Central Europe

COPENHAGEN, 8 July 2020 – OSCE matters ranging from the valuable work of the field operations and conflict resolution efforts to budgetary issues and political deadlock were in focus today during a bilateral meeting between OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Secretary General Roberto Montella and Albania’s Acting Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj.

Montella welcomed the excellent co-operation the PA enjoys with the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship and praised Albania’s leadership in guiding the OSCE in difficult times. In addition to a devastating earthquake that hit central Albania earlier this year, the Albanian Chairmanship has also been marked by challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts and internal OSCE issues related to the budget and senior leadership positions, Montella noted.

Cakaj said that the parliamentary dimension of the OSCE is crucial and expressed appreciation for the PA’s work in ensuring the implementation of OSCE commitments in all three dimensions. He noted the meaning for Albania in holding the Chairmanship, as a country that has evolved from being politically isolated during the communist era, to being itself a beneficiary of the OSCE’s field work and now chairing the Organization. Cakaj stressed that this not only demonstrates Albania’s progress but also the value of the OSCE.

The sides discussed political challenges that the OSCE faces, including ensuring that the Organization is not left with a leadership vacuum in times when leadership is most needed, and urged that agreement is reached in a spirit of co-operation which is more required than ever in this time of crisis. All 57 OSCE participating States should commit to building dialogue through the forum provided by the OSCE, Montella and Cakaj agreed. While unpredictable challenges have made the management of the Chairmanship more difficult, a renewed strong commitment to address all issues, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating problems and increasing hybrid threats, is vital, they said.

Montella briefed Cakaj on recent OSCE PA activities, including Tuesday’s virtual Standing Committee meeting, the series of Parliamentary Web Dialogues the Assembly has held during the COVID crisis, and its online regional meetings. He underlined the value of the PA as a forum to build confidence, trust and respect among parliamentarians from countries in difficult circumstances, and emphasized that the success of a Chairmanship is based on its capacity to maintain a high level of political engagement of governments in the work of the OSCE.

Cakaj noted that despite the challenges of this year, the Chairmanship has adapted well and intends to hold a physical Ministerial Council meeting in Albania this December. He highlighted a number of the Chairmanship’s priorities including cybercrime and hybrid threats, which he noted will continue to feature high on the agenda after the COVID crisis.

Montella offered the PA’s congratulations on the political consensus reached by the political parties on electoral reform in Albania, given the importance of this reform for the country’s EU accession negotiation process, welcomed Albania’s declared will to change anti-defamation legislation in line with recommendations of the OSCE Representative for Freedom of Media and the Venice Commission, and commended the steady progress of crucial reforms in the country, such as the justice reform and the fight against organized crime.

Photos of Gent Cakaj's visit to the OSCE PA International Secretariat are available on Flickr. 

456850 Marina Živaljević

Young people represent the most vulnerable group exposed to violent extremism and radicalization, but also have the greatest potential to combat and prevent it. This was the conclusion of a two-day workshop on youth engagement to prevent and counter violent extremism (P/CVE) and radicalization, organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Ministry of Sports and Youth on 6 and 7 July 2020 in Bečići.

Around 30 young people from all over Montenegro gathered to discuss basic concepts and definitions in the field of preventing and combating violent extremism, its drivers, existing prevention programmes in Montenegro and the region, and the national prevention framework.

Nenad Koprivica, Director of the Directorate for Youth in the Ministry of Sports and Youth, said that the potential of youth in combating radicalization and preventing violent extremism lies in promoting peace-building, tolerance and intercultural learning.

Dragan Pejanović, State Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and National P/CVE Co-ordinator of Montenegro, said that radicalization is a threat to which everyone is potentially exposed. “Children and young people are at particular risk, so we are all obliged to do everything in our power to help young people build and maintain a positive value system,” said Pejanović. “Continuous education and active involvement of all segments of society are key in the fight against extremism.”

