Central Europe

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 slightly increased from 649 to 686 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 11 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 eight compared to one last week,  five of them  crossed  into the Russian Federation and three into Ukraine at the Donetsk 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, two families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and four families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing to the Russian Federation while seven 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 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 (1001 compared to 826 during the previous reporting week); 513 at the Gukovo BCP and 488 at the Donetsk BCP, 595 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 406 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 60 to 49. 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 increased from 98 to 162. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 128 trucks (79 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 34 trucks (21 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 increased from 35 to 76 vehicles; 29 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 47 into Ukraine.

Trains

The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 17 occasions; the OTs assessed that ten trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining seven 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 19 May at 19:44, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a minivan with “LPR” plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation with the sign “LPR Post” (in Russian) on the side. After undergoing border control procedures, the vehicle crossed into Ukraine.

On 20 May at 15:03, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a white van with “LPR” plates arriving at the BCP from Ukraine. The vehicle had the inscription “Ritual cortege” (in Russian) on the side and in front. In addition to the driver, two passengers were also observed on board. After undergoing X-ray check and border control procedures, at 13:12 the vehicle crossed to the Russian Federation.

On 20 May at 17:48, a police minivan entered Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation and parked behind the main building. At 18:22, the vehicle left the BCP to the Russian Federation. At 18:37, the same police minivan returned and parked behind the main building. At 19:50, the vehicle left the BCP towards the Russian Federation with flashing lights on.

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

• On 22 May at 12:25, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a helicopter flying from the north which then turned in an easterly direction. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT.
• The same day at 12:50, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a helicopter flying from the north in a north-easterly direction at approximately 150-200 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 26 May at 07:10, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed two white minivans with "LPR" plates arriving at Donetsk BCP from Ukraine. The minivans had the sign “LPR Post" on the side. After undergoing border control procedures, both vehicles left towards the Russian Federation at 07:33.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 21 April to 26 May 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).                       

Information for Google Short title:  ODIHR recommendations on Tajikistan 2020 elections Short description:  ODIHR final report on the 2020 Tajikistan parliamentary elections 453090 ODIHR final report on the 2020 Tajikistan parliamentary elections Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

The 2020 parliamentary elections in Tajikistan took place in a tightly controlled environment in which there was no space left for a pluralistic political debate and voters did not have genuine political alternatives to choose from. Operational aspects of the elections appeared to be efficiently administered. These are some of the main conclusions from the final report on Tajikistan’s parliamentary elections of 1 March 2020, as published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

The final report, published on 27 May 2020, also states that significant efforts are needed to align the electoral process with Tajikistan’s OSCE commitments and standards for democratic elections. It offers 23 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections and increase the transparency in the electoral process.

Recommendations

Key recommendations include:

• A comprehensive review of the electoral legal framework in an open and inclusive manner
• Enabling journalists to carry out their professional duties freely by reducing interference from state authorities
• Ensuring the independence of election administration members by providing adequate transparency and accountability measures during the selection process
• Improving the accuracy of voter lists, including through the introduction of a permanent, centralized voter register
• Providing independent, non-partisan citizen election observation
• Robust procedures for counting and tabulating results, developed and adhered to at all levels of election administration in order to enhance integrity and transparency
• Publishing full preliminary and final election results in a timely manner, in line with basic principles for transparency and accountability

ODIHR deployed an Election Assessment Mission on 13 February 2020 to observe the parliamentary elections. All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.

COPENHAGEN, 25 May 2020 – Launching a series of informal meetings for the OSCE PA leadership to discuss regional issues with OSCE PA delegations, parliamentarians from southeastern European countries met online Monday with Assembly President George Tsereteli (Georgia) and Secretary General Roberto Montella.​

With a focus on how countries of the Western Balkans are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, the OSCE parliamentarians were joined by the heads of several OSCE field operations, as well as regional experts from the OSCE Conflict Prevention Center, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the High Commissioner on National Minorities, the OSCE Secretariat, and the OSCE PA International Secretariat.

The purpose of the event was to hear from parliamentarians in the region about what is happening on the ground and to share ideas for focused engagement from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Topics of discussion included the public health situations in individual countries, how executive authorities are responding to the crisis, upcoming elections in the region, and the possibilities for deploying future election observation missions.

President Tsereteli noted that during pandemic, focus must continue to be placed on conflict mediation, the economic situation, and on human rights. “We have held dialogues on these topics through our webinars,” Tsereteli said, “but this is the first of the regional dialogues that we hope to hold.” The President stressed that there are different types of recovery that must receive adequate attention, including health recovery, economic recovery, and democratic recovery. He pointed out that restrictions on fundamental freedoms must be proportionate and legitimate.

