Central Europe

Jeffrey Bieley Edita Buçaj

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 16 June 2020 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo released today the Property Rights Mass-Claim Mechanism: Kosovo experience report, an evaluation of two decades of the handling of property cases arising after 1999.

The report analyses the challenges the Housing and Property Directorate (HPD, 1999–2006), Kosovo Property Agency (KPA, 2006-2016), as well as the current Kosovo Property Comparison and Verification Agency (KPCVA, established in 2016) faced in their endeavours, the results they achieved and the remaining gaps.

In the last 20 years these three agencies resolved over 70,000 residential, commercial and agricultural claims. However, difficulties in notifications to the parties, in the administration of properties, administration of the rental scheme, the parallel review of cases by the courts, the demolition of illegal structures and compensation of cases were challenges to the adjudication of the post-conflict property claims.

“In post-conflict societies with developing judicial systems, regular courts face difficulties in reviewing the large number of post-conflict property claims. Therefore, the international community established quasi-judicial and administrative bodies to help facilitate a prompt resolution of these property claims,” said Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

“Addressing the issue of unresolved conflict-related property claims is a necessary prerequisite to achieve and maintain the stability of every post-conflict society. Providing remedies for these specific claims contributes not only to the protection and advancement of human rights of affected parties, but can also have a positive impact on the reconciliation process within society,” he added.

In line with its mandate, the Mission works for the promotion and protection of property rights of non-majority communities and displaced persons, ensuring that their property rights are restored. The Mission works closely with responsible institutions in Kosovo to develop policies and legislation, and their implementation, thus endeavoring to ensure the protection of individual property rights.

Full report is available here: https://www.osce.org/mission-in-kosovo/454179

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 fulfill 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 1050 to 1217 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine, with an average net flow of seven 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 suspended.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was two compared to four last week, one of them crossed into the Russian Federation and one 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 and four families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when no families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while only one family 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 stopped from 10 April. During the reporting period, no buses were observed at the two BCPs.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (932 compared to 1078 during the previous reporting week); 548 at the Gukovo BCP and 384 at the Donetsk BCP, 593 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 339 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Georgia 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 47 to 43. 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 significantly increased from 91 to 167. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 142 trucks (85 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 25 trucks (15 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 decreased from 77 to 64 vehicles; 35 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 29 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 42 occasions; the OTs assessed that 22 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 20 trains were travelling to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).

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

Other observations

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

On 11 June at 18:30, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed a group of 12 brand-new public utility vehicles type “Gazel” and “UAZ” entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking in the customs control zone. The vehicles had no licence plates and were painted in white and orange. All the vehicles underwent customs control procedures and at 19:45 left the border for Ukraine.

On 15 June at 09:28, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with “LPR” plates arriving to the BCP from Ukraine. After undergoing the border control procedures, the ambulance left the BCP into the Russian Federation with two paramedics on board. The same day at 17:26, the same ambulance entered the BCP from the Russian Federation and parked near the main building. After a quick border control procedure, at 17:32 the ambulance left the border for Ukraine.  

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 12 May to 16 June 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).

SDGs SDGs:  5 - Gender equality

COPENHAGEN, 15 June 2020 – Governments should ensure that the gendered impacts of COVID-19 are prioritized in their responses to the crisis, participants said in a webinar organized by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly today. To prevent the pandemic from exacerbating inequalities among men and women and reversing many of the gains countries have made regarding gender equality, it was stressed that women must be equally represented in all COVID-19 response planning and decision-making.

Participants noted that policymakers should utilize women’s civil society organizations’ wealth of experience, which is important not only in the immediate response to COVID-19 but also to achieve gender equality in the long term. To address the impacts of COVID-19 on women’s health, speakers said that attention must be paid to the needs of women health care workers, including through the provision of personal protective equipment and the continuation of standard health services for women.

The webinar included the participation of nearly 100 people including some 35 parliamentarians, as well as representatives of a number of OSCE institutions. It featured remarks from OSCE PA Special Representative on Gender Issues Hedy Fry, OSCE PA President George Tsereteli, OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Inter-Parliamentary Union President Gabriela Cuevas Barron, and Françoise Girard, President of the International Women’s Health Coalition.

Special Representative Fry presented her new report, “The Gendered Impacts of COVID-19,” which details the ways in which the pandemic is affecting issues including gender-based violence, economic security, access to women’s health services, the gender wage gap, women’s unpaid care work, as well as issues related to the women, peace and security agenda and women’s political leadership.