Ivana Vujović, the OSCE Mission’s Democratization National Programme Officer, said that violent extremism and radicalization are complex, multi-faceted challenges, not confined to borders. “Prevention is the key to the solution. Youth are the key actors. Civil society, policymakers and practitioners must come together to advance prevention initiatives,” said Vujović. She recalled that in November 2019 the Mission organized a similar workshop for 20 young men and women from across Montenegro.

VIENNA, 8 July 2020 – Despite its high profits and catastrophic harm to victims, trafficking in human beings for the removal of organs is one of the least understood and addressed forms of human trafficking globally and needs urgent attention from the international community, an international group of experts concluded in a two-day online meeting held on 7 July.

The event,  co-organized by the Office of the OSCE Special Representative for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (OSR/CTHB), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), was an opportunity to share experiences in addressing this challenge and examine possible ways to enhance responses in the OSCE region.

The meeting gathered legal, criminal justice, medical and victim-protection experts from over 20 OSCE participating States, Partners for Co-operation and international organizations.

The experts noted that, although it is specifically mentioned in the internationally-recognized definition of trafficking in human beings, human trafficking for the purpose of organ removal remains a troubling and elusive form of exploitation across the globe. They emphasized the need to raise international attention to the issue and deploy all available tools to combat it.

"One of the things I am struck by is how incredibly challenging it is to respond to this form of trafficking in human beings. And yet I am also optimistic because we have been jointly developing some of the tools we need like new technologies and improved financial investigations," said OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Valiant Richey. He also added that the OSCE looks forward to working with a wide range of partners on a list of concrete recommendations.  

Many participants pointed out the inadequacy of the legal instruments currently in use, and the crucial necessity to enhance co-operation between countries to make perpetrators accountable.

Participants stressed that particular attention needs to be devoted to situations with patients travelling abroad to get a transplant or coming from abroad with a donor. The crimes often cross borders which makes it much harder for investigators and prosecutors to track perpetrators and exercise jurisdiction over cases that can span numerous countries. Without international judicial co-operation, these crimes - even when detected - are rarely prosecuted successfully, noted the participants. They also said that the role of financial investigations in detecting and countering flows of money alimenting and paying for these illegal services is vital. 

A crucial point in the discussions was the critical role that can be played by the medical personnel, both in preventing these crimes but also in reporting dubious situations, including when the origins of the organ to be transplanted are not clear.

Participants also proposed improving the capacity of anti-trafficking practitioners and medical personnel to identify victims. Better identification could also lead to enhanced assistance to survivors, which today is mostly lacking.

VIENNA, 8 July 2020 – The online event on “The rise of artificial intelligence and how it will reshape the future of free speech”, organized by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), concluded today in Vienna. It was followed by a call for feedback from all stakeholders.

The RFoM event provided a platform to discuss the role of AI in shaping and arbitrating online information, and the impact this has on freedom of expression. The event focused on the possible way forward to safeguard free speech when deploying automation and AI. An RFoM Strategy Paper to put a spotlight on AI and freedom of expression (#SAIFE) with preliminary recommendations, which provided the foundation for these discussions, was published ahead of the event.

The event brought together a broad audience of 200 participants, including experts from participating States, civil society, academia, the tech industry and other international stakeholders to enable interactive discussions. The speakers included Nathalie Maréchal (Senior Policy Analyst, Ranking Digital Rights); Andrey Kuleshov (Advisor, Centre for AI Science and Technology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology); Benoît Loutrel (Former Head of the French Social Network Regulation Task Force); Eliška Pírková (Europe Policy Analyst, Access Now); Daniel Holznagel (Legal Officer, German Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection), Joris van Hoboken (Law Professor, Vrije Universiteit Brussels); Emma Llansó (Director of the Free Expression Project, Center for Democracy and Technology); Tuomas Pöysti (Chancellor of Justice of the Government of Finland); and Barbora Bukovska (Senior Director for Law and Policy, ARTICLE 19).

During his welcoming remarks, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, stressed the importance of understanding AI’s potential and its impact on the future of human rights, particularly on freedom of expression and freedom of the media.

