Central Europe

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The OSCE Project Co-Ordinator in Uzbekistan held an online conference on national and international experiences in liberalizing judicial and penitentiary systems on 17 July 2020, to mark Nelson Mandela International Day. The event was jointly organized with the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Ombudsperson), the national movement Yuksalish, the UN Country Team and the regional office of NGO Prison Reform International in Central Asia (PRI).

The event was attended by Ombudspersons of the Central Asian republics, national and international experts, deputies of the Legislative Chamber and members of Senate of the Oliy Majlis, representatives of the authorities, civil society, international organizations based in the country, as well as the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

“As part of their commitment to treating individuals in detention with humanity and respecting their inherent dignity, OSCE participating States have committed to observing the internationally recognized standards relating to the administration of justice and the human rights of detainees. Those standards include the Mandela Rules,” said John McGregor, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, in his welcome speech. He added that the OSCE has been working with the Ombudsperson institution and many other partners to advance OSCE commitments related to the national Action Strategy reforms that will bring about real change in the administration of true justice and the penitentiary system.

The OSCE Project Co-Ordinator in Uzbekistan is currently implementing an extra-budgetary Project on the “Support to the Establishment of a National Preventive Mechanism in Uzbekistan”, with the support from the Governments of Norway and Italy.

457612 Communication and Media Relations Section

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Ghada Fathi Waly signed a plan of joint action for the period 2020-2022 today at UNODC in Vienna.

The OSCE-UNODC Joint Action Plan 2020-2022 reflects the two organizations’ contributions to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and allows for more streamlined co-operation in nine subject areas.

These areas include combating transnational organized crime and corruption, preventing and countering violent extremism leading to terrorism, combating trafficking in human beings, illicit drugs and cybercrime, security sector governance and reform, and border security and management. The action plan also envisages joint and concrete actions in newly identified strategic areas, such as advancing gender equality, crime prevention and youth engagement.

The signing of the Joint Action Plan was proceeded by a meeting, where representatives of the UNODC and OSCE discussed and highlighted the distinct benefits and added value of closer co-operation between the two organizations.

Official collaboration between the OSCE and UNODC on the basis of joint action plans was first established in 2011, and the current plan is the fifth of its kind.

Within the framework of each organization’s mandate, the plans allow for greater co-ordination and the implementation of joint programmes and activities. This includes co-ordination and co-operation through the exchange of best practices, the organization of joint workshops, joint technical assistance and sharing resources.

WARSAW, 17 July 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic has been a formative experience for all humanity and a health emergency of global proportions, presenting a huge challenge to national leaders, health systems, and citizens. The findings of a new report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) shows that it has also been a test to our democracies and the respect for human rights to which countries across the OSCE committed many years ago.

“This unprecedented stress test has demonstrated how robust democratic institutions can deal successfully with crisis situations. Sadly, we have also seen cases where countries have used the pandemic as a pretext to roll back democratic standards, erode fundamental freedoms and human rights and curtail the rule of law,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “It’s particularly worrying that the pandemic is having such a disproportionate affect on groups who were already vulnerable. National leaders need to do all they can to ensure that their situation does not deteriorate further as we all try to exit this period of crisis.”​

It is clear that governments needed to act swiftly to protect their populations from the COVID-19 pandemic, and that this often demanded extraordinary measures. States across the OSCE region limited movement and assembly and right to liberty, which in turn had a significant impact on the functioning of parliaments, courts and the conduct of elections, as well as the ability of national human rights institutions and civil society to play their essential role as advocates and watchdogs.

However, as ODIHR has noted in a series of statements and publications in recent months, a state of emergency must be proportionate to its aim, and only remain in place for as long as absolutely necessary. There is no situation in which it can be necessary, legitimate or proportionate to dismantle the separation of powers that lies at the core of any democracy, and countries now need to restore democratic safeguards and guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms.

At the same time, the disruptive changes to our lives have had a bigger impact on some people more than others. The pandemic has not only affected people at risk of becoming seriously ill, but also the millions who have lost their jobs, been isolated from friends and families, trapped with abusive partners, or become victims of hate crime as prejudices tipped over into discrimination or violence.

To enable a far-reaching analysis of the impact of the emergency measures and offer recommendations to improve the situation, ODIHR began early on to collect and collate information gathered from across the 57 countries of the OSCE region. Today’s report aims to help states learn lessons from the current pandemic in order to strengthen their institutions ahead of the many challenges of the future.

