Central Europe

VIENNA, 8 June 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today expressed his concern about the seizure of a Dutch journalist’s records as part of an ongoing investigation into the leaking of classified information.

According to reports, police has seized the phone records of journalist Jos van de Ven, of the regional daily newspaper Brabants Dagblad, as part of an investigation on leaks about the appointment procedure of the new mayor of the city of Den Bosch in 2017.

“The seizure of phone records of a journalist violates the right of journalists to protect their sources. This may have a chilling effect on the work of other journalists, as it may deter individuals from speaking with them,” said Désir. “It also poses the question of whether this decision respected national and international standards on the protection of journalistic sources.”

The Representative noted that the seizure occurred shortly before the introduction of a new law strengthening source protection in the Netherlands.

“The incident demonstrates the importance of the proposed legislation on the protection of journalistic sources, and I express the hope that the draft law will be adopted and will come into force rapidly,” the Representative said.

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.

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OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan

Disaster risk reduction in areas with transboundary water flows was the focus of a study tour to Switzerland and Italy for ten disaster risk management experts from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan organized jointly by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek from 7 to 9 June 2018.

The study tour was hosted by the Swiss Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications and included briefings by this Department as well as the Swiss Federal Roads Office, Swiss Development Co-operation, the United Nations (UN) Economic Commission for Europe and the UN division for the Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents.

Over the course of the tour, participants were introduced to a variety of aspects pertaining to international co-operation in disaster risk reduction. Specific topics in this regard were integrated risk management focusing on flood risk management, national road management and the interaction between natural hazards and the transfer of goods and person through mountainous areas. To complete the study tour, the participants conducted a field visit along the route Grand St. Bernhard on the Swiss-Italian border.

The study tour was organized within the framework of the Project Co-ordinator’s project Monitoring Pollution in the Syrdarya River Basin and Assessment of the Transboundary Impact of Toxic Waste, one aim of which is to build confidence and co-operation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on the implementation of inter-governmental disaster risk reduction mechanisms.

383904 Edita Buçaj

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo continues its campaign to raise public awareness about the safety of journalists, with billboards and murals featuring prominent journalists placed throughout Kosovo.  

Launched in 2017 with TV ads, the campaign addresses persisting challenges that journalists encounter while doing their job and the consequential impact on their work. It stresses the importance of finding the perpetrators of any form of threat or attack against journalists, to prevent future attacks.

“Journalists are exposed to specific risks of intimidation, threats or physical attacks because of their work,” said Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Jan Braathu.

“A total of 28 threats or physical attacks against journalists were reported in 2017. It is important for each and every member of the society to understand the need to protect journalists and to contribute to an environment that respects freedom of speech and freedom of the media,” said Braathu.

The billboards and murals, in Albanian and Serbian, will be up from June to November 2018.

As part of this campaign, the Mission is also running TV debates on the safety of journalists and related topics. On 22 June it is organizing a conference for representatives of rule of law institutions, media and civil society on legal standards for the protection of journalists. 

At 11:03 on 7 June, an SMM patrol consisting of 15 members and four armoured vehicles was positioned in Chyhari, an area on the south-eastern edge of Pivdenne (government-controlled, 40km north-east of Donetsk). Two SMM patrol members, led (at a distance of 7m) by the representative of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC), four officers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and three Ukrainian Armed Forces sappers, were walking east on Poltavska Street to check that the area was safe for the patrol to proceed. The other 13 SMM patrol members were waiting about 50m west.

As the two SMM patrol members led by Ukrainian Armed Forces officers walked forward, they heard two single shots followed by a burst of small-arms fire about 70-100m east. The SMM assessed that the small-arms fire was a warning. The two SMM patrol members immediately took cover on the ground and heard someone shout in Russian: “Do not approach!” An SMM vehicle drove forward to cover and pick up the two SMM patrol members. The patrol immediately departed the area. No injuries or damages were reported and the SMM returned safely to its base in Donetsk city.

The SMM had obtained security guarantees for the patrol from both the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the armed formations. The Ukrainian Armed Forces commander in charge of the area confirmed to the SMM in advance that the patrol route was safe. The SMM also informed and requested follow-up from the JCCC and the armed formations.

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SKOPJE, 8 June 2018 – Government officials and civil society representatives gathered today in Skopje at an OSCE-organized event to discuss the findings of an UNHCR-supported analysis of the existing legal framework for registration of unregistered persons.

During the event, organized by the Labour and Social Policy Ministry with the support of the OSCE Mission to Skopje and the UNHCR Representation in Skopje, the participants exchanged views on the legislative and administrative changes that need to be made to the legal framework in order to ensure registration of unregistered persons, including children.

“It is very important to solve the status of stateless persons, in particular, because this issue is a multi-generation problem resulting in the impossibility to register the children of these persons,” said the Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Jeff Goldstein.