“The COVID-19 pandemic represents a significant threat to gender equality,” Fry said. “Not only does this pandemic threaten to stall progress towards gender equality, it could roll back many of the rights we’ve fought so hard to gain. However, I believe that OSCE participating States can tackle this enormous challenge: together throughout the OSCE region, and in our own countries, we can ensure that our responses to this pandemic incorporate the voices and perspectives of women from all different groups.”

IPU President Cuevas called attention to the problem of gender-based violence, noting that an average of 137 women across the world are killed by a partner or family member every day, and that parliaments can play a role in combating this trend through gender mainstreaming practices.

“A gender-sensitive parliament is one that ensures equal participation of men and women in the relevant oversight committees that are monitoring and guiding the state’s response to the crisis,” she said. “It is a parliament that ensures women’s voices are heard in the discussions that shape our emergency responses and policy priorities; one that requests sex disaggregated data and monitoring and requires prioritization of the prevention and response to gender-based violence.”

Director Gisladottir said that equal and meaningful participation of women and men in decision-making is essential for effective functioning of democratic institutions and policies. She regretted that there is a lack of women’s representation in decision-making at the political level, which can limit the inclusion of gender-sensitive perspectives in the COVID-19 recovery strategies, noting the role in this regard of parliamentarians. “National legislative bodies must ensure the effective oversight of governments’ response and transparency in adopting emergency legislation,” she said.

The COVID-19 crisis makes clear the urgent need to reconsider approaches to health care, said Girard, urging policies that improve access to critical services and empower women and girls to take greater control of their health care. “In addressing our current crisis, we must prioritize the rights of women, girls, and marginalized communities, and set ourselves on the path to an equal and just society,” she said.

In the discussion, OSCE parliamentarians stressed the urgency of addressing the gender aspects of COVID-19 and highlighted a number of important areas for governments and parliaments to focus on to ensure an effective response to the pandemic that takes into account the needs of women and girls.

Parliamentarians described the impacts seen in their countries and pointed to measures being taken by national legislatures. Attention must be paid to ensuring the representation of women in health care decisions, it was stressed, and support must be given to victims of gender-based violence, including by fully prosecuting the perpetrators. Providing financial assistance to families has also been effective in alleviating domestic violence, it was noted.

Monday’s webinar was the latest in a series of thematic Parliamentary Web Dialogues organized by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Previous webinars have been held on the economic fallout of the pandemic, maintaining democratic control during states of emergency, COVID’s impact on conflicts in the OSCE region, environmental aspects of the crisis, and protecting refugees and migrants during the pandemic.

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

To read Hedy Fry’s report, “The Gendered Impacts of COVID-19,” please click here.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, between the evenings of 12 and 13 June, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region.
• Compared with the previous 24 hours, between the evenings of 13 and 14 June, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and a significant increase in ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM followed up on reports of a man who sustained an injury due to gunfire on 9 March in 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 persons inside the disengagement area near Zolote and near Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable maintenance to and operation of critical civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line.
• The Mission saw that the entry-exit checkpoints in Stanytsia Luhanska and near Novotroitske were temporarily open but that the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations remained closed.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement was restricted including near non-government-controlled Manuilivka.*

VIENNA, 15 June 2020 – How multi-stakeholder approaches and public-private partnerships can strengthen cyber/ICT security in the OSCE’s 57 participating States was the focus of today’s “Cyber/ICT Security Day” event, organized by Albania’s 2020 OSCE Chair in Vienna.

The online event brought together 165 representatives and experts of the participating States, public and private sectors, academia as well as from other international organizations.

“Amid the COVID-19 restrictions, the number of opportunities offered by ICT has never been clearer. Indeed, today’s virtual meeting would be impossible otherwise,” said Agron Tare, Albania’s Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. “But this crisis has also highlighted the vulnerability of our critical infrastructure and essential services, nowhere more obviously than in the healthcare sector. Our reliance on technology and our growing inter-connectedness can be exploited. So, it is now more crucial than ever to foster dialogue and co-operation to ensure a safe and reliable cyber environment.”

The priority of Albania’s OSCE Chairmanship is to strengthen the implementation of the OSCE’s existing, ground- breaking cyber confidence-building measures (CBMs) throughout the OSCE region, despite the unusual circumstances, he added.

