Central Europe

VIENNA, 22 August 2023 - On this International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, we express our concern at the alarming number of violent incidents and hate-motivated attacks based on religion or belief that occur throughout the OSCE region. Antisemitic conspiracy theories, hate speech directed at Muslims, racist discourse, and incitement targeting Christians and members of other religions or belief are rife on and off social media.  

Instead of opening hearts to our common humanity, we are deeply troubled by instances of religious teachings, ideas or beliefs being instrumentalized for political purposes. This is particularly true when religious communities are lending support or allowing themselves to be instrumentalized for policies and measures that seek to limit the rights of women, migrants and refugees, as well as other vulnerable groups and minorities, in the name of social cohesion, national identity or cultural security.

Thus, on this day of commemoration, we encourage all participating States to strengthen their efforts to protect the freedom of religion or belief for all their residents and ensure that it is guaranteed through comprehensive legislation and implementation. These measures should foster inclusion and build resilience against violence and other abuses based on OSCE commitments.

It is equally true that all members of society share in the responsibility to reject any form of intolerance, discrimination, hatred and violence against Jews, Christians, Muslims, and members of other religions or beliefs, and to promote peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. Religious or belief community activists and civil society organizations are valued partners in these efforts and deserve government recognition and support.

As the Personal Representatives of the Chairperson-in-Office for tolerance issues, together with ODIHR, we stand ready to assist governments in their efforts to advance these goals.  

Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism

Professor Regina Polak, Personal Representative on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, also focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions

WARSAW, 22 August 2023 – Interfaith and interreligious dialogue is vital to promote the right to freedom of religion or belief and combat religious intolerance and violence, not just against people but also against homes, property, schools, religious sites, or places of worship, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion.

“Dialogue can be difficult, but it is nonetheless vital,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “It gives an opportunity for different religious or belief communities to engage in frank but respectful conversation. This allows members of diverse communities to gain insight into each other's beliefs, practices and values, fostering mutual tolerance and respect and countering stereotypes and prejudices that can lead to intolerance or even violence.”

Hatred against people from particular religious or belief communities rarely takes place in isolation, but often goes hand in hand with other manifestations of intolerance. Violence and discrimination do not only harm the individuals and communities concerned but can also jeopardize security across the OSCE region, with tensions between religious or belief communities having the potential to transform into wider conflicts.

Through regular exchange and co-operation, religious and belief communities can contribute to the advancement of freedom of religion or belief and strengthen the basis for peaceful co-existence. This can include working together towards effective anti-discrimination policies and legislation regulating the status of religious or belief communities in line with international human rights standards, and at the same time promoting the right to practice religion or belief without fear of violence.

Working towards security and stability in the OSCE region through the promotion of the right to freedom of religion or belief is an important aspect of ODIHR’s work, and the Office’s work in this area is supported by its panel of experts, specialists from a wide range of backgrounds and fields of expertise. Later this year, ODIHR will publish a practical toolkit dedicated to interfaith and interreligious dialogue and partnerships as a means to foster dialogue and understanding between different religions and belief communities.

All participating States of the OSCE have committed to “recognize and respect the freedom of the individual to profess and practice, alone or in community with others, religion or belief acting in accordance with the dictates of his own conscience”. Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right that gives each individual the right to have, not to have, adopt, change or leave a religion or belief. Its essence is the understanding that every society is diverse, and that respecting our differences is the only way for us to live together peacefully.

549859 Marina Živaljević

As part of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro assistance to the State Election Commission, to strengthen its administrative capacity to ensure that people with disabilities can vote independently and in secret, the Mission facilitated a study mission between 16 and 18 August to London.

Nikola Mugoša, Chair of State Election Commission (SEC), and Damir Suljević, a Commissioner representing NGOs and academia, together with Darko Brajović, the Mission Acting Democratization Programme Manager met with officials of the Cabinet Office and the Electoral Commission, the Association of Electoral Administrators, the Electoral Reform Society, and some of the leading disability charities. The delegation examined both the British legislative framework and administrative practice of safeguarding blind and partially sighted people can exercise their voting rights independently and in secret.

Nikola Mugoša presented the Montenegrin electoral framework and the requirement, in line with ODIHR recommendations that Parliament undertakes a comprehensive electoral reform. He was expecting that the new Parliament would soon form an electoral reform committee and which the SEC will actively support. Commissioner Suljević shared recent amendments the SEC made to its secondary legislation, making voting easier for voters with disabilities.

