Central Europe

VIENNA, 24 February 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his dismay today at recent insults and threats by Duško Perović, Head of the Representative Office of the Republika Srpska in the Russian Federation, against journalists of the web portal Capital.

On 21 February, Perović insulted and threatened Capital’s journalists and its Chief Editor Siniša Vukelić, following an investigative article related to the business affairs of a foreign company in the Republika Srpska, an entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Perović phoned the office of the web portal, reportedly saying that it will face serious problems if journalists continue to write about this company and threatened to have the web portal shut down.

“I strongly condemn the threats against the journalists of the web portal Capital. Such pressure against journalists in connection with their investigation on issues of public interest is unacceptable and dangerous for their safety. Media professionals must be able to do their work, without fear of being harassed or threatened,” said Désir. He further urged the authorities to investigate swiftly the case in a fully transparent manner.

The Representative recalled the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Safety of Journalists adopted in Milan, in 2018, underlining the need for all OSCE participating States to implement these commitments. The Decision calls on participating States to: “Urge political leaders, public officials and/or authorities to refrain from intimidating, threatening or condoning – and to unequivocally condemn – violence against journalists.” It also calls on participating States: “to take effective measures to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists, by ensuring accountability as a key element in preventing future attacks, including by ensuring that law enforcement agencies carry out swift, effective and impartial investigations into acts of violence and threats against journalists”.

Désir noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) Journalists Association/Free Media Help Line, Republika Srpska Association of Journalists, a member of the BiH Presidency Milorad Dodik, and the leader of the Serb Democratic Party, Mirko Šarović condemned this incident.

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.

446935 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities meets new government in Ukraine, discusses integration and minority-related issues Language and identity in Ukraine

The office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM), in co-operation with the Education Ministry of Ukraine, organized a conference on 20 February 2020 in Kyiv for 60 stakeholders from the four regions of Zakarpattia, Chernivtsi, Odesa and Zaporizhzhia. The conference was in support of a pilot programme on multilingual education in 14 educational establishments in the four regions.

Participants presented their experiences and best practices, ranging from teaching and planning methodologies to useful textbooks and manuals for teachers. In working groups, teachers and school principals discussed the opportunities and challenges of multilingual education in their regions. Participants formulated recommendations on a range of topics, such as how to include parents in decision-making, and how to monitor and evaluate the process and results of the pilot. 

High Commissioner Lamberto Zannier recommends multilingual education as a method to balance the preservation and promotion of minority languages while supporting the integration of society through strengthening the role of the State language.

The HCNM and the Ministry will organize roundtables in the four regions in the upcoming months to share best practices with local stakeholders that did not take part in the pilot programme. Representatives from the Education Ministry plan to use the results of the pilot to make recommendations on the implementation of the Law on Secondary Education.

VIENNA, 23 February 2020 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern today at the potential extradition of WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange, ahead of his hearing on 24 February.

Assange, who published classified documents on the WikiLeaks website in 2010, will appear on Monday at Woolwich Crown Court, where he faces possible extradition from the United Kingdom to the United States. He is charged in the US with 18 counts, including of reportedly violating the Espionage Act by publishing classified information, and could face a prison sentence of up to 175 years if convicted.

“I call on the UK authorities not to extradite Julian Assange when the hearing takes place on Monday. I am particularly concerned by the numerous charges he faces and the disproportionate prison sentence, up to a total of 175 years, that he could potentially face if extradited and convicted,” said Désir. “The public interest of several of the publications by WikiLeaks in 2010 should be taken into account, as it contributed to important investigative reports and news reporting. It is essential to consider the impact on freedom of expression and media freedom if he is extradited and convicted. This could have a chilling effect on journalism and press freedom.”

Assange is currently being held at Belmarsh prison, in London.

The Representative will continue to closely monitor developments in the case over the coming week. 

