Central Europe

VALLETTA/VIENNA/WARSAW, 30 July 2024 – Marking World Day against Trafficking in Persons, OSCE Chair-in-Office, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta Ian Borg, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Matteo Mecacci and OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Kari Johnstone underscored the need to strengthen collaborative efforts to identify victims of human trafficking and prevent exploitation of the most vulnerable, particularly children.

Over the last two decades, the number of identified child victims of human trafficking has grown, with children now accounting for nearly one-third of all identified victims. Emerging forms of trafficking, such as forced criminality and forced begging, have contributed to this increase, and pose a threat to existing systems of identification and protection.

"The global scourge of trafficking in persons persists, exacerbated by crises and conflict,” stated the OSCE Chair-in-Office, Minister Ian Borg. “It preys on the most vulnerable, as starkly demonstrated by Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has heightened the trafficking risk for women and children. The fight against trafficking in persons is a thematic priority for Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship, reflecting our conviction that our collective action can make a real difference. With its unique and comprehensive approach to security, the OSCE is well-placed to tackle this heinous threat to human security."

“The first step in protecting vulnerable persons, in particular children, is early and accurate identification,” said OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid. “The OSCE, through its work on technology facilitated trafficking and financial investigations is helping to give States the tools necessary to adapt to new forms of trafficking and quickly identify the crime and its victims. Training stakeholders across the anti-trafficking ecosystem, including first line responders, on how to spot the signs of human trafficking and place victims within protection systems.”

“Human trafficking is a scourge that targets people who are already highly vulnerable,” said Matteo Mecacci, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). “To be more effective in combating this terrible crime, we need the unique perspectives and professional expertise of survivors, as these are vital not just to fight trafficking, but to promote the rights of victims and restore their dignity. By working together, we can address new trends in exploitation and work towards eradicating human trafficking,” said Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Matteo Mecacci.

“Proactively identifying and protecting victims is critical,” said OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Kari Johnstone. “Victims of trafficking who are coerced into committing crimes are too often mistakenly prosecuted as criminals rather than being recognized as victims themselves. It is a grave injustice to mistake the victim for the criminal. Let’s stop punishing trafficking victims. Our laws must include a clear, mandatory non-punishment principle for trafficking victims, applicable to all related crimes and to all victims, including children.”

The OSCE’s efforts to combat human trafficking, led by the Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, bring to bear the expertise across the OSCE Secretariat, ODIHR, and field operations to develop and refine national and regional anti-trafficking responses on protection, prevention, and prosecution.

Recognising the importance of ethical survivor inclusion in all anti-trafficking efforts, ODIHR is publishing a ''Guidance on establishing and maintaining National Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Councils" today. This guide showcases practical tools and recommended standards to set up advisory bodies of lived experience experts, ensuring their expertise and proposals are integrated into government anti-trafficking policy.

Find out more about the OSCE’s anti-trafficking work here: https://www.osce.org/combating-human-trafficking.

573646 Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 25 July 2024 - Today, the Municipality of Čelić celebrates the opening of its first fire station, an event that marks a significant step forward in strengthening the security infrastructure of this area. With the presence of citizens, representatives of local authorities and international organizations, the new building was officially opened, making Čelić a safer place to live.

„As our citizens know, for over 30 years we have been waiting for the opening of a fire station, right in this place. Today we celebrate, not only the opening of the first fire station in our community, but also the sincere partnerships that made this possible. This is why I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to donors and partners for their unconditional and sincere support and persistence in achieving our joint vision“ – Admir Hrustanović, Mayor of Municipality of Čelić.

Only together, we can do better

This facility, made possible by the generous support of the European Union with co-financing by the Municipality of Čelić and the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a symbol of collective efforts aimed at improving living conditions in local communities, but also strengthening trust and cohesion and within and between communities.

„Majevica is an excellent example of local authorities and communities working together for common objectives and the shared benefit of their citizens. This extent of inter-municipal and inter-entity co-operation is indeed a model to be replicated throughout BiH“ – Ambassador Brian Aggeler, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina

The fire station is located in MZ Brnjik and covers an area of 240 square meters. The investment of 310.000 BAM was achieved through co-fnancing from the Municipality of Čelić and significant financial support from the European Union through the project „Empowering Trust and Cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina's Communities“. The project is jointly implemented by the European Union in BiH, the United Nations in BiH, the OSCE Mission in BiH and the Council of Europe – Office in Sarajevo, in partnership with 24 communities, including Čelić, Lopare, Teočak, Ugljevik and Sapna.

“The opening of this fire station in Čelić marks a significant enhancement in emergency response capacity and strengthens cooperation within the wider Majevica area. This region stands as a success story in BiH, exemplifying resilience and good neighbourly relations through coordinated efforts among its five municipalities. The EU support to this region will continue," - Aurelie Valtat, chargé d'affaires of EU in BiH Office.

The importance of this project was also recognized by the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and co-financed the exterior decoration of the fire station with a total value of 190.000 BAM.

