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Transdniestrian settlement talks in the 5+2 format to take place in Bratislava on 9 and 10 October 2019

OSCE - Mon, 10/07/2019 - 09:57

BRATISLAVA/CHISINAU, 7 October 2019 – A meeting of the Transdniestrian settlement talks in the 5+2 format will take place in Bratislava on 9 and 10 October 2019. The talks will be hosted by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák and Franco Frattini, the Special Representative of the Slovak Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process. 

The meeting, officially known as the “Permanent Conference for Political Questions in the Framework of the Negotiating Process on the Transdniestrian Settlement in the 5+2 format”, will bring together representatives of the Sides – the Republic of Moldova and Transdniestria, the mediators from the OSCE, the Russian Federation and Ukraine as well as observers in the negotiations – the European Union and the United States. 

The 5+2 meeting will review the course of implementation of confidence-building measures agreed in the framework of the “Berlin-plus” package and will scope possible complementary and new priority issues for further confidence building measures.  

The Transdniestrian settlement talks in the 5+2 format will be held at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava. On Thursday, 10 October, a press briefing on the outcomes of the 5+2 talks will be held in the Congress Hall of the Ministry, at 11:00 a.m. (Bratislava time), 12:00 p.m. (Chisinau time).

Media representatives wishing to attend the press briefing in Bratislava must register by sending an e-mail confirming attendance to tlac@mzv.sk by 18:00 p.m., 9 October 2019, and should arrive at the reception desk of the Ministry no later than 10:15 a.m. 

The press briefing will be also broadcast via video link to the OSCE Mission to Moldova in Chisinau, 75 Alexei Mateevici Street. Media representatives wishing to participate in the live press conference at the premises of the OSCE Mission must confirm their attendance by sending an e-mail with their name and the name of their media organization to MtMpress@osce.org by 18:00 p.m., 9 October 2019. 

Registered media representatives are kindly requested to arrive at the OSCE Mission to Moldova premises in Chisinau at least 30 minutes before the press conference and present a valid press card and/or ID. 

The press conference will take place in English with the simultaneous translation in Romanian and Russian languages. 

For more information, please contact the Press Office of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, at +373 22 223 495 or e-mail: MtMpress@osce.org.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 236/2019 issued on 5 October 2019

OSCE - Sat, 10/05/2019 - 18:19
SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

  • Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and a similar number in Luhansk region.
  • A man was injured by shrapnel in Staromykhailivka.
  • Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM observed that the pedestrian bypass bridge was open for passage and that the wooden ramps on the broken section of the bridge had been removed.
  • The Mission observed 18 weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas, including multiple-launch rocket systems.
  • The SMM saw for the first time anti-tank mines near Verkhnoshyrokivske, on a road being used by civilians, and near Donetskyi.
  • The SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate the operation of the Donetsk Filtration Station and maintenance and repairs to water pipelines near Pankivka and between Zolote-3/Stakhanovets and Popasna.  
  • Restrictions of the Mission’s access continued, including at a border crossing point near Izvaryne and at a checkpoint in Petrivske, both in non-government-controlled areas.*
Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Media Freedom Representative expresses concern about disproportionate sentence against a Russian blogger

OSCE - Sat, 10/05/2019 - 13:15

VIENNA, 5 October 2019 –The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed concern about the disproportion of punishment of blogger, Vladislav Sinitsa, following yesterday’s decision of the Moscow City Court to uphold his imprisonment in appeal.

Earlier in September 2019, after a single hearing, the Presnensky District Court of Moscow sentenced Sinitsa to five years in prison after finding him guilty, under Russia’s anti-extremism legislation, of inciting hatred and threatening violence against a “social group” (law enforcement personnel), in a tweet published in the wake of the police crackdown during recent election related protests in Moscow. According to the prosecution, the tweet contained calls for reprisals against the children of law enforcement officers. The blogger denied the accusation.

“I am concerned about the disproportion of the sentence against Vladislav Sinitsa,” Désir said. “Even in cases where restriction to freedom of expression can apply, in accordance with international standards, the principle of proportionality must be respected and taken in consideration. The five years prison sentence for a tweet, although reprehensible, is a very harsh and disproportionate punishment. I call on the authorities to carefully review the sentence against the blogger.”