Jovana Trencevska, State Secretary of the Labour and Social Policy Ministry, said that obtaining personal documents is essential for the realization of citizens’ basic human rights.

“Together with the Justice Ministry and the Interior Ministry we will consider all proposals and initiatives stemming from the analysis aimed at enabling registration and issuing of first birth certificates to all persons born in the country, in order to fully realize their guaranteed rights,” she added.

The Officer in Charge of the UNHCR Representation in Skopje, Dejan Kladarin, said: “‘Everyone has the right to a nationality”: this is stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. UNHCR is committed to helping states eradicate statelessness by 2024. Making registration the rule for each and every birth is a step towards that direction, and analysing the legislation is crucial for identifying the gaps and weaknesses which pose obstacles to people in accessing their basic human rights, such as their right to the nationality.”

 

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Karen Gainer

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Directorate for Youth within the Ministry of Sport organized a regional conference entitled “The European perspective of the Western Balkan within the Berlin process” on 8 June 2018 in Budva.

The Conference gathered leaders of the Regional Youth Co-operation Office (RYCO), members of its Steering Committee, ambassadors from EU member states that are leading the Berlin Process, and other stakeholders responsible for the implementation of the RYCO initiative and the youth policy.

In her opening remarks the Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Maryse Daviet, said that “this event confirms Montenegro’s strong commitment to regional reconciliation, co-operation and good neighbouring policy as well as its clear EU choice in terms of strategic direction and shared values”.

The European perspective for the Western Balkans within the Berlin Process and the development of a Youth Agenda through RYCO was the focus of the discussion by over 45 participants.  Comparative practices of the Franco-German Youth Office, former Baltic Sea Cooperation Office and RYCO were shared. Each organization had developed difference approaches, which enabled the participants to reflect on advantages and disadvantages of the respective methodologies and identify leading practices.

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro supports this activity within the framework of a project to further enhance the RYCO initiative in close partnership with the Directorate for Youth in the Montenegrin Ministry of Sports.

383973 Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Astana

An OSCE Programme Office in Astana-supported workshop on investigating financial crime and recovering stolen assets concluded on 8 June 2018 in Astana.

Some 60 law-enforcement officials were trained by national and international experts on investigating money laundering crimes, using open source intelligence in asset recovery, identifying investment fraud and corruption schemes, cross-border tracing of assets and submitting mutual legal requests to foreign jurisdictions for the recovery of repatriated assets.

The five-day event aimed to strengthen interagency co-operation in the field of investigating financial crimes and to familiarize with best international practices in tracing, freezing and recovering stolen assets from abroad.

The workshop was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General's Office and the United States Embassy in Astana.

The event builds on the Programme Office’s multi-year efforts to promote good governance and combat money laundering and terrorism financing.

383889 Ivana Milatovic, OSCE Mission to Serbia

The OSCE Mission to Serbia organized a conference on alternative criminal measures and sanctions on 8 June 2018, in Belgrade.

Over 80 judges, prosecutors, lawyers, representatives of the Justice Ministry and members of academia gathered to discuss norms of criminal law and procedure with respect to alternative criminal sanctions, as well as relevant jurisprudence and enforcement of these measures.

The concept of alternative sanctions is relatively new in the Serbian criminal justice system. It was introduced by the new Criminal Code, the Law on Execution of Criminal Sanctions, as well as the Law on Juvenile Offenders in 2006. This new legal framework created the legal grounds for applying alternative criminal sentences, as an alternative to more traditional ones.

“I believe that alternatives to incarceration will help tackle crime efficiently and reduce the chance of reoffending.  Community service, suspended sentences, rehabilitation programs and employment opportunities are useful tools for achieving reintegration of offenders in the society,” said the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Andrea Orizio.   “Alternative measures are another example of the Mission’s support to Serbia’s reforms in the area of the rule of law,” he added.

The conference was also used as an opportunity to present the new OSCE-edited publication Alternative Criminal Measures and Sanctions – Regional Legal Framework, Best Practices and Ways of Improvement, which includes 18 papers from distinguished practitioners and professors in the region.

The OSCE Mission to Serbia will continue to support all initiatives aimed at improving the performance of the criminal justice system, including the enforcement of court decisions.

 

ERGNETI, 7 June 2018 - The 87th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meeting in Ergneti was conducted in a constructive atmosphere.  

Erik Høeg, Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), and Ambassador Günther Bächler, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus, co-facilitated the meeting.    

Ambassador Bächler opened the meeting, welcomed new participants, and thanked everyone for their professional approach towards the IPRM meetings. He announced that after 26 IPRM meetings, this would be his last.   Mr. Høeg provided a brief overview of events that had occurred since the last IPRM meeting was held on 15 May 2018. The co-facilitators welcomed, among other positive results, the swift release of several detainees and the humanitarian approach shown in these particular cases.

