Central Europe

TIRANA/COPENHAGEN/VIENNA/WARSAW/THE HAGUE, 23 April 2020 – The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace tomorrow will be marked with a heightened appreciation for the importance of comprehensive security and a greater sense of urgency for the need to strengthen international co-operation, said the Chair of the OSCE Permanent Council and heads of OSCE institutions in a statement today.

Noting the importance of closely co-ordinating short- and long-term responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and related challenges, the OSCE leaders underlined that the organization is ready to work closely together with national governments and parliaments in order to ensure the best possible outcomes to this crisis. They also welcomed the call by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 23 March for a global ceasefire, noting that a number of conflicts continue to impact the OSCE area, including the crisis in and around Ukraine.

“As an organization founded in the détente era of the 1970s to mitigate the threat of great-power conflict through the use of multilateralism, the OSCE can help steer the international response to contribute to managing the COVID-19 emergency and its aftermath,” said Ambassador Igli Hasani, Chair of the Permanent Council. “COVID-19 is changing our lives and will leave a permanent mark on Europe and the world. I am deeply upset about the loss of life and the impact of the disruption on jobs and livelihoods. But I take heart from the fact that these challenging times are also bringing out the best of humanity. The ongoing diligence, sacrifice and charity seen around the world will help us beat back the virus. But how we emerge from this crisis, and what we choose to learn, is just as important. I am in no doubt that if we keep alive this spirit of international solidarity, compassion and cooperation after the virus has gone, a stronger, more secure and more prosperous future is ours to seize. We must commit to multilateralism with renewed resolve.”

President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly George Tsereteli said: “Global challenges should be addressed collectively and at times of crisis, we see more clearly the importance of multilateral organizations like the OSCE. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates that multilateralism is the only way to ensure close co-operation between States. This approach should be strengthened and nurtured, and this requires parliaments to shape policies to make multilateralism more functional and effective, as well as to co-operate with and provide oversight to governments. To come out from this crisis stronger, and to ensure stability, fundamental human rights and democratic development, parliamentarians must continue to play an important key role.”

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger said: “The international norms and multilateral institutions established in the wake of the Second World War and built up for 75 years are being put to the test in a way that we have not seen before. The global economy is likely to enter a recession phase with severe employment effects across the world. Solutions to today’s health, economic, and environmental challenges demand a multilateral, systems-based approach. The OSCE stands ready to work with the broader international community to develop effective policies that meet these challenges and enhance human security for all.”

Roberto Montella, Secretary General of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, said: “To prevent the international system from sliding into a ‘state of anarchy,’ international organizations such as the OSCE have a duty to help countries work together, and parliaments must play a central role. COVID-19 hit the world at a time when multilateralism was already showing signs of weakness, with geopolitical tensions and mistrust characterizing international relations. The way forward is more co-operation, more solidarity amongst nations and people and more democratic governance within countries.”

“The coronavirus pandemic has led to a tragic loss of life and economic security for citizens across the OSCE area. Unfortunately, it has also led to violations of human rights,” said Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. “The situation for many migrants is dire. There have been incidents of racist scapegoating in some countries, a spike in domestic violence, and abuses stemming from COVID-related states of emergency. I urge all governments to ensure that human rights are fully upheld during this crisis.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, said: “It is particularly important to ensure the free flow of information during this emergency crisis. The media have a key role to play in providing vital health information to the public and in combatting false information. Journalists must be able to work unhindered and to report on the pandemic without undue restriction. I fully share the need to combat false information, such as about false cures. However, this will not be achieved through restriction of media freedom, but rather through more transparency and access to pluralistic sources of information. I call on all governments to ensure access to, and free flow of, information, and the right of media to report unhindered on the pandemic.”

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier offered recommendations for governments to consider in their efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. “As governments respond to this public health threat, they must remember to address the needs of national minorities and other marginalized communities,” he said. “Persons belonging to national minorities must be treated equally and emergency measures must not be implemented in a discriminatory manner. States should provide basic services in the languages used by various communities as far as possible, especially in healthcare and in communications about the health crisis and official responses.”

The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace was established by UN General Assembly resolution on 12 December 2018 as “a means to promote the values of the United Nations and to reaffirm the faith of our peoples in the purposes and principles enshrined in its Charter, to reaffirm the importance and relevance of multilateralism and international law and to advance the common goal of lasting and sustained peace through diplomacy.”

COPENHAGEN, 23 April 2020 – Some 85 participants joined the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s first webinar on the COVID 19 crisis on Wednesday, focused on the economic security fallout of the pandemic. Experts and parliamentarians shared views and lessons learned throughout the OSCE region and discussed the way forward for economic recovery.

