Central Europe

VIENNA, 5 May 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern today about the ban that Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has imposed on several media outlets in recent weeks.

“Recently, we have noticed increasing pressure being put on critical TV channels in Turkey,” said Désir. “I am concerned by the decisions taken by the Radio and Television Supreme Council to fine and sanction the media outlets Fox TV, Halk TV and Tele 1 in Turkey. These actions are an additional form of pressure on journalists, and can seriously harm media pluralism and journalists’ ability to report on issues of public interest. It is of utmost importance to ensure that RTÜK, as a regulatory agency, is independent, impartial and works free from any kind of political influence in line with the best international practices.

The Representative also reiterated his call for the lawsuits against journalist Fatih Portakal to be dropped, adding that his Office will be following the case closely.

According to media reports, RTÜK fined the media outlet Fox TV, after their journalist, Fatih Portakal allegedly referred in his TV show, to the outlet’s former news programme Director who is currently detained for being a suspected member of a terrorist organization.

Additionally, on 15 April, RTÜK decided that Portakal’s “Ana Haber” programme on Fox TV had violated broadcasting rules on 30 and 31 March, and 1 April, by having unfairly targeted the authorities in relation to issues on the coronavirus pandemic. According to RTÜK, this could have resulted in hatred and hostility. RTÜK imposed a financial fine on the outlet and a three-time ban on broadcasting the programme. The President of Turkey and the Banking Regulation Agency previously sued Portakal for allegedly “spreading lies on social media" and "harming the reputation of banks”.

In addition, RTÜK decided, with a majority vote, to enact a ban on five broadcasts of the Halk TV programme “Medya Mahallesi”, hosted by journalist Ayşenur Arslan. RTÜK also imposed a ban on three broadcasts of a Tele 1 morning talk show presented by journalist Can Ataklı, after the journalist questioned why “everyone is called a ‘martyr’”.

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, 4 May 2020 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir today expressed his concern after the Turkish-Cypriot channel Diyalog TV was prevented from broadcasting. This is the result of a decision of the Turkey Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK).

“I am very concerned by the decision to stop the broadcasting of the Turkish-Cypriot Diyalog TV channel. Such a decision negatively impacts the free flow of information and access to a plurality of views and opinions,” said Désir. “I am also concerned that such decisions intimidate media and journalists, and can lead to increased self-censorship,” continued Désir.

RTÜK’s ruling reportedly came after a guest on the “World View” programme of Diyalog TV criticized the economic policy of the President of the Republic of Turkey.

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

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On 30 April and 1, 2, 3 and 4 May, members of the armed formations again denied SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes: five times in Donetsk region and twice in Luhansk region, while further attempts to cross into government-controlled areas were also denied, twice in Donetsk region and three times in Luhansk region. Additionally, on 30 April, members of the armed formations significantly delayed an SMM attempt to cross into government-controlled areas along an official crossing route in Donetsk region.

On 30 April, at a checkpoint east of Kreminets (non-government-controlled, 16km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations prevented an SMM patrol from proceeding towards government-controlled areas for more than six hours, stating that the SMM did not have permission to pass. The SMM was eventually allowed to proceed to the most forward checkpoint of the armed formations near Oleksandrivka (non-government-controlled, 20km south-west of Donetsk) where one member of the SMM proceeded, on foot, towards government-controlled areas.

On 30 April and 1, 2, 3 and 4 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 government-controlled areas on three occasions and passage towards non-government-controlled areas on two occasions, referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19.

On 1 and 3 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 denied passage towards non-government-controlled areas on two occasions, referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19.

On 2 and 4 May, at a checkpoint near Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk), an SMM patrol again waited to no avail for members of the armed formations to remove a road barrier to allow the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas.

On 2 May, at a checkpoint 600m west of Verkhnoshyrokivkse (formerly Oktiabr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), an SMM patrol was again unable to proceed towards non-government-controlled areas due to the presence of three anti-tank mines on a wooden plank near the checkpoint, in the middle of the road leading towards Verkhnoshyrokivske. A member of the armed formations declined to speak to the SMM.