Ivan Brajovic, President of the Parliament of Montenegro, reported that his country is virtually coronavirus-free, expressing satisfaction that the health system responded efficiently and that the government introduced timely and effective measures.

Stefana Miladinovic, Head of the Serbian Delegation, provided an update on the coronavirus situation in Serbia, noting that the number of cases is dropping and that thankfully no COVID-19 deaths have been reported in recent days. She underlined that life is largely returning to normal and discussed the decision to postpone the parliamentary elections, initially organized for 26 April. She said that as soon as the crisis seemed to be coming to an end, a new date of 21 June was announced.

Vladimir Gjorchev, Head of North Macedonia’s Delegation, discussed the usefulness of OSCE PA forums to provide ideas and good practices, including within the context of COVID-19. He worried that North Macedonia is seeing a spike in coronavirus cases, with between 20-40 new cases every day, emphasizing that this is the highest rate in the Western Balkans. He underlined the importance of ensuring that humanitarian aid is not politicized, and appealed to the OSCE Mission to Skopje to pay close attention to this issue. He also urged an observation mission for upcoming elections in North Macedonia, to the extent possible.

Head of Albanian Delegation Ditmir Bushati said that although it has been a tragic public health emergency, the pandemic has also served to ease tensions in the Balkans, noting that there has been a spirit of solidarity in the region. The OSCE, he said, must pay close attention to democracy and rule of law, pointing out that there has been a broad derogation of standards, including on the right to work and freedom of assembly. He urged focus on social and economic development, noting that during the lockdown, a disparity has been observed in the right to education depending on citizens’ online access. He also urged a timetable to be set for EU accession negotiations.

Dejan Vanjek, Secretary of Delegation from Bosnia and Herzegovina, noted that the situation related to coronavirus in his country is improving. He said that there were problems with the hospitals in the beginning, but they coped well and when they received proper supplies, they managed to deal with the situation. He also noted that a coronavirus law is being debated and that elections are scheduled for October.

British parliamentarian Mark Pritchard, the OSCE PA’s Special Representative on South East Europe, reported on the situation in the United Kingdom and discussed developments in the Western Balkans. He regretted that the UK has suffered 37,000 deaths, with the peak at one time at 1,000 deaths every day. With deaths now at 150 a day, he said that while the UK seems to be getting it under control, but there is concern about a possible second wave.

Regarding regional developments, Pritchard discussed the effects of COVID on EU accession negotiations and the importance of continuing dialogue in southeastern Europe. He said that all those who have postponed elections should proceed with scheduling new ones as soon as practicable in order to provide enough time for campaigning and for the international community to prepare possible election observation missions.

Secretary General Montella discussed the challenges associated with deploying normal election observation missions, pointing out that, in addition to the usual considerations that go into deciding to deploy missions, the PA would only do so if ODIHR has the necessary conditions to deploy long-term observers. Due to the travel restrictions associated with COVID-19, it is difficult to predict when this might be possible, Montella said.

Peter Mossop of ODIHR added that in deciding on establishing election observation missions, they are considering all factors, including whether they receive invitations from host governments and the possibilities for travelling.

Elona Gjebrea Hoxha, Rapporteur of the OSCE PA’s economic and environmental committee and member of the Albanian delegation, discussed the recent webinar the PA held on environmental aspects of COVID-19. The international community and OSCE countries must use the opportunity provided by the crisis to promote a shift in environmental policies, she said.

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

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, between the evenings of 22 and 23 May, the Mission recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region.
• Between the evenings of 23 and 24 May, the Mission recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region, compared with the previous 24 hours.
• The SMM followed up on reports of a woman who sustained shrapnel injuries on 7 April in Marinka, 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 the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. Inside the disengagement area near Petrivske, it recorded ceasefire violations and spotted during evening hours persons inside a former position of the armed formations.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines, including in training areas in non-government-controlled areas of 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.
• The Mission monitored a peaceful gathering in Odessa during which participants were expressing messages critical of the Government.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations in Prymorske and near Shevchenko and Bessarabka, all in southern Donetsk region.*

Communication and Media Relations Section

The Action against Terrorism Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department launched an E-learning Course on Preventing and Countering the Use of the Internet for Terrorist Purposes on 25 May 2020. 