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 235/2019 issued on 4 October 2019

OSCE - Fri, 10/04/2019 - 20:38
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 small-arms fire damage to a functioning school in Zolote-5/Mykhailivka.
  • Explosions occurred near the SMM in the Trudivski area of Donetsk city’s Petrovskyi district.
  • Small-arms fire was assessed as aimed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle near non-government-controlled Horlivka.
  • Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM continued to observe workers from government-controlled areas working on the pedestrian bypass bridge, constructing a new bus stop and clearing and burning vegetation.
  • The Mission observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas, including multiple-launch rocket systems.
  • The SMM saw mines near Vesela Hora and demining activities near Nyzhnie Lozove.
  • The Mission spotted probable trucks near Manych and vehicles near Cheremshyne on a dirt road in the middle of the night, areas beyond government-controlled near the border with the Russian Federation where there are no border crossing facilities.
  • The SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate the operation of the Donetsk Filtration Station, and repair works to water pipelines between Zolote-3/Stakhanovets and Popasna.
  • Restrictions of the Mission’s access continued, including at a checkpoint in non-government-controlled Petrivske.*
  • The SMM monitored a peaceful protest in Lviv related to the latest political developments.
Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Media Freedom Representative reiterates his call for dropping criminal charges against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva in the Russian Federation

OSCE - Fri, 10/04/2019 - 15:59
SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

VIENNA, 4 October 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today reiterated his call on the authorities to drop criminal charges of condoning terrorism against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva.

Prokopyeva, a journalist with Radio Ekho Moskvy (Echo of Moscow) and a contributor to various other media, including the Russian Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio, was indicted with “publicly condoning terrorism”.

Earlier in February 2019, Désir intervened on Prokopyeva’s behalf with the Russian authorities, when law enforcement officers detained and interrogated the journalist, searched her apartment, and seized her computers, phones and files (see https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/411116).

“I reiterate my call on the authorities to drop the charges brought against Prokopyeva, who had no involvement in any terrorist activity or intention to condone terrorism,” Désir said. “The journalist’s view, even if critical, has nothing to do with justification or promotion of terrorism.”

The charges, punishable by a prison sentence of up to seven years, stem from Prokopyeva’s comments on the radio when she expressed her views regarding a terrorist attack in the Russian city of Arkhangelsk in October 2018 that were critical of the authorities.

The Representative noted yesterday’s statement by Russia’s Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights on this matter. According to the statement, the Council’s Standing Committee on Freedom of Information and the Rights of Journalists did not find any signs of condoning terrorism in the case.

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 atwww.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier discusses social cohesion in North Macedonia

OSCE - Fri, 10/04/2019 - 15:11
434639 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Concept of one society and inter-culturalism focus of OSCE-supported high-level conference in Skopje

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier concluded a visit to Skopje, where he spoke at an event on 3 October 2019 presenting a new draft national strategy that aims to foster social cohesion in North Macedonia. His visit is a follow-up to his previous trip to the country in April 2019.

As part of his visit, Zannier met various interlocutors at the national level, including President Stevo Pendarovski, Speaker of the Parliament Talat Xhaferi, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and a number of ministers. He also met representatives of local administrations. The High Commissioner discussed issues pertaining to the integration of diverse societies, including language and education issues.

He also looked at how historical narratives are reflected in public space and searched for positive examples of cultural manifestations that help overcome divisions.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Freedom of the Media Representative launches exchange opportunity for journalists in Cyprus, aims to encourage dialogue and understanding

OSCE - Fri, 10/04/2019 - 14:48

NICOSIA, 4 October 2019—The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Desir, launched yesterday in Nicosia the second exchange opportunity for journalists from both Cypriot communities.

To kick off the launch, the Representative met with the 15 journalists selected to take part in the exchange and who will work for one week, at a host media, before the end of 2019. The project was developed in partnership with the Cyprus Journalists' Union, the Basin-Sen/Press Workers' Union and the Turkish Cypriot Journalists' Union.

“This exchange opportunity represents a unique occasion to meet and work with journalists and editors from another community; to immerse themselves in another newsroom; to create new working relationships — perhaps develop friendships — and to report on a local story,” said Desir. After the exchange, the participants will share their stories in their home media with their readers, viewers or listeners.