“We know from experience that capacity-building, through the development of institutions’ capabilities and specialized knowledge is a core prerequisite for the implementation of CBMs,” said Tare, referring to Albania’s own efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity. “Cyber security therefore requires engagement, collaboration and co-ordination amongst all relevant stakeholders to preserve a functioning and stable cyber/ICT environment.”

Thomas Greminger, OSCE Secretary General, said: “It is worth exploring the possibilities that multi-stakeholder initiatives provide by enhancing collaboration across sectors – including in our own Organization. In times of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to work together to make cyberspace more predictable, which will make it safer for us all. Public-private partnership and multi-stakeholder approaches open the door for innovative, inclusive and state-of-the-art approaches.”

Earlier the discussions were opened with video messages by Ambassador Károly Dán, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the OSCE and Chair of an OSCE Informal Working Group, which is supporting States in implementing the cyber/ICT security CBMs, and Alena Kupchyna, Co-ordinator of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department.

They explained that through the adoption of 16 CBMs, the OSCE has come to play a unique and pioneering role in reducing the risks of inter-State conflict stemming from the use of ICTs.

Subsequent sessions of the “Cyber/ICT Security Day” heard from experts on practical aspects of public-private partnerships, and inter-agency co-operation and co-ordination in the implementation of OSCE cyber/ICT CBMs at a national level.

The final session, organized in co-operation with the Government of France, provided participants with an opportunity to exchange views and best practices on how to create and implement a national severity scale for cyber incidents to strengthen co-operation on critical infrastructure protection.

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.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle flying over the southern part of Orlivske, Donetsk region.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage at checkpoints along official crossing routes in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*
• The SMM continued monitoring all three disengagement areas. It observed people in the evening hours near former military and military-type positions inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to a localised ceasefire to enable vegetation clearance, inspection and maintenance of railway tracks near Vilkhove and continued to facilitate the operation of the Donetsk Filtration Station.
• The Mission saw that the entry-exit checkpoints (EECP) in Stanytsia Luhanska and Marinka were temporarily open but that the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations remained closed. At both EECPs, the Mission observed people and cars queuing to cross the contact line.
• 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 SMM passage at a checkpoint along official crossing routes in Luhansk region.*
• The SMM continued monitoring all three disengagement areas: it observed people inside the disengagement areas near Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of the withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable vegetation clearance, inspection and maintenance of railway tracks near Vilkhove and the operation of the Donetsk Filtration Station.
• The Mission saw that the entry-exit checkpoints (EECP) in Stanytsia Luhanska and Marinka were temporarily open but that the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations remained closed. At both EECPs, the Mission observed people and cars queuing to cross the contact line.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

From 6 to 12 June, members of the armed formations again denied SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes: six 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 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 June, 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, each time referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19.

On 6 and 10 June, at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards government-controlled areas on two occasions, once stating that “the SMM did not have permission to pass” and on the second occasion referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19. On the same days, members of the armed formations denied the Mission passage towards non-government-controlled areas, both times referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19.

On 8 and 12 June, at a checkpoint 600m west of Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19.

On 9 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 quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19. On 10 June, members of the armed formations denied the Mission access to the area of their checkpoint east of Kreminets (located on the same crossing route as the above-mentioned checkpoint near Oleksandrivka) from where the Mission wanted to monitor civilians queuing to travel to government-control areas, referring to the ongoing closure of the checkpoint.

In addition, on 7 June, the Mission was again unable to proceed towards non-government-controlled at a checkpoint near Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk) due to the presence of spikes laid across the road and of a mine hazard sign at the same 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.

454486 Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan

An OSCE-supported seminar on staying safe in cyberspace was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan on 11 June 2020.

Experts discussed cyber hygiene, life in cyberspace after the quarantine and fraud on social media for an audience of over 50 government officials, civil society leaders, students and members of the general public.

The event was organized to help raise awareness of threats in cyberspace, including financial crimes and threats against children. It addressed the fact that the general public is now spending more time online to socialize and work because of the public health measure related to stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Participants attended via an online platform and submitted questions to the experts that were addressed in real time.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s efforts to promote awareness of transnational threats, including those in cyberspace, to the general public.

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 12 June 2020 – The OSCE Mission in Kosovo launched its report “Children First: The Role of Centres for Social Work in Judicial Proceedings” today. The report looks into the protection of the rights of children, with a special focus on the role of Centres for Social Work (CSW) in judicial proceedings involving children.