Joint cooperation: yesterday, today, tomorrow

Cooperation between communities of Čelić, Lopare, Teočak, Ugljevik and Sapna is focused on infrastructure, economic cooperation, environmental protection and cultural exchange. Their joint action resulted in investments from domestic and international funds, however, the communities continue to support each other. During the opening ceremony of the fire station, the Municipality of Lopare provided a fire truck for use, and in the following period the Professional Fire Unit Lopare will support colleagues from Čelić through professional training.

“Several years ago, when we had a fire in Lopare, other than the firefighters from our community, firefighters from Čelić came to our aid. Today I am happy that our community has an opportunity to return that favour. I hope that we will continue our cooperation and mutual support in the future” – Rado Savić, Mayor of the Municipality of Lopare.

Furthermore, a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of civil protection between five municipalities was signed, as an act of commitment towards joint action and systemic support between the communities.

More than infrastructure, a step towards a safer community

Fire station Čelić will ensure all necessary conditions for the adequate engagement of firefighters, which will significantly increase resilience towards natural disasters in this area.

"This fire station is more than just a building; it symbolizes our collective dedication to the safety and well-being of the residents of Čelić and surrounding communities. Firefighters are crucial for community safety, not only responding to fires and preventing loss of life and property but also contributing to fire prevention and safety training. The United Nations organizations are proud to support initiatives that provide essential services and bring communities together, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Municipality of Čelić for their vision and commitment to this project", Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative, on behalf of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

THE HAGUE, 25 July 2024 – Natur og Ungdom from Norway has been selected as the winner of the 2024 Max van der Stoel Award. The Award recognizes this organization’s efforts to give young people of all backgrounds a voice in environmental policy.

Since 1967, Natur og Ungdom (Nature and Youth) has harnessed solidarity among generations of youth from majority and minority communities to successfully address environmental challenges and protect minority rights.

The international Jury, chaired by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov, stated: “In recognition of how this youth organization builds bridges among diverse communities and advocates for Sámi interests as a means to achieve its objectives focused on environmental issues, the Jury has unanimously awarded Natur og Ungdom with the 2024 Max van der Stoel Award.”

The High Commissioner on National Minorities has been observing that issues at the intersection between the environment and minority rights are becoming increasingly relevant to the mandate.

Natur og Ungdom has a long tradition of advocating on issues at this intersection and its work facilitates and embodies many of the principles articulated in the HCNM’s latest Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Social and Economic Life.

The Award of 50,000 euros was established by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2001 in honour of the distinguished Dutch statesman and first OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Max van der Stoel. It is awarded biennially to recognize a person, group or institution for extraordinary and outstanding achievements in improving the position of national minorities in the OSCE participating States.

The Award ceremony will take place in The Hague on 6 November 2024.

573538 Communication and Media Relations Section

From 22 to 24 July 2024, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, jointly with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, facilitated a needs assessment mission to Uzbekistan, focusing on requesting electronic evidence across borders. The mission was held as part of the E-VIDENCE project dedicated to building the capacity of law enforcement in requesting electronic evidence across borders for investigating online criminal matters, including terrorism-related.

A key component of the mission was an expert-level meeting held on 23 July 2024 in Tashkent. The meeting brought together over 30 officials and representatives from Uzbekistan’s parliament, law enforcement, judiciary, academia, and international organizations. The participants discussed the legal and regulatory aspects of electronic evidence, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in national and international contexts.

"In an era of rapid technological advances leading to a surge in cybercrime, it is crucial for law enforcement to adeptly navigate the complex legal terrain of domestic and international frameworks when requesting electronic evidence across borders. This ensures accountability for offenders and adherence to the rule of law,” said Ambassador Antti Karttunen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

The expert-level meeting supported ongoing national efforts to harmonize the regulatory frameworks related to electronic evidence, enhance scientific research on digital forensics conducted by the Law Enforcement Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and introduce good international practices for requesting electronic evidence from internet service providers based in other jurisdictions in a manner compliant with human rights and international laws.

“Today's expert meeting proved to be invaluable as we explored advanced international practices in the context of developing and adopting the draft Law on Electronic Evidence in our country," said Zuhra Shodieva, a deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In addition to the expert-level meeting, various bilateral and multilateral discussions were held within the framework of the needs assessment mission. These discussions involved international organizations and partners such as the EU and UNODC offices in Tashkent, aiming to explore potential collaborations on this pressing issue.

“The OSCE is particularly well placed to address electronic evidence in national legislation by providing a platform for dialogue and exchanges of information, sharing good practices and lessons learned. This is one of the reasons Germany supports the implementation of this activity, as it facilitates meaningful and constructive dialogue,” said Clemens Schwanhold, Head of the Political Section, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The E-VIDENCE project is an extrabudgetary initiative supported by Germany that aims to enhance national capacities across the OSCE area to request electronic evidence for investigating online criminal matters, including terrorism-related cases, while adhering to human rights.