Opening the event, OSCE PA President George Tsereteli (Georgia) stressed that a global economic problem requires a global economic response and said that enhanced international co-operation is the only way to effectively address the COVID-19 crisis.

“International organizations are very important in this crisis to provide co-ordination to build a safer future for our citizens,” Tsereteli said. He urged parliamentarians to make full use of platforms such as the OSCE PA in sharing best practices and developing common approaches.

Expert keynote speakers included Prof. Giovanni Tria, former Italian Minister of Economy and Finance; Jeffrey Schlagenhauf, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD; and Prof. Gottfried Haber, Vice Governor at the National Bank of Austria. Following their presentations, more than a dozen parliamentarians took the floor to highlight various aspects of the crisis, share experiences from their countries, and pose questions to the experts.

Governments must stimulate productive recovery through financing massive mitigation programs, said Prof. Tria. He noted that competitive approaches must be avoided, especially considering the disruptions in supply chains. While international trade has been negatively impacted by the crisis, he said, the globalization process remains the most effective economic development approach at our disposal, noting however that improvements are needed.

The OECD’s Schlagenhauf said that the importance of getting the response to COVID-19 right cannot be overstated. Governments will be judged on their ability to handle the crisis, he said, and will pay steep price if not done competently. He noted that prior to recent improvements, public trust in democratic institutions had declined for many years, highlighting the importance in this respect of parliamentarians providing strong oversight and guidance to governments.

The COVID-19 crisis overlaps with other essential issues, including rule of law, conflicts, migration, sustainability, climate change, and access to health care, said Prof. Haber. He noted that financial markets and banks are part of the solution, as opposed to the financial crisis of 2008 when they were part of the problem.

“There is still hope that this crisis, which is potentially the worst since the Second World War, will be mainly of temporary or transitional nature, but for the mobility, tourism, trade and entertainment sectors it will certainly bear longer term and possibly persistent effects,” Haber said. Governments should focus on saving as many businesses as possible and preserve employment, he stressed.

Albanian parliamentarian Elona Gjebrea Hoxha, Rapporteur of the PA’s economic committee, noted that small business owners, the working poor, undocumented migrants, the underemployed, and the self-employed are particularly vulnerable during this period.

“In order to support those who are hit hard by this lockdown, and to prevent the recession from becoming a long-term depression, we need immediate and co-ordinated actions that utilize the world’s best economic practices and proven emergency measures to blunt the impact,” Hoxha said. “Co-operation is needed between countries and within countries if we hope to emerge from this recession and prevent the worst effects from taking hold.”

In the discussion, members underlined the role of parliaments and discussed ways they can continue their vital functions in the period of lockdowns and social distancing, emphasizing that parliamentarians must work together to build recovery in the post-COVID-19 world. There is also a need for greater action on the EU level, it was stressed.

Members noted that the crisis poses challenges in both economics and human rights and that it is necessary to protect citizens in both respects. The service sector is hit the hardest by the lockdown, it was pointed out, and there is an urgent need to invest in IT, healthcare, manufacturing and other vital sectors of the economy. Participants also highlighted the need to ensure that all public money is spent transparently and in accordance with good governance principles to avoid waste and corruption.

Parliamentarians stressed the need for a Marshall Plan-style economic recovery plan, underlining the importance of finding common purpose and supporting one another even while so much focus is on the domestic situation in each country. There is a need to both support citizens at home and work to improve the situation for other countries as well, they said. Healthcare workers and others on the frontlines are heroes and deserve support, it was stressed.

Participating in the webinar were parliamentarians and staff from Albania, Andorra, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In addition, the webinar was joined by a number of officials from the OSCE executive structures in Vienna, as well as the Office of the OSCE Project Co- ordination in Uzbekistan.

The economic security webinar was the first of a series of Parliamentary Web Dialogues planned by the OSCE PA, with more to come in the coming months focused on various aspects of the COVID-19 crisis. It was moderated by OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella.

To watch a video of the webinar, please click here. Photos are available on the OSCE PA’s Flickr page.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

KYIV, 23 April 2020 – Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine Yaşar Halit Çevik today paid tribute to SMM medic Joseph Stone, who, while on patrol, tragically lost his life three years ago when an SMM armoured vehicle was struck by an explosion, most likely caused by an anti-tank mine in a non-government controlled area near Pryshyb in the Luhansk region.

“As colleagues and friends, we miss Joseph Stone dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as we remember a brave medic who died serving others, in the cause of peace,” he said.