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

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission followed up on reports of a man injured by shrapnel from shelling in non-government-controlled Holubivske on 18 February.
• The SMM saw fresh craters in Popasna and near Verkhnoshyrokivske as well as recent impacts inside the Donetsk Filtration Station.
• It continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• It facilitated localized ceasefires to enable repairs to critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Verkhnoshyrokivske, Kovske and Siedove.*

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 saw fresh damage from shelling to residential buildings and a power substation in non-government-controlled Zolote-5/Mykhailivka and Holubivske.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated localized ceasefires to enable a transfer of reportedly human remains of two Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel from non-government- to government-controlled areas, as well as to enable repairs to critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Verkhnoshyrokivske.*
• The Mission monitored public gatherings commemorating those who lost their lives during Maidan-related events in 2014.

VIENNA, 21 February 2020 – In the wake of a racially motivated attack in the German town of Hanau on Wednesday, OSCE parliamentarians gathering in Vienna for the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s 19th Winter Meeting today held a timely debate on combating anti-Semitism, discrimination and intolerance in the OSCE region.

The debate, held in the closing joint session of the Winter Meeting, was opened by President of the Austrian National Council Wolfgang Sobotka and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Anti-Semitism, Rabbi Andrew Baker, and included the participation of some 30 parliamentarians. Rabbi Baker described his work around the OSCE area, noting that anti-Semitism is a rising problem throughout the region. He stressed that anti-Semitism takes many forms and can be seen across the political spectrum.

OSCE PA Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism and Intolerance Ben Cardin (United States) addressed the joint session by video link from Washington, noting that hatred and intolerance pose threats to democracy. He highlighted troubling trends of discrimination against minorities and migrants. “It is our responsibility as leaders to safeguard our democracies by speaking out and using our tools and voices as legislators against those who would divide our societies,” he said.

Also speaking at the closing session was OSCE PA Special Representative on Gender Issues Hedy Fry (Canada).

In her report, Special Representative Fry applauded the significant strides and improvements the OSCE PA and OSCE countries have made in the pursuit of gender equality, but noted that significant challenges remain and must be addressed. She highlighted in particular violence against women, including a troubling rise of violence against female journalists and politicians.

“Gender-based violence affects all women, regardless of position or status, but can manifest in dangerous and alarming ways for women in the public eye,” she noted.

The OSCE PA’s three general committees met over the past two days to hear from experts and discuss issues such as how to efficiently leverage the tools and mechanisms of the OSCE to resolve protracted conflicts; the security implications of climate change; and multilateral human rights co-operation.

OSCE PA Rapporteur Laurynas Kasciunas (Lithuania) presented to the General Committee on Political Affairs and Security his ideas and intentions regarding the report and draft resolution he is preparing for the 29th Annual Session in Vancouver. Top priorities he identified included the resolution of conflicts in the OSCE area.

Following his presentation there was a lively exchange of views on his proposals, with the need to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine through the implementation of the Minsk agreements featuring prominently in parliamentarians’ remarks.

Chaired by Costel Neculai Dunava (Romania), the meeting featured presentations by Amb. Neil Bush, Chair of the Security Committee of the OSCE Permanent Council; Amb. Rauf Engin Soysal, Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation and Permanent Representative of Turkey to the OSCE; and Amb. Lamberto Zannier, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. The OSCE representatives shared their working programmes and priorities for 2020.

Opening a special debate on “Resolving ‘Protracted Conflicts’: The Tools and Mechanisms of the OSCE,” Amb. Tuula Yrjölä, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, described the diverse set of tools of the OSCE to address the overlapping security challenges faced today. She highlighted the CPC’s systematic and structured approach to collecting, analyzing, and communicating early warning signals to prepare for appropriate preventive action in response to crises.

In the economic and environmental committee, members heard a report from Rapporteur Elona Hoxha-Gjebrea and held a debate on “The Security Implications of Climate Change and the Role of Parliamentarians.” Hoxha-Gjebrea highlighted several priority issues that she intends to focus on in her report and draft resolution for the Annual Session: water and energy security, renewable energy, economic connectivity, innovation and technology, good governance, migration management, and climate change.