VIENNA, 24 July 2024 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro expresses deep concern at the growing threat to the safety of journalists in the Russian Federation following the latest series of convictions of media professionals in the country.

The imprisonment of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty editor Alsu Kurmasheva is deeply troubling. Gershkovich received a sixteen-year prison sentence on 19 July in Yekaterinburg, accused of espionage without substantiated evidence by the Russian authorities. On the same day, Kurmasheva was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in Kazan on charges of "spreading fake news about the Russian army." Both journalists have been detained since March and October 2023, respectively.

"I deplore the convictions of Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, and urgently call on the Russian authorities to drop all charges and release them immediately," Ribeiro stated.

Ribeiro also condemned the recent convictions in absentia of journalists Mikhail Zygar and Masha Gessen on 23 and 15 July, respectively, on charges of "spreading fake news about the Russian army." Zygar, the former editor-in-chief of Dozhd TV channel, was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years, while Gessen, a contributor to international publications such as the New Yorker and the New York Times, received an eight-year sentence.

"The routine censorship and suppression of journalists and media professionals striving to report or express opinions on matters of public interest in the Russian Federation is alarming, especially since the onset of the country’s aggression against Ukraine. Authorities must halt the persecution, harassment, and imprisonment of media professionals, and uphold their international obligations and OSCE commitments to freedom of expression and a free media," Ribeiro concluded.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She 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

573517 Marina Živaljević

As part of its commitment to combat gender-based violence and empower survivors, on 24 July the OSCE Mission to Montenegro provided a greenhouse to the SOS Helpline Nikšić.

The women survivors of violence will now have the opportunity to cultivate a diverse array of plants, ranging from microgreens and vegetables to ornamental flowers.  This hands-on experience will not only equip them with practical gardening knowledge and skills, but also serve as a powerful avenue for personal growth, healing, and self-reliance. Importantly, the greenhouse will enable year-round plant cultivation, ensuring that the women can reap the benefits of their labour regardless of the external weather conditions.

During a visit to the NGO SOS Helpline Nikšić, Bernd Burwitz, the Mission's Democratization Programme Manager, commended the NGO’s tireless efforts in supporting survivors. "This greenhouse is a place where the survivors of violence can cultivate not just plants, but also hope and resilience. We are truly honored to contribute to such a meaningful and transformative cause," said Burwitz.

Nataša Međedović, Executive Coordinator of SOS Helpline Nikšić said that they are thankful to the Mission for this significant support. “The greenhouse will not only provide fresh products for us, but also serve as a healing space for survivors. Gardening has proven mental health benefits, and we look forward to integrating it into our support programmes,” said Međedović.

In 2023, the Mission provided this NGO with microgreens equipment and supplies, as well as with Handbook for Microgreens Cultivation, developing microgreens farming as an occupational therapy for the women survivors of gender-based violence. The provided greenhouse will serve as additional support to the women to acquire advanced horticultural techniques. As the survivors of violence master these techniques, they can replicate them independently once they leave the shelter, paving the way to financial independence.

The OSCE recognizes gender-based violence as a serious threat that undermines the security and well-being of both individuals and communities. Addressing gender-based violence is a critical security priority. To combat this issue, the OSCE Mission is dedicated to partnering with national authorities and civil society organizations. The Mission's goal is to advance gender equality and work towards a society that has zero tolerance for gender-based violence.

573499 Representatives of the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic, OSCE, U.S. Embassy, German Embassy, and Swiss Embassy at the "Samin" toxic fuel removal ceremony. Novopavlovka village, Chui province, Kyrgyzstan.

Novopavlovka village, Chui province, Kyrgyzstan – 24 July, 2024

A landmark ceremony today inaugurated the operation of the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic to remove the final 55 tonnes of Samin, a toxic rocket fuel component, from the Novopavlovka area in Chui province of Kyrgyzstan. This operation mitigates a significant environmental threat and ensures the safety of some 21,000 residents living near the storage site. The chemical waste will be transported out of Kyrgyzstan by air to Germany at the end of August 2024, where it will be incinerated in a specialized disposal facility.

This achievement follows the successful removal of 155 tonnes of the rocket fuel component, Melange, by the Ministry of Defence with the support of the OSCE, Germany, and the United States back in 2021, which had posed an immediate threat to the safety and security of the region. The cumulative efforts have now eradicated over 200 tonnes of hazardous rocket fuel, a legacy from the Soviet Union, thereby declaring Kyrgyzstan free from toxic rocket fuel remnants.

Samin, a highly toxic and hazardous rocket fuel component, has been stored in containers that have deteriorated over time. The storage site is situated just 200 meters from a residential area in Novopavlovka village, a suburb of Bishkek. Potential spills from these substances could create zones of acute poisoning, threatening residential areas, surface and underground water sources, and roadways. These dangers necessitated a carefully monitored disposal and removal process supported by international partners.

“Thanks to the fruitful collaboration between the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic and the OSCE, we are witnessing the completion of the second phase of the project today. I am confident that the disposal of the rocket fuel component 'Samin' will significantly reduce the risk of an environmental emergency and enhance the safety of the local population,” noted the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic, Colonel Emil Osmonov.

