulate the winners and thank all of the organizations that applied,” said Jeffrey Goldstein, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje. “We received over 100 impressively high-quality applications, which demonstrates the strength of the country's civil society. It was an extremely challenging and rigorous selection process.”

A six-day OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe-supported meeting of the working group to examine and discuss key issues for the development of the 2020-2030 Penal Reform Strategy’s Implementation Plan for Tajikistan concluded on 16 August 2020 in Varzob, Tajikistan.

Organized by the Main Prison Department under the Justice Ministry, with support of the OSCE and Prison Reform International, the meeting gathered 19 members of the working group.

Participants discussed various issues related to the management of violent extremist prisoners. They talked about ways to prevent radicalization into violence of prisoners in closed facilities, reducing the prison population, and developing alternative sentencing and probation institution. Participants also focused on strengthening safety and security measures in closed facilities and on developing a comprehensive prison rehabilitation programme.

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe promotes the implementation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (“the Nelson Mandela Rules”) in full compliance with international human rights norms and standards.

“Our focus also includes the right to freedom of movement, freedom of expression and privacy, gender equality and the principle of non-discrimination,” said Robert Heuer, Head of the Human Dimension Department of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe.

Boibalazoda Rustam, first Deputy Head of the Main Prison Department under the Justice Ministry said: "This reform strategy, adopted by the Government of Tajikistan, is very important and special attention is given to its implementation. We express our gratitude and thank our partners, including the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, for supporting the meeting of the expert working group to develop the implementation plan."

In 2016, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe provided support to an expert working group to develop the Penal Reform Strategy and organized several public discussions. In 2020, the Government approved the Penal Reform Strategy and considered recommendations provided by the expert working group.

International and national experts, state bodies and civil society representatives, with the support of the OSCE, will continue to work on the implementation plan.

Summary

• Between the evenings of 14 and 15 August, the SMM recorded 34 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region (in the previous reporting period, the Mission did not record any ceasefire violations). Between the evenings of 15 and 16 August, the SMM recorded 108 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Between the evenings of 14 and 16 August, the SMM recorded no ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. Inside the latter two areas, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle observed people during evening hours.
• The Mission visited three border crossing points in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable the maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at an entry-exit checkpoint in Luhansk region and its corresponding checkpoint.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a border crossing point near Voznesenivka, as well as at checkpoints near Shevchenko and Bessarabka, both near the border with the Russian Federation, and near Staromykhailivka, all outside of government control.*

VIENNA / TIRANA, 17 August 2020 - The OSCE Chairmanship continues to follow the situation in Belarus very closely, it said in a statement today.

“We reiterate our concerns about the conduct of the Presidential election on 9 August 2020, which could not be observed by the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and the disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters, widespread detentions and alleged torture and mistreatment by the security forces.

An open and constructive dialogue is needed to find a way forward in Belarus.

The OSCE stands ready to support this and to engage with all stakeholders.

A formal offer has therefore been submitted to the government of Belarus for a visit by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Edi Rama, and the incoming OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ann Linde - to meet with the government and representatives of the opposition.

The OSCE Chairmanship reiterates the urgent need for full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments, including the promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Summary

• The SMM recorded no ceasefire violations in Donetsk or Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM recorded a convoy traveling inside the disengagement area near Stanytsia Luhanska, and observed people during evening and night hours inside the two other areas.
• The SMM observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.
• Near the international border with the Russian Federation where there are no border crossing facilities, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle spotted, during evening hours, two stationary vehicles, as well as people entering and leaving Ukraine.
• The Mission visited two border crossing points in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable the maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at an entry-exit checkpoint in Luhansk region.
• The SMM observed public gatherings in Kharkiv and Kyiv related to the situation in Belarus.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted including in Khoroshovo, Marianivka and in Bessarabka, an area outside of government control near the international border with the Russian Federation.*

Summary

• The SMM recorded 36 ceasefire violations in Donetsk region, most of which occurred in areas east of Donetsk city, and 34 ceasefire violations in Luhansk region, most of which were assessed as a live-fire exercise outside the security zone. In the previous reporting period, the Mission recorded no ceasefire violations in both regions.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. Inside the latter two areas, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle observed people during evening and night hours.
• The SMM observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including in a training area.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable the maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at an entry-exit checkpoint in Luhansk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

An OSCE-supported online seminar on the legal risks in the work of journalists and bloggers was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan on 13 August 2020.