“The use of AI in content moderation and curation directly influences what we, as individuals and society, can access, see, and read online, and the way we can share our ideas and interact with one another,” said the Representative. “Today, we looked at how AI is used, and what this means for the enjoyment of our freedoms, especially free speech and media pluralism. However, we do not want to only identify the practices and policies in place, we also want to take the next step, to look ahead and discuss what all actors, including states, the international community, social media companies, and civil society can do to prevent, or retract, the negative implications that AI can have on free speech.”

Now that the event has concluded, the Office of the RFoM wants to draw attention to the upcoming consultation phase, which will provide all stakeholders with the opportunity to provide feedback on the project’s work, including the #SAIFE Strategy Paper and the event’s discussions, in view of further elaborating policy recommendations on how to safeguard free speech when AI is deployed. This consultation phase will enable inclusiveness and feed into expert meetings starting this autumn. All information will be available on the website: https://www.osce.org/fom/ai-free-speech.

The full #SAIFE paper is available here: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/9/f/456319.pdf.

For any questions regarding substantive issues, please contact Julia Haas, Julia.Haas@osce.org.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

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 fewer in Luhansk region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flying close to and over the areas close to the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM followed up on reports of shelling in Horlivka, and its mini-UAVs spotted recent craters near Spartak and Zaitseve, Donetsk region.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the Mission passage at checkpoints along official crossing routes in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*
• The Mission continued monitoring all three disengagement areas: It observed people inside the disengagement area near Zolote during night hours and recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM saw civilians queuing to travel towards government- and non-government-controlled areas at entry-exit checkpoints and checkpoints along the contact line. At a temporary checkpoint of the armed formations near Olenivka, the SMM observed long waiting hours and poor conditions for about 200 pedestrians queuing to travel towards government-controlled areas.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

THE HAGUE, 9 July 2020 – Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre from Ireland has been selected as the winner of the 2020 Max van der Stoel Award. The Award recognizes its efforts to strengthen the genuine integration of Ireland’s society by advocating and protecting the rights of the Traveller and Roma communities. 

In Ireland, the Roma and Traveller communities have suffered a long history of multiple and intersectional discrimination. Both communities experience poverty, unemployment, lack of educational opportunity, decreased life expectancy, cultural bias and social stereotyping.

Since its foundation in 1985, the Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre has recognized the need for solidarity between Roma and Irish Traveller communities based on their shared experiences of racism and social exclusion.

Commenting on its decision, the international Jury, chaired by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier, stated:

“This non-governmental organization (NGO) courageously and continuously seeks to celebrate the cultures and traditions of both communities in an inclusive manner by advocating for participation, social justice and genuine equality at the regional, national and international levels. Pavee Point supports the integration of Ireland’s diverse society through education and healthcare initiatives, and works to combat violence against women and support participation in programmes that bridge economic and societal inequalities. In addition, Pavee Point raises awareness within broader society of the fundamental rights of Roma and Travellers, and works to eradicate negative stereotypes and discrimination of these communities, including of women and children. In promoting the status of Travellers, Pavee Point successfully lobbied the Republic of Ireland to extend official legal recognition for this community as a minority ethnic group in March 2017.”

The Jury’s official justification added: “The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed how persistent societal inequalities have left many vulnerable communities in an even more precarious situation. Pavee Point has been actively involved in various initiatives, including co-operating with national authorities, to mitigate the negative implications of the pandemic for the Roma and Traveller communities.”

The Award – named after the distinguished Dutch statesman and first OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Max van der Stoel, – in the amount of 50,000 euros was established by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2001. It is awarded biennially to an individual, group or institution in recognition of extraordinary and outstanding achievements aimed at promoting integration and social cohesion in the OSCE participating States.

The Award ceremony will take place in The Hague on 16 November 2020, in accordance with local COVID-19 measures related to gatherings prevailing at the time.