U.S. Ambassador Lesslie Viguerie said, “the United States is proud to have co-operated with the Kyrgyz Republic, the OSCE, Germany, and Switzerland on this important project, which has strengthened environmental and health security in the Kyrgyz Republic. Removing the rocket fuel components will help to protect the lives and health of ordinary Kyrgyzstani citizens and prevent possible accidents or storage failures which could cause significant environmental damage. U.S. support for these projects represents our long-standing commitment to invest in projects that improve the lives of the Kyrgyz people.”

"I am glad that we are nearing the successful completion of this project phase, as it significantly enhances the safety and health of local residents and protects the environment in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, and the OSCE region as a whole. This effort represents a substantial step towards human security, mitigating risks from toxic materials, and safeguarding our environment. Beyond that, it underscores the project's pivotal role in fostering regional peace and security", noted Ambassador Alexey Rogov, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

"The OSCE project, in partnership with the USA, Switzerland, and Germany, has been successfully completed, and now the highly toxic rocket fuel is on its final journey from Kyrgyzstan to Germany, where it will be incinerated," noted the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kyrgyzstan, Dr. Gabriela Guellil.

The OSCE's extensive experience in removing and disposing of hazardous and toxic chemicals near populated areas has been demonstrated through similar successful projects in Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Montenegro, and Ukraine. This project in Kyrgyzstan further solidifies the OSCE's commitment and expertise in enhancing security and environmental safety across the OSCE region.

*The rocket fuel removal activity is part of the extra-budgetary project “Removal and Disposal of Rocket Fuel Component Samin from Kyrgyz Republic” - the OSCE-led initiative implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic and financially supported by Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. The project's primary objective is to enhance human and environmental security in the OSCE region by safely removing and disposing of hazardous rocket fuel components.

573496 David Vella Thomas Attard

On 11 July, the Chair of the Permanent Council, Ambassador Natasha Meli Daudey, presented the White Ribbon Award to seven diplomats and delegation members, honouring their outstanding engagement for the promotion of gender equality. The White Ribbon Award is presented every year to OSCE delegates from participating States and Partners for Co-operation who have shown true dedication to the promotion of gender equality and have used their position to advance these efforts. The Award is given based on nominations received from OSCE delegations.

Ambassador Jocelyn Kinnear from Canada, received the award for her leadership in promoting gender equality as Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) and for being an inspiring role model and dedicated mentor for young female diplomats.

Nektaria Kakoutsi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Cyprus, received the award for her key role in mainstreaming gender in the work programme of Cyprus’ Chairpersonship of the Forum for Security Co-operation and for her leadership in organizing a side event on the role of men in promoting gender equality.

Spencer M. Fields from the US Delegation was recognized for his tireless work in advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda as the FSC Chair’s Coordinator on WPS and for being an active member of the Men 4 Gender Equality Network.

Eva Gudmundsdottir from Iceland and Anne-Cathérine Stolz from Switzerland were also reward recipients for their outstanding work in driving gender equality forward. Eva played a key role in organizing a successful Barbershop Conference, a concept designed to engage men in promoting gender equality, in October 2023 and Anne-Cathérine is the driving force of the work of the Gender Action Leaders Group

Liliana Palihovici, the Special Representative on Gender of the Chair-in-Office, was recognized for her professional engagement in her mandate as Special Representative over the past 3.5 years with the Chairpersonships of Sweden, Poland, North Macedonia and Malta, ensuring continuity in the OSCE’s gender work through her expertise.

Ambassador Manizha Bakhtari, Head of the Delegation of Afghanistan, an OSCE Partner for Co-operation, received a special White Ribbon Award for her tireless advocacy on behalf of all women and girls in Afghanistan.

ERGNETI, 23 July 2024 – The 120th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) was held in Ergneti today under the co-facilitation of the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus, Viorel Moşanu, and the Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), Bettina Patricia Boughani.

The EUMM and OSCE co-facilitators commended the sustained commitment of the participants to the IPRM format.

IPRM participants actively engaged in a constructive dialogue, discussing challenges faced by the conflict-affected populations, in particular ‘borderisation’ activities, restrictions to their freedom of movement, as well as the security situation on the ground.

The EUMM and OSCE voiced their concern about the continued practice of detentions and advocated for the release of all detainees. The co-facilitators also reiterated their call for the full re-opening of crossing points, which would benefit women, men, children, and elderly people on both sides of the administrative boundary line.

The co-facilitators also encouraged constructive co-operation on the sharing of irrigation water and emphasized the importance of further advancing related work, particularly during the dry summer months.

IPRM participants highlighted the importance of the EUMM-managed Hotline to facilitate the timely exchange of accurate information.

The participants agreed to convene the next regular IPRM meeting on 12 September 2024. 