Opened by OSCE PA Special Representative on Arctic Issues Torill Eidsheim, the special debate focused on the need for action on climate change. Parliamentarians stressed that governments should declare a climate emergency and redouble efforts to address climate change, including through the rapid development of clean energy.

“Climate change is not merely an environmental problem,” said Committee Chair Artur Gerasymov. “It is an issue which is transforming the way we, in the OSCE region and worldwide, think about our own security.”

The committee also heard presentations by Amb. Sherzod Asadov, Chair of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Committee; Amb. Vuk Žugić, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities; Lukas Rüttinger, Senior Project Manager at Adelphi; and OSCE PA Vice-President Pascal Allizard. Allizard, who serves as the PA’s Special Representative on Mediterranean Affairs, discussed the Belt and Road Initiative and related challenges and opportunities.

In the General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, parliamentarians heard a presentation from the UN’s High Commissioner on Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet. Speaking on the subject of international human rights co-operation, Bachelet noted that the work of the OSCE and UN are complementary and mutually reinforcing.

“I believe that the extensive expertise in impartial and objective human rights monitoring and reporting, which my Office has developed, can also be of great benefit to the OSCE – including in contested territories and in the context of protracted conflicts,” she said. “Both our organizations know how vital it is to ensure accurate monitoring of the human rights impact of these situations, and to advance the protection of civilians and of detainees – irrespective of political issues or legal status.”

Presenting her proposals for the report and draft resolution to be prepared for the Annual Session this summer, Committee Rapporteur Kari Henriksen (Norway) highlighted four major issues that she intends to address: confidence, inclusion, protection, and legislation.

Stressing that the levels of accountability for human rights violations vary greatly among OSCE countries, she noted that the Parliamentary Assembly should press for parliamentarians to be the watchdogs of human rights. “MPs from countries where human rights are regularly violated with impunity have an additional obligation to work to build a system that better adheres to the commitments we have,” Henriksen said.

Chaired by Kyriakos Hadjiyianni (Cyprus), the meeting of the human rights committee also included presentations by Amb. Ivo Šrámek, Chair of the Human Dimension Committee of the OSCE Permanent Council; Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights; and Harlem Désir, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media.

The Winter Meeting opened Thursday with speakers underlining the importance of multilateral co-operation and inter-parliamentary dialogue in tackling common problems facing the region. Nearly 250 parliamentarians have participated in the meeting, including from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation.

On the margins of the Winter Meeting, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s ad hoc committees on migration and countering terrorism met to discuss ongoing work.

OSCE PA President George Tsereteli and Secretary General Roberto Montella have held a series of bilateral meetings and participated in numerous side events. Tsereteli and Montella also reported to the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Thursday. (President Tsereteli's report is available here. Secretary General Montella's report is available here.)

For more information on the Winter Meeting, please click here.

Photos are available for public use on Flickr and videos are being posted on the PA's YouTube channel.

Communication and Media Relations Section

Staff from the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre participated in the conference on “Gender Equal Arms Control: Towards Bullet-Proof Inclusion”, organized in Berlin by the German Foreign Office jointly with the Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies on 20 and 21 February 2020.

The conference aimed at accelerating action on gender-responsive small arms control and the Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions promoting the meaningful inclusion and participation of women in building peace and security, as well as Sustainable Development Goal Five on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. To this effect, the Gender Equality Network for Small Arms Control (GENSAC) was launched at the conference.

The OSCE promoted its efforts at the conference on gender-responsive arms control and presented the Scholarship for Peace and Security training programmes, which have been implemented jointly with the UN Office on Disarmament Affairs for the last two years, to build the capacities of young professionals, particularly women, in the areas of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. The OSCE emphasized the need for young professionals’ engagement in networking and mentoring programmes to facilitate equal opportunities for women and men in the security sector.