While there has been some limited progress on de-mining, Çevik stressed that mines and UXO continue to be reported on a daily basis, posing a danger to civilians living along the contact line. “Joseph Stone and 262 other civilians have fallen victim to these indiscriminate weapons over the past three years. Further action is urgently needed. Civilians have the right to live in safety and without fear,” he said.

COPENHAGEN, 23 April 2020 – On the somber occasion of the third anniversary of the death of a member of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, senior OSCE Parliamentary Assembly officials called for an end to harassment and restrictions placed on international monitors in Ukraine, respect for principles of the Helsinki Final Act, and the restoration of Ukrainian territorial integrity.

Congressman Richard Hudson (United States), Costel Neculai Dunava (MP, Romania), and Laurynas Kasciunas (MP, Lithuania), the Chair, Vice-Chair and Rapporteur of the OSCE PA's General Committee on Political Affairs and Security, released the following statement:

“Joseph Stone, an American paramedic supporting the OSCE monitors in eastern Ukraine, was killed by a landmine in the conflict zone three years ago today. This solemn occasion must remind us of the dangers this needless Russian war of aggression imposes not only on international monitors but on innocent Ukrainian civilians on a daily basis. It is long past time for the monitors to be allowed to do their work unimpeded, for the human costs of the conflict to be addressed, and ultimately for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty to be fully restored.”

The PA leaders underscored that restrictions on the monitors’ movement, including under the pretext of COVID-19 quarantine restrictions, were unacceptable and only served to deepen the misery of local populations by depriving them of critical assistance. They also lamented the continued toll of landmines and unexploded ordnance in eastern Ukraine.

KYIV, 22 April 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 meeting of the TCG ‎and its working groups:

“The time since our last session was marked by a significant success in the humanitarian field. On April 16, mutual release and exchange of detainees related to the conflict in eastern Ukraine took place.

This time, regular meetings of the Trilateral Contact Group and its Working Groups were again held through video conferencing.

With a view to the coronavirus pandemic, I call on the sides to exert their utmost efforts to ensure that measures taken against the coronavirus outbreak do not become an additional obstacle to the free and safe access of the SMM throughout the territory of Ukraine in accordance with its mandate.

I also call on to ensure the possibility of crossing the line of contact for civilians on humanitarian grounds.

Now about the meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups.

The Political Working Group considered aspects related to the special status of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine and implementation of the ‘Steinmeier formula’, as foreseen by the Minsk Agreements.

The discussions of the Security Working Group were focused on the identification of additional disengagement areas of forces and hardware.

The meeting’s participants also exchanged information on the status of implementation of their updated mine action plans. Mine clearance is conducted at entry-exit crossing points (EECPs) and in their vicinity, as well as along frequently used roads, at cemeteries, near schools and other civilian facilities.

The Humanitarian Working Group discussed the preparation of the next possible exchange of conflict-related detainees according to the formula ‘all identified for all identified’.

The participants of the meeting reached a common understanding of the roadmap for simultaneous opening of two additional ECCPs on the line of contact in the Luhansk region.

The Economic Working Group focused on current issues of water supplies across the line of contact in certain areas of 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 Donetsk region and significantly more in Luhansk region.
• The Mission’s passage continued to be denied at checkpoints of the armed formations near Olenivka, Donetsk region and south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, Luhansk region.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The Mission monitored and facilitated adherence to localized ceasefires to enable repairs to critical civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line, as well as demining activities, including at cemeteries in government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at entry-exit checkpoints and checkpoints of the armed formations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*

Article published at openDemocracy by Doris Barnett (MP, Germany)

When an unidentified pulmonary disease broke out in the metropolis of Wuhan in Central China, most of our countries showed little concern that they would be personally affected. Few of us imagined that this outbreak would grow first into an epidemic and then quickly into a world-encompassing pandemic – and our haphazard approach to developing a coordinated international response is evidence of that initial attitude of indifference.

While most of us are now quarantining and practicing social distancing, this crisis gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect, rethink old habits and prejudices, and adjust them appropriately. As Chair of the economic and environmental committee of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly – a 323-member body of parliamentarians from North America, Europe and Central Asia, spanning Vancouver to Vladivostok – I hope that principles of solidarity, co-operation and comprehensive security prevail during this period. This means first of all that world leaders should refrain from finger-pointing and blaming the pandemic on one country or another.

After World War II, the international community came together to build multilateral institutions to prevent another global conflagration and in the subsequent decades we saw a rapidly accelerating process of integration between the world’s economies. In the détente era of the 1970s, the East and West came together to establish the OSCE as a forum for dialogue and confidence-building, much of which was based on economic and scientific co-operation. But economic integration and globalization was not without risks and challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic is revealing this in all its clarity. Delocalized supply chains and dependence on single suppliers have served well to reduce production costs, but have proved to be high-risk and vulnerable in times of crisis.