Paul Docker, Head of Electoral Administration at Cabinet Office, discussed how the UK’s accessibility legislation, removed impediments for voters with disabilities. The Royal National Institute of Blind People presented the work to make voting accessible for blind and partially sighted people.  

Darko Brajović, the Mission’s Acting Democratization Programme Manager underlined the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities are able to effectively participate in political and public life as part of the implementation of fundamental democratic rights in Montenegro.

549835 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 14 – 19 August 2023 The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (Office) organized a six-day training on the practical use of the electronic inventory management software for small arms and light weapons (SALW) and conventional ammunition (CA). Twelve national participants (all men) from Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) took part in the training held in Dushanbe.

The primary goal of the event was to familiarize the participants with the functions and capacity of the SALW&CA registration software developed by the OSCE, UNDP and Belarussian Ministry of Defense to meet the requirements for SALW and ammunition electronic record-keeping.

Following the training, the participants concluded that the software will be instrumental in improving efficiency in inventory management, storage and control of SALW condition, as well as the integrity, accuracy and speed in obtaining information used for management decision making. The new software is designed to increase productivity and improve working conditions for the personnel engaged with SALW record-keeping as well as reduce the volume of mundane manual operations.

Upon completion of the event, the Office donated 10 computers with pre-installed SALW&CA inventory management software to the MIA.  

The event was organized within the framework of the OSCE’s SALW CA project portfolio in the country and is part of the Office’s multi-year efforts to support Tajikistan in fulfilling its international commitments in the area of arms security and control,

VIENNA/SARAJEVO, 16 August 2023 - OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, and Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Brian Aggeler are alarmed by the recent repeated, open and direct threats as well as accusations made by Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik towards N1, Capital, BN, and Buka media outlets.

President Dodik's stated intention to file lawsuits against these media organizations for allegedly destabilizing RS and undermining his position in power, along with his claims of their allegedly receiving international funds for this purpose, are clearly aimed at suppressing and targeting journalists, silencing dissent and independent voices. This is particularly concerning given the recent move by Republika Srpska National Assembly that on 20 July re-criminalised defamation in RS.

“Such extreme and inflammatory statements, in particular when made by political leaders, have the potential to create an atmosphere of hostility and even incite violence,” said Ambassador Aggeler. “Past instances of similar rhetoric have led to attacks on journalists and human rights advocates by groups of hooligans with woefully insufficient reactions from law enforcement authorities failing to find and prosecute perpetrators, and protect citizens from violence,” he added.

"I denounce the accusations against N1, Capital, Buka, and BN television journalists," Ribeiro said. The representative recalled the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council decision on the Safety of Journalists, adopted by consensus of all OSCE participating states, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this decision, they "urge political leaders, public officials, and authorities to refrain from intimidating, threatening, or condoning – and to unequivocally condemn – violence against journalists. This is in order to reduce the risks or threats that journalists may face and avoid undermining trust in the credibility of journalists, as well as respect for the importance of independent journalism."

The OSCE strongly condemns any form of violence or harassment against journalists and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding their safety and rights, including their physical safety, security of their premises and homes, and strategic lawsuits launched by public officials.

“We expect that the authorities within RS will uphold their responsibilities and ensure the protection of all RS citizens, including journalists, from the potential consequences of such inflammatory speech. A free and independent media is a cornerstone of any democratic society, and the OSCE underscores the importance of fostering an environment in which journalists and media organizations can operate without fear of retribution,” Ribeiro and Aggeler concluded.

Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 16 August 2023 - On this day of mourning, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses its deep condolences to the families of the victims of those killed and wounded in the horrific killings in Gradačac, as well as to the local community suffering from this tragedy.

Prevention of violence against women and domestic violence more generally must be priorities for all relevant institutions in BiH.  We welcome the urgent investigation into the institutional response regarding this particular case, and strongly encourage relevant authorities at all levels to review the ineffective system of protection against domestic violence overall and to come forward with administrative and legislative proposals for how to better protect women against domestic violence.

According to an OSCE study, 48 percent of women in BiH have experienced some form of abuse, and 84 percent goes unreported.  A comprehensive response to this alarming situation will involve a coordinated effort including effective enforcement of existing legislation and training for police and judiciary officials.  The OSCE Mission stands ready to support any serious attempt to finally fight domestic violence decisively.