COPENHAGEN, 7 July 2020 – Some 40 members of parliament participated in a virtual meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Standing Committee today, hearing reports from the PA President, Treasurer, Secretary General, and holding debates on international issues in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Comprised of heads of national delegations and the elected members of the Bureau, the Standing Committee meets three times a year to guide the work of the Assembly and would have met in Vancouver this week had the 2020 Annual Session not been cancelled due to the pandemic.

OSCE PA President George Tsereteli (Georgia) opened the online forum by thanking delegations for their continued active engagement during these extraordinary times. He highlighted a report that is expected to be published in the coming days by the International Secretariat, which summarizes general conclusions and recommendations stemming from the Parliamentary Web Dialogues organized by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly since March.

“As we have experienced throughout this crisis, there is a dire need for more international concertation. We need more dialogue between our countries. We need to reinforce our multilateral system,” Tsereteli said. “One of my priorities as President of the PA has also been to better position us in the international arena by expanding partnerships with other multilateral organizations.”

The President noted that recent crisis situations have demonstrated the unmatched value of the OSCE, including its versatility and ability to respond rapidly and efficiently. He urged governments to ensure that the pandemic is not used as an opportunity to undermine the OSCE and that the Organization’s executive structures can ensure leadership continuity during challenging times.

Hedy Fry, the Head of the Canadian OSCE PA Delegation and Special Representative on Gender Issues, noted Canada’s regret that it was not able to host the Annual Session this year. “As the OSCE PA convenes via videoconferencing today, we are reminded that we should have been gathering in Vancouver, Canada for the 2020 Annual Session from July 2 to 7,” Fry said. “The COVID-19 global pandemic has redefined how we, as parliamentarians, interact and communicate. Yet in a way, we have become more connected and our voices more relevant. As we continue to face new challenges and find new opportunities to fulfill the PA’s mission, I truly hope we, Canada, will be able to host a future Annual Session here in Vancouver.”

Treasurer Peter Juel-Jensen (Denmark) presented his report and thanked the Standing Committee for having unanimously approved the budget for the next financial year.

Secretary General Roberto Montella highlighted the various methods the PA has used to keep dialogue alive during the lockdown, including the Parliamentary Web Dialogues dealing with thematic issues related to COVID-19 and the informal regional meetings held with OSCE PA delegations. He noted the importance of building confidence and trust, as well as developing long-term strategic thinking for solutions to international problems. The Secretary General also outlined upcoming plans for the Assembly, including election observation missions in the autumn, depending on the public health conditions.

Topics that came up in the general debate included the crisis in and around Ukraine, racism and police brutality, migration, environmental sustainability and climate change, discrimination and LGBT rights, resiliency and social cohesion, the continuation of parliamentary activity during the lockdown, and human trafficking. COVID-19 has highlighted many underlying challenges that must be addressed, it was emphasized.

The issue of OSCE PA members participating in non-internationally recognized election observation missions also came up, with concern expressed that these so-called “fake observers” may undermine the credibility of legitimate election observation activities.

A presentation by Vice-President Peter Bowness focused on the Rules of Procedure reform process. The Rules Committee should take a comprehensive review of all the Assembly’s rules, he noted. One area needed for reform is to ensure that the Assembly is well prepared for emergency situations, as well as defining the concept of a quorum and considering streamlining other areas of the PA’s work, Lord Bowness stated.

OSCE PA Deputy Secretary General and Special Representative Amb. Andreas Nothelle provided an update on the situation at OSCE headquarters in Vienna, noting that the atmosphere for dialogue has deteriorated. He pointed out, however, that the PA’s recent activities have been appreciated in Vienna.

Video of the virtual Standing Committee meeting is available here.

Photos are on Flickr.

For more on the OSCE PA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please click here.

###

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 24 hours, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the Mission passage at checkpoints along official crossing routes in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*
• The Mission continued monitoring all three disengagement areas: It observed people inside the disengagement area near Zolote during night hours.
• The SMM saw civilians queuing to travel towards government- and non-government-controlled areas at the entry-exit checkpoint in Stanytsia Luhanska.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

VIENNA/TIRANA, 7 July 2020 - Corruption is an issue that touches us all. We need to move from political declarations to effective action, said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Albania’s Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Edi Rama, when remotely opening a two-day high-level conference “Good governance and the fight against corruption in the digital era” in Vienna.