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, between the evenings of 1 and 2 May, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Between the evenings of 2 and 3 May, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions, compared with the previous 24 hours.
• Explosions occurred near the SMM in Zolote-5/Mykhailivka and Sentianivka, Luhansk region.
• Gunfire was assessed as aimed at SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicles flying near Donetsk city and Popasna.
• In Donetsk region, the Mission followed up on reports of a woman who was killed by gunfire in Spartak and saw damage to civilian properties in Holmivskyi.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM 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.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians 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 in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Bessarabka and Novoazovsk.*

451381

On 22 and 29 April 2020, the OSCE Presence in Albania visited the border crossing points of Kapshtica and Kakavija to assess the overall situation, as well as measures taken in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kapshtica and Kakavija are two of the main crossing points serving repatriation of citizens in the current situation. Extensive meetings were held with the regional border and migration directors and station commanders. The Presence also visited designated hotels where repatriated citizens are quarantined.

The purpose of the meetings was to get an overview on the general situation at the border crossing points, assess how border police officials are coping with the pandemic, challenges they are facing, as well as their needs. Discussions also focused on co-operation with the local government and with other law enforcement agencies operating at the border, such as customs, to facilitate the processing of trucks.

The regional directors informed the Presence of the current and expected challenges for border agencies, especially after the opening of the borders. They also expressed concern about the revival of irregular migration.

Regional co-operation becomes of paramount importance in times of crisis and the directors of the two border crossing points reaffirmed the very good relations with the neighbouring countries in fighting illegal activities and exchanging information.

The Presence will conduct similar visits to other border crossing points in Albania in the coming weeks.

Following the breakout of the pandemic in Albania, the OSCE Presence has been preparing to assist the Albanian State Police – particularly the Border and Migration Police – with personal protective equipment.

The OSCE Presence in Albania has a long-standing co-operation with Albania’s Border and Migration Police, and works with them to establish joint protocols, and police co-operation centres. It also offers capacity-building for a better control of Albania’s borders against criminal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, irregular migration, and foreign terrorists fighters.

451387 OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan

At the invitation of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, John MacGregor, participated at the video conference of the Parliament of Uzbekistan on 30 April 2020.

The fifth Periodic Report of Uzbekistan to the UN Committee on Human Rights on the implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) was discussed.

Many OSCE commitments are derived from the ICCPR, one of the pillar documents for promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Professor Akmal Saidov, first deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and Director of the National Human Rights Centre, highlighted the specific contribution of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in the development of the national human rights framework. He also underlined the support provided by the Project Co-ordinator in upholding OSCE commitments in the human dimension.

Saidov commended the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan for his efforts to assist Uzbekistan to cope with COVID-19. He also thanked him for the delivery of protective equipment to several State bodies and the initiative to produce a video on the prevention of stigma for persons affected with COVID-19. 

Ambassador MacGregor said that the OSCE dedicates a specific attention to human rights. “We have noted that Uzbekistan gives consistent attention to human rights issues,” said MacGregor. “The 2017-2021 national development Action Strategy is closely aligned with OSCE commitments. For the past three years, the situation in this sphere has improved, the national legislation has been strengthened, and significant work has been undertaken.”

“I offer my congratulations to all of our partners for the progress made so far, and I hope to continue our excellent level of communication and co-operation,” said MacGregor.

The Delegation of Uzbekistan was represented by Professor Akmal Saidov, Oral Ataniyazova, Member of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Aziz Tashpulatov, first Deputy Minister of Interior, Ulugbek Lapasov, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Offices in Geneva, and Oqil Ubaydullaev, Chief Consultant of the Office of Security Council under the President.

National experts, representatives of private and public entities, the diplomatic corps and international organizations also took part.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• The Mission lost spatial control of its mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near Vrubivka due to signal interference. It recovered the UAV with damage to its landing gear and propellers.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM 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. It observed persons near former military and military-type positions inside the disengagement area near Zolote and near military-type positions inside the disengagement area near Petrivske, all during evening hours.
• The SMM saw self-propelled howitzers in violation of withdrawal lines firing from non-government-controlled areas to government-controlled areas of Luhansk region, as well as weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line.
• The Mission saw for the first time anti-tank mines near non-government-controlled Betmanove.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians 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 in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*

Warsaw, 4 May 2020 – The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought home how many migrants are confined to overcrowded spaces with very little freedom to move around  or keep a safe distance to others, and how dangerous this can be, the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today. At the same time, ODIHR is working with countries across the region to build on the good practices that are being developed in many places.

“Migrants haven’t disappeared just because the borders are closed,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “The ongoing health crisis is an additional reminder of our obligation to assist those whose lives are in danger. On the contrary, in the current situation governments need to do all the more to help guarantee the safety of migrants in distress and all those who are unable to keep to the health safety standards the rest of us are practising as a matter of course.”