The event focused on media legislation. Discussions on court cases relating to the protection of honour and dignity, the right to own a photographic image, and children’s rights were held. The seminar aimed to enhance media professionals’ knowledge of media legislation in Kazakhstan and facilitate its effective implementation in journalists and bloggers daily activities.

Some 55 representatives from the media community, academia, civil society and lawyers attended the event. Through practical exercises, participants learned how to professionally interact with state authorities and other stakeholders, including the general public, with regards to obtaining and sharing information, as well as how to avoid legal risks in their profession by analyzing relevant judicial precedents.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s activities aimed at promoting media development and freedom of expression in line with OSCE principles and commitments.

Summary

• The SMM recorded no ceasefire violations in Donetsk or Luhansk regions.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. Inside the disengagement area near Zolote, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle observed people during evening hours.
• The SMM spotted for the first time anti-tank mines on a road near non-government-controlled Sokilnyky, Luhansk region.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable the maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM monitored areas near a border crossing point in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at an entry-exit checkpoint in Luhansk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

COPENHAGEN, 13 August 2020 – Disturbed by reports of excessive force following Sunday’s presidential election in Belarus, including the use of rubber bullets, water cannons, stun grenades and mass arrests, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli called today for authorities in Minsk to halt the repressive tactics and fully uphold international human rights standards. He also stressed that protests should be nonviolent.

Recalling Belarus’s international commitments, Tsereteli stressed that repression and persecution of opponents are not acceptable and against the principles of the OSCE. What is needed now is de-escalation and dialogue, he stated, pointing out that the post-election events could be an indicator that something is fundamentally wrong and that deep-rooted structural reforms may be needed.

“As a participating State of the OSCE, Belarus has freely agreed to certain commitments in the human dimension – including the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention, and the right to effective remedies. I call on the authorities to ensure that these rights and freedoms are respected, and that those arbitrarily detained in recent days are released without delay,” said President Tsereteli.

The PA President pointed to reports of ill-treatment during detention as a cause for grave concern, as well as assaults on members of the media and the authorities’ decision to shut down the country’s internet and block social media sites. “Physically assaulting journalists, blocking access to information and mistreating detainees are serious violations of international obligations,” Tsereteli said. “I’m deeply concerned by reports of the loss of life, including an individual who reportedly died in custody.”

He continued: “Elections are based on trust and although the OSCE PA was not able to observe Sunday’s vote due to COVID-19, we have followed the situation closely. We have raised concerns over the detention of political activists in the lead-up to the election, as well as Belarus’s failure to extend a timely invitation to observe. With the results of the recent election in dispute, the government must offer concrete steps that can create a basis for rebuilding trust. Ideally, these steps should create the necessary conditions to make dialogue between the government and the opposition in and outside parliament possible.”

Tsereteli noted that together with OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella, he held an online meeting with the leadership of the OSCE PA’s Belarusian Delegation on 26 June, which focused on, among other issues, the 9 August presidential election. “Belarus is an important member of the Parliamentary Assembly,” Tsereteli said, pointing out that it hosted the Annual Session three years ago. “At the 2017 Annual Session in Minsk we debated how to consolidate democracy in Belarus and I look forward to continuing that discussion and implementation with our partners.”

The leaders of the OSCE PA’s human rights committee – Chair Kyriakos Hadjiyianni (Cyprus), Vice-Chair Michael Link (Germany), and Rapporteur Kari Henriksen (Norway) – have also been following the situation and remain actively engaged, the President stressed.