The OSCE commitments give ODIHR a special responsibility to serve as a clearing house for information on states of emergency and other aspects relevant to the COVID-19 response. The Moscow Document (1991) stipulates that OSCE countries notify ODIHR when a state of emergency is declared, as well as any temporary limitations to countries’ international human rights obligations. Today’s report is based on this information, as well as research undertaken by ODIHR experts covering all areas of the Office’s mandate.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and a significant increase in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. An SMM long-range UAV spotted people inside the disengagement areas near Zolote and Petrivske, during evening hours.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable the repairs and maintenance of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission 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 SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

COPENHAGEN, 16 July 2020 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli has closely followed the situation along the border of Azerbaijan and Armenia and has been in contact this week with the countries’ OSCE PA delegations and relevant international actors. Today, he urged both sides to urgently de-escalate and to engage in “substantive negotiations.”

Following a conversation with Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office on the conflict dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference, President Tsereteli expressed deep concern over recent armed clashes, with casualties inflicted on both sides and heavy weapons used. Expressing appreciation for the update on developments on the ground offered by Ambassador Kasprzyk, President Tsereteli noted that these incidents constitute the gravest ceasefire violations since 2016.

“This week’s armed clashes are a serious escalation of the conflict and could threaten the peace negotiations that have taken place under the auspices of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group,” President Tsereteli said. “I encourage the sides to make use of all tools of de-escalation, including existing direct communication channels as well as informal channels of communication offered by the OSCE PA.”

The President expressed the PA’s full support for the Minsk Process, including the work of the Co-Chairs and the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office, and recalled UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’s recent call for a global ceasefire in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As I stated in April following the OSCE PA Bureau’s endorsement of the global ceasefire call, the last thing we need during this period is armed conflict to complicate efforts to contain the pandemic,” said Tsereteli. “Now, unfortunately we see this conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia heating up. This is creating a much more severe condition for ordinary people, who too often are the ones who suffer most in war.”

He noted that both border areas where clashes have taken place are home to several settlements, increasing the risk of civilian casualties. The President urged the return of monitors, as the pandemic conditions permit. “Strengthening monitoring capabilities is important in order to establish facts and prevent incidents,” Tsereteli said.

The President has exchanged correspondence this week with the Azerbaijani and Armenian delegations to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and on Monday tweeted that he is deeply concerned over the ceasefire breach, urging immediate de-escalation and resumption of negotiations.

OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella stressed the role of parliamentarians in confidence building and conflict resolution. “The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will continue to create opportunities, within its mandate, to lend its contribution towards fostering result oriented inter-parliamentary dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” Montella said. “It is important that parliaments, through their national delegations, continue to use the Assembly as a complementary platform while also working towards preparing the population for peace.” 

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 57 countries spanning Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international co-operation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable the repairs and maintenance of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission 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.

VIENNA / STOCKHOLM, 16 July 2020 – With the current pandemic putting a severe strain on societies all over the world, Sweden will take on the OSCE Chair in truly challenging times. This calls for a focus on the very fundamentals of the OSCE: the European security order, the comprehensive concept of security and continued efforts to resolve conflicts in the OSCE region, said Sweden’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Robert Rydberg today, as he addressed the Permanent Council on the incoming Chair’s priority areas.

Recalling the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, Rydberg said that “the European security order – territorial integrity, refraining from the threat or use of force and upholding the right of each country to choose its own foreign and security arrangement – constitutes a core security policy interest for my own country. It is in the interest of the whole OSCE region.”

He said that Sweden’s primary focus as Chair “will have to be to go back to basics” and the fundamental tasks of the OSCE, reminding participating States that it is high time to live up to the common commitments laid down in the Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter of 1990.

Turning to the conflicts in the OSCE area, Rydberg said that efforts to resolve these will be at the very top of the incoming Chair’s agenda. On the protracted conflicts in the OSCE area, he said that Sweden would support the efforts to bring these conflicts closer to a resolution.

Rydberg expressed deep concern about the increased violence and the loss of life along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

“We support the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ambassador Kasprzyk in their efforts to de-escalate the situation,” he said. 

Rydberg also specifically mentioned the crisis in and around Ukraine and noted that it remains one of the most blatant and recent challenges to the European security order.