“The only way to achieve zero tolerance is through concerted action at both national and international levels, so there is no weak spot, no chink in our armour. That is the aim of our discussion,” said Rama.

“I welcome the proposals of a number of participating States to update OSCE commitments, particularly in light of new technologies,” said Rama. “However, combating corruption is ultimately a question of political will. Important progress has been made, but we are still well short of the zero tolerance we aspire to.”

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger said that corruption is a complex and ever-changing phenomenon. “One size fits all responses are ineffective and that is why it is so important we maintain an intense dialogue on these issues,” he said. “In the face of COVID-19, anti-corruption measures are urgently needed to increase transparency and introduce preventive safeguards, in particular to crisis-induced procurement. From whatever angle we look at the corruption challenges today, there can be no doubt that our collective action is more relevant than ever.”

Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said: “With COVID-19, corruption both large and small is posing new and greater risks to health, finances and the integrity of institutions, and threatening our ability to recover from the pandemic.” 

“Measures to stimulate economic recovery and a return to business activity, as well as international assistance to developing countries, will be increasing in the next months,” said Waly. “Greater global vigilance and enhanced international cooperation to tackle corruption and money laundering, as well as to prevent aid misappropriation, are urgently needed.”

Some 200 high-level representatives from OSCE participating States, Partners for Co-operation, UNODC, and other international organizations, academia and civil society participated in the conference, which was held physically at the Hofburg, Vienna and via videoconferencing.

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 20 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 the shifts at the border checkpoints and adherence to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities.

OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS

Persons crossing the border

                                                                                                                                                                                

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

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

The average number of entries/exits significantly increased from 4,395 to 7,164 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 606 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 seven compared to six last week, three of them crossed into the Russian Federation and four 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, one family was 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 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 (162 compared to 118 observed during the previous week). There were 76 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 86 bound for Ukraine.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (1,090 compared to 1,040 during the previous reporting week); 641 at the Gukovo BCP and 449 at the Donetsk BCP, 713 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 377 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Ukraine and trucks with “LPR” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks slightly decreased from 58 to 50. 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 decreased from 168 to 157. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 127 trucks (81 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 30 trucks (19 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 very slightly increased from 151 to 152 vehicles; 66 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 86 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 23 occasions; the OTs assessed that 12 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 11 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 observed ambulances at both BCPs on three separate occasions: 

On 1 July at 10:23, the OT at Gukovo BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates with two passengers on board, entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking near the main building. One of the passengers entered the building and at 10:41 the ambulance with one individual on board drove back towards the Russian Federation.

On 3 July at 12:26, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates and passengers on board entering the BCP from Ukraine. The vehicle had a sign "Ambulance" (in Russian). After undergoing border control procedures, the ambulance crossed into the Russian Federation.

On the same day, at 13:43, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed another ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates and two passengers on board entering the BCP from Ukraine. The vehicle had a sign "Ambulance" (in Russian). After undergoing border control procedures, the ambulance crossed into the Russian Federation.

On 4 July at 01:27, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed a white minivan with Russian Federation licence plates and two passengers on board entering the BCP from Ukraine. The vehicle had a sign "Funeral transport" (in Russian). The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position. After undergoing customs control procedures, the minivan crossed the border into the Russian Federation. At 02:05, the same minivan, entered the BCP from the Russian Federation with three passengers on board and parked at the customs control area. After undergoing border control procedures, the minivan left for Ukraine.  

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 2 June to 7 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).

VIENNA, 7 July 2020 - Canada and Hungary, as the Depositaries of the Treaty on Open Skies, convened a Conference of States Parties to the Treaty on 6 July 2020. This Conference was organized following the receipt of the notification of intent to withdraw from the Treaty by the United States of America on 22 May 2020.