Now is the time for us to exert all of our efforts toward ensuring that our countries emerge from this crisis stronger and more effective than before, just as our predecessors did in the aftermath of World War II and during the Cold War. Only together can we limit the spread of the virus and remedy its effects, thereby enhancing security for us all. Regression into national parochialism would be a painful setback for the OSCE participating states and an existential threat to our own organization. Only together will we preserve freedom and prosperity from Vancouver to Vladivostok!

Essential workers

The crisis has also shown us who the essential workers are during troubled times such as these: the common men and women who provide our healthcare, who supply our foodstuffs, who ensure our mobility, who keep our cities and neighborhoods clean, who ensure we have water, electricity and gas – and security on the streets. Once this crisis has passed, we must realize just how valuable they all have been to us, and we must do what we can to ensure significant improvements to their working conditions.

We should already start thinking about what comes after the Great Lockdown, once the pandemic-induced restrictions are lifted. What this might look like for society and the economy no one can yet foresee.

Nevertheless, we OSCE parliamentarians should at least attempt to sketch out our vision of what will need to be done in the coming weeks and months, and articulate a set of principles to follow in our legislative and policy responses:

1. Healthcare is a vital and fundamental public service for the societies of our various countries and should be prioritized by our governments.
2. Yes to globalization, but only if fair, solidary, sustainable and safe – hence, not at any cost. More thought should be given to national self-sufficiency, especially in healthcare. For reasons of public safety, we should be looking to move some production back home to our countries, without losing sight of good and fair collaboration. The price cannot be the only standard!
3. We should look toward restarting and improving international economic relations. Along with investment in our economies, we should not lose sight of environmental and social aspects.
4. The global financial system needs to be reassessed and made crisis-safe. In Europe, a whole constellation of mechanisms has been developed and put into place to strengthen the financial system. They provide a solid basis for future improvement.
5. Small and medium businesses and the self-employed must not be neglected.
6. The artists and cultural workers in our countries should feature prominently in our considerations. In civilized countries, supporting them and incorporating their work in the process of crisis amelioration are matters of the heart.
7. Tourism also deserves a place in our deliberations. Tourism helps forge ties of understanding and friendship between nations, and in erasing cultural boundaries. Visas should be streamlined and made easier to obtain.
8. Communication at the scientific level is vital to combat future crises. A well-networked scientific community can find solutions more quickly and efficiently. When it comes to patents, public health and wellbeing should have a higher priority than financial considerations. Academic freedom is fundamental to scientific co-operation and must be protected.
9. The interdependence between the environment and public health has been made more apparent by the corona crisis. To prevent future pandemics and other public health disasters, it is not enough to merely improve medical infrastructure. A new, comprehensive approach taking all of these factors into consideration is needed.
10. New technologies, especially artificial intelligence, have received a significant, worldwide impulse due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They have potential to help massively to mediate the consequences of this crisis and to prevent future ones. But they also involve risks of which we must be aware. This too will call for information-sharing and co-operation.

OSCE Catastrophe Planning Team

Beyond these general principles, we should also think about how to adjust our protocols and improve international coordination mechanisms to respond effectively and quickly to crisis situations. The OSCE, which is founded on the principle of comprehensive security encompassing political-military, economic-environmental and humanitarian dimensions, should consider setting up its own Catastrophe Planning Team, similar to the EU’s European Cluster Collaboration Programme. Periodic exercises and practices involving the responsible individuals would enhance our mutual security. Response plans could be written and periodically tested for validity. Finally, enhancing mutual assistance and support would also serve the causes of peace preservation and security.

Additionally, we must ensure that democratic political structures in our countries are protected and strengthened. We must see to it that our local communities, towns and cities – where government impacts individuals most immediately – are viable and effective.

The people of our countries deserve thanks for their discipline and forbearance during these times. Generosity, solidarity and humanity have distinguished us in this crisis, and we should work to preserve those qualities. We should set about the necessary groundwork, immediately beginning with the unresolved conflicts with which the OSCE still contends. Our first goal should be to bring about an immediate end to all armed conflicts.

Doris Barnett is a member of parliament from Germany and serves as Chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment. Barnett is the Head of the German Delegation to the OSCE PA.

Tune in to an OSCE PA webinar on the economic security fallout of the COVID-19 crisis today at 15:00 CET. 