In many countries across the OSCE, migrants are living in overcrowded camps, shelters or reception centres in unsanitary conditions, lacking minimal protection against infection. In addition, efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus have included restrictions on movement that may prevent migrants housed in temporary reception centres from maintaining the distance from others necessary to safeguard both their health and their dignity.

At the same time, border closures have led to the suspension of deportations, leaving migrants at risk of being detained for indefinite periods as some emergency measures do not have any specific time limit. ODIHR joins other international and civil society organisations in calling for a moratorium on the use of administrative detention in immigration proceedings and for the immediate release of all those held in pre-removal detention where deportations have been halted due to the pandemic.

ODIHR offers a forum to share the numerous good practices from around the OSCE region to encourage States to work together to find solutions in the best interests of migrants. A sizeable number of countries have decided to grant or extend temporary residency rights to migrants, including asylum seekers, to ensure they have access to health services and social protection. Others have responded by releasing particularly vulnerable migrants from immigration detention, while several have made efforts to reduce overcrowding in temporary reception centres to ensure health guidelines can be kept. The agreement by a number of EU countries to host unaccompanied children further illustrates the willingness by some states to show solidarity with migrants, ensuring they do not suffer further through the restrictions imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19.

As well as offering its assistance to work with national authorities to build on the good practices that already exist and collectively find solutions in this unprecedented crisis, ODIHR continues to cooperate closely with civil society. In the coming weeks, ODIHR will be exploring how civil society organisations can be better equipped to help mobilise countries to take the measures needed to ensure respect for the human rights of all.

VIENNA, 2 May 2020 – In a video message published on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, called on participating States throughout the OSCE region to let journalists work without fear or favour, especially in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Let journalists do their job unhindered, ensure them access to information and support those media that are financially struggling because of the pandemic,” the Representative said.

“As the world finds itself in the midst of a global pandemic, the necessity of a free media is even more vital and more crucial than ever. Crucial in the sense of providing us with reliable information about the health situation and informing us on a daily basis about governmental decisions and health measures. Our health depends not only on readily accessible health care, but also on access to accurate information about the pandemic, its evolution, and ways of protecting ourselves and others.

The media also have a key role to play in combating the spread of false information.

Yet, we have seen many States responding to this crisis with measures that are restricting media freedom and limiting the ability of journalists to report on the pandemic.

I fully understand the will of the authorities to combat false information, such as about false cures. However, this cannot be achieved by limiting media freedom. Rumours are best tackled by ensuring access to pluralistic and independent sources of information, rather than through censorship.

What we need is more transparency, more responsibility and more journalists being free to report, not more restrictions.

I appeal to the authorities throughout the OSCE region: please, let journalists do their job unhindered, ensure them access to information and support those media that are financially struggling because of the pandemic. 

The theme of the 2020 World Press Freedom Day is journalism without fear or favour. Especially in the current situation, let journalists work without fear or favour. 

Freedom of the media is a pillar of our democracy. The free flow of information is a vital need of all citizens. This is even more crucial when the world is struck by a crisis such as the one we are all currently facing.

So, let me use this occasion to call again on all governments to not only recognize, but to facilitate and support the work of free and independent journalists.”

The video message by the Representative can be found here: (https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/451294)

Furthermore, ahead of World Press Freedom Day, the Representative launched, together with the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, and the Organization of American States (OAS) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, a new Joint Declaration on freedom of expression and elections in the digital age, which was released on 30 April (see: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/451150 ).

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, 2 May 2020 – Following recent restrictions on several media in the Russian Federation, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, reiterated today his call on the Russian authorities to take into greater consideration the principles of necessity and proportionality when regulating the media and journalists’ activities.

According to reports, on 28 April, upon the request of the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Federal regulatory agency, Roskomnadzor, blocked the website Vademecum, a Moscow-based media outlet which reports on various aspects related to healthcare, state health policy, and the pharmaceutical and medical industries. The blocking took place after Vademecum published an article, on 23 April, about the procedure for settling payments for the provision of medical care to patients affected with COVID-19 and other diseases, who are hospitalized in Moscow. The article, reportedly, referenced a letter by the Moscow City Insurance Fund. The reason for blocking access to the media website was “intentional dissemination of false information” that causes public harm.