Due to the restrictions introduced to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 worldwide, the Conference was organized as a video-teleconference. The online event brought together 188 representatives and experts of the 34 States Parties from the different Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Ministries of Defence, Arms Control Organisations and Vienna based Delegations.

As stipulated by the Treaty, the Conference provided States Parties with the opportunity to share views on the effect of the withdrawal of the United States of America on the Treaty. During extensive discussions, which offered a broad range of views the Delegations assessed, inter alia, the overall impact on operational functionality of the Treaty, the impact on the allocation of observation quotas and on financial arrangements within the Treaty, and other potential effects on the Treaty.

COPENHAGEN, 6 July 2020 – Meeting virtually with officials of the European Union, members of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on Migration have focused in recent days on the situation of vulnerable migrants, new asylum procedures in Europe, and providing assistance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 amongst migrant and refugee populations.

In a discussion today with Paraskevi Michou, Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations at the European Commission, OSCE PA members heard about points of concern regarding the well-being of migrants and refugees in first recipient countries, the importance of unimpeded access to crisis areas so that humanitarian aid can be delivered to vulnerable populations, the alarming increase in gender-based violence, and the need for gender mainstreaming in humanitarian aid. Michou mentioned the importance of renewing UN Security Council Resolution 2504, which ensures that lifesaving UN aid reaches over four million Syrians and is set to expire on 10 July.

Discussions also focused on the situation on the Greek islands. Michou discussed working closely with EU member states to relieve the burden, with 17 countries supporting Greece with protective equipment. Syria remains the largest forced displacement crisis in the world, she said, with millions of displaced people who are food insecure – a situation more precarious now due to COVID-19.

“The international community has a responsibility to increase humanitarian assistance to refugees and migrants, especially those affected by the Syrian conflict, and to contribute to building economic resilience in host countries to help them deal with the crisis now and months ahead,” said the Acting Chair of the OSCE PA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Migration, Vice-President Margareta Cederfelt (Sweden). “As we deal with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, we should not forget the most vulnerable members of our societies who can play an instrumental role in the recovery process if given the chance.”

On Friday, Monique Pariat, the Director-General of the European Commission’s Migration and Home Affairs Department, addressed Ad Hoc Committee on Migration members about the importance of solidarity and addressing migration in a comprehensive way. Noting the need for dealing with every stage of migration, it is important, she said, to understand the motivations of people wanting to move and to improve co-operation with countries of origin.

Other topics of discussion included integrating solid migration management into co-operation agreements, enhancing legal migration pathways, enforcing border control, and establishing “mandatory solidarity” in cases of search and rescue, pressure, and situations of crisis. Participants also discussed how to ensure fairness in easing the burden on countries of entry and how the United Kingdom can participate in the EU’s migration policies following Brexit.

Participating in the meetings were Ad Hoc Committee Acting Chair Cederfelt and members Lord Alfred Dubs (United Kingdom), Hedy Fry (Canada), Gudrun Kugler (Austria), Kyriakos Hadjiyianni (Cyprus), and Elona Gjebrea Hoxha (Albania).

For more on the work of the OSCE PA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Migration, please click here.

For more on the OSCE PA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please click here.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, between the evenings of 3 and 4 July, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Compared with the previous 24 hours, between the evenings of 4 and 5 July, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM saw damage caused by shelling and gunfire to civilian properties in non-government-controlled Vesele and government-controlled Novoluhanske, both in Donetsk region.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the Mission passage at a checkpoint along an official crossing route in Luhansk region.*
• The Mission continued monitoring all three disengagement areas: It observed people inside the disengagement areas near Zolote during morning hours and Petrivske during evening hours.
• The SMM saw civilians queuing to travel towards government- and non-government-controlled areas at the entry-exit checkpoint in Stanytsia Luhanska.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*
• An SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle crashed near non-government-controlled Molodizhne after it had experienced signal interference.*

VIENNA, 6 July 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his serious dismay today at the court verdict against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva in Russia.