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On 21 and 22 April, members of the armed formations again denied SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes: twice in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region, while further attempts to cross into government-controlled areas were also denied, once in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region.

On 21 and 22 April, at the checkpoint of the armed formations south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk), members of the armed formations denied SMM patrols passage towards non-government-controlled areas on one occasion, and passage towards government-controlled areas on another occasion, referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19.

On 22 April, at a checkpoint near Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk), an SMM patrol was 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 21 April, at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations denied SMM patrols passage towards government-controlled areas on one occasion, and passage towards non-government-controlled areas on another occasion, citing the “need to obtain permission from senior members of the armed formations”, and quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19, respectively.

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 SMM Spot Reports 2/2020, 3/2020, 4/2020, 5/2020, 6/2020, 7/2020, 8/2020, 9/2020, 10/2020, 11/2020, 13/2020, 14/2020, 15/2020). 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.

VIENNA, 21 April 2020 – Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, and the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stéphane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America) have held frequent consultations remotely since mid-March, including a joint video conference on 21 April. Andrzej Kasprzyk, the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, also participated in these consultations.

During the consultations, the participants discussed the impact of the global health crisis on the region and recent developments on the ground. They also considered next steps in the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement process in line with their joint statement issued in Geneva on 30 January 2020.

It was acknowledged that, due to the extraordinary situation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of previously agreed humanitarian measures was postponed.  The face-to-face Ministerial meetings and the visits of the Co-Chairs to the region agreed upon in Geneva have also been postponed.  Nevertheless, the necessary work to prepare these activities continues.

The Co-Chairs underlined the importance of observing the ceasefire strictly and refraining from provocative actions in the current environment and called on the sides to take measures to reduce tensions further.  They also expressed appreciation for the continued work of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office under the present circumstances and stressed the need for monitoring exercises to resume as quickly as possible.

Considering the great challenges now confronting all populations without regard to political boundaries, and which serve as stark reminders of the preciousness of every human life, the Foreign Ministers and the Co-Chairs expressed the hope that the resolve seen in the global pandemic response will bring a creative and constructive impetus to the peace process. The Co-Chairs drew attention to the 23 March appeal by the Secretary General of the United Nations for global ceasefire measures during the current health crisis and to the Co-Chairs' 19 March statement.

The Foreign Ministers and Co-Chairs agreed to remain in close contact and to continue negotiations in person as soon as possible.

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 decreased 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 decreased from 846 to 613 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine, with an average net flow of 169 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 from 18 March to 1 May. 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. This category of people crossing remains significant at both BCPs. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was suspended.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was four, compared to five last week, no crossings of this category was observed into the Russian Federation, while four were observed crossing into Ukraine (100 per cent of this category’s crossings occurred 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, no families were observed crossing either into the Russian Federation or into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when also no families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation while four families crossed into Ukraine.

Bus connections                                         

Regular local and long-distance bus connections between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation were stopped from 10 April. During the reporting period, no buses were observed at both BCPs (0 compared to 51 observed during the previous week).

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (750 compared to 734 during the previous reporting week); 373 at the Gukovo BCP and 377 at the Donetsk BCP, 443 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 307 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 and trucks with “LPR” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks increased from 56 to 62. 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 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 129. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 117 trucks (91 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 12 trucks (9 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation).

Minivans

The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also frequently saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans slightly increased from 22 to 29 vehicles; 13 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 16 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 22 occasions; the OTs assessed that ten trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and 12 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.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 17 March to 21 April 2020, please see the attachment here.

[1]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

[2] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous 24 hours, the Mission recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s passage continued to be denied at checkpoints of the armed formations near Horlivka, Donetsk region and south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, Luhansk region.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It spotted mines close to the disengagement area near Petrivske and persons inside the disengagement area near Zolote.
• The SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in government- and non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.
• The Mission monitored and facilitated adherence to a localized ceasefire to enable vegetation clearance, inspection and maintenance of railway tracks near Vilkhove, Luhansk region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at entry-exit checkpoints and their corresponding checkpoints in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*

Op-ed published at European Interest by Dr. Elona Gjebrea Hoxha (MP, Albania)

Only time will tell what the greatest impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be, whether its effects on public health or on the economy are the most significant in the long run, but with unemployment rates soaring and many businesses closing, it is clear that the economic impacts will be profound to say the least.

In its April World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s – far worse, they say, than the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-2008. Given the present uncertainties, predicting global economic trends is challenging and forecasts become outdated on a daily basis. But whatever percentage the economy contracts by, what we must remember is that the pandemic is already having an immediate and severe on impact the lives of millions of citizens.

