Central Europe

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On 25 March, members of the armed formations again denied an attempt of the SMM to cross into non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region, while a further attempt to cross into non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region, both along official crossing routes, was also denied.

At about 9:50 at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), three members of the armed formations denied an SMM patrol – comprising two vehicles and five members travelling from Mariupol (government-controlled, 102km south of Donetsk) – passage into non-government-controlled areas, citing “the closure of the checkpoint due to quarantine”.

At around the same time, at the checkpoint of the armed formations south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk), a member of the armed formations denied an SMM foot patrol – comprising three members walking from government-controlled areas – passage into non-government-controlled areas, citing “orders from superiors”.

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 and 3/2020 and Daily Report 71/2020). These restrictions to the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line are an impediment to the implementation of its mandate throughout the country.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM saw that the entry-exit checkpoint near Maiorsk and three checkpoints of the armed formations along the contact line in both Donetsk and Luhansk region remained closed.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable demining activities near Krasnyi Yar and Vyskryva, as well as repairs to power lines near Maiorsk.
• Restrictions of the SMM’s freedom of movement continued, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Stanytsia Luhanska, where members of the armed formations denied the SMM passage towards government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.

VIENNA, 25 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern today regarding amendments to the law on information, adopted by the national parliament of Azerbaijan on 17 March, in the context of the fight against disinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on the amendments, the owner of any internet information resource is under the obligation to prevent the publication of false information online. According to the bill, this entails information that poses a threat to the life, health and property of the population or public safety, or to the work of life support facilities, financial, transport, communication, industrial, energy and social infrastructure. The publication of information that might cause other situations that are dangerous to the public would also be prohibited.

“I fully understand the need to combat false information during a health emergency. But the amendment to the law on information, which aims to combat the publication of false information that poses a threat to the life and health of the population and seeks to avoid panic, should not impede the work of journalists and their ability to report on the pandemic. The media has a key role to play in providing important information to the public in this situation and to combat ‘fake news’ on the crisis,” said Désir.  

The Representative recalled the joint statement that he published last week 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 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 public health emergency, particularly when it aims to inform the public of critical information and monitors government actions.”

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.

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 22 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

During the reporting period, the OM has been subject to developing restrictions on air travel and international and local measures, which limit the travel of the OM’s observers. The OM’s operations have been impacted by COVID-19 developments, and measures taken to ensure the safety of staff and compliance with measures set by the host authorities. The CO has maintained constant working contacts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective local authorities. The Mission will continue to keep the situation under close review, in close contact with the Secretariat and Chairmanship and is capable of continuing to fulfill its mandate under the current circumstances.

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 from10,523 to 4,735per 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 of262 per day for both BCPs.The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.

Responding to the COVID-19 crisis, the host country closed its borders for the majority of foreigners from 18 March to 1 May 2020. Among the exceptions, entered into force on 19 March, there are Ukrainian citizens and stateless people having passport or Identification Document with the mark of permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. This category of people crossing is significant at both BCPs.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs was four, compared to 14last week, one of them crossed into the Russian Federation, and three into Ukraine (75 per cent of this category’s crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP). They continued to cross the border individually or in groups. Most individuals crossed on foot, however, some made use of private vehicles, buses or minivans, making it more difficult for the observer teams (OTs) to observe their movement across the border, especially since some of the private vehicles had tinted windows, and buses and minivans had drawn curtains.

Families with a significant amount of luggage

The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, one family was observed crossing into the Russian Federation and two families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when five families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation and 10 families into Ukraine.

Bus connections                                        

Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. In addition to regular bus connections, the OTs continued to observe bus connections on irregular routes. Often the buses did not state their route; instead they had a sign on the windshield stating “irregular”.

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a significant decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (245 compared to 447observed during the previous week). There were 112 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 133 bound for Ukraine.

On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region and “LPR” plates.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (949 compared to 793 during the previous reporting week);538 at the Gukovo BCP and 411at the Donetsk BCP, 549of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 400 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 continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucksincreasedfrom49 to 63. 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 140 to 179. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 159 trucks (89 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 20 trucks (11 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 significantly decreased from 195 to 97vehicles; 47 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 50 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 16 occasions; the OTs assessed that eight trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and eight to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).