“As Chair we will continue to build on the dedicated efforts of our predecessors in finding a sustainable political solution to the conflict, in line with OSCE principles and commitments. This must be in full respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” Rydberg stated.

Rydberg emphasized the uniqueness of OSCE’s comprehensive and multi-dimensional concept of security and the strength of an approach in which political and economic security, human rights and democracy are intertwined. He pointed to efforts and initiatives in the first dimension, not least by the Albanian Chair, to further the agenda for women, peace and security and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 as imperative and something Sweden will build on.

“The inclusion and meaningful participation of women are vital for the successful prevention and mitigation of conflicts, as well as for consolidating peace when hostilities have ended,” Rydberg said.

The second dimension – the economic and environmental dimension – remains a key component of the OSCE comprehensive approach to security, he said. With women often lacking access to social protection and the security that follows from equal participation in economic life, Sweden aims to dedicate resources and efforts to promoting gender equality.

Rydberg said that democratic values, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law are being challenged and eroded throughout the OSCE region. The current pandemic has accelerated the risk of democratic backsliding in participating States. Against that backdrop, the human dimension of OSCE’s comprehensive security concept is imperative for our common security and it will be at the very core of Sweden’s OSCE Chair.

“The right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media will be key priorities in the human dimension during 2021, as will strengthening democratic processes, increasing civic space and promoting human rights and democracy,” Rydberg said.

He underlined the tireless efforts of OSCE’s autonomous institutions: “Their work is vital in assisting participating States to uphold OSCE commitments and principles, and to prevent conflicts through supporting democracy and free media and protecting national minorities.”

Concluding his address, he reminded the participating States of the OSCE’s vital role in addressing the evolving security challenges of today: “In an era where our security is challenged through increasingly complex threats, it is through dialogue, inclusion and respect for agreed principles that we have a chance to make a real difference. The OSCE can make a difference. As Chair, we will try to do our part. And we will count on the support of all of you.”

Rydberg addressed the Permanent Council remotely from Stockholm on behalf of Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde. Sweden will take over the OSCE Chair from Albania on 1 January 2021 with Linde serving as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.

SKOPJE, 16 July 2020 – The early parliamentary elections in North Macedonia were generally well run and candidates could campaign freely, but legal stability was undermined by significant revisions to the legal framework and subsequent government decrees, international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.

“This is a very challenging time to be holding elections, and we recognize the authorities’ efforts to adapt to the new circumstances,” said Laima Andrikienė, head of ODIHR’s Special Election Assessment Mission. “However, there are unsolved issues with the electoral law and process that often led to last-minute political agreements. This needs to be given serious attention by the authorities well ahead of the next elections.”

Some 1.8 million people were eligible to vote in yesterday’s early parliamentary elections, which were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The election administration completed its work within all the legal deadlines, despite complications caused after the electoral process was suspended. Election day itself went smoothly despite some technical challenges with the reporting of results. However, longstanding structural issues in compiling the voter register remain unaddressed.

The legal framework was changed substantially shortly before the elections were announced, which goes against international good practice. Continuing inconsistencies and ambiguous formulations undermine legal certainty, and still need substantial revision.

Candidates had the opportunity to genuinely compete and deliver their messages, although the campaign was characterized by negative rhetoric at the expense of policy discussions on content. Media coverage of the elections generally lacked a critical assessment of platforms, and rules on paid political advertisements favoured the three largest parties.

ODIHR’s Special Election Assessment Mission (SEAM) to North Macedonia took up its work on 19 June and will end on 23 July. The SEAM focused on issues identified by ODIHR’s needs assessment mission in order to assess the extent to which the elections were held in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation.

For further information, please contact: Katya Andrusz, ODIHR: +48 609 522 266 or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl

COPENHAGEN, 16 July 2020 – The leaders of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions expressed concern today that Belarus had failed to extend a timely invitation to the OSCE to observe its upcoming presidential election. The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) announced yesterday that the lack of an invitation has prevented ODIHR from observing the election process.

Kyriakos Hadjiyianni (Cyprus), Michael Link (Germany), and Kari Henriksen (Norway), the Chair, Vice-Chair and Rapporteur, respectively, of the OSCE PA’s human rights committee stressed that the failure to extend a timely invitation is not in line with OSCE commitments.