“Within the “Cyprus Media Dialogue” project that we initiated in 2017, the exchange opportunity aims to encourage and enhance dialogue, co-operation and solidarity between media and journalists from both Cypriot communities,” Desir said. “It will contribute to support media diversity, the free flow of information by providing media content about the life of both communities to the Cypriot public and will advance quality and ethical journalism in Cyprus.

”This exchange opportunity programme was made possible thanks to the financial support of three OSCE participating States: Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.

During his visit to Cyprus, the Representative met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and with the Government Spokesperson, Prodromos Prodromou, to present the exchange project. They agreed on the importance of safeguarding and promoting the value of freedom of the media.

More on the Cyprus Media Dialogue: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/cyprus-dialogue.

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    

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE-led project on strengthening green ports and connectivity in the Caspian Sea Region launches activities in Kazakhstan

OSCE - Fri, 10/04/2019 - 11:08
434546 Communication and Media Relations Section

The OSCE launched activities in Kazakhstan to support the development of green ports and connectivity in the Caspian Sea Region. They included a launch event on 30 September 2019 in Nur-Sultan and two technical workshops with port authorities in Aktau and Kuryk on 2 and 3 October, respectively.

The gathering was held at the International Centre of Green Technologies and Investments. More than 30 representatives from the relevant ministries, private sector companies, business associations and OSCE experts participated. They exchanged views on the future of sustainable trade in the Caspian region and the role of digitalization as an enabler for trade facilitation.

The event was organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Affairs, with support from the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The workshops in the ports of Aktau and Kuryk were attended by the port authorities, representatives of the port trade community and international experts. They discussed further steps to implement energy efficiency and trade facilitation in the port operations.

The events are part of the OSCE project which aims to help facilitate trade flows from Asia to Europe through the Caspian Sea by making them faster, cheaper and more sustainable. Apart from Kazakhstan, the OSCE project covers Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

“Through this innovative flagship project the OSCE will make a contribution to strengthening regional sustainability, connectivity, security and economic growth across the Caspian Sea Region. This will have positive economic implications for the OSCE region as a whole,” said György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan.

The regional approach, advocated by the OSCE for this project, aims at strengthening regional connectivity between the main ports of these three countries. This will be achieved by establishing a digital platform to reduce trade costs, facilitate information exchange and increase overall efficiency and security along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

As part of the OSCE efforts to encourage connectivity in the region, a regional briefing for representatives of the project’s beneficiary countries was held on 4 October in the port of Baku.

Officials from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan met and exchanged views on the project implementation at the regional level.

The events in Kazakhstan followed the start of project activities in Azerbaijan in June 2019. In late October, the project will continue with technical meetings in Ashgabat and the Port of Turkmenbashi, supporting Turkmenistan on green ports and connectivity.

The project receives financial support from Azerbaijan, Germany, Italy and Iceland.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE supports roundtable discussion on environmental public hearings in Kazakhstan

OSCE - Fri, 10/04/2019 - 10:33
Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan

The OSCE-supported roundtable discussion on conducting and monitoring public hearings as a tool for public participation in environmental decision-making in the Karaganda region took place on 3 October 2019 in Karaganda, Kazakhstan.

The roundtable discussion was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan and the Public Fund Karaganda Regional Ecological Museum (Ecomuzey).

Fifty representatives from government bodies, environmental NGOs, media and the private sector attended the event. Ecomuzey presented a report, developed during the past six months, when it monitored hearings organized by the government and private entities in the Karaganda region. 

Participants discussed common violations of environmental legislation and the preparing and organization of public hearings on environmental matters. Other issues included existing challenges in ensuring public participation and developing recommendations on how to effectively engage the public in decision-making in line with the Aarhus Convention principles.

A similar activity was supported in Pavlodar where a local Aarhus Centre monitored public hearings in the Pavlodar Region for the last six months and presented the results on 27 September. The recommendations for both activities have been summarised and forwarded to the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources for possible incorporation in the new environmental code that is expected to be passed by the end of 2019.