The report provides an overview of the legal framework pertaining to the protection of children in Kosovo and emphasizes the importance of the principle of the best interests of the child, as reflected in both Kosovo legislation and international law.

The report notes positive practices of the CSW, where staff have provided proactive support and instruction to parties (including children) in domestic violence cases. However, it also highlights areas where the CSW have not engaged at an appropriate level in protecting the best interests of children, namely the absence of social workers in court hearings when summoned, inactivity during proceedings and submitting late or incomplete reports. Monitoring of the courts between 2017 and 2019 revealed that CSW representatives were absent in 109 of 152 monitored hearings where their presence was required by law.

“When judicial involvement is required in the life of a child, it can often be linked to traumatic circumstances and have highly significant consequences. It is imperative that all relevant institutions are fully engaged in the protection of each child’s rights, with the best interests of the child as their paramount consideration,” said Ambassador Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

The report concludes that the role of the CSW is crucial in providing expertise and information essential for courts to bring final and fair judgments while respecting the best interests of the child. Courts should ensure that the role of the CSW is performed effectively and fully in line with the mandated legal requirements.

The report includes a set of recommendations for the promotion and advancement of children’s rights and best interests.

The full report can be found here: https://www.osce.org/mission-in-kosovo/453780

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.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the Mission passage at checkpoints along official crossing routes in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*
• The SMM continued monitoring all three disengagement areas.
• The Mission spotted anti-tank mines near government-controlled Verkhnotoretske, Donetsk region.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable maintenance and repair works to crucial civilian infrastructure near Zalizne, Olenivka and Holmivskyi; vegetation clearance, inspection and maintenance of railway tracks near Vilkhove; and demining activities in Orikhove.
• The Mission saw that the EECPs in Stanytsia Luhanska and Marinka were temporarily open but that the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations remained closed. At the EECPs in Stanytsia Luhanska and Marinka, and at and near the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations, the Mission saw people and cars queuing to cross the contact line.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

KYIV, 10 June 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group, Ambassador Heidi Grau, made the following statement to the press:

“The meetings of the Trilateral Contact Group and its Working Groups were held through video conferencing.

According to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, the number of ceasefire violations has considerably decreased since the previous TCG meeting two weeks ago.

Besides assessing the general situation in the conflict zone, the Security Working Group considered issues related to disengagement of forces and hardware, including the identification of additional disengagement areas, as tasked by the Normandy Four leaders in Paris in December 2019.

The Political Working Group discussed aspects related to the consolidation of the special status of certain regions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (CADR and CALR) in the Ukrainian legislation. The modalities of local elections in CADR and CALR were also considered, as stipulated by the Minsk Agreements.

The discussions of the Working Group on Humanitarian Issues focused on further mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees. The participants also discussed the issue of providing the necessary security guarantees for the preparatory works in view of the simultaneous opening of additional entry-exit crossing points (ECCPs) on the line of contact in the Luhansk region.

Besides, the Working Group debated issues related to re-opening of existing ECCPs in the course of lifting restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

I welcome the sides’ readiness re-open ECCPs, which is for the benefit of the population. I would like to emphasize that the relevant decisions shall be based on mutual understanding to ensure a smooth crossing of the line of contact.

As agreed by the participants, the TCG meeting will continue on Monday, June 15”.

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 SMM followed up on reports of a man injured due to shelling in Donetsk city’s Petrovskyi district.
• An SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle spotted during evening hours a convoy of trucks, one of which was driving along a dirt road, in a non-government-controlled area of Donetsk region near the border with the Russian Federation where there are no border crossing facilities.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the Mission passage at checkpoints along official crossing routes in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*
• The SMM continued monitoring all three disengagement areas. It observed persons inside the Petrivske disengagement area during evening hours.
• It facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable vegetation clearance, inspection and maintenance of railway tracks near Vilkhove; repairs to power lines near Pervomaisk and Zolote-5/Mykhailivka; and demining activities in Orikhove.
• The SMM saw for the first time more than 300 anti-tank mines near Vodiane, Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued following up on measures taken amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at entry-exit checkpoints and their corresponding checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Members of the armed formations continued to restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement, including at a border crossing point near Sievernyi, Luhansk region.*

COPENHAGEN, 9 June 2020 – In the second of a series of informal meetings to focus on regional aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, parliamentarians from Central Asian countries met online Tuesday with OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli (Georgia) and Secretary General Roberto Montella. The OSCE parliamentarians were joined by the representatives of OSCE field operations in Central Asia, as well as regional experts from the OSCE Conflict Prevention Center, OSCE Secretariat, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, and the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities.