“All OSCE participating States are obliged under the 1990 OSCE Copenhagen Document to facilitate election observation by other participating States,” Hadjiyianni, Link and Henriksen said today in a joint statement. “The fact that Belarus failed until now to invite the OSCE to observe its 9 August presidential election has effectively prevented observation of key parts of the electoral process, such as the formation of election commissions and registration of candidates. Although the Parliamentary Assembly was not planning to deploy observers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we deeply regret that the lack of an invitation to our partners in ODIHR has prevented them from performing any election observation activities. The people and institutions of Belarus would have benefited from the added transparency brought by OSCE election observation.”

Hadjiyianni, Link and Henriksen also expressed concern over reports that prospective presidential candidates had been intimidated in Belarus and opposition activists arrested, reiterating their statement on 2 June that the authorities in Belarus must do all they can to enable a thorough and open campaign environment.

OSCE PA President George Tsereteli and Secretary General Roberto Montella discussed the upcoming election with Head of the Belarusian OSCE PA Delegation Anderei Savinykh in an informal online meeting on 26 June. The PA leaders informed the Belarusian side that the PA had decided that it would not observe any elections until the autumn, at the earliest, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but made clear to the Belarusian Delegation that an invitation would be appropriate nonetheless, in line with Belarus’s commitments under the Copenhagen Document.

To date, however, the PA has also failed to receive a formal invitation.

In the 1990 OSCE Copenhagen Document, the signatories affirmed their commitment to invite observers from any other OSCE participating State to observe the course of their national election proceedings and to facilitate similar access for election proceedings held below the national level.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 57 countries spanning Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international co-operation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.

VIENNA, 16 July 2020 – With one human trafficking prosecution for every 2,154 victims, and human trafficking prosecution rates in Europe having fallen by 50% between 2015 and 2019, next week’s 20th Alliance against Trafficking in Persons Conference will explore what can be done to deliver justice and finally end this impunity.

The OSCE, as an organizing partner within the Alliance, aims to use the Conference to launch a renewed effort to increase the number and improve the quality of prosecutions. The conference will offer a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities in enhancing investigations and prosecutions of human trafficking, and explore the linkages between the prosecution of offenders and the protection of victims before, during, and after criminal proceedings. 

Participants will develop recommendations on how to make prosecution a more utilized, tailored, and effective tool in combating human trafficking and highlight good practices, including creative and innovative methods to enhance efforts against human trafficking crimes. A particular emphasis will be put on ways of working smarter, including making greater use of financial investigations, partnerships, proactive investigation methods, and prosecution strategies that do not require the testimony of victims.

The Alliance Conference is the most important international event on anti-trafficking issues: the world's leading experts in this field will attend the event.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic related restrictions, the Conference will, for the first time, be conducted primarily online, via the Zoom platform. It will take place from 14:00 hrs, Monday, 20 July through to 16:30 hrs, Wednesday, 22 July (all times are Central European Summer Time).

Media representatives are invited to watch the entire conference remotely and participate in the discussions. To do so they are required to register by sending an e-mail to info-cthb@osce.org or Lilia.Rotoloni@osce.org by 17:00 hrs, Friday 17 July. After registration, participants will receive an invitation with a link to the Zoom meeting.

Visit the event webpage to learn more about this conference, including a detailed agenda.

Follow the Alliance Conference on Twitter and comment using #CTHB20, or use #AskOSCEAlliance to send your questions to panelists.

It is also possible to watch the conference live (without participation) on the OSCE’s Facebook page. 

VIENNA, 15 July 2020 - After the meeting of the OSCE Minsk Group today, its Co-Chairs (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stéphane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America)‎ and Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office (PRCIO) Andrzej Kasprzyk, released the following statement:

In accordance with the information available, the situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border remains relatively calm as of early morning 15 July. The Co-Chairs and the PRCIO welcome the decrease in hostilities and appeal to the sides to make every effort to continue de-escalation.

The Co-Chairs urge the sides to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and attempts to change the situation on the ground. The Co-Chairs continue to stress the necessity of building up an atmosphere conducive to the restoration of the peace process.

The Co-Chairs welcomed the confirmation of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan to hold substantive negotiations on crucial aspects of a Nagorno-Karabakh settlement as soon as possible and emphasized the importance of returning OSCE monitors to the region as soon as circumstances allow.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable the repairs and maintenance of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission 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.