A two-day online high-level event focusing on the rights of young people, the Samarkand Forum on Human Rights, was held on 12 and 13 August 2020. The meeting, supported by the OSCE Project Co-Ordinator in Uzbekistan, was attended by representatives of the OSCE Secretariat, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and other OSCE field operations. The event was co-organized with the Government of Uzbekistan represented by the National Human Rights Centre of Uzbekistan, the UN Country Team and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. The Samarkand Forum on Human Rights is the continuation of the Asian Forum which took place in 2018 in Samarkand.

Over 1000 participants from around the world attended the Forum, which was devoted to the rights of youth. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, proposed to develop an international convention on the rights of youth, during the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in 2017 that gave momentum for the topic. The Forum was an inclusive event with the participation of high-level officials from international organizations, representatives of national partners such as the newly-established Youth Parliament of Uzbekistan, the Youth Union of Uzbekistan from different regions and national human rights institutions.

During the event, participants covered issues related to the development of international standards for youth rights, the linkage between youth rights and sustainable development goals, human rights education for the youth, as well as the role of youth in peace and security. The draft document of the Convention on the Rights of the Youth was also discussed.

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, John MacGregor, noted that since 2017, the Government of Uzbekistan has pursued a very ambitious reform agenda, fully consistent with OSCE commitments across all three dimensions of security. He said that within this perspective of comprehensive security, considerable attention has been paid to youth and human rights. “Given the OSCE’s role as a co-organizer of the first Samarkand Asian Human Rights Forum two years ago, along with the related major international initiatives put forward by Uzbekistan, we, at the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, are delighted to strongly support this very special Samarkand Human Rights Forum with its focus on Youth Rights within the UN-75 framework”.

The next Forum is planned to be held in 2022.

Summary

• The SMM recorded four ceasefire violations in Donetsk region (compared with one in the previous reporting period) and one in Luhansk region (compared with none in the previous reporting period).
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. Inside the latter two areas, SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicles observed people during evening and night hours.
• The SMM observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line, including in training areas in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable the maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at an entry-exit checkpoint in Luhansk region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

Youth engagement essential for sustainable development and human rights, OSCE PA President says in online forum

COPENHAGEN, 12 August 2020 – To address challenges such as armed conflicts, climate change, widespread poverty and inequality, it is necessary to actively include youth, as well as women and minorities, in decision-making mechanisms, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli (Georgia) said Wednesday at the Samarkand Human Rights Web Forum.

Speaking at the opening session, President Tsereteli said that young people’s interests must be addressed comprehensively and that it is up to the older generations to engage the youth in policy-making.

“The economic and social impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have disrupted nearly all aspects of life for all segments of society,” Tsereteli said. “But young people now have to bear much greater risks when it comes to their education, their employment, their disposable income, and livelihood. In a very short period of time, this crisis has demonstrated a potential to exacerbate inequalities between generations and to alienate the youngest segment of our populations. We must remain vigilant about this.”

The forum, held under the theme “Youth 2020: Global Solidarity, Sustainable Development and Human Rights,” is part of the UN75 initiative to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, and serves as a follow-up to the Asian Human Rights Forum held in Samarkand on 22-23 November 2018, which was attended by Tsereteli.

Co-organized by the OSCE, the National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Foreign Ministry, the UN Country Team in Uzbekistan, and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, the two-day event is exploring topics including the development of international standards for the rights of young people, youth participation in advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, human rights education for youth, and young people’s roles in peace and security.

In his remarks, Tsereteli noted that while young people are underrepresented in most national parliaments, and consequently also within the OSCE PA, the Assembly has worked to build youth political dialogue, capacity-building, and the sharing of best practices. “Earlier this year, we established a network of young parliamentarians, which is meant to provide all of the OSCE PA’s tools and resources to help these young leaders reach their full potential,” Tsereteli pointed out.

The network referred to by the PA President was the result of a two-day seminar in early February held in Washington by the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission), chaired by Alcee L. Hastings.

The Samarkand Human Rights Forum includes remarks by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan; UN Secretary General António Guterres; United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet; UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay; and Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; as well as representatives of other international organizations and OSCE institutions.