The course is designed for a broad range of beneficiaries, including policymakers, law enforcement and government officials involved in security issues, as well as academics and practitioners from the non-state sector interested in learning more about the topic.

The E-learning course is available in the English and Russian languages and divided into two modules. The first module explores and provides real-world examples of how violent extremists and terrorists misuse the Internet. Drawing on the wealth of work and guidance that has been developed on this topic, including the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum’s (GCTF) Zurich-London Recommendations for Preventing Violent Extremism Online, the second module looks at how to effectively respond to these challenges in a human rights-compliant and gender mainstreamed manner and presents practical guidance through the lens of concrete examples including regulation, oversight, communication responses, and public-private partnerships.

The course is available for free on the OSCE E-learning platform. 

The course was developed under an extra-budgetary programme and made possible by the contributions of Austria, Luxembourg and Spain.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the Mission recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at SMM mini-UAVs near Petrivske and Vesela Hora, where bullets also flew over SMM members.
• The SMM followed up on reports of a man injured due to shelling in Shyroka Balka on 9 April, 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 SMM saw craters, assessed as recent, near residential houses in Staromykhailivka, Donetsk region.
• It continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske and spotted during evening hours a person at a former position of the Ukrainian Armed Forces inside the disengagement area near Zolote.
• It saw mines, including some for the first time, near Maiorsk and Petrivske and in Zaitseve, Holmivskyi, and Staromykhailivka.
• 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.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On 22 May, an SMM patrol comprising six members and two vehicles was positioned on road H-21 at the eastern edge of Vesela Hora (non-government-controlled, 16km north of Luhansk) to conduct an announced mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight.

At 13:08, while the SMM mini-UAV was flying at an assessed distance of 1.9km north-west from the patrol’s location, two SMM patrol members outside the vehicles heard 50 shots of small-arms fire at an estimated distance of 1.9km north-west, assessed as aimed at the UAV, prompting the patrol to terminate the flight. 

At 13:14, while the returning SMM mini-UAV was in the process of landing at the patrol’s location (at a height of 40m from the ground), the two SMM patrol members outside the vehicles heard 20 shots of small-arms fire, passing about 10m above their heads, originating from an assessed distance of 270m north-north-west.

The two patrol members took cover behind one of the vehicles, and then inside it. During the incident, the remaining four SMM patrol members were inside the vehicles, but heard both instances of shooting. The SMM patrol immediately left the area without retrieving the UAV, which was still flying at an assessed distance of about 300m west-south-west. The patrol returned safely to its base in non-government-controlled Luhansk city.

COPENHAGEN, 22 May 2020 – In developing COVID-19 recovery plans, policymakers have an opportunity to advance an agenda to protect the environment while creating new employment opportunities, participants said in the fourth OSCE Parliamentary Assembly webinar on the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic underscores the need to build a more environmentally responsible world, said OSCE parliamentarians, emphasizing that there is a growing understanding that environmental protection, public health and economic development are closely related.

The webinar on Friday examined the environmental aspects of COVID-19 with OSCE parliamentarians and experts from academia and the international community, who offered perspectives on how to ensure that recovery efforts prioritize the need to address climate change and promote biodiversity. Speakers stressed the need to invest in green technologies, transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, and adjust the economic development model in order to build resilience against similar public health crises in the future.

German parliamentarian Doris Barnett, the Chair of the OSCE PA’s economic and environmental committee, opened the event by noting that the pandemic requires policymakers to rethink old habits and adjust them appropriately. The model for economic development should be made more sustainable and safe, she said, pointing out that there are profound effects associated with pollution and environmental degradation. “This pandemic could be a turning point and should be a turning point,” she said.

“The one crisis that affects all of us right now is the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tao Zhang, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. “Policymakers across the globe are rightly focused on protecting public health, stabilizing economies, and helping those whose livelihoods are at stake. But if recovery from the crisis is to be sustainable – if our world is to become more resilient – we have to do everything we can to ensure a ‘green recovery.’”

Dr. Francesca Dominici, Professor of Biostatistics at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Co-Director of the Data Science Initiative at Harvard University, presented a detailed description of COVID-19’s health effects and noted that certain vulnerable populations – such as minorities and low-income groups – are at greater risk than others.“Where we live, and how much money we make should not determine the quality of air we breathe,” Dr. Dominici said. “We all have a right to breathe cleaner air, and tighter not looser regulations will guarantee that.”