The event is part of the OSCE Programme Office’s longstanding efforts to promote good environmental governance and to assist the host country in meeting its commitments under the Aarhus Convention.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE and Tajikistan’s Interior Ministry organize training courses on introduction to trafficking in human beings and its forms

OSCE - Fri, 10/04/2019 - 08:46
434528 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

A series of two-day training courses on the Introduction to Trafficking in Human Beings and its Forms were held on 24 and 25 September and on 30 September and 1 October 2019 in Dushanbe.

The courses were organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in partnership with the Centre for Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (THB) under Tajikistan’s Interior Ministry. They brought together some 30 investigation officers from the Ministry.

The training courses covered topics including legislative and international framework, forms of trafficking in human beings, protection measures available to law enforcement, identification of THB victims and support services.

Participants enhanced their knowledge on THB related concepts, classification of THB cases and widened the understanding of the THB victims’ needs and identified better ways to support them.

Farrukh Raufov, a trainer and national expert, said: “Combatting trafficking in human beings is a joint effort and each member of the society should actively participate in it. Only together and by taking necessary measures, we can combat this terrible and unacceptable phenomenon.”

The courses were conducted in the framework of the project that supports Tajikistan’s government in implementing the Law on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings and raises awareness among the population in order to prevent trafficking in human beings. They are also part of assisting Tajikistan in the implementation of the National Action Plan on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings for 2019-2021.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 234/2019 issued on 3 October 2019

OSCE - Thu, 10/03/2019 - 18:55
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.
  • Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM continued observing works to a temporary pedestrian bypass to the broken section of the bridge.
  • The SMM saw small-arms fire damage to two civilian properties in Staromykhailivka.
  • The SMM saw a mortar tailfin inside the disengagement area near Zolote and recorded ceasefire violations near the Zolote and Petrivske disengagement areas.
  • The Mission observed a weapon in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled Donetsk city.
  • The SMM saw anti-tank mines near Vesela Hora and Dokuchaievsk.
  • The SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate the operation of the Donetsk Filtration Station, electrical repair works in Pikuzy, and repair works to water pipelines between Zolote-3/Stakhanovets and Popasna.
  • Restrictions of the Mission’s access continued, including at three checkpoints in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region and near a border crossing point in a non-government-controlled area of Luhansk region.*
  • In Kyiv, the SMM monitored a peaceful protest related to the latest political developments.
Categories: Central Europe

Valiant Richey appointed as OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

OSCE - Thu, 10/03/2019 - 16:42

VIENNA, 4 October 2019 - Valiant Richey has been appointed as the new OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger and  Ambassador Radomír Boháč, the Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the OSCE and Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council, welcomed Richey’s appointment as the fifth Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings since the OSCE Permanent Council established the position in 2005.

“Richey has capably served as the Acting Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings for the last 14 months and has brought an innovative and practical approach to the OSCE. I have great confidence that he will lead the Office to even more accomplishments in his new role,” Greminger said.

The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator supports OSCE participating States in their efforts to combat trafficking in human beings through awareness raising, coordination, policy development, research, and capacity building.

Prior to joining the OSCE, Richey worked for 13 years as a prosecutor in Seattle, United States, handling sexual assault, child exploitation and human trafficking cases. He also led a coalition of public and private sector stakeholders in combating human trafficking and was appointed by the Washington State Attorney General to represent prosecutors on the Washington State Trafficking in Persons Coordinating Committee.  Before becoming a prosecutor, Richey managed a public office in Washington State which provided policy and fiscal analysis to the Legislature. He has a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Political Science from Boston University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Washington.

Regarding his appointment, Richey said: “I am immensely honored to lead the OSCE’s anti-trafficking efforts and to be entrusted by the Chairmanship and Secretary General in assuming this role. Together with my highly skilled team, I very much look forward to building on the work already done and supporting the OSCE participating States in eradicating trafficking in human beings.”   

Categories: Central Europe

Concept of one society and inter-culturalism focus of OSCE-supported high-level conference in Skopje

OSCE - Thu, 10/03/2019 - 11:40

SKOPJE, 3 October 2019 – The Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev; the Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje, Clemens Koja; the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Lamberto Zannier and the Head of the Delegation of the European Union, Samuel Žbogar today addressed the high-level international conference Towards the Concept of One Society and Inter-culturalism organized by the OSCE Mission to Skopje and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Over 100 participants attended the conference representing state institutions, major international organizations, academia and civil society. They engaged in constructive dialogue on the government-proposed National Strategy for Development of the Concept of One Society and Inter-culturalism. Participants provided critical insights into the Strategy’s relevance to reverse separation trends and enhance integration of the country’s diverse society.