We also call upon the relevant authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to tighten firearms control through amending the laws regulating firearms ownership and possession in full harmonization with EU legislation and other international standards. Citizens should be encouraged to hand over their firearms to law enforcement authorities for destruction.

Finally, we urge the media to act responsibly by balancing the need to inform the public against preserving and protecting the privacy of those involved, especially minors. This is particularly important given the sensitivity of such incidents and the vulnerability of victims and witnesses.

ASTANA, 11 August 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani concluded his visit to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The trip focused on strengthening regional co-operation and the OSCE’s engagement in addressing the broad range of security challenges the region is facing.

In Tashkent, Chairman Osmani met with the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis (the Parliament) Tanzila Narbaeva, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov, and other interlocutors.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office highlighted the constructive co-operation the OSCE has with the country through its OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and institutions.

“As Chairpersonship, we attach equal importance to all regions within the OSCE area. We outlined Central Asia to be one of our priorities. By this visit, we are translating words into concrete action.” said Osmani.

“We see OSCE as a whole. I reiterated to the Uzbekistan authorities that the OSCE is committed to continue to support the country in implementing its reform agenda. This is another reason why we need to engage in even closer co-operation and pursue a co-ordinated regional response, on top of effective multilateralism.”

In Astana, Chairman Osmani met with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Speaker of the Senate of the Parliament Maulen Ashimbayev, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Zulfiya Suleimen and other high-level officials.

He commended Kazakhstan for its active engagement in addressing regional challenges and its commitment to promoting integration and connectivity in Central Asia. Chairman Osmani also stressed the excellent co-operation between the OSCE and Kazakhstan, including through the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana.

“The OSCE is fully engaged in delivering concrete projects to the benefit of the people across the OSCE region, including Central Asia.”

"The co-operation between Kazakhstan and the OSCE showcases many best practices that could be replicated, contributing to important public policies and processes. Using OSCE values and principles and its role as a unique platform for dialogue between different regions is more important than ever.”

In both countries, Chairman Osmani met with representatives of civil society and the staff of the OSCE field operations there, including the Programme Office in Astana and the Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan. 

SKOPJE/VIENNA, 10 August 2023 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, held two separate telephone conversations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan.

Minister Osmani expressed his concerns about the situation around the Lachin corridor and the impact on the civilian population, in particular vulnerable groups, including women and children. While emphasizing that he is following the situation carefully, he reiterated his call for constructive and productive dialogue as an avenue for sustainable solutions, for the benefit of the conflict-affected population.

Chairman Osmani underscored that the humanitarian considerations and people’s immediate needs should prevail. He offered his good offices and the OSCE`s tools and confidence-building measures as part of the solutions for normalizing relations and trust-building between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Recalling his past meetings with both ministers and visits to both capitals, OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani conveyed his readiness to continue his personal and active engagement with the sides. In this vein, he repeated that the OSCE Chairpersonship stands ready to facilitate dialogue to advance sustainable and peaceful resolve.

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The breach of the dam at Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant on 6 June 2023, the resulting overflow of Kakhovka reservoir and the flooding of downstream territories have had a widespread and devastating impact, including potentially long-lasting environmental damage, according to research conducted by the Centre for Environmental Monitoring and supported by the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine.

In response to a request from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Ukraine to quickly obtain information about its associated risks, the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine funded the sampling and analysis of surface water and air in the affected areas of Kherson region. The municipal enterprise “Centre for Environmental Monitoring” conducted tests from 10 June to 14 July and prepared an analytical report that was presented to the Ministry.

The research confirms that, at the time of sample-taking, the quality of water in every site tested did not meet sanitary, microbiological and parasitological norms. The high-speed, high-volume flood washed away river banks and submerged areas with a heavy industrial presence, spreading various chemicals and biological pollutants, resulting in disruption to the environmental balance, with long-lasting consequences.

In the framework of the monitoring activities, the mobile laboratory of the Centre examined 39 samples from Dnipro, Inhulets, Koshova and Viriovchyna rivers; air sampling was also conducted in three locations in the Kherson region. Examination was conducted on the sampling sites using instrumental analysis methods specially designed for fieldwork.  The study also engaged specialized laboratories in Kyiv and Kherson. Sampling encompassed more than 90 indicators pertinent to chemical, biological and radiological pollution on the Ukrainian government-controlled territory.  Experts had to take into account numerous security restrictions, meaning that sampling works could not be conducted on the left (southern) bank of the Dnipro River.

Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Olena Kramarenko noted: “We thank the OSCE for helping us monitor and analyse the impact of this terrible environmental crime.  It is important to continue monitoring activities and mobilize all available resources for the ecosystem rehabilitation in the region”.

The sampling materials will inform decision-makers on the environmental rehabilitation of the affected territories; as well as providing data for local and international organizations that are assessing the environmental aspects of the war. The report recommends – among other things – to continue regular and extended environmental monitoring.  The OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine will continue to co-operate closely with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Ukraine and the international community for the comprehensive assessment of the consequences of this environmental catastrophe and the impact of the war on the environment.

These efforts are an integral part of the project implemented through the financial support of  a number of OSCE participating States and partners. The full list of donors can be found here.

VIENNA/SKOPJE, 8 August 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, will visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan from 9 to 11 August for meetings with high-level government officials, parliamentarians and civil society.

In Tashkent, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office will hold meetings with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Chairperson of Senate of the Oliy Majlis (the Parliament) Tanzila Narbaeva and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov.

In Astana, Chairman Osmani will meet with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Speaker of the Senate of the Parliament Maulen Ashimbayev,  Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Zulfiya Suleimenova and other high-level officials.

Throughout the visit, Chairman Osmani will also meet with OSCE field operations staff, civil society representatives and the OSCE beneficiaries.

For more information about the 2023 OSCE Chairmanship of North Macedonia, please visit the OSCE website: https://www.osce.org/chairmanship.

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In times of war, domestic violence can escalate, leaving vulnerable individuals trapped in fear and abuse. Amid the chaos and uncertainty, the safety and well-being of individuals, especially women and children, are often compromised. The overlapping traumas of war-related violence and domestic abuse create a deeply distressing and overwhelming environment for vulnerable individuals. With that in mind, it is hard to overestimate the value of those who provide assistance to people trying to recover from gender-based violence – psychologists and social workers. It is also important that young professionals who only make first steps on this difficult but very important walk of life get a lot of support – in building the necessary skills and receiving due recognition and encouragement. 

OSCE-supported Youth Camp for young social workers and psychologists provided an opportunity for 26 participants to dive into four days of interactive training, coaching and discussions under the guidance of the experts in the field of combating gender-based violence. The event, organized on 25-29 July in Ivano-Frankivsk oblast, focused on helping participants to better understand both the phenomenon of domestic violence and the full range of tools and resources available in Ukraine to assist the survivors. Some cases need more focus on psychological rehabilitation, for others there’s a need to provide social support, including temporary shelter and assistance with employment; there are also cases that require psychological correction work with perpetrators.

Being equipped with such multidisciplinary approach will enable the young professionals to consider and provide comprehensive and co-ordinated assistance responding to the diverse needs of people seeking help. The expertise and dedication hold the potential to significantly improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence during wartime in Ukraine.

The Youth Camp was organized by the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine together with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine within a project implemented with financial support from donors, full list of which is available here. 

549445 Therese Abrahamsen Edita Buçaj

Artfest, a three-day arts and human rights festival for young people, organized by the NGO Social Space for Deconstruction (SSD) and supported by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, concluded on 30 July 2023 in Mitrovicë/Mitrovica South.

The festival, supported by the OSCE Mission for the third year in a row, gathered over 200 children and young people from different communities in Mitrovicë/Mitrovica region.

Over the course of three days, they expressed their vision of an inclusive society through creative works with clay, drawings, sewing, face painting, and participation in peace-building workshops. The young participants also took part in jam sessions and DJ sets, and visited the exhibition “Inscribing Care” by Serbian artist Dunja Karanović, at the Association of the Deaf. 

“Artfest has united the community through art, without social structures, and with genuine community collaborations. Although it is a formal organization, the feeling at Artfest is inclusive, and everyone, children, parents, students, women, men, the elderly have found themselves as an integral part of this edition,” said Besart Peci, civil society activist and one of the participants.

“Artistic creations highlight children's imagination, and that's what we can achieve. This made the feeling, the city and life in general more beautiful,” he added.