The event will continue through Thursday and is expected to close with the adoption of the Samarkand Resolution on Youth Rights. 

Watch the web forum on YouTube.

For President Tsreteli's full remarks, please click here. (PDF)

Summary

• The SMM recorded one ceasefire violation in Donetsk region and none in Luhansk region. (In the previous reporting period the Mission recorded no ceasefire violations in both regions).
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. Inside the latter two areas, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle observed people during evening and night hours.
• The SMM observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in a training area in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable the maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at entry-exit checkpoints and corresponding checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

VIENNA / TIRANA, 11 August 2020 - Ahead of tomorrow’s International Youth Day, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Special Representative on Youth and Security, Keisi Seferi, said that amid the challenging times of the COVD-19 pandemic, this was an opportune moment to strengthen inclusive youth engagement for global action to the benefit of comprehensive security.   

Underlining the need for concrete steps from governments, parliaments and international organizations to include youth as part of the response to the global challenges, Seferi said: “This year’s International Youth Day theme highlights ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’. It reaffirms that the role of young people in responding to global challenges has exceeded expectations. Youth is playing a proactive role in these hard times in enabling rapid responses to emerging challenges; contributing to community service; providing humanitarian assistance; enhancing human, social and economic development, and environmental sustainability.”

“Youth’s already boosted role as agents of change should advance the impact of their actions in strengthening democracy, further respecting and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, protecting the environment, combating climate change, fighting poverty, and offering equal opportunities. Their engagement is essential to a culture of dialogue, justice, peaceful co-existence, trust and reconciliation, thereby building stability,” Seferi said.

She called on the participating States and the OSCE community as a whole to maximize efforts in promoting an inclusive spirit of decision-making whilst considering youth empowerment an investment in the next generation of leaders.

Seferi added: “OSCE participating States should make good use of the Organization’s tools in addressing the needs of youth and should recognize the positive role of young people in the OSCE three dimensions of security”. In this regard, she emphasized the work of OSCE field operations in making a difference on the ground and encouraged stronger co-operation between the OSCE and the UN in the field of youth, peace and security.   

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 19 permanent international staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). Three selected observers are waiting for their deployment, postponed according to the host country`s recommendation. 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 applying a self-isolation regime between shifts at the border checkpoints and 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 9,330 to 9,937 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 310 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 two, compared to six last week. One person crossed into the Russian Federation and another one 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, four families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another four families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while no family 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 an increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (363 compared to 298 observed during the previous week). There were 180 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 183 bound for Ukraine.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (865 compared to 847 during the previous reporting week); 455 at the Gukovo BCP and 410 at the Donetsk BCP, 466 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 399 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, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, and trucks with “LPR” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks increased from 42 to 61. 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 ground construction activities and no X-ray checks were observed.

Minivans

The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] 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. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans increased from 141 to 163 vehicles, 80 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 83 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 15 occasions; the OTs assessed that six trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining nine 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 Poland and Georgia.

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

On 4 August at 19:50, the OT observed a minivan with Ukrainian licence plates arriving at the BCP from Ukraine. The vehicle had the sign “Cargo 200” (in Russian) on its windshield. In addition to the driver, three passengers (a man and two women) were observed on board. After undergoing the border control procedures, the minivan crossed into the Russian Federation.

On 9 August at 05:56, the OT observed a funeral minivan with Russian Federation licence plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking at the customs control area. The vehicle had the sign "Ritual cortege" (in Russian) on the side. After undergoing border control procedures, the funeral minivan left the border for Ukraine at 06:08.

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

On 6 August at 13:24, the OT observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates and with two persons on board, entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking at the customs control area. The vehicle had the inscription "Urgent Medical Help" (in Russian) on the sides. After undergoing the border control procedures, the ambulance left for Ukraine at 13:33. The OT was not able to notice any other details from its position.

On 8 August at 04:37, the OT observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates and with two persons on board, entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building. The vehicle had the inscription "Urgent Medical Help" (in Russian) on the sides. At 05:15 the ambulance drove back towards the Russian Federation. The OT was not able to notice any other details from its position.