“As a country, we have laid the foundations of intercultural understanding,” said Prime Minister Zaev. “We have demonstrated our political will to preserve and foster diversity, and that we can live together respecting diverse languages, cultures and religions.” Zaev said that the goal of the government is to further strengthen integration of the society through inter-cultural dialogue, mutual understanding and the inclusion of all its members. “To this end, the implementation of the Strategy aims to build key pillars for one society for all, ensuring equal protection of rights and equal opportunities for all citizens.”   

The Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Clemens Koja, commended the endeavors of the Prime Minister and the Government in producing a comprehensive and far-reaching strategy, which capitalizes on the Ohrid Framework Agreement. “The Strategy has the potential to bridge divides and deepen integrative processes, while advancing inter-ethnic relations and dialogue among all cultures and identities, building a more cohesive, prosperous and stable society.”

Lamberto Zannier, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities said that the Strategy breaks from past politics and policies. “With adequate resources, political will and inter-institutional co-operation, it has the potential to connect all the main elements of a sound integration policy building on the Ohrid Framework Agreement. If successfully implemented, the Strategy would help strengthen social cohesion and make all citizens feel welcome, irrespective of their ethnic background,” said Zannier.

The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia, Samuel Žbogar, said: “The EU welcomes the strategy of the government for developing One Society and inter-culturalism. 'United in diversity' is one of the most recognizable slogans of the EU. Respect for human dignity and rights, equality and freedom are inextricably linked to fundamental EU values such as democracy and the rule of law.”

Categories: Central Europe

Kazakhstan early presidential election 2019: ODIHR observation mission final report

OSCE - Thu, 10/03/2019 - 11:18
434450 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Kazakhstan, Early Presidential Election, 9 June 2019: Final Report

Following Kazakhstan’s early presidential election on 9 June 2019, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has published its final report. While the election was an opportunity for potential political reforms, it was tarnished by violations of fundamental freedoms as well as pressure on critical voices. There were seven candidates, including a woman for the first time ever, but considerable restrictions on the right to stand and limits to peaceful assembly and expression inhibited genuine political pluralism. The election was efficiently organized. However, significant irregularities were observed on election day, including cases of ballot box stuffing, and a disregard of counting procedures meant that an honest count could not be guaranteed. There were widespread detentions of peaceful protesters on election day in major cities.

Key recommendations include:

  • Lifting restrictions on legislation related to constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms
  • Amending the election law to guarantee an inclusive and broad representation of political parties in election commissions at all levels
  • Ensuring universal suffrage by revising the blanket withdrawal of voting rights of citizens serving prison sentences and abolishing the norms disenfranchising people with disabilities
  • Removing the residency, language and professional experience requirements for candidate eligibility and ensuring that any restrictions on the right to stand for those with criminal convictions are proportionate to the severity of the offence
  • Ensuring that election campaigning is conducted in an atmosphere free from intimidation and fear of retribution and amending the law on peaceful assemblies to require a simple notification procedure for holding a public gathering
  • Repealing criminal provisions on defamation, insult and spreading of false information, in favour of civil sanctions designed to restore the reputation harmed, rather than compensate the plaintiff or punish the defendant
  • Enhancing transparency and safeguarding the integrity of election results by publishing disaggregated polling station protocols on the website of the Central Election Commission.
ODIHR deployed an Election Observation Mission on 8 May 2019 to observe the early presidential election. All 57 participating States across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.
Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 233/2019 issued on 2 October 2019

OSCE - Wed, 10/02/2019 - 18:11
SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

  • Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and a similar number in Luhansk region.
  • Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM continued observing works to connect a temporary pedestrian bypass bridge to the broken section of the bridge.
  • The SMM recorded an explosion inside the Zolote disengagement area; it observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles inside the Petrivske disengagement area.
  • The Mission observed 37 weapons in violation of their respective withdrawal lines: one in government- and 36 in non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.
  • The SMM saw unexploded ordnance near Novooleksandrivka and mines near Talakivka.
  • The SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate the operation of the Donetsk Filtration Station and repairs to water pipelines in Luhansk region.
  • Restrictions of the Mission’s access continued, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Petrivske and Verkhnoshyrokivske.*
  • In Kyiv, the SMM monitored two peaceful gatherings related to the latest political developments.
Categories: Central Europe

OSCE presents handbook for law enforcement officers on understanding the role of gender in preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism

OSCE - Wed, 10/02/2019 - 18:01
434456 Communication and Media Relations Section

More than 40 representatives of law enforcement agencies, government and practitioners as well as international organizations gathered in Vienna on 2 October 2019 for the official  launch of the OSCE handbook on Understanding the Role of Gender in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization That Lead to Terrorism: Good Practices for Law Enforcement. The handbook, the first of its kind, is the result of a two-year collaborative effort by experts on gender, security sector and countering violent extremism based on case studies from across the OSCE area.

“Violent extremism and radicalization to terrorism are highly gendered phenomena as they both affect and attract men and women, boys and girls in different ways. The criminal justice and law enforcement response has traditionally been focused on men, while overlooking women victims and perpetrators,” said Kathrin Quesada, the lead expert on the handbook. “It has been challenging to gather and compile the necessary data, but it was our objective to ensure that the most useful part of the handbook would be practical guidelines on how to effectively mainstream gender and incorporate a gender analysis in all aspects of the work that pertains to preventing and countering violent extremism.”

The handbook was funded by Norway and is available in English and Russian at www.osce.org/secretariat/420563

“Norway values equality and human rights as inseparable from true security,” said Ambassador Steffen Kongstad of the Norwegian Mission to the OSCE. “The integration of a gender perspective throughout our efforts is not only about equality, but about preventing violent extremism more effectively, and applying the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security. We are pleased to be contributing to that.”

An Arabic translation funded by Italy is currently being finalized and will be presented to representatives of the OSCE’s Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation at a later stage.

The OSCE is a pioneer in advancing preventative approaches to violent extremism and terrorism. It works 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 (P/CVERLT) in the OSCE’s participating States and Partners for Co-operation.In addition to today’s handbook launch, the handbook series on P/CVERLT includes:

Categories: Central Europe

Office of OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities presents Graz Recommendations on Access to Justice and National Minorities in Kyrgyzstan

OSCE - Wed, 10/02/2019 - 15:59
434411 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities The Graz Recommendations on Access to Justice and National Minorities Thematic Recommendations and Guidelines

The office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) and Kyrgyzstan’s State Agency for Local Self-Governance and Interethnic Relations (GAMSUMO) organized a roundtable discussion in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to present The Graz Recommendations on Access to Justice and National Minorities on 2 October 2019.

Around 50 high-level representatives of the central and local authorities in Kyrgyzstan, as well as participants of civil society and international organizations, attended the event. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Bishkek gave a presentation on universal standards related to access to justice and national minorities.

HCNM Director Christophe Kamp said: “The office of the HCNM has been working with Kyrgyzstan for over 25 years, and this excellent co-operation continues with the current HCNM Lamberto Zannier.” Kamp noted that access to justice is a fundamental element of integration and the avoidance of tensions in society.

The Head of the OSCE Project Office in Bishkek, Pierre von Arx, presented his office’s projects in the field of access to justice in Kyrgyzstan, which include capacity-building activities, training courses and seminars.

GAMSUMO Director Bakhtiyar Saliev welcomed the co-operation with the HCNM in improving Kyrgyzstan’s national legislation according to the international standards for human rights protection, and he underlined the importance of continuing this collaboration.

The participants of the roundtable discussion debated the legal and policy framework in Kyrgyzstan and shared their experiences on how the provisions of the Graz Recommendations are being applied in practice in Kyrgyzstan. They also identified the main challenges and discussed possible solutions. One of the purposes of the event was to assist the Kyrgyzstan authorities in developing relevant policies to support access to justice.

The HCNM actively promotes his Recommendations and Guidelines through practical roundtable discussions and workshops across the OSCE participating States.