WARSAW, 15 July 2020 – The Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus that the lack of an invitation to observe the upcoming presidential election has precluded ODIHR from observing the ongoing election process.

“The lack of a timely invitation more than two months after the announcement of the election has prevented ODIHR from observing key aspects of the electoral process,” ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir said. “These include areas we have noted in recent observation reports as requiring improvement in Belarus, such as the formation of election commissions and registration of candidates. It is clear from the outcomes of these processes that the authorities have not taken any steps to improve their inclusiveness.”

ODIHR has made every effort since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver on its mandate for election observation, and has carried out observation in several countries since travel restrictions were widely lifted. The lack of a timely invitation in such a challenging situation, the Director underlined, reflects a lack of commitment to co-operate with ODIHR election observers as envisaged by OSCE commitments.

At the same time, Gísladóttir also reiterated her deep concern at reports that prospective candidates had been intimidated and opposition activists arrested.

“The protection of fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression is a precondition for genuine democratic elections,” she said.

The ODIHR Director also urged the authorities to take concrete and immediate steps to protect the exercise of fundamental freedoms in Belarus.

OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

Sharing advanced experience in the analysis of suspicious transactions reports (STR) and further financial investigation is the objective of an OSCE-organized online seminar that opened in Ashgabat on 15 July 2020. The two-day event will provide an overview of initial, operational and strategic analysis and financial investigation in efforts to combat money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The seminar brings together representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and its Financial Monitoring Department, law enforcement and supervisory bodies, entities engaged in transactions with cash or other property, and other relevant government and non-governmental agencies of Turkmenistan.

International experts will present best practices from OSCE participating States as effective methods and measures for STR analysis and further financial investigation. They will discuss the usage of relevant databases and typologies, as well as the application of a risk-based approach.

Addressing the seminar participants, Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, said: “As strengthening economic security and promoting good governance are high on the OSCE agenda, the Organization is undertaking consistent steps to assist the participating States in countering money laundering and other related crimes. The OSCE Centre initiated a number of projects to provide multifaceted support to the government of Turkmenistan in promoting good governance and developing mechanisms, including in enhancing national legislation and its implementation practices in line with relevant international standards.”

The participants will discuss the activities of reporting entities, supervisory bodies, the private sector and the Financial Investigation Unit and their interaction with the law enforcement bodies in detecting transactions related to efforts to combat money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Special emphasis will be put on the advanced methods of financial analysis and investigation and the importance of exchanging analytical and financial data.

“Efficient analysis and investigation of financial crimes requires co-ordinated actions by different bodies and we expect this seminar to contribute to strengthened inter-agency co-operation in accomplishing this important objective,” added Drozd.

VIENNA/TIRANA, 14 July 2020 – “I am deeply concerned by the increased violence we have seen along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and urge an immediate return to the ceasefire before we see any further loss of life,” said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Albania’s Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Edi Rama today.  

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 in an effort to bring stability back to the situation. A direct channel of communication was established by the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders during their meeting in Vienna under the auspices of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs in March 2019. Rama expressed his hope that such mechanisms can be utilized to de-escalate this situation.

Acknowledging the human toll of this latest violence, Rama offered condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and expressed his concern for the well-being of those injured on both sides. “We must all do what we can to reduce the human impact of the conflict and resume substantive negotiations as soon as possible,” Rama said, underscoring his support for the Minsk process.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous 24 hours, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and a similar number of ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM saw damage to a civilian property in Donetsk city’s Kuibyshevskyi district.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It saw people in the evening and night hours within former positions inside the disengagement areas near Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines 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 entry-exit checkpoints and corresponding checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• An SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle spotted vehicles driving at night on an unpaved road near non-government-controlled Manych, in border areas where there are no crossing facilities.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at border crossing point near non-government-controlled Izvaryne, Luhansk region *

Information for Google Short title:  ODIHR's recommendations on Azerbaijan 2020 elections Short description:  ODIHR final report on the 2020 Azerbaijan early parliamentary elections 457273 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

A restrictive legal and political landscape meant that voters in the early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan were not provided with meaningful choice despite a high number of candidates. Although the Central Election Commission made efforts to act transparently, significant procedural violations during counting and tabulation raised concerns regarding the honesty of the results. These are some of the main conclusions from the final report on the Azerbaijan elections from 9 February 2020, as published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

This document offers 31 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections in Azerbaijan. They are also meant to support efforts of aligning with OSCE commitments as well as other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.