The Second Western District Military Court in the city of Pskov found journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva guilty of "publicly justifying terrorism" and fined her 500,000 roubles (about 6,000 euro). Earlier, on 3 July, the prosecutor had requested a sentence of six years in prison.

“Although I am glad that Svetlana Prokopyeva was not sentenced  to prison, her condemnation sets a dangerous precedent for Russian journalists to the exercise of their right to freedom of expression,” Désir said. “Prokopeyva had no involvement in any terrorist activity and never condoned terrorism. I hope  that this verdict will be reversed in appeal.”

The charges were brought after Prokopyeva’s comments on radio following a terrorist attack in the Russian city of Arkhangelsk in October 2018. Prokopyeva, a journalist with Radio Ekho Moskvy in Pskov, is a contributor to various other media, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Russian Service. 

The OSCE Representative has intervened on a number of occasions in the case of Prokopyeva, whom he met last autumn in Moscow during the conference on Freedom of the Media and Safety of Journalists in the Russian Federation and in the OSCE region.

For previous interventions see: https://twitter.com/OSCE_RFoM/status/1279459200511459331; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/448645; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/411116; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/434678; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/411116.

“On behalf of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), I would like to express our sincere condolences to the Serb families who lost their loved ones in the Birač region during the 1992-1995 armed conflict,” said Head of the OSCE Mission Kathleen Kavalec, on the occasion of the commemoration on 5 July 2020.

“Today’s commemoration is another reminder of the horror of the war. Across BiH people mourn the loss of their family, friends and neighbours. We underline that every innocent civilian victim of war deserves to be acknowledged and perpetrators must be brought to justice.

Furthermore, we attach great importance to mutual empathy, in other words, the people of BiH recognizing, respecting and taking into account the suffering of all victims and their loved ones. We see this as the foundation for a brighter future for you and your children.  

Your community still suffers from past atrocities committed against the civilian population. At the same time, thanks to joint efforts of the local population and community leaders, you found a way to live together and have started common developments. The OSCE Mission to BiH will continue to play its role in the region to support these processes.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• The SMM observed recent impact craters in Kruta Balka and damage to residential buildings in Yasynuvata.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the Mission passage at checkpoints along official crossing routes in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*
• The Mission continued monitoring all three disengagement areas: It observed people inside the disengagement area near Zolote during evening hours.
• The SMM saw civilians queuing to travel towards government- and non-government-controlled areas at the entry-exit checkpoint in Stanytsia Luhanska.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

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 fewer in Luhansk region.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the Mission passage at checkpoints along official crossing routes in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*
• The Mission continued monitoring all three disengagement areas: It observed people inside the disengagements area near Zolote and Petrivske during evening hours; and recorded a ceasefire violation inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM saw civilians queuing to travel towards government- and non-government-controlled areas at the entry-exit checkpoint in Stanytsia Luhanska, as well as to travel towards non-government-controlled areas at the checkpoint of the armed formations near the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

VIENNA, 3 July 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, will be organizing an online event on 8 July on “The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it will reshape the future of free speech”.

The event will provide a platform to discuss the role of AI in shaping and arbitrating information, and the impact this has on freedom of expression.

The Representative will open the event, which will consist of two sessions.

Session one, on “The use of AI in content moderation: challenges and risks for freedom of expression” will seek to address the role and responsibilities of internet intermediaries in addressing illegal and potentially harmful content, such as security threats and hate speech. It will also address the particular role of States in ensuring responsible moderation of content without harming democratic discourse.

Session two, on “How does the use of AI to rank, monetize and curate content impact free speech?” will focus on how AI is deployed for sorting, prioritizing and curating content, and the impact that such technologies have on plurality and diversity online.

The following speakers will address the sessions:

Session one: Daniel Holznagel, German Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection; Andrey Kuleshov, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology; Benoît Loutrel, French Social Network Regulation Task Force; Nathalie Maréchal, Ranking Digital Rights; and Eliška Pírková, Access Now.

Session two: Barbora Bukovska, ARTICLE 19; Joris van Hoboken,Vrije Universiteit Brussels; Emma Llansó, Center for Democracy and Technology; and Tuomas Pöysti, Chancellor of Justice of the Government of Finland.