573388

To bolster Moldova's capabilities in the area of management of seized and confiscated virtual assets, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) hosted a dedicated workshop in Chisinau on July 22 and -23. This event gathered 30 participants from various law enforcement and regulatory agencies to improve their skills in managing and processing virtual assets that have been seized or confiscated.

Participants gained knowledge of advanced techniques and practical skills, including how to manage seized virtual assets, real-world case studies, and best practices from other regions. They also learned about specialized asset management solutions, giving them the necessary tools and information to effectively handle the complexities of digital asset management.

“The past two days, you had the opportunity to deep dive into the intricacies of the management of seized and confiscated virtual assets, good and bad practices, international standards, as well opportunities and solutions to this evolving topic. We hope that the knowledge and experience shared here will be useful for your further work,” said Ralf Ernst, Deputy Co-Ordinator and Head of Economic Activities at OCEEA, addressing workshop participants..

“Attending this workshop has been highly beneficial,” said one of the participants.. “The advanced techniques and practical skills, combined with real-world case studies and best practices, have given us a solid foundation in managing seized virtual assets. This training is essential for handling the complexities of virtual asset management and will support our work in combating financial crimes,” outlined one of the participants..”

This workshop is part of an OSCE extra-budgetary project titled “Innovative Policy Solutions to Mitigate Money-Laundering Risks of Virtual Assets,” funded by Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The project aims to support OSCE participating States in building national capacities to mitigate the criminal risks associated with virtual assets.

573373 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD), Ambassador Willy Kempel, visited the OSCE-supported Regional Explosive Hazards Training Center (REHTC) on 12 July 2024.

Ambassador Kempel’s visit aimed to solidify partnerships and collaboration in tackling the ongoing challenge of explosive hazards and supporting mine clearance operations in Central Asia.

The visit included a comprehensive briefing on the OSCE POiD’s Integrated Co-operation on Explosive Hazards (ICExH) program, allowing for a deeper understanding of their efforts. Ambassador Kempel travelled to the REHTC training grounds for firsthand observation of its operations and capabilities. The REHTC and ICExH representatives provided briefings on current developments and needs at the demo range and training centre.

A tour showcased the latest equipment, training methodologies, and practical demonstrations, including long-range and short-range reconnaissance techniques, X-ray detection equipment, and “hook-and-line” and “tape-and-line” remote techniques used in explosive ordnance disposal operations.

Ambassador Kempel actively participated in two practical exercises, learning about safe ordnance removal techniques and render safe procedures.

The OSCE’s commitment to a co-operative and comprehensive security model is reinforced through collaborative efforts like this visit.

WARSAW, 22 July 2024 – In recent months, the intensified large-scale attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian cities have resulted in an increasing number of civilian casualties and severe damage to civilian infrastructure, while evidence is growing of widespread and systematic torture of detained civilians and prisoners of war in Russian-controlled areas, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in its latest report on violations of international law following Russia’s military attack in Ukraine.

“It is sobering to see that the civilian population in Ukraine continues to suffer greatly more than two years after the Russian Federation's military attack. Our 5th report sadly continues to identify very serious violations of human rights, which have a devastating impact on the lives of every individual affected,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “We will keep monitoring these abuses with the aim of contributing to accountability for violations of international law, helping victims to achieve justice.”

ODIHR has been monitoring the human rights situation in Ukraine since Russia’s military attack on 24 February 2022, and this fifth report on violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL) builds on the Office’s previous findings. Each report contains a series of recommendations calling on both parties to the conflict to respect and ensure respect for international law. This latest report focuses on specific issues reported by 87 witnesses to ODIHR during in-depth interviews, together with findings from research conducted via remote monitoring, as well as information supplied by the Russian Federation and Ukraine, and civil society.

Today’s report is further confirmation of the general disregard by the Russian Federation’s military forces for the basic principles set out in the laws of war, resulting in rights violations that may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity. This has inflicted widespread suffering to civilians over the course of the conflict, including torture, arbitrary detention, violence and loss of innocent lives, both adult and children. ODIHR has also received indications, which are far more limited in scope but still of concern, of violations by the Ukrainian armed forces.

Since the beginning of this year, ODIHR has received further information from witnesses and survivors about cases of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances in areas under the control of the Russian Federation, with detainees apparently targeted for their perceived support for Ukraine and denied their most basic rights. ODIHR collected further evidence of widespread and systematic torture in detention, including sexual torture against detainees, as well as instances of rape and threats of rape. Many survivors have told ODIHR that they continue to suffer long-term physical injuries and psychological trauma as a consequence of their experiences.

ODIHR continued to receive information of intensified efforts by the Russian authorities to alter the status and character of the occupied territories, including forcing residents to acquire Russian citizenship. ODIHR reiterates that the ‘annexation’ of territories under occupation by the Russian Federation remains illegal, and such territories remain Ukrainian territory under international law. At the same time, ODIHR learnt that residents were routinely coerced to work for the occupying power in ways that may violate IHL. Witnesses also expressed concern regarding the prosecution by the Ukrainian authorities of collaborators following coerced cooperation.