On 5 August at 11:45, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a helicopter Mi8/Mi17 type, flying from north-east to easterly direction at an altitude of 200-300m and at a distance of approximately 1000m from the BCP. The helicopter remained inside of the Russian Federation airspace the entire time it was visible to the OT.

On 6 August at 14:28, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a police minivan, with Russian Federation licence plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking next to the main building. The OT observed three persons inside the vehicle – two dressed in police uniform and one in civilian clothes. At 15:55 the police vehicle drove back towards the Russian Federation with no extra individuals on board.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 7 July to 11 August 2020, please see the attachment here.

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

[2] 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).

The last in a series of three OSCE-supported webinars on promoting eco-volunteering and leadership in Kazakhstan concluded in Nur-Sultan on 7 August 2020.

The webinars, organized by the Association of Kazakhstan’s Environmental Organizations, in co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, involved over 200 young environmental leaders and volunteers from all regions of Kazakhstan.

During half-day online webinars/presentations, the participants learned about significant environmental challenges, existing trends in minimizing carbon footprints and ways to promote environmental volunteering practices among the youth.

Both local and international experts in the area of good environmental governance covered topics such as social media platforms to promote sustainable development goals, factors influencing environmental volunteering and online programmes focussing on environmental volunteering programmes.

Follow-up cleaning events with the participation of environmental volunteers to reduce litter in nature and to give visibility to the issue will be held in several regions of Kazakhstan depending on the COVID-19 situation.

The event is a follow-up to the Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to promote green growth and sustainable development by strengthening the network of young environmental leaders in the Central Asian region and beyond. It is in line with the Kazakhstan President’s initiative to declare 2020 as the Year of Volunteers.

Summary

• From 00:01 on 27 July until the end of the reporting period, the SMM has so far recorded a total of 256 ceasefire violations.
• In the two-day reporting period, the Mission recorded no ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Including the previous reporting period, the Mission recorded no ceasefire violations for three consecutive days.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. Inside the latter two areas, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle observed people during evening and night hours.
• The SMM observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable the maintenance and operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM visited four border crossing points in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at an entry-exit checkpoint in Luhansk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including near Novoazovsk, about 12km west of the border with the Russian Federation.*

WARSAW, 10 August 2020 – Amidst intimidation and disproportionate police force against protesters in Belarus following reports of serious administrative misconduct during yesterday’s presidential election, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) calls for dialogue and urges the authorities to refrain from violence and to honestly report detailed election results from all polling stations.

There is evidence of excessive use of force by police across Belarus in the face of overwhelmingly peaceful protests, which has resulted in a large number of injured people and arrests, including of independent election observers and journalists. Freedom of peaceful assembly as well as freedom of expression are basic human rights crucial for the development of democratic societies, and ODIHR calls for a prompt and effective investigation of any police brutality, as well as the release of all those detained for their participation in the ongoing protests.

ODIHR regrets that it was unable to observe yesterday’s presidential vote after the Belarusian authorities failed to issue a timely invitation to ODIHR to observe critical elements of the electoral process. The clear intimidation of political activists in the pre-election period, including the detention of prospective candidates, was criticized by ODIHR and other international organizations, as was the apparent lack of inclusiveness of candidate registration and formation of election commissions for this election.        

ODIHR noted accounts on election night of voters waiting for details of the results to be published at polling stations, recalling issues taken up in previous ODIHR election observation reports in Belarus over the accuracy of the reporting of election results. Limitations to citizen election observation, including active prevention from observing and several reported cases of detentions on election day, raise serious concerns and directly contradict previous ODIHR recommendations.  

All countries across the OSCE region have committed to hold genuinely democratic elections. OSCE countries have also committed to upholding the right to freedom of peaceful assembly both in law and practice.

ODIHR continues to follow events in Belarus and appeals for dialogue, while standing firmly with civil society and all those defending human rights. ODIHR is ready to assist the national authorities in undertaking the urgent reforms necessary to bring the country’s laws and practices in line with international democratic standards and human rights obligations.