Recommendations

Key recommendations include:

• guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms, eliminating gaps and addressing previous recommendations from ODIHR and the Venice Commission as well as rulings of the European Court of Human Rights
• ensuring the freedom of assembly, with a focus on simple notification procedure and accessibility of venues
• revising media laws to ensure full freedom of expression and equal access to information for journalists, including by shielding them from pressure or intimidation
• upholding the integrity of the electoral process, in particular by preventing ballot box stuffing, implementing safeguard procedures such as inking and securing the ballot boxes, and maintaining the secrecy of the vote
• ensuring that the election campaign is conducted in an atmosphere free from intimidation and fear of retribution
• setting precise and exhaustive grounds for blocking websites and granting this power exclusively to the judiciary
• revising the composition of election commissions in order to enhance their impartiality
• investigating irregularities during the vote count and prosecuting perpetrators

ODIHR deployed an Election Observation Mission on 7 January 2020 to observe the early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.

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). 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 7,164 to 8,055 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 467 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 eight, compared to seven last week. All eight crossed into the Russian Federation. 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 eight families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while another six families crossed into Ukraine.

Bus connections                                        

Regular local and long-distance bus connections between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation were restored from 25 June. During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (215 compared to 162 observed during the previous week). There were 116 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 99 bound for Ukraine.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (996 compared to 1,090 during the previous reporting week); 593 at the Gukovo BCP and 403 at the Donetsk BCP, 620 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 376 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, Latvia, 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 50 to 63. These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane. All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.

Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP very slightly decreased from 157 to 156. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 142 trucks (91 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 14 trucks (9 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.

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 slightly increased from 152 to 159 vehicles; 71 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 88 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 17 occasions; the OTs assessed that eight 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 Lithuania and Georgia.

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

On 9 July at 13:31, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed a green helicopter with a red star on the side, flying from north to west, turning in an easterly direction at an altitude of less than 900 m. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT.

On the same day at 13:46, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a helicopter type Mi-8 flying from the north to a north-easterly direction at an altitude of approximately 100-200m. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT.

On 10 July at 10:20, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed a green helicopter with a red star on the side flying from north to west, turning in an easterly direction. 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 at both BCPs on two separate occasions: 

On 10 July at 20:10, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation license plates with two persons on board (a driver and a paramedic) entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building. At 20:25 the ambulance drove back towards the Russian Federation with the same crew on board.

On 11 July at 16:34, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates with a driver and two paramedics on board entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building. At 16:43 the ambulance drove back towards the Russian Federation. The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 9 June to 14 July 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, 14 July 2020 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold a press conference to present their preliminary conclusions following the early parliamentary elections in North Macedonia.

What:

• A press conference of the international observer team sent by ODIHR to the early parliamentary elections in North Macedonia
• The press conference can be attended in person or via Zoom (details below)
• You can also follow the livestream on www.facebook.com/osce.odihr

Who:

• Laima Andrikienė, Head of the ODIHR special election assessment mission
• Daria Paprocka, Deputy Head of the ODIHR special election assessment mission

When:

• 15:00 on 16 July 2020

Where:

• Skopje Marriott Hotel, Ballroom, 2nd floor, Plostad Makedonija 7, Skopje

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 Egor Tilpunov, media analyst, egor.tilpunov@odihr.mk by 11:00 on 16 July.

COPENHAGEN, 13 July 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic, as an unprecedented global crisis that impacts all dimensions of security, has underlined the urgency of addressing long-standing challenges facing the OSCE area, including resolving conflicts, promoting environmental sustainability, managing migration, and ensuring democratic resiliency and social cohesion, a new OSCE Parliamentary Assembly report concludes.

“OSCE PA vs. COVID-19: Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations presented by OSCE PA President George Tsereteli” is the product of eight Parliamentary Web Dialogues from March-June 2020 dealing with subjects relating to the pandemic’s effects on conflicts in the OSCE area, economic and environmental impacts, human rights and democratic governance, counter-terrorism, gender issues and more. It features the observations of dozens of experts and parliamentarians who contributed to the events, pointing out that governmental and parliamentary actions during this period will have long-term consequences for public trust in institutions.