The conference gathered government representatives from Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as from international organizations.

446860 Željka Šulc

A five-day training course on the identification of forged documents and verification of persons’ identities for members of the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) concluded on 21 February 2020 in Sarajevo. The event was organized jointly by the Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Mission to BiH.

“Integrated border management is an absolute necessity for a country that finds itself at the forefront of cross-border criminal activity such as irregular migration, trafficking of human beings, or the movement of individuals planning to commit or support acts of terrorism,” said Susan Penksa, Head of the Security Co-operation Department at the OSCE Mission to BiH. “Even with improved document security features, stricter issuance controls, and strengthened security checks at borders, the forging of personal identity documents is on the rise. Criminals have diversified their counterfeiting techniques and methods as they look for ways to assume fake identities without detection.”

One of the trainers, Gerald Schuh, Document Advisor at the Federal Ministry of the Interior of Austria, emphasized that the aim of the training course is to decrease the number of criminals crossing borders under fake identities, impacting positively on wider efforts to combat transnational threats in compliance with international standards. “The training has a strong interactive component, as it includes practical exercises on recognizing an imposter, work on original and forged documents, and the use of forensic equipment to identify document forgeries. These five days are a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and create a network with the participants and among them.” 

The training course was developed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Interior and covers a wide range of topics related to counterfeit travel documents; including security features, printing techniques and latest trends in counterfeiting.

446854 Marina Živaljević

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro supported the fourth meeting of the Regional Youth Co-operation Office (RYCO) Advisory Board on 20 February 2020 in Podgorica. The aim of the meeting was to review RYCO’s work from 2019 and its plans for 2020.

The Board is comprised of experts, representatives from the donor community, civil society, international organisations and other relevant institutions.

RYCO Secretary General Đuro Blanuša reported to the Board that in 2019 RYCO evaluated 378 project applications from which 64 projects were awarded amounting to more than €1.3 million euros. “We organized 25 information sessions across region. I’m proud to share with you that by the end of 2020, over 4500 young people will have participated in youth exchanges,” said Blanuša.

Underlining the solid partnership between the Mission and RYCO, Maryse Daviet, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro noted that RYCO has achieved significant results in the region. She also said that its work on strengthening the capacities of young people across the region by working together and getting involved in the reconciliation and intercultural dialogue is of key importance. Daviet said: “However, it is equally important to focus on internal organizational strengthening and consolidation of RYCO after the initiative’s programme expansion that occurred last year. Continuous consolidation, as shown in RYCO’s strategic plan, will ensure delivery of its mission, its stable presence and sustainable future.”

RYCO was founded in 2016 at the Western Balkans Sixth Summit in Paris as an independent institutional mechanism to promote the spirit of reconciliation and co-operation among youth in the region through exchange programmes.

VIENNA, 21 February 2020 – After a stalled response to human trafficking, Irish officials are showing a renewed commitment to addressing the issue, said Valiant Richey, OSCE Special Representative for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, as he concluded on 20 February a three-day visit to Ireland to observe its response to trafficking and to provide recommendations on ways to strengthen it.

During the visit, the Special Representative met with a wide range of interlocutors, including high-level government officials from the Ministry of Justice, An Garda Siochana (Ireland’s police force), the Directorate of the Public Prosecution, the Human Rights and Equality Commission, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, health services executives, the Workplace Commission and the Legal Aid Board. He also consulted with a wide group of anti-trafficking NGOs, academia and the Ombudsman for Children. Richey also visited the Balseskin Reception Centre for asylum seekers, which also accommodates trafficked persons. 

Identification of and assistance to trafficked victims remain among the most urgent challenges to be addressed in Ireland. Richey urged officials to strengthen the country’s response through clear co-ordination and improved policy and procedures regulating victim identification and assistance. “An identification procedure should be based on victim needs, not on their co-operation with criminal proceedings,” Richey noted. “Properly supporting trafficked persons is likely to improve outcomes in criminal cases.”