With volunteers from all over Europe and volunteering in local NGOs such as SSD, Handikos, Bonevet, Community Building Mitrovica and Local Peace, the festival offered a unique opportunity for intercommunity dialogue and exchange.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion, democratization and public safety sector development. It actively promotes an inclusive approach to make youth voices heard and works with them to help develop their skills in areas such as human rights, volunteerism, confidence-building, critical thinking, social cohesion and dialogue. 

WARSAW, 2 August 2023 – Remembering the persecution and murder of the Roma by the Nazi regime is also a reminder of the ongoing need to combat the discrimination that Roma and Sinti communities face today, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on today’s Roma Genocide Remembrance Day.

“Today we remember the Roma and Sinti who were vilified, targeted, and murdered by the Nazi regime simply for who they were,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “By commemorating the victims of the Roma genocide, we do not only honour their memory, but stand against the discrimination and hatred that many Roma face to this day.”

It was on 2 August 1944 that 4,300 Sinti and Roma were murdered in Auschwitz-Birkenau. ODIHR continues to support countries across the OSCE in remembering the Roma and Sinti who lost their lives during the Second World War and in helping to raise awareness of the fatal consequences of racist ideologies based on intolerance and hatred.

ODIHR recently joined other international organisations including the United Nations and the European Commission in #ProtectTheFacts. This global campaign to combat Holocaust distortion was developed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and emphasises that downplaying any crimes of the Nazi regime and its collaborators is an insult both to victims and survivors.

All OSCE countries have recognized “the particular difficulties faced by Roma and Sinti and the need to undertake effective measures in order to achieve full equality of opportunity” for Roma and Sinti. ODIHR continues to support OSCE countries in addressing anti-Roma hate crime and discrimination. The guidance contained in the Office’s recent Understanding Anti-Roma Hate Crimes and Addressing the Security Needs of Roma and Sinti Communities: A Practical Guide highlights measures that promote safety and security without discrimination. 

Every five years, ODIHR updates its findings on the implementation of the commitments made by OSCE countries to increase the participation of Roma and combat discrimination against them. This year’s report will assess the progress made over the last half-decade, as well as detailing the challenges that remain.

538068 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz Bulgaria, Early Parliamentary Elections, 2 April 2023: Final Report

The April 2023 early parliamentary elections in Bulgaria were competitive and well managed by the election administration, and fundamental freedoms were respected. The legal framework was adequate for the conduct of democratic elections, however, frequent changes eroded trust, undercut efficiency and complicated timely preparations. The media offered diverse and extensive coverage, allowing voters to hear a plurality of views, but remained susceptible to political and corporate influences that reduced critical reporting. The underrepresentation of women in political office and the campaign demonstrated a need for greater commitment to ensure gender equality in politics.

These are some of the main conclusions from the final report on the 2 April elections published today by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

Key recommendations include:

• Revising the legal framework well in advance of the next elections in an inclusive and transparent consultation process, to ensure a coherent and stable electoral framework;
• Introducing or changing election technologies sufficiently in advance, to allow time for piloting, auditing and certification of equipment and its functioning;
• Introducing temporary measures to promote women’s representation;
• Promptly investigating allegations of intimidation, coercion and vote buying, and educating voters on their rights and safeguards in place;
• Taking legislative measures to protect journalists and media workers and to uphold freedom of expression;
• Improving procedures for establishing and reporting voting results to eliminate inaccuracies in the results protocols.

ODIHR deployed an Election Observation Mission on 28 February 2023 to observe the elections and remained in the country until 12 April.

All 57 participating States across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.

SKOPJE/VIENNA/WARSAW, 28 July 2023 – Ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, and Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Matteo Mecacci called for renewed efforts across the OSCE region to combat human trafficking and prevent exploitation.

“We are a people-focused Chairpersonship. We must all step up our joint efforts if we are to end the scourge of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. In doing so, we have to put the people - the victims, survivors, and those at risk - first and at the centre of our collective efforts across all three dimensions of security,” said Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani.

“The fight against human trafficking is at the heart of what we do. It’s about working together across societies and government to protect those who are most vulnerable,” said Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid. “With less than one percent of trafficking victims ever identified, it is clear we need to prioritize anti-trafficking efforts to make sure we leave no one behind."

“Human trafficking causes untold misery and pain to survivors,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “To fight this heinous crime, political action is needed at the highest level. At the same time, we must put the lived experience of survivors at the heart of both policy and legislation to combat trafficking effectively and lastingly.”