The event will bring together a broad audience, including experts from civil society, academia, the tech industry and other international stakeholders in order to enable interactive discussions.

Media representatives can follow the event live on 8 July, Wednesday, from 14:30 to 17:30, via Zoom.

Please register online via https://events.osce.org/2020-rfom-the-rise-of-ai/registration/Site/Register. The link to access the event will be sent after registering.

In addition, the event will be livestreamed on the event webpage. More details of the event, including an agenda and the livestream, can be found here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/455605.

456223 Marina Živaljević

To support the drafting of the new 2021-2024 Police Development Strategy and the 2021-2022 Action Plan, on 2 and 3 July 2020 in Bečići, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro facilitated a series of four working sessions, with 38 officials of the Interior Ministry and Police Directorate, to develop these strategic documents.

Safet Korać, General Director for Strategic Development Affairs in the Ministry, outlined the importance of the Strategy for the work of the police. “The goal of the Strategy is to provide solutions to the problemspolice face on a daily basis and to improve the working conditions. This workshop will significantly contribute to the drafting process,” said Korać.

Zoran Brđanin, Chief Police Inspector, said that both the management and the police officers are dedicated to reforming the Montenegrin police. “To continue with the process, a strategic framework is needed to determine the direction for the further development of the Police Directorate.” Brđanin added that with support from the OSCE Mission and the Centre for Integrity in the Defense Sector, and the involvement of the Police and Ministry, this methodological approach will guarantee a quality, realistic, applicable, but also verifiablestrategic document.

Dragica Vučinić, the Mission’s National Security and Co-operation Officer, noted that the OSCE supported the Ministry and Police to developand implementthe 2016-2020 Police Strategy 2016-2020.  “The Mission will continue to provide technical expertise to developa new set of strategic documents for the next four years, by ensuring local ownership and the sustainability of efforts,” said Vučinić.

OSCE expert Olivera Injac presented the Situation Analyses report to help identifypolice strategic goals to 2024.

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro remains committed to supporting national partners to effectively and responsibly secure society within a framework of democratic, civilian control, the rule of law and respect for human rights. The workshop was held in line with the OSCE and the government’s prescribed COVID-19 safety and security measures.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

From 27 June to 3 July, members of the armed formations again denied the SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes: seven times in Donetsk region and three times in Luhansk region, while further attempts to cross into government-controlled areas were also denied – twice in Donetsk region and four times in Luhansk region.

On 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 June and on 1 and 2 July, at a checkpoint south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk), members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas on three occasions, and passage towards government-controlled areas on four other occasions – five times referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19, twice stating “SMM did not have permission to cross” and once referring to “instructions received from those in control”.

On 26, 27 June and on 1 July, at a checkpoint near Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk), the Mission was again unable to travel towards non-government-controlled areas due to the presence of a metal barrier and spikes laid across the road, and of a mine hazard sign. In addition, on 27 June, members of the armed formations denied the SMM passage towards government-controlled areas referring to a “lack of permission from their superiors”.

On 26 June and on 2 July, at a checkpoint west of Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), members of the armed formations (some visibly armed) denied the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas, once referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19 and once without providing any reason.

On 28 June, at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations denied the SMM passage twice – once towards government-controlled areas, and once towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to the closure of the checkpoint on both occasions.

On 29 June, at a checkpoint near Oleksandrivka (non-government-controlled, 20km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations denied the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to the closure of the checkpoint.

The Mission began facing repeated denials when attempting to cross into non-government-controlled areas at checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region on 21 March and Luhansk region on 23 March (see previous SMM Spot Reports). They restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, thus impeding the implementation of its mandate throughout the country.

***

With regard to COVID-19, the SMM has introduced a number of stringent mitigation measures into its operational procedures. These include strict adherence to social distancing rules both internally and with external interlocutors, daily temperature checks, use of PPE and minimizing the number of personnel in vehicles.