OSCE PA Heads of Delegation and Deputy Heads of Delegation from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan spoke about recent developments in their countries, including the authorities’ responses to COVID-19 in the field of health care and economic aid measures. Also in focus were legislative reform efforts, elections, regional co-operation, parliamentary dialogue, and Central Asian engagement in OSCE PA activities.

The PA President and Secretary General underlined the importance of regional connectivity, co-operation, timely exchange of information and dialogue among the parliamentarians in order to promote beneficial outcomes for the people of the region.

President Tsereteli noted that all countries are faced with unprecedented challenges during this period, and that while the focus is on measures in the field of health care, there have also been serious consequences in the economic sphere. At the same time, attention must continue to be paid to the issue of democratic development and fundamental rights and freedoms, he said. The President also expressed hope that this discussion would provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and examples of ‘good practice,’ as well as to identify what the main issues will be in the post-COVID phase.

In his remarks, Secretary General Montella said that the purpose of the meeting was to touch base with OSCE PA Heads of Delegations in an informal manner to stimulate fruitful discussions on regional issues. He stressed that for the OSCE PA to reach its potential, it is important to involve all national delegations on an equal basis. Montella highlighted the OSCE PA’s work with other international organizations, noting the importance of strengthening the bodies of multilateral co-operation. He also briefed the delegations on the PA's recent online discussions and upcoming activities.

In the discussion, the OSCE PA delegations provided updates on the public health situations and other developments in the region. Parliamentarians highlighted measures taken in their countries to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and legislative initiatives taken in response to the pandemic, as well as ongoing legislative reform in the areas of parliamentarism, democratization, health care, and fundamental rights and freedoms. They also discussed the impact on the economy and society, emphasizing the need to address jointly with neighboring countries the areas affected by COVID-19, for example through trade and technical collaboration in the medical sector. Regional co-operation and the importance of mutual support was highlighted by several delegations.

Appreciation was also expressed for the OSCE PA as an effective platform for dialogue and inter-parliamentary relations in which critical issues and joint responses to common challenges can be discussed.

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

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 fulfill 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 873 to 1050 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 12 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 suspended.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was four compared to nine last week, all four crossed into Ukraine, three of them at the Donetsk BCP and one at the Gukovo BCP. 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, only one family was observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing to the Russian Federation and one family 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 stopped from 10 April. During the reporting period, no buses were observed at the two BCPs.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (1078 compared to 994 during the previous reporting week); 677 at the Gukovo BCP and 401 at the Donetsk BCP, 819 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 259 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania 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 decreased from 70 to 47. 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 significantly decreased from 193 to 91. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 51 trucks (56 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 40 trucks (44 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 decreased from 82 to 77 vehicles; 42 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 35 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 39 occasions; the OTs assessed that 19 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 20 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.

On 5 June at 21:47, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a helicopter flying from the north-east in a south-easterly direction at approximately 200 metres distance from the BCP. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT.

On 8 June at 19:40, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a group of four brand-new tractors type ”Кировец” (in English ”Kirovec”) entering the BCP from the Russian Federation side and parking in the customs control zone. The tractors had no licence plates and three were painted in red and one in green. All the tractors underwent customs control procedures and at 20:35 crossed the border into Ukraine.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 5 May to 9 June 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).                           

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous 24 hours, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle flying over areas north-east of the Proletarskyi district of Donetsk city.
• The SMM saw damage from gunfire to residential houses in Berezivske, 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 SMM continued monitoring all three disengagement areas.
• It facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable vegetation clearance, inspection and maintenance of railway tracks near Vilkhove; repairs to power lines near Obozne and Zolote-5/Mykhailivka; and demining activities in Orikhove.
• The Mission continued following up on measures taken amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at entry-exit checkpoints and their corresponding checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Members of the armed formations continued to restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement, including at a border crossing point near Dovzhanske, Luhansk region.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, between the evenings of 5 and 6 June, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and recorded no ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• Between the evenings of 6 and 7 June, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared with the previous 24 hours and recorded ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM followed up on reports of a woman who sustained shrapnel injuries on 4 June in Olenivka, Donetsk region.
• The SMM saw damage to residential buildings in Dokuchaievsk, 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 persons inside the disengagement areas near Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable vegetation clearance, inspection and maintenance of railway tracks near Vilkhove and demining activities in Orikhove, and to enable the operation of the Donetsk Filtration Station.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians and measures taken amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at entry-exit checkpoints and their corresponding checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Members of the armed formations continued to restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement, including at a border crossing point near Voznesenivka, Luhansk region.*

VIENNA / SARAJEVO, 8 June 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, and Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, strongly condemned today the physical attack and threats against RTV Zenica journalist Sinan Gluhić.