The OSCE plays a crucial role in helping its participating States address the widespread threat of human trafficking. The OSCE’s efforts, led by the Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, brings together the OSCE Secretariat, ODIHR, and field operations to develop national and regional anti-trafficking responses on protection, prevention and prosecution. Find out more here: https://www.osce.org/combating-human-trafficking.

Vienna – 24 July 2023 – OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will visit Washington D.C. from 24 to 26 July for meetings with high-level government officials, legislators and civil society.

Secretary General Schmid will meet with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and senior officials at the State Department and the National Security Council. She will also meet with members of the Helsinki Commission.

On Wednesday, 26 July at 11:00 (EDT), she will speak at an event hosted by the Wilson Center titled ‘The Current Challenges and Future of OSCE: A Conversation with OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid’.

During the event, the Secretary General will address the challenges facing the OSCE as well as the Organization’s role in European and Eurasian security. The discussion will be chaired by Ambassador Philip Reeker, Chair of the Wilson Center’s Global Europe Program.

Full details, including registration, can be found on the following page: Wilson Center

549028 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

The OSCE Programme Office (Office) in Dushanbe conducted a three-day workshop on project proposal writing with regard to water governance and management from 19 to 21 July in Safeddara. The Office organized the event in co-operation with Tajikistan’s National Commission on Irrigation and Drainage.

Fifteen young water professionals participated in the workshop and strengthened their skills and knowledge in writing project proposals by focusing on developing concepts, goals, methodologies, budgets as well as assessing impact and risks. The workshop involved both theoretical lectures and group works.

“The Office continues to support the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in the development of water sector through implementation of various projects,” said Rati Japaridze, Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. “We promote the involvement of youth in water management projects by taking into account the impact of climate change and organizing training courses for future leaders in the water sector.”

Bahrom Gaforzoda, the Secretary of Tajikistan’s National Commission for Irrigation and Drainage, stated: “Young generation is the future of water sector, and Tajikistan needs qualified young professionals who are able to introduce new ideas and innovative approaches to the water management. Involvement of young professionals will allow to attract more international investment to modernize existing water management structures by taking into account adaptation to climate change.”

The event is conducted in line with previously implemented activities by the Office in the area of water security, and it supports the participation of youth in decision-making processes. The workshop is organized to help promote sustainable management of water resources in national and transboundary contexts.

549022

As the war displaced millions of Ukrainians or pushed them to the verge by destroying homes and businesses, the World’s Day against Trafficking in Persons, marked on 30 July each year, provided yet another occasion for the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine (the SPU) to join efforts of state agencies, civil society and international organizations in campaigning to warn people about growing risks to fall victim of human trafficking. 

For that, the Programme elaborated notepads with designs and messages promoting self-care for people who appeared in a difficult situation, prompting their awareness of risks, related to unofficial employment, encouraging them to clarify conditions of suspicious job offers. The materials, available for download here, also inform about available assistance for those who suffered from traffickers, provide reference to useful resources, draw attention to the fact that trafficking is a criminal offence with prosecution and law enforcement tools in place to punish it.

The materials will be handed over to the National Police, notable its Departments of Migration Police and Human Rights, for further distribution among those in risk of trafficking. In addition, the Programme’s experts and employees deliver lectures for the cadets of universities in the system of the Ministry of Interior to help enhance their understanding of this crime, its causes and consequences, and about ways to assist the victims. Lecturers and students of those universities are organizing safety lessons in schools and other outreach and awareness-raising events with the use of the OSCE materials.

“Law enforcers are ready to act on those exploiting vulnerability of people who lost their homes or stable income. But it is always better to prevent this horrendous crime, so that people do not suffer from traffickers. That is why it is important that we together with our international partners, including the OSCE, push for people to stay vigilant and avoid mistakes that may cost them not only their freedom, time and unpaid labor, but also health and even in severe cases endanger their lives”, said Yuriy Parkhomenko, Head of Department of Migration Police of Ukraine.

For the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine the Programme developed communication products for social media channels, relevant safety messages are also shared through the SPU’s part of the OSCE website and Facebook page. 

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Thomson Reuters are proudly partnering together on the “Be Safe” campaign which provides critical information and advice to help Ukrainians spot the warning signs of traffickers, minimise the risks and get assistance. More information here: OSCE (helpforukrainians.info). 