“Blocking a website is an extreme measure which may unduly restrict freedom of expression and impede the public’s right to access information,” Désir said. “The free flow of information should be guaranteed during the COVID-19 crisis, and the media must be able to report unhindered on the pandemic. I call on the Russian authorities to look into this issue and re-establish access to the website.”

The Representative also noted other recent incidents affecting journalists and media outlets reporting on COVID-19 or related matters, in different regions of the country:

• On 28 April, in Pskov, police questioned journalist Lyudmila Savitskaya over her article titled “The situation is critical. How Pskov is responding to the coronavirus pandemic”, which she published, on 23 March, on the Severo-Zapad MBH Media website.
• On 27 April, in Saint Petersburg, journalist Tatyana Voltskaya, who writes for the Sever.Realii website (affiliated with the RFE/RL), was questioned by law enforcement representatives and asked to reveal her confidential source, after she published an interview, on 11 April, with an anonymous doctor who spoke about the medical practice in the context of COVID-19.
• At the request of the Prosecutor General’s Office, Roskomnadzor ordered the private TV channel TVK, in Krasnoyarsk, to delete a reposted satirical YouTube video that was deemed to be false news. The representatives of the channel were summoned to Roskomnadzor, and the channel may be fined up to 500 thousand rubles (approximately 6,200 EUR).

The Representative recalled the joint statement he published on 19 March, together with David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and Edison Lanza, IACHR Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, which emphasized that: “Human health depends not only on readily accessible health care. It also depends on access to accurate information about the nature of the threats and the means to protect oneself, one’s family, and one’s community”. The Representative and the two Special Rapporteurs also stated that: “The right of access to information means that governments must be making exceptional efforts to protect the work of journalists. Journalism serves a crucial function at a moment of a public health emergency, particularly when it aims to inform the public of critical information and monitors government actions.”

The Representative has previously expressed concern about the impact of the coronavirus response law on the work of the media in Russia, as well as the case of Tatyana Voltskaya (see: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/449455 and https://twitter.com/OSCE_RFoM/status/1255497936089292801).

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

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region.
• The SMM observed damage to buildings, including a school, in Zolote-5/Mykhailivka, Luhansk region.
• Members of the armed formations significantly delayed an SMM attempt to cross into government-controlled areas at a checkpoint in Donetsk region and continued to deny the SMM passage towards government-controlled areas at a checkpoint in Luhansk region.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line.
• The Mission monitored and facilitated adherence to localized ceasefires to enable repairs to and maintenance and construction of civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line, as well as demining activities.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at entry-exit checkpoints and their corresponding checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

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.
• The Mission followed up on reports of three civilian casualties (including a boy) in non-government-controlled Horlivka, Donetsk region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as aimed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle which was flying over areas near government-controlled Bobrove, Luhansk region.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM 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. In the disengagement area near Petrivske, it saw people near former positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and of the armed formations.
• The SMM continued to monitor and facilitate adherence to localised ceasefires to enable repairs to and construction of critical civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line, as well as demining activities.
• The Mission saw that entry-exit checkpoints and their corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions remained closed amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*

SARAJEVO, 03 May 2020 - On the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, the OSCE Mission to BiH, Council of Europe, Delegation of the European Union and European Union Special Representative in BiH, Office of the High Representative, United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and embassies of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States of America, issue the following statement:

Dear colleagues and friends in the media community,

World Press Freedom Day is a time to reflect on the vital role you have in a democratic society, and especially in an age when technological advances have made it so easy to spread both deliberate disinformation and accidental misinformation.

In this rapidly changing reality, transparency and access to reliable information is key. Enjoyment of the right to health does not only depend on accessible healthcare, but also on the ability of individuals to stay informed via timely and reliable information.   Freedom of expression and a robust independent media are key to this, as is the need to counter disinformation. Your pursuit for the truth through accurate and impartial reporting has never been more important than during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Respect for the highest ethical standards is essential to provide the public with information they can trust.  We encourage you to keep adhering to these standards.

Allow us to thank you for the important work you do during the current crisis keeping the public informed despite the serious health risks to which you are exposed. We recognize that these are uncertain times that have led to a drop in advertising revenues for many media outlets and have cost some journalists their jobs. This could present a serious threat to media pluralism.

Today, we are also mindful of the other daily safety risks you are exposed to while simply doing your job. Journalists across the country, and in particular female journalists, are often targeted. Many of you receive online threats or are attacked for reporting on corruption, the work of the authorities, and violations of human rights.