Categories: Central Europe

Press Statement of Special Representative of OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk on 1 October 2019

OSCE - Tue, 10/01/2019 - 21:44

MINSK, 1 October 2019 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group, Ambassador Martin Sajdik, made the following statement to the press after the meeting of the the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) ‎and its working groups in Minsk on 1 October 2019:

“Today’s discussions in both TCG and the Political Working Group were centered on the ‘Steinmeier formula’.

Upon the recommendation of the Normandy Four Political Advisers as of September 11, 2019, the TCG members and representatives of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (CADR and CALR) confirmed today, in letters addressed to me, the text of the ‘Steinmeier formula’ for implementation in Ukrainian legislation. The text was agreed by the Political Advisers in the Normandy format.

Based on the results of today's discussions on security issues, the TCG also determined the date of 7 October 2019 for renewal of the disengagement of forces and hardware in the Zolote and Petrivske areas.

These two important steps were taken as tasked by the Normandy Four, and I hope that, with them, the TCG has contributed to furthering work in the Normandy format.

Now, regarding Stanytsia Luhanska: I would like to note progress achieved in the implementation of the TCG decision on the repair of the bridge at Stanytsia Luhanska. A temporary bypass bridge is currently under construction.

As you know, OSCE stands steadfastly for the security and protection of civilians. In this regard, I want to turn special attention to the case of injuries received by five children following a hand grenade explosion in CALR. This incident is absolutely unacceptable.

Realising their political and humanitarian responsibility to the population, the sides must take decisive action to ensure safety for civilians, in particular children. I urge schools to carry out relevant warning and information activities.

The Humanitarian Working Group focused on the questions related to the exchange of detainees. In addition, a constructive discussion on the search for missing persons took place.

The Economic Working Group, among other questions, paid particular attention to current water supply issues in CADR and CALR as well as pension payments.”

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 232/2019 issued on 1 October 2019

OSCE - Tue, 10/01/2019 - 20:37
SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

  • Compared with the previous 24 hours, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and a similar number of ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
  • Three firefighters sustained shrapnel injuries in Donetsk city’s Petrovskyi district.
  • Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM continued monitoring works to connect a temporary pedestrian bypass bridge to the broken section of the bridge.
  • The SMM again saw a barbed wire and a tube of an unused rocket-propelled grenade inside the Zolote disengagement area. It again observed military presence inside the Petrivske disengagement area.
  • The Mission observed weapons in violation of their respective withdrawal lines in government-controlled areas of Luhansk region.
  • The SMM saw unexploded ordnance on the road between Popasna and Molodizhne.  
  • The SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate the operation of and repairs to essential civilian infrastructure, including repairs to water pipelines and power lines and to enable the drilling of water wells.
  • Restrictions of the Mission’s access continued, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Petrivske, Verkhnoshyrokivske and Shevchenko.
Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Media Freedom Representative pays tribute to assassinated journalist Jamal Khashoggi on one-year anniversary

OSCE - Tue, 10/01/2019 - 18:07

VIENNA, 1 October 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, paid tribute today to Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist who was brutally murdered one year ago, recalling the urgent need to fight against impunity of crimes committed against journalists.

“At a time when the safety of journalists has drastically deteriorated worldwide in the last several years, impunity for attacks on journalists is unacceptable. It is crucial, in order to safeguard the role of journalists and media freedom, that the perpetrators and those behind this horrendous crime are identified and face justice. Impunity of perpetrators of such attacks and the passivity in investigating and failing to publicly condemn these murders breeds further violence. On this day of the one year anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, we remember all other recently killed journalists, including in the OSCE region. The spread of violence against journalists across the globe is a threat to our core democratic values,” said Désir.

On 2 October 2018, Khashoggi, a contributor to the Washington Post, visited the Consulate of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul where he was executed. His body was reportedly dismembered and removed from the building, and his remains have not been found. Eleven Saudi suspects were put on trial in secretive proceedings on 3 January 2019, but only a few hearings have been held since. 

The Representative noted that a number of media freedom and human rights organizations, including Reporters Without Borders, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Committee to Protect Journalists and Article 19 will join Khashoggi’s fiancée, his friends and UN Special Rapporteur Agnès Callamard in front of the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on 2 October to commemorate the first anniversary of his murder.

Categories: Central Europe

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