Reportedly, on 5 June, a member of a political party in Zenica assaulted journalist Sinan Gluhić. Earlier, the President of the party’s Cantonal Board was reported to have made a threatening phone call to the journalist. These incidents are believed to be connected to Gluhić’s posts on social media, on 31 May, about the delayed construction work on a local road.

“I strongly condemn the shameful and dangerous attacks against journalist Gluhić. Such attacks and threats against the press are unacceptable, especially by politicians. I call on the authorities to swiftly investigate the incidents, bring the perpetrators to justice, and protect the journalist,” said Désir. The Representative further emphasized that a culture of impunity should not prevail.

“Any attack or threat made against journalists, especially in connection to media investigations on issues of public interest, is unacceptable. When incidents such as this occur, all members of society must take them seriously, in particular the local authorities that should provide journalists the protection they need at once,” stated Kavalec.

Désir and Kavalec recalled the Ministerial Council’s Decision No. 3/18 on the safety of journalists, which urges “political leaders, public officials and/or authorities to refrain from intimidating, threatening or condoning – and to unequivocally condemn – violence against journalists”. They concluded that targeting media professionals because of their work is an attack on freedom of expression, democratic values and citizens’ right to be informed.

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.

VIENNA, 8 June 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his dismay today over the prison sentences handed down to journalists Özgür Boğatekin and Metin Uca in Turkey.

On 4 June, the 8th Penal Chamber of the Court of Cassation upheld a prison sentence of one year and 15 days against the news director of the Gerger Fırat newspaper, Özgür Boğatekin. He was initially sentenced in 2014, in relation to his critical articles about a former Sub-Governor of Gerger.

In a separate case, the İstanbul 52nd Penal Court of First Instance handed down a prison sentence of one year, two months and 17 days to journalist Metin Uca. The sentencing follows accusations by an Anadolu Agency Director General and a Vice Director General over a tweet that Uca had published. According to media reports, the Court ruled that the journalist committed the crime of “insulting a commissioned officer due to their duty”.

“I am seriously concerned that these journalists have been sentenced to prison for their critical writing and for expressing their opinions. Such sentences undermine the freedom of the media and can lead to self-censorship in the country,” said Representative Désir. “I urge the Turkish authorities to refrain from punishing journalists for their professional activities.” He further stressed that freedom of expression, as one of the fundamental human rights, needs to be protected and respected.

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.

BELGRADE, 8 June 2020 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today formally opened a special election assessment mission (SEAM) for the 21 June parliamentary elections in Serbia. The deployment follows an official invitation from the Serbian authorities.

The mission is led by Ambassador Urszula Gacek (Poland) and consists of a core team of eight international experts based in Belgrade. The ODIHR SEAM will focus on observing priority areas of the election process identified by the ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) conducted from 12 to 15 November 2019 found to merit attention.

The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. Observers will follow fundamental aspects of the election such as voter registration, candidate registration, campaign activities and the media coverage of the campaign, the work of the election administration and relevant state bodies, implementation of the legal framework and the resolution of election disputes.

Meetings with representatives of relevant authorities and political parties, civil society, the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation. In conducting its activities, ODIHR SEAM will co-operate closely with the Serbian health authorities and follow the health protocols they have established.

The ODIHR SEAM will not carry out systematic or comprehensive observation of the voting, counting and tabulation proceedings on election day, in line with ODIHR’s methodology for election assessment missions. Mission members will, however, visit a limited number of polling stations on election day.

The day after the elections, ODIHR will discuss its findings at a press conference. An invitation to participate will follow separately.

A final report summing up the entire election process and including recommendations will be published approximately two months after the end of the election process.

For further information, please visit https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/serbia/442738 or contact Marek Mracka, Media Analyst, at +38163694164, or at marek.mracka@odihr.rs

or

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