“The green shoots of nature have to be placed at the heart of any COVID-19 recovery plan,” said Susan Gardner, Director Ecosystems Division in the UN Environment Programme. “Investing in the health of our populations requires investing in the health of our planet if we are to genuinely build back better. This is critical if we are to reduce the risk not just of the next pandemic, but the looming threat of climate change and biodiversity loss. We simply can’t afford to fall back to sleep after this wake-up call.”

In the discussion, OSCE PA members highlighted the links between environmental degradation and public health, explored opportunities for targeted “green” policy interventions in response to the ongoing crisis, and debated ways to better protect the environment in order to enhance human security.

Participants said that a healthy planet is key to the ability to rebound from the current crisis and prepare for future pandemics. Habitat encroachment has brought wild animals and people closer together, which, together with diminished biodiversity, increases the likelihood of new viruses infecting human populations, it was noted.

It was also highlighted that the COVID-19 lockdowns have been accompanied by declining air pollution and decreasing C02 emissions in cities around the world, with parliamentarians wondering if this momentum can be sustained in promoting sustainable economic recovery. Attention was drawn to the links between the influence of money in politics and the lack of decisive action on environmental issues such as climate change, as well as the need to rethink government subsidies to polluting industries.

Albanian parliamentarian Elona Gjebrea Hoxha, the Rapporteur of the OSCE PA’s economic and environmental committee, concluded with remarks saying that the pandemic has reminded us of severe health implications brought by inadequate environmental protections. More green recovery can be achieved with strong international co-operation in OSCE region, she stressed.

There were more than 100 participants, including some 40 OSCE parliamentarians, who took part in the Parliamentary Web Dialogue. It was moderated by OSCE PA Senior Advisor Marco Bonabello and included remarks by OSCE PA President George Tsereteli and Secretary General Roberto Montella.

Photos of the webinar are available on Flickr.

For video of the event, please check this space.

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

KYIV, 22 May 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 after the extraordinary meetings of the TCG and its Security working group through video conferencing:

“The Trilateral Contact Group with the participation of representatives of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, today discussed issues related to the increase in tension in the conflict zone.

During the meeting, the participants received confirmation of the cessation of fire in the vicinity of Berezivske in the Luhansk region and the resumption of repair work on the Mikhaylivka-Kommunarska high-voltage power line.

Besides, all participants presented their proposals for additional measures to strengthen the ceasefire and agreed to continue working on them at the soonest possible.

Sustainability of the full and comprehensive ceasefire is particularly important against the backdrop of recent incidents and announcements of full operational readiness."

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 May, members of the armed formations again denied SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes: eight 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 16, 17, 19, 20, 21 and 22 May, at a checkpoint south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk), members of the armed formations again denied SMM patrols passage towards non-government-controlled areas on three occasions, and passage towards government-controlled areas on three other occasions, referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19. On 18 May, a member of the armed formations granted an SMM patrol passage towards government-controlled areas but stipulated that the patrol would be subject to quarantine restrictions upon its return to non-government-controlled areas. Based on this condition, the patrol did not travel towards government-controlled areas.

On 18 and 22 May, at a checkpoint near Oleksandrivka (non-government-controlled, 20km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations again denied SMM patrols passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19.

On 18 and 22 May, at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations again denied SMM patrols passage towards government-controlled areas on two occasions, stating that the SMM did not have permission to pass, and again denied passage towards non-government-controlled areas on two other occasions, referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19.

On 16 May, at a checkpoint near Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk), an SMM patrol was again unable to proceed towards non-government-controlled areas due to the presence of spikes across the road and the presence of a mine sign in the middle of the road. The SMM saw no members of the armed formations present at the checkpoint. On 20 May, at the same checkpoint, members of the armed formations again denied an SMM patrol passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19.

On 17 and 21 May, at a checkpoint 600m west of Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), members of the armed formations again denied SMM patrols passage towards non-government-controlled areas, providing no explanation on one occasion and referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19 on another occasion.

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.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the Mission recorded fewer 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 the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• It saw anti-tank mines, including some for the first time, near Dokuchaievsk, 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.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

22 May 2020, SKOPJE - Today the OSCE Mission to Skopje launched an exceptional call for proposals from local civil society organizations, associations and charities. The aim of the call is to address the needs of the most vulnerable and underserved communities in the country in areas covered by the Mission’s mandate in the time of the COVID-19 crisis.