Small business owners, the working poor, undocumented migrants, the underemployed, and those working in the gig economy are particularly vulnerable. In order to support those who are hit hard by this lockdown, and to prevent the recession from becoming a long-term depression, we need immediate and co-ordinated actions that utilize the world’s best economic practices and proven emergency measures to blunt the impact. Cooperation is needed between countries and within countries if we hope to emerge from this recession and prevent the worst effects from taking hold.

As a crisis that is still unfolding and one that is unprecedented in the modern era, there are too many unknowns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic that inhibit informed decision-making. Governments are at pains to pursue the right approach to fighting the virus and protecting the economy. But we must be clear in our rejection of the false choice between safeguarding the health of citizens on one side, and keeping the economy going on the other. In fact, both containment and economic support measures are needed to protect lives and jobs. The challenge is to find the right balance.

To better understand the short- and long-term repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that we share views on the expected impact of the measures being pursued by governments to mitigate the crisis.This is why as Rapporteur of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s committee on economic affairs, I am working with my colleagues in parliaments from North America, Europe and Central Asia to develop effective policies that prevent widespread company bankruptcies, mass layoffs, and system-wide financial strains.

Although we are unable to physically meet during this period, OSCE parliamentarians can share best practices in online forums and coordinate effective responses that place the needs of our citizens front and center. In the OSCE PA’s first webinar during this crisis, scheduled for 22 April, we will explore the contribution of parliaments and inter-parliamentary assemblies in responding to the challenges.

As parliamentarians, we understand that the role of national parliaments is more important than ever. Parliamentarians not only hold the power of legislation, but of oversight. It is up to us to make sure that laws and policies are adopted that target resources effectively, and to ensure that they are implemented properly. We must be vigilant against unscrupulous actors who would take advantage of this crisis to enrich themselves at the expense of others.

The long-term repercussions are yet to be fully comprehended, but it is likely that the crisis will affect regional security and cooperation. We saw last decade how the Global Financial Crisis sparked political instability in several countries, and even led to the collapse of some governments.

The current crisis has opened many eyes to the shortcomings of the global economy and the need to reconsider certain aspects of our current economic development system. While many are longing for things to go “back to normal,” we must ensure that we do not return to a “normal” that fails to protect the most vulnerable people. We must ensure in the future that our social safety nets are strong enough to ensure that nobody falls through. Here again, national parliaments should play an important role.

Many countries have already introduced emergency measures to counter the downward economic spiral, but to prevent the recession becoming a depression we need coordinated fiscal and anti-protectionist initiatives that fully appreciate the interconnectedness of the global economy.

Unfortunately, however, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Lockdown hit the world at a difficult time for international relations. There is a geopolitical reality that we cannot ignore, with competition rather than cooperation being the driving force in international affairs, and multilateral organizations being undermined at every turn.

The COVID-19 crisis could inflame this tension and exacerbate international competition, or it could bring us together in pursuit of a common response to the challenge. For the sake of this planet’s 7.8 billion people, let us work to make sure that it is the latter.

Dr. Elona Gjebrea Hoxha is a Member of Parliament from Albania and serves as Rapporteur of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment.

To watch the webinar on “The Economic Security Fallout of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” featuring a presentation by Prof. Giovanni Tria, a former Italian Minister of Economy and Finance, please tune in to the OSCE PA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/oscepa. The webinar takes place Wednesday 22 April 2020 from 15:00 to 17:00 (CET).

Communication and Media Relations Section

How to handle electronic evidence, and in particular, request electronic evidence across borders, to support counter-terrorism efforts was the focus of an online workshop held on 21 April 2020 that brought together national experts from 13 countries and several international organizations.

Organized by the Terrorism Prevention Branch of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the European Union, Interpol, and the Action against Terrorism Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, the workshop developed strategies and content for a new “Train-the-Trainers” course, which will be designed for relevant law enforcement and judicial training institutions.

The training module will be based on the Practical Guide for Requesting Electronic Evidence Across Borders produced by UNODC together with other partners, and translated into Russian and printed by the OSCE in 2019. The Guide provides practitioners with the necessary methods and skills to access the critical electronic evidence needed to prevent, investigate and bring to justice those who seek to undermine the rule of law.

Opening the workshop, Masood Karimipour, Chief of the UNODC Terrorism Prevention Branch, said: “Our interactive e-learning courses, global network of experts and virtual convening authority have continuously supported face-to-face activities. Now, in this unprecedented environment, online-conferencing and peer-to-peer platforms such as the UNODC’s Counter-Terrorism Learning Platform will take the lead, but the experience and subject matter expertise of UNODC remains the same.”

Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator to address Transnational Threats, added: “The very fact that we convene this event is clear evidence that the co-operation between international organizations in countering terrorism remains stable and effective even in the face of the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. Building on our successful co-operation, we are keen to continue closely working together with UNODC and other international partners to support law enforcement authorities, prosecutors, and judiciaries in developing long-term, sustainable, and human-rights compliant approaches in handling electronic evidence.”

Hilde Hardeman, Head of the European Commission's Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, said: “People across the globe are joining forces to save lives and livelihoods. We cannot allow this situation to be exploited to stoke hatred and fear. The EU stands for solidarity in adversity. Through this project with UNODC and its partners, we make new tools available to exchange best practices in the fight against terrorism.”

Experts from law enforcement/criminal justice training academies and institutions from Bangladesh, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Côte d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mozambique, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan took part in the workshop. They were joined by high-level representatives from the UNODC, the UN Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate (UNCTED), the OSCE Secretariat, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Interpol, the EU, the European Commission and the Commonwealth.

The “Train-the-Trainers” is being developed after the Practical Guide received positive feedback from law enforcement authorities, prosecutors, and judiciary experts from the OSCE participating States.

Warsaw/Copenhagen, 21 April 2020 – A strong role for parliaments is crucial to the transparency and accountability of government measures as the COVID-19 pandemic puts our democracies to the test, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) said in a statement today.  

“The role of parliaments in formulating new legislation to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as overseeing the emergency measures introduced by governments make their work more vital than ever,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “Parliaments across the OSCE region therefore need to take decisive steps to ensure they can continue their work during this period of lockdowns and social distancing – and we see that many of them are doing just that.”

Despite the disruptions to their agendas and the difficulties in holding regular plenary and committee sessions, which slows down the regular law-making process, numerous parliaments across the OSCE region are demonstrating flexibility and commitment in adapting to the current circumstances.

Some took rapid action to amend their rules of procedure or pass legislation that allows them to continue their activities via new technology platforms and remote working. In other countries, online meetings of parliamentary committees are being broadcast live online and on television for the first time, turning an emergency situation into an opportunity to increase transparency and accountability, and bring parliamentary work closer to citizens at a time when many are feeling under-informed and isolated.

“Working closely with international organizations like the OSCE, parliaments are demonstrating that with co-ordinated decision-making, we are all better off,” said OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella. “Individual parliaments are finding novel ways to continue their important work, learning from each other, and incorporating international best practices into their national coronavirus strategies. Neither social distancing nor emergency executive powers should inhibit their activity.”

In time of crisis, there is a danger that the need to react swiftly can tilt the democratic balance of power towards governments, Gísladóttir and Montella warned. But now more than ever, the key responsibilities of parliaments to represent, legislate, and oversee must be maintained and even strengthened for them to effectively guarantee the rights and freedoms of all citizens. Their role in guaranteeing the democratic representation of each individual is particularly important to ensure the voice of those communities disproportionately affected by the current crisis is heard and acted on.

In close co-operation with the OSCE PA and the OSCE field operations, ODIHR is systematically monitoring the ways in which national parliaments across the OSCE region are adapting their work to the challenging circumstances in which they find themselves. By highlighting good practices as well as the action of countries that are seeking to limit the role of parliament, ODIHR and the OSCE PA are helping countries to make parliaments stronger and more effective during this emergency period and beyond.

All countries across the OSCE region have committed to ensuring that “a state of public emergency may not be used to subvert the democratic constitutional order, nor aim at the destruction of internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms.” In addition, they will “ensure that the normal functioning of the legislative bodies will be guaranteed to the highest possible extent during a state of public emergency” (Moscow 1991). 

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, between the evenings of 17 and 18 April, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Between the evenings of 18 and 19 April, the Mission recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions, compared with the previous 24 hours.
• The SMM followed up on reports of a civilian fatality caused by shelling in Shyroka Balka, Donetsk region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as aimed at an SMM mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flying over areas near Kalynove, Luhansk region.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions at checkpoints near Olenivka, Horlivka and Verkhnoshyrokivske, and south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM monitored and facilitated adherence to localized ceasefires to enable vegetation clearance, inspection and maintenance of railway tracks near Vilkhove in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at entry-exit checkpoints and their corresponding checkpoints in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

450388 Chyngyz Zhanybekov

The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to partners to contribute to Kyrgyzstan’s response to the outbreak of COVID-19. The handover of the PPE took place on 18 April 2020 in Bishkek.

The equipment was destined for frontline civil servants, volunteers, and members of law enforcement, allowing them to fulfil their daily duties safely. It includes respiratory masks, coverall suits, gloves, protective goggles, and non-contact thermometers.