This is unacceptable and must not be tolerated.

Threats and attacks against journalists must be subject to effective investigation. Undoubtedly, more needs to be done so you can enjoy a safe and secure working environment, free from risk and political and economic pressures.

We call all authorities in the country to uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined in Article 10 of the European Convention on human rights and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ensure free access to information, and take no measures aimed at barring journalists from the legitimate exercise of their profession. The Covid-19 pandemic cannot be used as an excuse to suppress or to silence critical voices.

COPENHAGEN, 29 April 2020 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli (Georgia) and Secretary General Roberto Montella hosted on Wednesday a video conference with the Assembly’s previous Presidents of the last 15 years. The participants discussed ways the experience and knowledge of former members of the OSCE PA can benefit the work of the Assembly in such challenging times when increased efforts, political leadership and parliamentary oversight are needed.

Tsereteli’s predecessors who took part in the meeting were Christine Muttonen (Austria), Ilkka Kanerva (Finland), Ranko Krivokapic (Montenegro), Wolfgang Grossruck (Austria), Riccardo Migliori (Italy), Petros Efthymiou (Greece), Joao Soares (Portugal), and Goran Lennmarker (Sweden).

Discussions focused on ways and means to exploit the experience and networking capacity of former PA members. There was general agreement about plans to institutionalize a board or a panel of former PA Presidents who can serve as a resource for advice for the OSCE PA.

The participants of the video conference established a Panel of Former Presidents in order to serve as the founders of a future independent structure and to promote plans to create an association of all interested former PA members. The objective of this association will be to support the work of the Assembly as well as broader international efforts of policymakers engaging in parliamentary diplomacy. The former Presidents explored possibilities for adding value to the OSCE PA’s work with strategic forward-looking advice building on important networks built over the years, rather than duplicating the existing structures of the PA.

President Tsereteli underlined that it is important not to lose the value of MPs that are not in office anymore but still have much offer, and also noted an association of former members could have several targets, including supporting and coaching youth approaching the world of politics, as a sort of “centre of excellence.” Secretary General Montella welcomed any initiative that can make use of the pool of former members' experience and passion to remain active and engaged for the public good, which he defined as an extremely useful legacy.

The OSCE PA's International Secretariat will lend support to the founding phase providing a small team led by Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Andreas Nothelle, the OSCE PA’s Special Representative in Vienna.

Anna Vorobeva OSCE Mission to Moldova

A goal-oriented dialogue with regular interactions by the two Chief Negotiators is crucial to addressing humanitarian challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis for the population on both banks, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Claus Neukirch, said in his address to the OSCE Permanent Council on 30 April 2020.

Since the launch of the state of emergency in Moldova, the Mission has actively worked to facilitate practical solutions addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis for people living in the Security Zone, he told delegations of the OSCE’s 57 participating States. The Mission conducted 30 monitoring visits over the past six weeks and continued its active mediation efforts.

In his regular six-month report to the Permanent Council, the Head of Mission spoke about the initiatives the Mission has undertaken with the Sides to intensify co-operation and co-ordination between left and right bank experts in addressing the pandemic and freedom of movement restrictions which resulted from the quarantine measures. The Mission further monitored the process of importing essential commodities to Transdniestria following the closure of border crossing points at the Transdniestrian segment of the Moldovan-Ukrainian border. While the Sides identified several temporary solutions to improve everyday life of the people on both banks, some issues persist.

In his address, the Head of Mission underlined in particular the impact of freedom of movement restrictions imposed by Tiraspol in response to the pandemic, including in the Security Zone. The Head of Mission reiterated the need for Tiraspol to rethink its current approach and to ensure that people can commute to their place of work, can access health care services, ATMs and other needs.

“Any changes to the regime of the Security Zone require prior approval of the Joint Control Commission,” the Head of Mission reminded. “It is of utmost importance that the restrictions imposed in connection to the pandemic are lifted once the pandemic is under control and that the deployed additional posts and patrols are dismantled.”

Neukirch underlined that the dialogue between the Sides needs to continue - now even more than before the crisis. “The Mission has repeatedly encouraged the Sides to engage in Working Group meetings on urgent COVID-19-related topics through videoconference, most of all of healthcare experts,” stated Claus Neukirch. “The Sides need to exchange relevant data, evaluate existing public health risks and examine all forms of co-operation. Expert meetings on healthcare and other topics related to the current situation, such as banking issues, are important to find workable, mutually agreeable solutions to the benefit of the population. Such meetings will also help to prepare the ground for a substantial 5+2 meeting.”