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

Other observations

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

On 17 March at 16:00, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed a white minivan with an inscription "Ритуальные услуги" (ritual services) – written in Russian, crossing from the Russian Federation into Ukraine.

On 23 March at 20:22, the OT observed one police vehicle arriving atthe Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation. The car stopped behind the main building and was partially visible to the OT. At 20:33 the same day, the vehicle left the BCP towards the Russian Federation with two passengers and a driver on board.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 18 February to 24 March 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 reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• It saw five weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line.
• The SMM saw anti-tank mines in government- and non-government-controlled areas.
• The Mission continued to observe measures related to the COVID-19 outbreak at checkpoints in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions and noted no civilian traffic at entry-and-exit checkpoints and their corresponding checkpoints.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable demining activities near Krasnyi Yar, as well as repairs to critical civilian infrastructure near Olenivka and Maiorsk.
• Restrictions of the SMM’s freedom of movement continued, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Stanytsia Luhanska, Olenivka and Kreminets, where members of the armed formations denied the SMM passage into non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk and Donetsk region, as well as close to a border crossing point in non-government-controlled Voznesenivka.*

VIENNA, 24 March 2020 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, voiced his concern today regarding the advertising ban imposed by the Press Advertising Agency (BİK) on the Evrensel daily newspaper. Désir made his call ahead of the newspaper facing the deadline for regaining the right to publish public advertisements, which expires on 28 March 2020.

In September 2019, BİK, the agency responsible for the distribution of state advertising, enacted an indefinite ban on Evrensel, reportedly because the daily newspaper had broken rules against bulk purchasing. BİK later rejected Evrensel’s appeal against this decision, even though Evrensel had allegedly made the changes requested of them.

“I am concerned by this ban imposed on Evrensel, whose journalists have already faced many obstacles in the past. It is particularly worrying that, for the past six months, no sustainable solution was found on this important issue,” Désir said.

The Representative stressed that a pluralistic and vibrant media landscape is indispensable to any democratic society. He expressed his hope that the authorities will not use any economic measures to silence critical media. “I call on the authorities to lift the advertising ban, which poses a threat to the existence of the Evrensel daily,” Désir said.

Désir noted that 24 international press freedom organizations (including Reporters Without Borders; the International Press Institute; Article 19; Human Rights Watch; the Committee to Protect Journalists; the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom; the European Federation of Journalists; the International Federation of Journalists; the Journalists’ Union of Turkey; and PEN International) have also called for an immediate end to the public advertising ban on Evrensel.

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, 24 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concerns today about recent interferences regarding media content by the media regulatory agency in Russia, Roskomnadzor, in the context of the fight against disinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I fully understand the need to combat false information in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Desir said. “But I want to stress the key role of the media in providing important information to the public and to counter fake news on the pandemic,” the Representative added. “That is why I am concerned by some undue restrictions on the activities of several media in this context.”

Based on interactions with the office of the Prosecutor-General of the Russian Federation on 19 March, Roskomnadzor demanded that the Echo of Moscow radiostation delete the recording and the transcript of its “Minority Opinion” talk show with political analyst Valery Solovey about the coronavirus. The station noted that the government media watchdog did not clarify which words in the program triggered the complaint.

In addition, on 20 March, Roskomnadzor also requested that the hosting provider of the online newspaper “Govorit Magadan” block access to a story about a local resident hospitalized over suspicion of having contracted the coronavirus. This person spent a week in hospital, after which he died. The newspaper did not name the cause of death. The editors called Roskomnadzor’s demand arbitrary and illegal.

Access to these two stories is effectively blocked.

The Representative recalled the joint statement that he published last week 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 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 public health emergency, particularly when it aims to inform the public of critical information and monitors government actions.”

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, 24 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concerns today about a package of amendments to the criminal and administrative codes, introduced in Armenia on 23 March, in the context of the fight against disinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the current state of emergency in Armenia, any “organization that carries out journalistic activities” (the term includes electronic publications that are not considered part of the legacy media) would only be allowed to publish information about the coronavirus crisis that has been released by official sources. The government explains that this is necessary to avoid any aggression towards coronavirus patients or panic among the population. Journalists and editors have criticized this decision, stating that there is no precise definition of which messages may or may not cause panic.