This is the first of two-phases of technical assistance by the Programme Office in helping the Kyrgyzstan Government in its efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek remains a reliable partner and continues to offer support to Kyrgyzstan to ease the impact of the COVID-19.

In addition to the technical assistance, the OSCE Programme Office has also reinforced a number of programmatic activities based on a comprehensive approach in view of COVID-19. This includes strengthening co-operation in the area of public security and community policing, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, assisting the penitentiary system, and the Women Initiative Groups network working at the community level.

COPENHAGEN, 20 April 2020 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly published today a new web page covering the Assembly’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Featuring sections on the OSCE PA’s public messaging, inter-parliamentary dialogue, an overview of OSCE participating States’ responses to the crisis, and a timeline of OSCE PA actions and decisions, the new web page is intended to consolidate the many activities related to the crisis, demonstrating that even in a period of lockdown, the PA continues its work on behalf of the citizens of the OSCE area.

“The coronavirus crisis has hit the world hard over the past couple months,” said OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella today. “Like many businesses, schools and other institutions, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has had to adapt to new realities of social distancing and mitigation of this unprecedented threat to public health. With staff telecommuting and meetings of parliamentarians postponed, cancelled or shifted to online formats, the PA has continued to function admirably under the circumstances.”

He added that he hopes the web page will serve as a communication tool in strengthening the international community’s overall response to the multifaceted challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new web page collects more than a dozen press releases and op-eds, including a just-published article by Secretary General Montella on the role of mulltilateral organizations and parliaments in addressing the crisis.

A series of infographics collected on the web page offer analysis and highlight key information aggregated for the entire OSCE region, as well as reflect on important aspects of the work of parliaments.

The web page also outlines upcoming activities of the Assembly, including a webinar this Wednesday on “The Economic Security Fallout of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” featuring a presentation by Prof. Giovanni Tria, a former Italian Minister of Economy and Finance. The event will be broadcast live on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oscepa.

On 27 April, the OSCE PA Bureau is meeting in an online format with presentations by the OSCE Chair-in-Office, Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Edi Rama, as well as the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Ambassador Janez Lenarcic.

To read more about the OSCE PA’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, please visit the new web page here: www.oscepa.org/activities/covid-19-crisis-response

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On 18, 19, and 20 April, members of the armed formations again denied SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes: four times in Donetsk region and once in Luhansk region, while further attempts to cross into government-controlled areas were also denied, twice in Luhansk region and twice in Donetsk region.

On 18, 19, and 20 April, at the checkpoint of the armed formations south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk), members of the armed formations twice denied SMM patrols passage towards government-controlled areas and once denied passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19.

On 19 April, at a checkpoint about 600m west of Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktaibr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), members of the armed formations denied an SMM patrol passage towards non-government-controlled areas, providing no explanation.

On 18 and 20 April, at a checkpoint near Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk), an SMM patrol was unable to proceed towards non-government-controlled areas due to spikes laid across the entire road, and the presence of a mine sign in the middle of the road. No members of the armed formations were observed by the SMM.

On 18 and 19 April, at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations twice denied an SMM patrol passage towards government-controlled areas and once denied passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19 on two occasions and once providing no reason.

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 SMM Spot Reports 2/2020, 3/2020, 4/2020, 5/2020, 6/2020, 7/2020, 8/2020, 9/2020, 10/2020, 11/2020, 13/2020, 14/2020). 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 SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards government-controlled areas at a checkpoint south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, Luhansk region as well as towards non-government-controlled areas at a checkpoint near Olenivka, Donetsk region.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, and Zolote. It recorded ceasefire violations inside the Petrivske disengagement area.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at entry-exit checkpoints and checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission monitored and facilitated adherence to localized ceasefires to enable repairs to critical civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line, as well as demining activities, including at cemeteries in government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted in non-government-controlled areas of both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.*

BRUSSELS/GENEVA/TIRANA, 18 April 2020 - We, the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (GID), recalling our statement from 31 March, and in the spirit of the call of UN Secretary General Guterres, strongly urge all the GID participants to set aside differences and to refrain from actions that could lead to increased tension.

The focus should be on collaboration, for the good of all people in the region and against the common threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reported erection of signs along the South Ossetian dividing line today predictably contributes to a tense atmosphere on the ground and rids the local people of their livelihoods.

In the face of the current global challenge of COVID-19, requiring joint approaches and co-operation amongst all, we hereby repeat our call on all participants to avoid provocative measures and focus on improving the situation of the conflict-affected population.