This call is also intended to support organizations that face difficulties in maintaining their operations due to the pandemic. These are the organizations that work with youth, people at risk, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with long-term physical and mental health conditions; smaller communities, including Roma and Sinti; survivors of domestic violence, gender-based violence and trafficked persons, refugees and migrants. The support also covers activities in areas such human rights protection and advocacy. More information on the available funding can be found here

“The current Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis it has created pose an unprecedented threat to security and social stability. Our new COVID-19 response fund provides an opportunity for civil society groups, associations, and charities to receive financial support of up to €15,000 to help them carry out their important work and sustain themselves in the face of the pandemic”, said Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje Clemens Koja.

“We are launching this initiative with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and look forward to receiving innovative proposals aiming to uphold fundamental rights, ensure access to basic services, and contribute to the fulfilment of the country’s OSCE commitments during the next three months,” Clemens Koja continued.

In welcoming the OSCE Mission’s initiative Nikola Dimitrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia noted: “We strongly support the OSCE Mission to Skopje’s COVID-19 response fund, which we believe will help local non-governmental organizations to continue to support those most in need and most vulnerable, and strengthen democratic values in our society”.  

“As a former civil society activist myself and a think-tank member, I know how much the non-governmental sector has contributed to the democratic U-turn we have made in recent years. At a time when there is a great need for the work of non-governmental organizations, while they are facing serious financial challenges due to the crisis, I believe that this is the solution that should be welcomed.” ​

SARAJEVO, 22 May 2020 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH) regrets the recent statements by Presidency member Milorad Dodik and the President of the HDZ BiH , Dr. Dragan Čović, for their disregard of democratic standards concerning the holding of elections.

By conditioning the approval of resources necessary for holding the elections based on political disputes over the composition of the Central Election Commission (CEC), the authorities risk undermining the constitutional order and the functioning of democracy. Obstructing elections in this manner would violate the political rights of all BiH citizens. This would be contrary to BiH’s commitments as an OSCE participating State to organize and hold elections in line with international obligations and standards, including OSCE commitments.

We underline that all relevant bodies, including the Council of Ministers, the BiH Presidency and the BiH Parliamentary Assembly bear the legal obligation to ensure adequate financing of the elections. In full accordance with the BiH Election Law, the CEC announced local elections on 7 May, which means that financing for the elections needs to be secured by 22 May. 

Any challenges concerning the process of the appointment of CEC members should be made before a competent court, following legally prescribed procedures, and not through political blockades.

The OSCE Mission to BiH calls on all parties to avoid politicizing the issue of the CEC. The institution is to be composed of highly qualified and impartial persons who are legally obligated to oversee the implementation of the BiH Election Law in a fully independent and impartial manner.

We stress that all OSCE participating States, including BiH, have committed to follow up promptly on electoral recommendations by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. This is how the electoral process in BiH would improve and where authorities and institutions should focus their attention and actions.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• The SMM followed up on reports of a woman hit by a bullet at a bus stop in Olenivka, 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 SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. Inside the disengagement area near Petrivske, it recorded ceasefire violations and spotted ongoing excavation and construction works to former positions of the armed formations.
• The Mission saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk 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.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Staromykhailivka, Donetsk region.*

452871 Željka Šulc

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), as a part of its wider initiative to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in its pandemic response provided, on 21 May 2020 in Sarajevo, protective equipment and sanitizer for the BiH Border Police.

Dr. Susan Penksa, Head of Security Co-operation of the OSCE Mission to BiH handed over the donation of 1,000 face shields and hand sanitizer to Radiša Samardžija, Chief of Staff and Ismet Taslaman, Acting Head of the Administration Department at the BiH Border Police.

Dr. Penksa emphasized that the OSCE Mission to BiH appreciates the efforts of the BiH Border Police, whose officers have faced heightened risk conducting their work during the pandemic outbreak. “As the borders start to reopen, the role of the Border Police officers will remain critical and it is essential that they have the necessary equipment. We hope that this donation will help them in performing their everyday work in a safe manner,” said Penksa.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the Mission recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• An SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spotted recent damage and craters due to shelling at and near a non-operational water treatment plant close to non-government-controlled Betmanove, Donetsk region.
• Members of the armed formations denied the Mission passage at a checkpoint along an official crossing route in Luhansk region.*
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. SMM UAVs spotted people inside the disengagement area near Petrivske, including during night hours.
• The Mission saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line.
• An SMM mid-range UAV spotted for the first time 80 anti-tank mines near government-controlled Novhorodske, 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.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

452821 Marina Živaljević

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro congratulates the citizens of Montenegro on 21 May 2006, a day that commemorates Montenegro regaining its independence through a peaceful and democratic referendum.