“I am pleased to learn about the plans of the Irish Department of Justice and Equality to enhance coordination and monitoring and to emphasize investigation and prosecution of traffickers. Ireland has recently shown a renewed commitment to combat human trafficking,” Richey commented. “I am confident that, with targeted action, the country can strengthen its anti-trafficking response including by strengthening victim assistance, establishing dedicated housing and access to employment, and providing adequate social welfare and health care for trafficked persons”.

“The visit also served as an opportunity to explore the experience of Ireland in addressing the demand that fuels human trafficking for sexual exploitation,” Richey said, noting that more robust implementation of the 2017 law prohibiting the purchase of sexual services was needed.

The Special Representative regularly conducts country visits to increase the capacity of OSCE participating States to address human trafficking, as well as to share knowledge and collect best practices fighting this heinous crime. 

446695 Communication and Media Relations Section

A five-day training course on developing co-operation among law enforcement agencies in combating the spread of new psychoactive substances (NPS) facilitated by the Darkweb concluded on 21 February 2020 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

More than 20 representatives of law enforcement agencies from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as Mongolia participated in the course.

Participants developed techniques in identifying websites with malicious content, understanding anonymity and encryption, and the functioning of the Darkweb. The participants also enhanced their knowledge about the role of cryptocurrencies in drug-related and other crimes facilitated by the Darkweb.

The course was organized by the Strategic Police Matters Unit (SPMU) of the OSCE Transnational Threat Department in co-operation with the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) and with the support of the Nizhniy Novgorod Academy of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia.

“The topic of this training course is very relevant for Central Asia. More and more new psychoactive substances appear on the illicit drugs market in the region,” said Rustam Aziz Miralizoda, Police Major-General, recently appointed Director of CARICC. “The misuse of the Darkweb and cryptocurrencies represent an emerging challenge for the law enforcement of the CARICC Member states and it should be addressed through enhanced regional co-operation and international support,” he concluded.

Eduard Lokotunin, Police Affairs Officer on Combating Illicit Drugs at the SPMU, said that: “New psychoactive substances pose a threat to OSCE participating States. In some cases, information and communication technologies are used for criminal purposes, including for committing drug-related crimes. OSCE experts in co-operation with other relevant organizations will be willing to assist the Central Asian law enforcement agencies in tackling the problem by promoting best practices and applicable international standards.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM observed fresh damage to a house in Holubivske and a probable crater near a school building in Staromykhailivka.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission saw long queues of civilians at checkpoints along the contact line.
• The SMM facilitated localized ceasefires to enable repairs to and the operation of critical civilian infrastructure on both sides of the contact line in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement was restricted again at checkpoints of the armed formations in non-government-controlled Verkhnoshyrokivske, Starolaspa and Staromykhailivka in Donetsk region.*
• In Kyiv, Uzhhorod and Ivano-Frankivsk, the SMM observed gatherings in commemoration of 2015 events in eastern Ukraine.

VIENNA, 20 February 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, paid tribute today to investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová, on the second anniversary of their murders.

Four people who organized and carried out the murders are currently standing trial alongside the alleged mastermind. The trial is expected to conclude in the coming months. “On the second anniversary of Kuciak’s death, my heart goes out to his family and colleagues, and to those of his partner. Ján Kuciak, who paid a heavy price for unveiling corruption cases, has become the symbol of a free press and a generation which fights for more transparency and democracy,” said Désir. “I admire the commitment of his colleagues and family to bring those responsible for the murders to justice, and I recall our comprehensive discussions on the case, and the media situation in general, during my visit to Bratislava in December last year. I am following the public hearings of the trial with considerable interest.”