The Head of Mission also commended the readiness of the Sides to support a technical visit envisaged for the next week by the World Health Organization, together with the Mission, to the left bank.

The OSCE Permanent Council is the principal decision-making body for regular political consultations, and is currently holding its meetings entirely online due to COVID-19-related restrictions.

451261 Andrii Dziubenko SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator provided assistance to Ukraine with a number of activities including handover of personal protective equipment (PPE) and awareness-raising.

Some 5,000 medical masks were delivered to regional social service providers to help improve protection of their personnel. The assistance was destined for staff who are directly involved in providing help to various categories of vulnerable people, including victims of domestic violence and trafficking in human beings. The social service providers also received posters to raise the public’s awareness about being vigilant in times of crisis.

The posters remind people that quarantine and social distancing may result in a worsening of domestic violence. They also alert about the dangers of falling victim to cybercrimes and warn that human traffickers can exploit economic difficulties during the crisis. They also draw attention to resources available to the public, in Ukrainian, informing about safety rules and about the assistance they can receive. The e-version of the poster is available for download here: https://www.osce.org/uk/project-coordinator-in-ukraine/450223.

Last month, when quarantine restrictions and other limitations on public life were introduced in Ukraine, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator launched a campaign, through its Facebook page, to share distant learning resources for professional development with teachers, lawyers, social workers, students and others during the lockdown. The campaign resources are available here:  https://www.osce.org/project-coordinator-in-ukraine/451003. 

Marina Živaljević

For over 25 years, World Press Freedom Day has been a yearly reminder that freedom of the media is a cornerstone in any democratic society, said Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Maryse Daviet, on World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2020.

Congratulating Montenegrin journalists on this special day, Daviet added that 3 May is also a time for journalists and media professionals to take a moment to be proud of the role they have played during this crisis of providing objective and actuate reporting.

‘Journalism without fear or favour’, this year’s theme of World Press Freedom Day, focuses on independent and professional journalismin an increasingly complex media landscape.

The Head of Mission noted that this theme “coincides with the programmatic approach of the Mission which supports pluralistic, independent and professional mediathat contributes to an exchange of opinions and ideas”.

“The Mission will continue to support the media in their efforts to play a constructive role in the Montenegrin democratic reform processes,” said Daviet.

451270 Joana Karapataqi, OSCE Presence in Albania

Young people are agents of change, and they have a say also in the COVID-19 situation. With this aim, on 29 April 2020 in Tirana, the OSCE Presence in Albania brought together its Youth Advisory Group and the Albanian Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to discuss the COVID-19 situation in Albania, the work of the Albanian Delegation and youth involvement.

Ditmir Bushati, Chair of the Albanian Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and members Elona Gjebrea and Rudina Hajdari shared with the youth group how they have been adapting their work under the pandemic. They also explained how they continue to communicate and co-operate with colleagues from other OSCE participating States, especially because Albania is Chair of the OSCE this year. They also talked about measures the Albanian Assembly has taken to respond to the current crisis.

During the meeting, Bernd Borchardt, Head of the OSCE Presence, welcomed the quick adaption and reaction of the Albanian parliament to the COVID-19 situation.

Members of the Parliament, youth group, and OSCE staff also discussed the importance of the rule of law and oversight role of parliaments, as well as electoral reform and 2021 elections during COVID-19.

The parliamentarians praised the gender balance of the Youth Advisory Group and invited them to continue to give their opinion about measures taken to cope with the pandemic in Albania, stressing the important role youth have in engaging in the political and economic life of the country.

The Youth Advisory Group helps the OSCE Presence’s efforts to integrate a youth perspective with its programmatic activities.

451177

On April 30, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan provided humanitarian aid, including medical means of personal protection, to stop the spread of COVID-19 to Tashkent city police officers.

To enhance the safety and effectiveness of police, who continue to confront the current pandemic, the PCUz has purchased safety glasses and protection masks, gloves and sanitizers for further donation to the Tashkent city Main Department of Internal Affairs. The donation is part of the PCUz assistance to the Government of Uzbekistan in its efforts to fight the transnational threat represented by COVID-19.