“I fully understand the aim of the new law to avoid panic, aggression and to combat false information during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Désir said. “At the same time, the media has a crucial role to play in providing important information to the public and to counter ‘fake news’ on the pandemic,” the Representative added. “The law should not impede the work of journalists and their ability to report on the pandemic. Publishing only information provided by the authorities is a very restrictive measure which would limit freedom of the media and access to information disproportionately.”

The maximum fine for publications considered to have violated the restrictions during a state of emergency was stated at 300,000 drams (approximately $600). A refusal to delete prohibited information within 24 hours will result in a fine of 500-1000 times the minimum wage ($1,000-2,000).

The Representative recalled the joint statement that he published last week 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 public health emergency, particularly when it aims to inform the public of critical information and monitors government actions.”

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 23 March, members of the armed formations denied two attempts of the SMM to cross into non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region, as well as one attempt in Luhansk region, along official crossing routes. The Mission was also delayed exit, for the first time, towards government-controlled areas, in Donetsk region.

At about 09:20, at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations again denied an SMM patrol – comprising two vehicles and four members coming from Mariupol (government-controlled, 102km south of Donetsk) and heading to Donetsk city – passage into non-government-controlled areas, citing “the closure of the checkpoint”.

At about 10:00, at a checkpoint near Kreminets (non-government-controlled, 16km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations denied an SMM patrol – comprising two vehicles and four members coming from Pokrovsk (formerly Krasnoarmiisk, government-controlled, 55km north-west of Donetsk) and heading to Donetsk city – passage into non-government-controlled areas, citing “the closure of the checkpoint”.

At about 08:30, at the checkpoint near Kreminets, a member of the armed formations refused another SMM patrol – comprising two vehicles and six members coming from Donetsk city and heading to Kramatorsk (government-controlled, 83km north of Donetsk) – passage, for the first time, towards government-controlled areas, citing “the closure of the checkpoint”. While present, the Mission saw that all civilians travelling in both directions were denied passage, except those living in nearby villages, and factory workers. At 09:10, the SMM informed senior members of the armed formations of the situation – and at 11:40, the SMM patrol was allowed to travel towards government-controlled areas. 

At about 11:10, at the checkpoint of the armed formations south of  Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk), members of the armed formation denied an SMM foot patrol – comprising three members – passage into non-government-controlled areas, saying “no one is allowed access”.

On 21 and 22 March, at checkpoints near Olenivka and Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), in Donetsk region, members of the armed formations denied SMM patrols travelling from government-controlled areas passage into non-government-controlled areas.

Today’s further denials and delay continued to restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, thus impeding the implementation of its Mandate throughout the country.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, between the evenings of 20 and 21 March, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region. Between the evenings of 21 and 22 March, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions, compared with the previous 24 hours.
• At a schoolyard in Oleksandrivka, Donetsk region, a girl sustained shrapnel injuries.
• The SMM saw damage from shelling to a residential building in Donetsk city.
• The Mission was unable to retrieve a mid-range UAV that was flying over areas inside and near the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• It saw 14 weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM saw anti-tank mines in government- and non-government-controlled areas, including some for the first time, as well as unexploded ordnance on a road near Verkhnoshyrokivske.
• The Mission continued to observe measures related to the COVID-19 outbreak at checkpoints in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions and noted that, on 22 March, all EECPs had closed to civilian traffic.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable demining activities near Krasnyi Yar, as well as repairs to critical civilian infrastructure between Holubivske and Berezivske and near Shumy.
• Restrictions of the SMM’s freedom of movement continued, at checkpoints of the armed formations near Olenivka and Verkhnoshyrokivske, where members of the armed formations denied all SMM patrols passage into non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.*

VIENNA/PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 23 MARCH 2020 - The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Jan Braathu, and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, condemned the physical attack that was reported earlier today in Mitrovica North against a journalist crew from Gazeta Blic that was covering the COVID-19 situation in this municipality.

“As we stated today, it is important that people remain calm in these difficult times and that journalists are allowed to work without fear of violence, including in inter-ethnic contexts,” said Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. 