“Slovak society seems keen on ensuring that there is no impunity for killing journalists and I hope that justice will finally be served in this case. This horrendous crime cannot remain unpunished,” he added. Kuciak was a journalist known for his investigative reporting into cases of suspected fraud in Slovakia, as well as for his work with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and its outlet, Aktuality.sk. He was also a partner of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, and was involved in a number of OSCE events. Before his murder, Kuciak filed two complaints with the Prosecutor’s office after receiving several threats. He was the first journalist murdered in relation to his work in Slovakia.

The Representative has noted that important progress in the investigation of this heinous crime was achieved over the past year.

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, 20 February 2020 – Opening the 19th Winter Meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna today, keynote speakers underlined the importance of multilateral co-operation and inter-parliamentary dialogue in tackling common problems facing the region and ensuring that the promises made 30 years ago in founding the OSCE are upheld.

The OSCE has three pillars, noted President of the Austrian National Council Wolfgang Sobotka, one of which being the human dimension. Attacks on the rule of law and human rights are attacks on society itself, he said, stressing the role of parliamentarians in defending OSCE values.

“Parliamentary diplomacy is a growing trend in foreign policy,” Sobotka said. “The Winter Meeting of OSCE parliamentarians here in Vienna is a welcome opportunity to discuss current challenges and seek solutions. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly can act as a bridge-builder between the West and the East and in the Mediterranean region. We should make full use of the OSCE tools to help settle the conflict in eastern Ukraine.”

OSCE PA President George Tsereteli noted that with today’s technological and economic advancements and new levels of global connectivity there is much to be optimistic about, but there are also multiple crises, challenges, and demands for change. Protests and political instability have become hallmarks of this time, he observed.

“These are indications that difficulties linger on,” he said. “Whether the challenges are economic, environmental, political or security-related, we are called upon to meet the expectations of our citizens who demand more than just promises and campaign slogans. We must therefore live up to their expectations through concrete achievements, including a peaceful resolution of the OSCE area’s conflicts, and to normalize the lives of millions of affected people.”

He also highlighted the need to address issues such as corruption, migration, arms control, terrorism, intolerance, and climate change.

Addressing the opening session on behalf of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Etjen Xhafaj noted that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has a privileged role to play within the OSCE.

“We particularly value your support as parliamentarians, to implement our priorities, not only by building political support for the OSCE in your capitals, but also by advocating in attaining OSCE commitments by each participating State,” Xhafaj. “As elected officials you have not only a role but a responsibility for the implementation, or by helping us hold your government to account for the commitments undertaken.”

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger praised meetings of the Parliamentary Assembly as venues for open and frank discussions, noting that the Assembly has a track record of highlighting emerging issues and introducing them to the OSCE agenda.

Emphasizing that “common security is under threat” in the OSCE region, Greminger elaborated four proposals for addressing these challenges: promoting co-operative approaches and restoring trust in effective multilateral institutions; expanding the space for dialogue; achieving a peaceful resolution to the crisis in and around Ukraine as well as intensifying efforts in all mediation formats; and intensifying our partnerships and opening up new avenues for co-operation.

Speakers at the opening session all expressed condolences and support to the people of Germany for the attack in the German town of Hanau on Wednesday night which reportedly left 11 people dead.

The 19th Winter Meeting is taking place 20-21 February at the Hofburg Congress Centre in Vienna. The three OSCE PA general committees are meeting over the next two days and will hear from relevant experts including United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet Jeria, Heads of OSCE institutions, and government representatives of OSCE countries. Members will discuss issues such as how to efficiently leverage the tools and mechanisms of the OSCE to resolve protracted conflicts; the security implications of climate change; and multilateral human rights co-operation.

The general committees will also hear presentations by the rapporteurs regarding their ideas and intentions for the reports and draft resolutions being prepared for the 2020 Annual Session in Vancouver.

The closing joint session of the three general committees will include a special debate on combatting anti-Semitism, discrimination and intolerance in the OSCE region. The session will also feature reports by Special Representative on Gender Issues Hedy Fry (Canada), leaders of recent election observation missions to Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, followed by discussions.