All OSCE states have emphasised the vital importance of complying with their legally binding obligations under international treaties, including the Geneva Conventions. Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment are prohibited worldwide, and every OSCE country has recognised that no circumstance is ever a justification. In addition, all parties to an armed conflict must act in line with international humanitarian and human rights law, which explicitly bans indiscriminate attacks against civilians and protects the civilian population at all times against violence and inhumane treatment.

573169 Participants of the OSCE-supported week-long Training-of-Trainers (ToT) course on Ammunition Bunker Site (ABS) management. Osh, Kyrgyzstan. Chyngyz Zhanybekov

Osh, 15-19 July 2024 – The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek conducted a week-long Training-of-Trainers (ToT) course on Ammunition Bunker Site (ABS) management.

This initiative aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of trainer candidates in managing Ammunition Bunker Sites according to international guidelines and best practices. The training focused on compliance with the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG) and national regulations, providing both theoretical and practical lessons on setting up and running ABS, with an emphasis on safety measures to prevent unforeseen events at storage sites.

The training course was delivered by experts from Austria, selected for their extensive experience and expertise. Participants were trained in various aspects of ABS management, including safety protocols, risk assessment and mitigation strategies, principles of Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM), and developing effective training programs.

Stefan Sander, Austrian expert highlighted the significance of the training: “The ABS ToT programme equips participants to establish and conduct ABS training in alignment with international guidelines, best practices, and national regulations. ToT designed to accommodate multiple job functions and unit structures, the course ensures all participants gain essential presentation skills to effectively deliver theoretical and practical lessons, fostering competence and compliance in ammunition storage and management”.

“The Training on ABS management and ToT programme plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities from the risks associated with inadequate ammunition storage practices. This initiative not only enhances the safety and security of military personnel but also contributes to the overall protection of citizens in the Kyrgyz Republic. The ToT equips participants with essential skills to ensure adherence to international standards, thereby bolstering regional security and stability,” stated Ewa Klimuk, OSCE Representative.

This event marks a significant milestone in the OSCE's long-term partnership with the Kyrgyz Republic, demonstrating commitment to enhancing security standards through comprehensive training, building mutual trust, and ensuring sustainable capacity for long-term security co-operation.

The ABSC-ToT programme is implemented within the framework of the extrabudgetary project “Enhancing Ammunition Storage Safety in the OSCE Region,” funded by the US, Germany and Austria.

573160

Effective management of seized and confiscated virtual assets is critical to addressing the risks posed by cryptocurrencies, including money laundering, terrorist financing, and fraud. To enhance Armenia’s capabilities in this area, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) conducted a specialized training session in Yerevan on 18 and 19 July. The event brought together 22 representatives from law enforcement and regulatory bodies to improve their knowledge and skills in managing seized and confiscated virtual assets.

During the training, participants learned advanced techniques and practical skills for handling seized virtual assets. The programme included case studies of real-world scenarios and best practices from other jurisdictions. Additionally, attendees were introduced to specialized asset management solutions, providing them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of digital asset management effectively.

"Enhancing Armenia's ability to combat financial crimes, especially those involving virtual assets, is a top priority for OCEEA. We collaborate closely with Armenian national agencies to tackle financial crime, focusing particularly on money laundering. The high level of interest in this topic is encouraging," said Kurban Babayev, Economic Adviser at OCEEA.

This training is part of an OSCE extra-budgetary project, "Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets", funded by Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The initiative aims to support OSCE participating States in building national capacities to counter the criminal risks associated with virtual assets.

Media freedom and democracy are integral to security, says latest report from OSCE Media Freedom Representative

VIENNA, 18 July 2024 – Media freedom and democracy improve human security and enhance international and domestic peace. This is the clear empirical conclusion of a new report by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, authored by the research team at the Varieties of Democracies Institute.

“Media freedom is an essential part of human security. Without it, our lives and our societies are less safe,” said Ribeiro during the launch-event, emphasizing the OSCE’s commitment to independent media as an integral part of the organization’s comprehensive agenda for peace and security.

A key finding of the report is that free media reduce the risk of international armed conflict both by putting security concerns on the public and political agendas, and by providing the public with accurate and timely information about the risks, realities and horrors of armed conflict.

The report was released at an event for delegations from the OSCE’s participating States and prominent civil society experts, who discussed the report’s findings and further explored the interconnections and interdependence of media freedom, democracy, and security.

“Media freedom as we understand it foresees accountability of the media, but today we went from a public information ecosystem where you can hold the gatekeepers accountable to one where the flow of information is polluted by lies and disinformation,” said Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa during the event.

Tacan Ildem, the Chair of the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies added that “disinformation challenges our democracies and our security and we need to build societal resilience against disinformation. The need to enact and implement regulatory frameworks to limit disinformation cannot lead government to limit media freedom.”

The Executive Director of Article 19, Quinn McKew, underscored that "One of the defining challenges we face is the battle for narrative control. Big tech has put in place mechanisms that allow information to flourish or die. Is the quality of the information space directly related to the quality of democracy and security?"