Colonel Aziz Tashkhhodjaev, Head of the Tashkent City Main Department of Internal Affairs, attended the handover of the assistance. The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan Ambassador John MacGregor said: “The police services of Uzbekistan are on the frontline in the fight against the coronavirus, as they interact with the public every day. By protecting police officers, we protect the public, and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

The donation demonstrates that the safety of people, and their health, are part of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security.

VIENNA, 30 April 2020 – How to address the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for the most vulnerable in our societies, especially for human trafficking victims and survivors, is the focus of a set of recommendations to governments published by the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Valiant Richey today.

Building on his earlier statement to OSCE participating States, Richey alerted governments to the risk that, without urgent and targeted action, this health and economic crisis becomes a human trafficking crisis, putting many more lives and the cohesion of our societies at risk. “The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on trafficking in human beings is deeply concerning. Our recommendations aim to support OSCE participating States in combating trafficking in human beings during and following the current crisis, as vulnerabilities will compound in the weeks and months to come,” he said.

The Special Representative stands ready to provide further support to participating States, including through tailored technical assistance for the development and implementation of anti-trafficking action plans and other legislative or policy efforts.

Prevention

1. Ensure universal access to essential economic and social welfare services, including unemployment aid, for all those who need them, regardless of their recent employment history. This will help prevent those affected by the economic impact of the crisis, including millions of unregistered domestic workers, from falling into the hands of traffickers.

2. Grant or extend temporary resident permits to migrants and asylum seekers, regardless of their legal status. This will increase their resilience by facilitating access to healthcare and other welfare services and will also help States’ authorities and social services promptly identify presumed victims of trafficking and better prevent future episodes of exploitation. 

3. Prioritize resources for exit services in high-risk sectors such as the prostitution industry. With purchasing of commercial sex artificially suppressed as a result of the lockdown, inclusive programmes ensuring support can be a powerful tool to break the cycle of exploitation and strengthen exit pathways, giving a real alternative to those in need.

Protection

4. Provide victims of trafficking with access to safe and immediate accommodation, health care and psychological assistance, to assist in their exit from trafficking and protect them from revictimization. Temporary quarantine accommodation prior to shelter placement has been identified as a promising practice to ensure compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures.

5. Extend for at least six months all protection and assistance measures for all victims of trafficking, including work permits and access to services, to ensure continuity in their social inclusion process beyond the current health crisis. Continue investments in rehabilitation programmes, as the risk of ‘losing’ those survivors who are already in transition is now particularly high due to the adverse economic situation. Provide online support to victims of trafficking inside and outside shelters. Psychological counselling, legal support as well as educational and training activities are examples of the services which might be temporarily provided remotely to ensure the continuity of victim’s support and to prevent re-trafficking.

6. Establish or strengthen hotlines for human trafficking, domestic violence and child abuse (including online) reporting, and broadly promote their services as a tool for the identification of presumed cases of human trafficking.

Prosecution

7. Ensure high alert among law enforcement and other first line responders to recognize and detect human trafficking. With traffickers likely to pivot to online exploitation, and with police, labour inspectors, social workers, healthcare professionals, educators and NGOs currently dramatically limited in their anti-trafficking efforts, detection and suppression efforts will have to adapt to a changing environment.

8. Ensure the continuity of the justice system to investigate and prosecute traffickers even in times of lockdown. For example, holding court via video or teleconferencing should be considered and actively pursued whenever possible as a tool to ensure timely justice and avoid re-traumatizing victims.

9. Investigators should be prepared as traffickers change their modus operandi, increasing online enforcement presence and employing advanced investigative instruments, including financial investigation tools to detect human trafficking in financial flows due to an increase in non-cash payments.

10. Plan systemic labour inspections of high-risk industries immediately after business operations resume. Agriculture, due to the summer harvest, is a prime example of an area to monitor with particular attention.

11. Once lockdown measures are lifted, keep a high law enforcement alert on forms of trafficking that are likely to increase in the near future, such as online exploitation and forced begging.

Partnership

12. Incentivize or mandate technology companies to identify and eradicate risks of human trafficking on their platforms, including by identifying and stopping distribution of child sexual abuse material online. Establish or strengthen law enforcement and judicial co-operation, including at the pre-trial stage, with countries of origin and destination in cases of online exploitation, especially of children.

Looking ahead

13. Plan ahead to ensure that the anti-trafficking community can respond adequately to another possible Coronavirus outbreak. The forecast for a second COVID-19 wave later this year highlights the need to ensure that assistance facilities, protection programmes, investigations and courts continue functioning during possible future lockdown measures.