For more information on the Winter Meeting, please click here.

Photos are available for public use on Flickr and videos are being posted on the PA's YouTube channel.

446785 Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan

The four-day Model OSCE conference for youth started today, 20 February 2020, at Nazarbayev University in Nur-Sultan. Thirty-five participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan involving Masters and PhD students as well as young professionals took part in the conference.

The event provides an opportunity for participants to enhance their theoretical and practical knowledge about the OSCE, understand the Organization’s comprehensive approach to security and participate in a simulation exercise focusing on the OSCE’s work related to economic and environmental activities.

The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan organized the conference in co-operation with the student association “Nazarbayev University Model United Nations”.

Discussions will focus on OSCE mechanisms used for the peaceful settlement of disputes and familiarize the participants with the decision-making process within the Organization. Participants will develop skills in negotiation, public speaking and constructive dialogue.

During the final day of conference, a simulation exercise will take place where participants will replicate the work of the OSCE’s Permanent Council and engage in the resolution of a mock crisis situation in the OSCE area. Participants will take on the roles of heads of OSCE institutions and field operations, as well as delegations of the participating States. 

This event is part of the regional co-operation in the environmental governance sector and falls in line with the 2003 Maastricht Strategy Document for Economic and Environmental Dimension, which addresses environmental degradation in the host country. The conference aims to motivate young people to become active in public and political life of their countries and to promote the role of the OSCE in Kazakhstan and in Central Asia as well.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded a spike in the number of ceasefire violations in Luhansk region, with the majority (mostly explosions) recorded in areas along the contact line between Popasna, Pervomaisk, Muratove and Krymske, including Zolote, and the disengagement area near it, as well as Hirske.
• It recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region, compared with the previous reporting period.
• The SMM observed fresh craters, including some assessed as caused by artillery rounds, and military hardware near government-controlled Orikhove, Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM facilitated the operation of critical civilian infrastructure and the removal of unexploded ordnance near non-government-controlled Dovhe, Luhansk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement was restricted again at five checkpoints of the armed formations in southern Donetsk region and close to a border area near non-government-controlled Izvaryne, Luhansk region.

446662 Marina Živaljević

A meeting on 17 February 2020 in Podgorica between Zlatko Vujović, chair of the governing board, Centre for Monitoring and Research (CeMI) and Darko Brajović, National Programme Officer, OSCE Mission concluded that both national and international observers have an important role in the electoral process to enhance citizens’ confidence in elections and safeguard transparency.

Brajović and Vujović discussed opportunities for co-operation, as well as ways to enhance the integrity of elections.

Brajović noted that the Mission is open to work with civil society to enhance citizens’ confidence in elections.

VIENNA, 19 February 2020 – The first preparatory meeting of the 2020 OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum concluded on 18 February in Vienna. The meeting focused on countering corruption by improving the understanding of how new technologies affect government and economic development, stability and security in the region.

Almost 200 experts, representatives of the OSCE participating States, business and academic communities and civil society discussed the benefits of digitalization and increased transparency, and innovation in good governance, in preventing and combating corruption.

“The fight against corruption is one of the most pressing issues in our societies and one of the main priorities of the 2020 Albanian Chairmanship,” said Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council Igli Hasani. “If we successfully prevent and combat corruption, we will achieve success in addressing many other challenges that our societies face – from poverty, inequality, instability, and lack of trust in institutions to environmental degradation and climate change.”   

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger said it is essential to address the link between technology and security. “Our societies and economies are undergoing a rapid and transformative technological change that continues to gather speed. The digital revolution is having far-reaching effects on how we work, live and interact with each other. We must develop a dialogue between state institutions, the private sector and ordinary citizens – and together find ways to block corrupt practices.”

Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Vuk Žugić, said that digitalization and technological innovation are reshaping economic systems and societies. He added that good governance, anti-corruption measures, social responsibility and education are key for promoting peace and security, strengthening co-operation and ultimately stimulating inclusive economic growth in the OSCE area.