“I strongly denounce the attack against journalists Nebih Maxhuni and Diamant Bajra, as well as cameraman Arsim Rexhepi, while reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic in Mitrovica North today. Freedom of the media needs to be guaranteed and protected at any time. In the current circumstances, the media must be able to report and publish freely, without intimidation or violence, on issues related to the current health situation,” Désir said. The Representative added that the perpetrators of this attack need to face justice.

The OSCE Mission and Representative on Freedom of Media called for a swift investigation of this incident and on all societal actors to do their utmost to allow the unimpeded work of journalists under current difficult circumstances.

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, 23 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concerns today about provisions of the coronavirus response draft bill in Hungary that could negatively impact the work of the media reporting on the pandemic.

The bill, under examination by Parliament, would introduce – for an indefinite period – an amendment to the Criminal Code, which would make it punishable by a term of imprisonment between one to five years to distribute false facts in such a way that it obstructs or frustrates the effectiveness of the government’s response to the pandemic. 

“I fully understand the need to combat false information during a health emergency, however, there is a great risk that the new regulation will not so much penalize the disseminators of harmful disinformation but instead make the work of independent journalism more difficult,” Désir said. “In the current situation, the media has a crucial role to play in providing important information to the public and to counter ‘fake news’ on the pandemic,” the Representative added. “The media should not fear the possibility of facing prosecution for reporting on issues of public interest related to the COVID-19 pandemic. While I acknowledge that the use of emergency powers is allowed by international law in response to significant threats, such as the current health crisis, I want to remind all OSCE participating States that any emergency response to the coronavirus must be proportionate, necessary and non-discriminatory.”

The Representative recalled the joint statement that he published last week 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 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 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.

TIRANA/VIENNA, 23 March 2020 - OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Edi Rama, and OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger expressed their deep concern that in recent days, the  armed formations have prevented the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) from crossing the contact line into non-government-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine. They called for urgent steps to ensure the safety of SMM staff and that the SMM is able to continue to operate, while taking into account the need to control the spread of COVID-19.

Starting from 21 March, members of the armed formations at checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions denied passage to SMM patrols travelling into non-government-controlled areas.

Prime Minister Rama said: “We understand the need for strict measures being taken throughout the world in response to the impact of COVID-19, and the SMM is already doing its utmost to protect its staff and the population in Ukraine. But we are deeply concerned about the implications of this unprecedented step for SMM’s welfare, as well as the impact on the Mission’s ability to carry out its mandate. I call for full respect of the Mission’s mandated freedom of movement throughout the country, and for respect of commitments undertaken in the Minsk agreements.”

OSCE Secretary General Greminger added: “The safety and security of our staff and our duty of care to them is our top priority. It is essential to have the ability to cross the contact line and have unimpeded access to staff who are working on both sides. More than ever it is essential to ensure safe, secure and unimpeded access for the Mission throughout Ukraine.”

Rama and Greminger also noted that ceasefire violations continued at an unacceptable level and renewed their repeated calls for restraint and full respect for the ceasefire, especially in view of the needs for all sides to focus on responding to the pandemic.

The closure of crossing points divides SMM from its many mission members on the eastern side of the contact line, undermining the safety and security of staff and hampering its continuing operations.

VIENNA / SARAJEVO, 23 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, and the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Kathleen Kavalec, expressed their concern today following the announcement of the introduction of new measures against spreading panic and “fake news” regarding the coronavirus in the country.

The entity of Republika Srpska issued a decree last Thursday that during the state of emergency, it introduced punitive measures, including fines, for spreading “fake news” about the virus in the media and on social networks, causing panic. According to media reports, similar measures have also been adopted in the Brčko District, while the Interior Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina proposed that the Federal Government should introduce a prohibition related to reporting “fake news” or claims.

“I fully understand the aim of tackling the dissemination of false information which creates panic and disorder during this health crisis, but the concerned legislation should not impede the free work of journalists or their ability to report on the pandemic and to provide information necessary to the public. The press is an indispensable ally in the provision of important information to citizens and in the fight against ‘fake news’,” Désir said.