Mr. Høeg stressed that restrictions on freedom of movement have a negative impact on livelihoods along the administrative boundary line, including in connection with crossings for religious purposes. The security situation on the ground was however assessed as relatively stable and calm. The co-facilitators underlined the importance of early warning and transparency of activities by security actors for the purpose of stability on the ground.  

The case of the tragic death of Mr. Tatunashvili was again discussed. The co-facilitators underlined the need for a thorough and transparent investigation of the circumstances of his death and reaffirmed their readiness to support the exchange of information. Further information was also requested regarding the case of Mr. Basharuli.  

The impact of borderisation activities was discussed, alongside joint action on the irrigation of farmland. A non-paper on the prevention of grassfires along the administrative boundary line was presented by Ambassador Bächler. There was agreement to organise a technical meeting on the subject.  

All participants highlighted the importance of regular IPRM meetings and commended the effective use of the EUMM Hotline.  

The next Ergneti IPRM meeting will take place on 10 July 2018.

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VIENNA, 7 June 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern today over the dismissal of the General Director of the RTCG, Andrijana Kadija, and its consequences for the independence of the broadcaster.

The Representative noted that many in the media community and civil society at the beginning of the year feared that changes in the composition of the RTCG Council would lead to changes in the management. Unfortunately, those fears have been confirmed.

 “The independence of the public service broadcaster is essential in a democracy,” Désir said. “There should be no political interference in its management.”

The Representative recalls that he raised this issue with the state authorities during his visit to Montenegro in February this year.

“Public service broadcasters play a vital role by providing quality information to all citizens and media pluralism,” said Désir. “I hope that the independence of the RTCG will be preserved and I will continue to follow the case.”

Many journalists, NGOs and media associations gathered today in front of the RTCG premises to express solidarity with their colleagues and protest against the drastic editorial and managerial changes at the public service broadcaster.

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.

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383832 Representatives of national human rights institutions from the OSCE region participate in a group discussion during the fifth NHRI Academy co-organized by ODIHR and ENNHRI. Helsinki, 5 June 2018. Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Representatives of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) from the OSCE region developed their knowledge and skills in promoting and protecting human rights during the fifth NHRI Academy organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI). The Finnish Human Rights Centre hosted this year’s NHRI Academy, which took place from 4 to 8 June in Helsinki.

The aim of the annual NHRI Academy is to support NHRIs by training their staff in topical human rights and NHRI-related topics. The curriculum of this year’s Academy focused on topics such as NHRI involvement in lawmaking through legislative review and on working with and supporting human rights defenders, including those working on women’s rights, human rights of LGBT persons and minority rights. The 27 participants – 17 women and 10 men – were also trained in mainstreaming gender into their work, and developed action plans to be implemented after the training.

“This year’s Academy is a milestone for ODIHR, as it is the fifth time we successfully organized this training for NHRIs, together with our ENNHRI partners,” said Katarzyna Gardapkhadze, ODIHR’s First Deputy Director, adding that over 120 NHRI staff members have been trained so far by ODIHR through the Academy. “We will continue to support the development of strong and independent NHRIs in the OSCE region.”

“The Academy provided me an opportunity to learn from peers in other countries and to share and discuss methods for working more closely with human rights defenders on human rights issues in our countries,” said Saba Brachveli, Chief Specialist at the Public Defender’s Office in Georgia.

The event was also marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between ODIHR and ENNHRI on 6 June, which formalizes co-operation between the two institutions in the field of NHRIs.

“This document provides us with a strong shared basis to continue and expand our co-operation with ENNHRI in supporting and strengthening independent NHRIs in the OSCE region,” Gardapkhadze said.

“The NHRI Academy is an excellent example of how ENNHRI supports its members together with ODIHR and helps ensure the implementation of OSCE human dimension commitments,” said Lora Vidovic, ENNHRI Chair and Ombudswoman of Croatia. “The signing of the memorandum is a natural continuation of our ongoing and deepening co-operation with ODIHR.”

SARAJEVO, 7 June 2018 – Members of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism (CCT) today concluded a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), where they learned more about local and regional challenges in countering terrorism and violent extremism. In Sarajevo on Wednesday, members met with colleagues from the BiH Parliamentary Assembly, the OSCE Mission to BiH, civil society, government ministries, and law enforcement officers to exchange best practices and promote the role of parliamentarians in the field of counter-terrorism.

The CCT delegation visited Zenica and Travnik today, meeting with the Police Commissioner of Zenica Doboj Canton to get better acquainted with terrorism-related threats at the local level, and visited Zenica prison, where a number of convicted terrorists are incarcerated. At the prison, members met with the Director to discuss radicalization challenges and rehabilitation efforts in places of detention. Members also paid a visit to the OSCE Mission to BiH Field Office in Travnik.