Participants agreed that it is important to consider the security implications of digitalization in a comprehensive way and determine how international organizations, like the OSCE, can best contribute to managing this process.

Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Corruption Paola Severino said that growing awareness of both the harmful nature of the threat posed by corruption and the complexity of any strategy to counter this threat, calls for an innovative approach.

“Innovation in combating corruption goes through four major steps,” said Severino. “We must focus on balancing the narrative of anti-corruption policies and promoting a mature discussion on the multifaceted nature of technology. We should also recognize the importance of the international/multilateral aspect to continue coming together in normative and regulatory frameworks. We also need to encourage participatory approaches by factoring in and supporting the role that civil society, business communities and media can play.”

Participants agreed on the importance of factoring in the digital dimension in the developing anti-corruption strategies, as well those commending the role of the OSCE as a platform for enhancing international co-operation.  

The Second Preparatory Meeting will take place on 27 and 28 May in Tirana and the Concluding Meeting on 10-11 September in Prague. 

The Arabic language version of the OSCE guidebook on “Understanding the Role of Gender in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization That Lead to Terrorism (P/CVERLT): Good Practices for Law Enforcement” was launched in Cairo on 17 February 2020. The guidebook, the first of its kind, is the result of a two-year collaborative effort by experts on gender, the security sector and countering violent extremism based on case studies from across the OSCE area. The event was organized jointly by the OSCE and the League of Arab States (LAS).

Eduard Sulo, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Egypt, representing the 2020 OSCE Chairmanship said: “The Albanian Chairmanshipstrongly believes that a precondition for human rights and security is the existence of gender equality. A part of achieving this means having gender-balanced and gender-sensitive security providers.”

More than 50 representatives of governments from the region, NGOs as well as international organizations gathered at the League of Arab States Headquarters to discuss the role of gender in preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/CVERLT). The OSCE is a pioneer in advancing gender-responsive approaches to violent extremism and terrorism, especially with a focus on law enforcement.

The First Secretary of the Embassy of the Italian Republic to Cairo, Marco Cardoni, stated that ”A better understanding of the role of gender in this context can improve terrorism prevention policies by deconstructing stereotypical perceptions of women’s and men’s roles in terrorism and counter-terrorism.” “All these issues are comprehensively addressed in the Guidebook, which therefore constitutes a relevant added value to our work,” he added. The Organization works extensively to support the development and implementation of impactful and safe policies and programmes to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism in the OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation.

The guidebook, which is available in English, Russian and Arabic at www.osce.org/secretariat/420563 was funded by Norway and Italy.

“True security is inseparable from equality and human rights. By integrating a gender perspective in all our efforts to prevent and combat VERLT, we can reach for a society that is not only more just and prosperous, but also more secure”, stressed Maria Hunskaar, the Second Secretary of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Cairo.

In addition to today’s guidebook launch, the guidebook series on P/CVERLT includes:

• The Role of Civil Society in P/CVERLT (tailored to the regions of South-Eastern Europe and Central Asia respectively)
• Understanding Referral Mechanisms in P/CVERLT
• Non-Custodial Rehabilitation and Reintegration in P/CVERLT
• Preventing Terrorism and Countering VERLT – A Community Policing Approach

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

In the morning of 18 February, from approximately 05:30 to 11:30 hrs, while on patrol in the area of Zolote (government-controlled, 60km west of Luhansk) and at its forward patrol bases in Kadiivka (formerly Stakhanov, non-government-controlled, 50km west of Luhansk) and Popasna (government-controlled, 69km west of Luhansk) – and with its cameras – the SMM recorded a marked spike in the number of ceasefire violations in the area, including over 2,300 explosions. 

At about 12:00, the SMM diverted a long-range unmanned aerial vehicle over the area. Its footage is currently being analysed.

The SMM is following up on the security situation in the area.

All relevant observations will be included in the SMM daily reports.