"In almost every piece of legislation that we analyze, there is this purported dichotomy between media freedom and national security. We have been challenging the existence of this phenomena and explaining how these two concepts really feed each other," noted Can Yeginsu, Deputy Chair of the High-Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom at Media Freedom Coalition.  

Director Harvard Hegre of the Violence & Impacts Early Warning System at the Peace Research Institute in Oslo emphasized that "We need transparency to hold political leaders accountable. A popular belief is that war is due to miscalculation and misunderstanding and erroneous assumptions about the opponent. Media freedom is important to give good information to all players."

The report, commissioned by the OSCE RFoM, is part of a project dedicated to strategic dialogues on the interdependency of media freedom, democracy and security and builds on the OSCE RFoM’s 25th anniversary report “Can there be security without media freedom?”.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She 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

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An OSCE-organized seminar on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on freedom of expression took place on 17 and 18 July 2024 in Ashgabat.

The two-day event gave an overview of the legal challenges posed by the emergence of AI and presented initiatives of international organizations aimed at addressing these challenges.

Opening the seminar, William Leaf, the Political Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, referred to the project “Spotlight on Artificial Intelligence and Freedom of Expression” implemented by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of Media and a Policy Manual published as part of this project.

“This publication contains key recommendations for OSCE Participating States and the primary recommendation is to promote freedom of expression and other human rights as the centre of AI-related strategies and policies,” said Leaf.

International experts provided insights into the algorithmic content curation and freedom of expression, and elaborated on content filtering, content prioritization and news aggregation. Participants reflected on the approaches of different countries to the regulation and application of AI in media. Discussions focused on AI and misinformation, ethical issues in the use of AI and internet literacy.

The experts also shared recommendations on the implementation of international standards related to the use of AI in content moderation based on human rights, as well as ensuring transparency and effective legal remedies and compensation for damages.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the seminar as part of its continued support for the implementation of the provisions of the National Human Rights Action Plan for 2021-2025 (NHRAP) related to the freedom of the media and freedom of expression.

The event brought together representatives of institutions involved in the implementation of the NHRAP and journalists representing national media.

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Following the publication of the report  “From Paper to Practice” in June, main findings and figures of the project implementation from July 2021 to March 2024 are now included in a factsheet. During the three years, 59 organised crime and corruption cases were monitored in Montenegro, providing a significant basis for the evidence-based findings published by the project. With the goal of remedying the challenges noted, the report introduces a comprehensive set of 19 targeted and actionable recommendations directed towards the judiciary, to help in the process of developing a more effective system in the fight against organised crime and corruption.

Length of proceedings from indictment to final judgement, quality of legal acts, independence, deterrence policy – these are the main identified areas for further improvement of Montenegro’s judicial responses to serious organized crime and corruption, as noted in the Western Balkans Trial Monitoring factsheet.

“The Project’s trial monitoring identified symptoms of systemic challenges at the institutional, legislative and policy level. However, some initiatives are already underway to address many aspects of the issues identified in the report. These include strategies, action plans, guidelines on sanctioning in plea-bargaining agreements, targeted capacity building as well as steps to improve the efficiency of proceedings by narrowing down the subject matter jurisdiction of the

Specialized Prosecutor’s Office. These are substantial investments, that with sustained efforts can lead to substantial progress,” as said in the report.

On the way forward, it is recommended, among others, to strengthen independence of judges and autonomy of prosecutors, improve indictments and judgements, ensure effective case management and create a more robust deterrent policy and practice in organised crime and corruption cases.

In June, Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro Dominique Waag officially handed over to the Chief Special Prosecutor Vladimir Novović and President of the High Court in Podgorica Zoran Radović the recommendations for judicial reform in Montenegro. She highlighted the importance of the cases prosecuted by the Special Prosecutor’s Office for the Montenegrin society, congratulated president Radović on his recent election, and praised the important and courageous work done in tackling organized crime and high-level corruption.

Chief Special Prosecutor Novović thanked Ambassador Waag for the support the Mission has provided to the Special State Prosecutor’s Office during her mandate. “The OSCE report was done very thoroughly and diagnosed the main problems of the proceedings before the courts in Montenegro, and also provided good solutions to overcome them. The co-operation of the Special State Prosecution and the OSCE, along with the assistance provided by the studious and expert analyzes of the current situation in the judiciary, are of great importance for the improvement of the judicial system and an effective fight against corruption,” said Chief Special Prosecutor Novović.

The High Court President Radović agreed with the conclusions and recommendations related to cases of organized crime and corruption in Montenegro, supporting the ongoing co-operation with the OSCE.

VALLETTA, 16 July 2024 – The annual OSCE-wide Conference on Cyber/ICT Security, organized by the Maltese OSCE Chairpersonship, titled "Strengthening National Cyber Resilience", was held from 15 to 16 July in Malta.