"The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is not familiar with the details of the new measures. The best response to concerns about the spread of ‘fake news’ is for authorities to communicate frequently with its citizens so that reliable information is provided to them about the measures taken, the rights and obligations of persons and businesses, and how to behave during these challenging times. Censorship and limiting freedom of expression are not helpful and can undermine trust in institutions.”

Désir and Kavalec referred to the joint statement published last week by the Representative 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 stresses that: “It is essential that governments and internet companies address disinformation in the first instance by themselves providing reliable information. That may come in the form of robust public messaging, support for public service announcements, and emergency support for public broadcasting and local journalism (for instance, through government health advertisements).”

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, 23 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern today over the detention of several journalists in Turkey after they published reports on the coronavirus crisis.

According to media reports, seven journalists, including Mustafa Ahmet Oktay, owner of Halk and Pusula Newspapers; Eren Sarıkaya, managing editor at Pusula Newspaper; and İsmet Çiğit, editor-in-chief of SES Kocaeli Newspaper, were briefly detained last week in Turkey. All of the journalists were subsequently released.

“I am concerned by several instances of journalists being briefly detained in Turkey for reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic. In this time of crisis, the media has an important role to play in providing important information to the public, to counter “fake news”, and to report on issues of public interest related to the pandemic,” said Désir. “While I acknowledge that the use of emergency powers is allowed by international law in response to significant threats, such as the current health crisis, I want to remind the OSCE participating States that any emergency response to the coronavirus must be proportionate, necessary and non-discriminatory.”

The Representative recalled the joint statement that he published last week 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 three representative and 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 public health emergency, particularly when it aims to inform the public of critical information and monitors government actions”.

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 21 and 22 March, members of the armed formations at checkpoints in Donetsk region denied all SMM patrols travelling from government-controlled areas passage into non-government-controlled areas.

On the morning of 21 March at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), an unarmed member of the armed formations denied an SMM patrol – consisting of two vehicles and five members – passage into non-government-controlled areas, citing “instructions from senior members of the armed formations”.

On the same morning at a checkpoint about 600m west of Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), in southern Donetsk region, an armed member of the armed formations denied another SMM patrol – consisting of two vehicles and six members – passage into non-government-controlled areas, citing “the closure of the checkpoint”.

On the morning of 22 March at the same checkpoint west of Verkhnoshyrokivske, an armed member of the armed formations again denied another SMM patrol – consisting of two vehicles and six members – passage into non-government-controlled areas, citing reasons related to “quarantine”.

These denials restricted the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line and rendered it unable to access non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region, thus impeding the implementation of its Mandate throughout the country.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM saw damage from shelling to a non-functional school in Donetsk city.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM saw anti-tank mines, including some for the first time, near Bohdanivka, Sanzharivka and Veselohorivka and remnants of ammunition near Krasnyi Yar.
• The Mission continued to observe measures related to the COVID-19 outbreak at checkpoints in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where it noted very limited movement of civilians.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable demining activities near Krasnyi Yar, as well as repairs to critical civilian infrastructure near Shchastia, Holubivske, Berezivske, Zalizne and Horlivka.
• Restrictions of the SMM’s freedom of movement continued, including at four checkpoints of the armed formations in southern Donetsk region and in Donetsk city.

SARAJEVO, 21 March 2020 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) marked 21 March - the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination by digitally launching the report on “Discrimination in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Public Perceptions, Attitudes, and Experiences”.

According to the Report, a vast majority of the population (87%) see discrimination as a widespread problem in BiH. Discrimination was perceived in several places of employment (75%), such as employment in public institutions, as well as payments and career advancement, dismissals, access to employment, profession and self-employment and work conditions. Rampant discrimination was reported against groups such as Roma (81%) migrants (73%) and LGBTIQ persons (70%). The report paints a meaningful if troubling picture of the status in BiH concerning discrimination.

“The Mission is dedicated to fighting discrimination – a phenomenon which our survey shows BiH citizens believe is omnipresent in many areas of life,” said Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Kathleen Kavalec. “This is a serious problem because discrimination stands in the way of building an inclusive society that can work together to solve urgent challenges, in the interests of all citizens. Indeed, the need for this kind of broad co-operation has never been clearer than it is today. OSCE continues to play a crucial role in working with authorities and citizens to tackle discrimination – in the interest of all in BiH.” Kavalec added.