In presenting the report today, OSCE PA President George Tsereteli (Georgia) noted that during the COVID-19 crisis, parliamentarians have played an essential role as a link between citizens and their governments, as well as providing oversight of governments’ actions, promoting good governance and preventing corruption, and by enhancing dialogue on the international level.

“Faced with the need to provide a global response to this global crisis, the OSCE PA has encouraged close co-ordination with parliaments at the national and the international levels to promote democratic, effective, and coherent public policy responses, and to address our citizens’ concerns,” writes Tsereteli in an introduction to the report. “In the post-COVID era, we are invited to make the full use of our parliamentary prerogatives, in particular oversight.”

Among the report’s key findings:

• The COVID-19 crisis and its indirect effects can have a heavy impact on conflict-affected populations already enduring precarious conditions: the closure of crossing points or entry-exit checkpoints, reduced access to healthcare and economic difficulties place a heavy burden on vulnerable populations.
• With governments preoccupied with COVID-19 challenges, issues of ongoing conflicts are slipping from international agenda and lockdown measures introduced by countries have slowed down international conflict mediation efforts and peace negotiations.
• The pandemic is pushing both advanced and emerging economies into a recession, severely impacting the lives of millions of citizens. The worst affected economies seem to be those that are most integrated into the global supply chains.
• The links between air pollution, which disproportionately affects low-income and minority communities, and increased health risks associated with COVID-19 are clear. The severe health implications brought on by inadequate environmental protection should lead to legislative initiatives to safeguard public health through direct public support towards green projects, green finance and higher carbon pricing.
• Restrictions put in place on fundamental freedoms and economic activity must be limited in duration, proportionate, consistent with legal obligations, and non-discriminatory. Legislative bodies should continue their functioning to the highest degree possible.
• Electoral processes may need some adaptation of procedures in order to proceed safely during a pandemic. Proceeding with elections immediately may stress untried procedures and result in limited and unfair opportunities for campaigning and/or for voting.
• The pandemic has revealed many alarming systemic inequalities resulting from marginalization, discrimination, racism, and xenophobia, with serious shortcomings in policies.
• Some minority communities have been disproportionately targeted by the police, and the pandemic has been used to justify harsher measures against migrants and refugees. Women also appear to be disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
• The pandemic highlights the exceptional exposure of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants across the OSCE region, in particular women and children, adding to their vulnerabilities due to poor living conditions, and limited access to health and hygiene services.
• While the long-term impact on terrorism is yet to be fully comprehended, the uncertainty caused by the pandemic is likely to trigger dangerous dynamics and fuel violent extremism throughout the OSCE region.
• An enormous amount of false and misleading information related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including misleading healthcare information, conspiracy theories, fake claims about vaccines, bogus cures, and medicines have resulted in the spread of panic, confusion, and distrust.

The report recommends that combating disinformation must be a common effort of OSCE participating States’ competent authorities, civil society, social media platforms, and international organizations. Governments should also monitor trends and share assessments on how extremist groups are exploiting COVID-19, and thus consolidate national, regional, and international policy and legislative strategies in this domain.

Comprehensive responses to the effects of the health crisis require the collection and analysis of data disaggregated by gender, race, indigeneity, sexuality, age, disability, socioeconomic status and migratory status, according to the report. Refugee and migrant communities must be an integral part of any public health response and COVID-19 prevention measures should not stigmatize these communities.

Parliamentary oversight and transparent legislative procedures are particularly important under the current circumstances, the report concludes. Parliaments should play an important role in shaping both immediate responses as well as longer-term solutions, and parliamentarians have a unique role and ability to bring a human rights perspective into their work and legislation.

The pandemic should also provide momentum for developing and implementing green economic recovery plans throughout the OSCE region, as well as balanced fiscal, monetary, and financial market measures to mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is much more than a health emergency: it impacts on the security of our societies and citizens, which are at the core of the OSCE’s focus,” OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella writes in an introduction to the report. To address the crisis effectively, “we need to maintain unity among international actors, avoiding duplication of efforts and investing in each other’s added values to prove that only effective multilateralism will bring about concrete solutions to the current crisis.”

The 35-page report is available here.

For more on the OSCE PA’s response to COVID-19, including all videos of the Parliamentary Web Dialogues, as well as related op-eds and media interviews, please click here.