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On 17 to 21 July, OSCE organized a 5-day workshop aimed at bolstering the National Bank of Georgia's regulatory framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). The workshop, held in Tbilisi and hosted by the National Bank of Georgia and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Georgia, focused on enhancing the regulatory compliance of VASPs operating within the country.

The event provided a platform for in-depth discussions on registration rule requirements for VASPs in Georgia. During the event, OSCE experts together with National Bank of Georgia officials examined the current regulatory landscape and explored ways to enhance compliance measures to mitigate the risks of terrorist financing and money laundering associated with virtual assets.

Participants actively engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions, interactive discussions, and collaborative exercises with the intent of delving into best practices, regulatory frameworks, and effective strategies for promoting transparency and combating illicit activities within the virtual assets and cryptocurrencies industry.

National Bank representatives and experts discussed effective monitoring tools and ongoing preventive measures to ensure the integrity of the cryptocurrency market. The workshop emphasized the importance of collecting and analyzing relevant data, while respecting privacy rights and protecting fundamental freedoms. Participants also explored the alignment of anti-money laundering policies and compliance with international sanctions. They discussed red flags of money laundering and terrorist financing and examined specific restrictions related to certain virtual assets and technologies.

The discussion also focused on the development of comprehensive internal guidelines and assessment processes for cryptocurrency exchanges. Participants shared their insights on data submission frequency and reporting requirements to ensure effective regulatory oversight and transparency. The workshop provided participants with the opportunity to enhance their understanding of regulatory compliance in the cryptocurrency industry and strengthen their capacity to combat illicit activities.

"The OSCE understands the critical importance of effectively regulating Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) in today's financial landscape. We stand ready to support the National Bank of Georgia in their efforts to implement comprehensive regulatory measures and ensure compliance,” said Kurban Babayev, OSCE Associate Anti-corruption Officer. “The robust regulation of VASPs is integral to safeguarding financial integrity, enhancing consumer protection, and countering financial crimes. Through collaboration and technical support, the OSCE aims to assist the National Bank of Georgia in establishing a resilient regulatory framework that adheres to international standards, fostering a secure and innovative virtual asset market,” Babayev added.

The workshop is part of an OSCE extra-budgetary project on innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets. The project is designed to support the governments of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine in building national authorities’ capacities to mitigate criminal risks related to virtual assets and cryptocurrencies. The project is funded by Germany, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States.

548998 Communication and Media Relations Section Alexandra Taylor

From 19 to 21 July, the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department (TNTD), in close co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, conducted an OSCE Training-of-Trainers course on implementing intelligence-led policing in Kyrgyzstan.

This course provided 20 participants (5 women, 15 men) from national and regional law enforcement authorities with the knowledge and expertise to instruct colleagues in the practical application of intelligence-led policing (ILP).

ILP remains the most widely recognized approach to policing that combines analysis, foresight, prioritization and planning to create a more proactive and effective decision-making framework for policing.

The training course covered a wide range of topics related to the implementation of ILP, including an explanation of the main concept of ILP and how this relates to the use of intelligence analysis for law enforcement. Training materials, including a comprehensive training manual and presentations, were made available to the course graduates for their use in the training of other law enforcement officers across Kyrgyzstan.

This event is part of an ongoing effort to support Kyrgyzstan in the nationwide roll-out of ILP, following an in-depth needs assessment conducted jointly by the OSCE and Kyrgyz authorities and an introductory session on ILP delivered in 2022.

The POiB co-operates closely with the Ministry of Internal Affairs on law enforcement reform, including the establishment of ILP as a key model for policing in Kyrgyzstan. Konstantin Bedarev, the POiB’s Adviser on Police Matters, stated that “the OSCE POiB welcomes the opportunity to combine the resources of the Programme Office and the Secretariat’s TNTD in order to deliver real value for our national counterparts. There has been great interest in additional support from the OSCE to further embed ILP in the national law enforcement culture.”

“The OSCE’s efforts in promoting ILP have resulted in numerous activities organized jointly with participating States over the past six years. This Training-of-Trainers course will support the implementation of ILP approaches in Kyrgyzstan by equipping participants with hands-on lesson plans and comprehensive training materials,” highlighted Sascha Strupp, Senior Programme and Analysis Officer and ILP Project Manager with TNTD.

The training course was delivered as part of the extra-budgetary project “Building intelligence-led policing capacities on regional and national levels in the OSCE area”, funded by Germany.