The two-day conference gathered senior governmental experts, relevant State agencies and cyber policymakers to engage in wide-ranging discussions on enhancing cyber resilience. Topics included the impact of cyberspace misuse on societies, governments, critical infrastructure, and international peace and security. Participants underlined that collaborative efforts between governments, industry, academia, and civil society are crucial for addressing these challenges.

The Chair-in-Office of the OSCE, Minister Ian Borg, highlighted the urgency of the issue, stating, "Cyber threats are now a feature of efforts to destabilize states in the OSCE region. Malicious cyber activities including the spread of disinformation, undermine democratic processes and increase tensions within our societies. Such activities can also be used to disrupt relations between countries. Recent conflicts in our region, most notably Russia's war against Ukraine, demonstrate how the misuse of cyber technologies can precipitate conflict or exacerbate its impact."

“As our reliance on technology increases, cybersecurity has become an indispensable necessity of our everyday lives. The rise of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, makes protecting our networks and citizens an ever more complex challenge. It is imperative that we continue to build capacities and strengthen national resilience,” said OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria in her opening remarks.

This year's conference focused on two rapidly evolving challenges in cyber security: the advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and countering targeted disinformation. Participants emphasized the need to address AI's vulnerabilities and prevent its malicious use while leveraging it to enhance cybersecurity. The conference also addressed the risks posed by disinformation, exploring the connection between cyber/ICT security and information integrity.

Discussions shed light on these vulnerabilities and risks, while also highlighting the efforts of the OSCE and participating States to counter them within the framework of their commitments to freedom of expression and media freedom.

Over the past decade, recognizing the critical threats posed to cyberspace, the OSCE has developed a comprehensive set of Confidence-Building Measures  (CBMs) to support national resilience against cybersecurity risks. The CBMs are designed to reduce the risk of conflict stemming from the misuse of cyberspace, complementing the United Nations framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. The event underscored the importance of using the CBMs to bolster resilience in these critical areas.

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Effective management of seized and confiscated virtual assets is critical to combating the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, such as money laundering, terrorist financing, and fraud. With the aim to bolster Georgia’s capacities in this area, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) organized a specialized training session in Tbilisi from 15-16 July. The session brought together 20 representatives from law enforcement and supervisory bodies to enhance their expertise in handling and managing seized and confiscated virtual assets.

Participants were introduced to advanced techniques and practical skills, including methods for managing and handling seized virtual assets, case studies of real-world scenarios, and best practices from other jurisdictions. They also received information on specialized asset management solutions, providing them with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively navigate the complexities of digital asset management.

“One of OCEEA’s top priorities is ensuring Georgia's ability to address financial crime, particularly crimeinvolving virtual assets. We work closely with Georgian national agencies to combat financial crime, with a strong focus on money laundering. We are pleased to see the significant interest in this topic,” said Kurban Babayev, Economic Adviser at OCEEA.

This training is part of an OSCE extra-budgetary project titled “Innovative Policy Solutions to Mitigate Money-Laundering Risks of Virtual Assets,” funded by Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The project aims to support OSCE participating States in building national capacities to mitigate the criminal risks associated with virtual assets.

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On 15 and 16 July 2024, 15 young women graduates of the OSCE Scholarship for Peace and Security training programme gathered in Vienna for a capacity-building workshop on overcoming the barriers faced by young women working in conflict prevention and resolution. Organized by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, the Forum for Security Co-operation Support Unit and the OSCE Gender Issues Programme’s WIN Project, the two-day event featured a negotiation skills workshop on conflict prevention and resolution.  

“In these challenging times for security and stability in Europe, empowering young people, especially young women, to take steps towards their meaningful participation in decision-making processes, is a confidence- and security-building measure in and of itself, ” emphasised Catherine Fearon, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre in her opening remarks.

Lara Scarpitta, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, stressed that "By mobilizing young women now, we are laying the foundation for a future where women are empowered, leadership promoted and their visions for peace and security are heard.”

The workshop includes stimulating sessions on negotiation and communication skills for conflict prevention and resolution led by the OSCE Mediation Support Team. Participants put this knowledge into practice by simulating an international arms control negotiation and sharing experiences on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation advocacy. They also engaged in group work to produce a perception paper with recommendations for existing and future confidence- and security-building measures pertaining to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation in the OSCE region. Participants kept a keen focus on the gendered dimensions of peace and security, with key inputs offered by representatives of the WIN Project on advice and opportunities for young women in the field.

Participants ended the workshop by indicating that further learning about conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies, and dialogue facilitation skills would be essential for increasing their contributions to global, regional, national or community-level peace and security building efforts.

Due to the convulsive and changing environment we live in today, I believe it is necessary to have the right tools and resources for the resolution of social tensions and conflicts. The application of mediation techniques can play a key role in promoting security and building trust in situations of political or social instability.

Sandra Garcia Cobos, Andorra, 2021 Scholarship graduate

The OSCE Scholarship for Peace and Security is an annual training programme on conflict prevention and resolution open to young professionals from across the OSCE’s participating States and its Partners for Co-operation.