“The country celebrates its 14th anniversary of independence in a year marked by the COVID-19 crisis, a worldwide challenge,” said the Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Maryse Daviet. “Montenegro demonstrates the strength and capacity of its institutions and its citizens through solidarity to respond to this crisis, limiting the spread of the virus,” she continued.

The Mission is committed to continue its support to Montenegro as it builds strong, stable and professional institutions through its partnerships with government, institutions, civil society, the media and other stakeholders. “We continue supporting Montenegro in line with OSCE commitments and principles,” said Daviet.

Mirvete Islam, OSCE Mission to Skopje Ilona Kazaryan

SKOPJE, 20 May 2020 – Today, the OSCE Mission to Skopje published its third and final report on the activities and cases under the former Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPO). The publication includes recommendations to judicial actors, the legislative and the executive branches, with the aim to tackle the issues identified in the report in order to improve the efficiency and fairness of judicial proceedings.

The report focuses on the findings from trial monitoring from the perspective of international fair trial standards. It covers the period between 1 December 2018 and 15 January 2020. Two interim reports were published in August 2018 and June 2019.

“The SPO was created in September 2015 to shed light on a wiretap scandal that led the country into a deep political crisis. Even though the cases are no longer prosecuted by the SPO, the Mission continues with its monitoring because we believe that the presence of observers in the courtroom enhances the transparency of the proceedings and helps build public trust in the criminal justice system,” said Clemens Koja, Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, during the online presentation.

The president of the Criminal Court in Skopje, Judge Ivan Djolev added: “The report, prepared by the OSCE Mission, is an extremely important roadmap showing where we should strive for as a judiciary. We highly value this analytical report, and the recommendations addressed to the Prosecution Office, the defence attorneys and the Court, but also to the legislature and executive authorities, which are of essential importance.  The report praises the Criminal Court judges for properly handling the cases initiated by the SPO, but at the same time, we also accept criticism, which would help us improve performance in accordance with legal provisions and the Court’s competences.” ​

The report, available online here, is part of a project financed through extra-budgetary contributions provided by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, and the Embassies of Canada and the Netherlands.

452746 OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

From 19 to 20 May 2020, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized an online training on the management of border crossing points (BCP) in the context of the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The training course aimed to raise awareness about the management of BCPs in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus through border crossing. It was attended by representatives of the State Border, Customs, and Migration Services as well as the Sanitary and Epidemiology Service of the Ministry of Healthcare and the Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.

The event presented international health regulations and the provisions and practical application of the regulations at points of entry. The participants were provided with insights into the coronavirus infection, COVID-19, and its challenges to public health. WHO response and support to countries affected by pandemic were also presented.

In her opening speech, Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat said: “The COVID-19 outbreak presents unprecedented challenges to the entire international community as it continues severely affecting health systems and economies of the countries across the world.”

“In this challenging and fast-evolving environment, preventing the spread of COVID-19 remains one of the most effective measures,” stressed Drozd. “In an effort to stop the spread of the virus, along with health personnel, border guards are also actively engaged in countering this serious threat at border-crossing points through a thorough examination and control of people and goods crossing the borders.”

“Preventing disease is always preferred, and it is our belief that the training will complement the efforts of the host authorities in preventing the penetration into the country”.

The training course presented practical aspects related to compliance with preventive measures and appropriate use of personal protective equipment at border-crossing points. It included a simulation exercise on the medical examination of passengers and the use of sanitary personal measures at border crossings.

The training was organized in co-operation with the WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan, the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the Ministry of Healthcare, and the Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. Together with WHO experts and national experts from the State Sanitary and Epidemiology Service of the Ministry of Healthcare and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan facilitated the event.

The training was organized within the framework of the Centre’s extra-budgetary project on “Strengthening State Border Service Capacities in Turkmenistan” with financial support from the Government of Germany.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous 24 hours, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• In non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region, an explosion occurred near the SMM in Yasynuvata while facilitating adherence to the localised ceasefire to enable operation of the Donetsk Filtration Station and small-arms fire was assessed as aimed at an SMM unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flying in Petrivske.
• The SMM followed up on reports of a woman injured in a fire caused by shelling in Staromykhailivka, Donetsk region, on 12 May.
• A church building damaged by shrapnel during shelling in Avdiivka, 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 SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. SMM UAVs spotted people inside the disengagement areas near Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM spotted for the first time about 500 anti-tank mines (not recently laid) in fields between Dolomitne and Travneve, Donetsk region.
• The SMM 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.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including close to a border crossing point near Izvaryne, Luhansk region.*