Starting from the support for adoption of the BiH Law on Prohibition of Discrimination in 2009, the Mission has supported numerous efforts aiming at strengthening mechanisms that address discrimination. Efforts included supporting the BiH Judiciary, Ombudsman Institution, and Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees in exercising their respective anti-discrimination mandates.

In 2016, the Mission also supported the adoption of amendments to the BiH Law on Prohibition of Discrimination and helped train more than 800 judges and legal professionals on international and European anti-discrimination standards and mechanisms. Other efforts to combat discrimination include multimedia awareness raising, and educational project “On the Margins”. The project is aimed at challenging stereotypes surrounding the Roma community, combatting discrimination against the most vulnerable communities in BiH, and encompasses initiatives for inter-religious dialogue and increasing access of vulnerable groups to their social and economic rights.

“Unfortunately, discrimination against persons with disabilities in BiH is still widespread,” said Alma Mujanović, president and co-founder of the Sign for a Word Association and a member of the Youth Advisory Group at the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. “I say this as an MA student, as a citizen of this country, and as a deaf person fighting for her rights and the rights of all marginalized groups in BiH. Awareness of sign language is very low and therefore the information around us is not adapted to this group. That is why I actively advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities, for raising awareness of the sign language, as well as for the equal inclusion of persons with disabilities in society.”

The report was based on the first survey on discrimination conducted in BiH since 2011, which provides unique, up-to-date, and comparable insights into the attitudes towards, and forms and prevalence of discrimination in BiH. The survey also measured individual experiences with discrimination and attitudes towards others. Overall, the report showed a negative picture of the prevalence of discrimination in BiH, but some more positive indicators did surface: 77% of those queried supported the desegregation of schools, more than 72% have no problem to work with colleague with a serious disability, and almost 99% indicated they would not avoid those with a lower education than themselves.

“Some people say that Roma are ‘the people who live next to us’, but I would disagree with that,” said Dalibor Tanić, journalist, activist, and editor of the Roma portal “UDAR”. “We actually live with you and we are part of the identity of BiH and every other country we live in. Even though our existence in this region reaches far into the past, we remain the most discriminated minority community. Prejudices are much stronger than any success we achieve. The only way to change your attitude about us is to get to know us better and start looking at us as people who live with you.”

This OSCE Mission report showed that work is needed to ensure non-discrimination in BiH, for the benefit of all people in the country. The Mission’s continued work on combatting discrimination and promoting human rights has an important role to play going forward. The report provides a great basis to shape projects and programmes and develop fact based policies aimed at combatting discrimination.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as aimed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle near Stepanivka, Luhansk region.
• A man died due to shrapnel injuries in Syhnalne, Donetsk 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 SMM saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued to observe measures related to the COVID-19 outbreak at checkpoints in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable demining activities near Krasnyi Yar and repairs to power lines near Shchastia.
• Restrictions of the SMM’s freedom of movement continued, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations in Novoazovsk and at the border crossing point in non-government-controlled Izvaryne.

Communication and Media Relations Section

The OSCE today has recorded its first case of COVID-19 involving a staff member at the Secretariat. All necessary protocols have been followed as set out by the Austrian authorities, and the staff member’s condition is already improving.

Key areas within the Secretariat have been disinfected. Further measures for accessing the building have been implemented and communicated internally to all staff.  

The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna, in consultation with the Austrian host authorities and the OSCE Troika of current, previous and incoming Chairmanships (Albania, Slovakia and Sweden respectively), has had staff work from home effective 16 March, cancelled non-essential duty travel, postponed events and temporarily suspended its visiting group programme for the coming weeks.

The Albanian OSCE Chairmanship has also cancelled meetings of the Permanent Council and Turkey, Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation has cancelled the meetings of the Forum for Security Co-operation in line with guidance from the Austrian host authorities, until further notice.

In the meantime, the OSCE’s essential work continues in accordance to its business continuity plans. The OSCE Secretary General is in contact with the OSCE Troika officials and heads of Executive Structures on a regular basis with the aim of minimizing disruption to the Organization’s operations during this challenging time.