The delegation was led by the Committee’s Chair, Makis Voridis (Greece) and included Vice-Chair Stéphane Crusniere (Belgium) and members Aude Bono-Vandorme (France) and Abid Raja (Norway). The CCT delegation had a briefing with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Bruce Berton, during which the members learned more about the mission’s counter-terrorism activities.

“The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is doing exemplary work in the field of counter-terrorism, including by monitoring the implementation of BiH’s anti-terrorism strategy. This work is something that can be emulated throughout the OSCE region in an effort to save lives and preserve our democratic values. As parliamentarians, we should build on these efforts and contribute with our policy-making and oversight functions,” Voridis said.

Noting the importance of international co-operation, Amb. Berton stressed that broader parliamentary engagement is needed to effectively counter terrorism.

“Preventing and combatting terrorism and violent extremism is a priority for the OSCE. It requires a multidisciplinary approach and broad social engagement,” Amb. Berton said. “I am particularly pleased with the Mission’s strong engagement with a broad range of actors, from the government and law enforcement agencies, to civil society and individuals in tackling this issue.”

He stressed that the OSCE Mission to BiH will continue to co-operate with all relevant actors in BiH and support their future efforts in countering violent extremism.

During the visit, CCT members met with the Speaker of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliamentary Assembly House of the Peoples, Barisa Colak, as well as with senior representatives of the Ministries of Security and Justice. The CCT has also met with the Bosnian Intelligence Agency, the Acting Chief Prosecutor and with representatives of civil society.

Meetings have focused on the efforts of local authorities to counter and prevent terrorism, including the threats stemming from returning foreign terrorist fighters, with CCT members encouraging local officials to continue working in synergy with the OSCE Mission.

“I commend the dedication of BiH authorities to effectively counter terrorism and violent extremism despite existing financial and organizational constraints. I hope they work with their regional and international partners to further border control efforts, ensure timely information-sharing among relevant stakeholders and implement sound rehabilitation and reintegration policies to prevent terrorism,” Voridis concluded.

The next official meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism will take place in Berlin, Germany on 7 July 2018 at the margins of the OSCE PA Annual Session.

For more information on the OSCE PA's activities in the field of counter-terrorism, please click here.​

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384000 Communication and Media Relations Section

A high-level meeting to discuss key findings of an OSCE-conducted needs assessment on combating illicit trafficking in weapons, ammunition and explosive (WAE) in and across Ukraine’s borders and determine potential areas for subsequent project co-operation took place on 7 June in Kyiv.

Some 30 representatives of Ukrainian government ministries and agencies and the donor community participated in the meeting.

Rasa Ostrauskaite, the OSCE Secretariat’s Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats, stressed the importance of the Needs Assessment as it establishes the baseline for providing technical assistance and institutional support to develop capacities of Ukrainian authorities in their efforts to combat the trafficking in WAE in a holistic way.

“The OSCE is ready to assist national authorities in Ukraine tackling challenges and threats stemming from illicit WAE trafficking. The best way to do this is through mutually reinforced partnerships both at national and international levels,” noted Ostrauskaite.

Lieutenant General Vasyl Servatiuk, the First Deputy Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, said “The project collaboration with the OSCE will provide us with the opportunity to promote transfer of international best practices and lesson learnt, augmenting training and technical capacities. It will also enhance sub-regional co-operation and co-ordination frameworks necessary to effectively and efficiently combat illicit trafficking across Ukraine’s borders.”       

Representatives of the donor community from Germany, France and Poland commended the needs assessment report and expressed readiness to support development of Ukraine’s capabilities to combat illicit WAE trafficking.  

The meeting was organized with the generous support of Germany and France and was chaired by the OSCE Secretariat. The needs assessment was conducted at the request of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, which co-chaired the meeting.

This report is for the media and the general public.

The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region, compared with the previous reporting period. The Mission heard small arms fired near its position, assessed as directed at its SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flying near Novoselivka Druha. An SMM long-range UAV was jammed near Debaltseve and Sofiivka. The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; it recorded ceasefire violations near the Zolote disengagement area. The Mission’s access remained restricted in all three disengagement areas and was also restricted near Izvaryne at the border with the Russian Federation. The SMM observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line. The Mission continued to monitor the security situation around the Donetsk Filtration Station and again heard ceasefire violations in the area, despite security guarantees. It continued to monitor and facilitate repairs to the Petrivske pumping station near Artema.

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations[1], including, however, more explosions (about 270), compared with the previous reporting period (about 170 explosions).

On the evening and night of 5-6 June, the SMM camera at the Donetsk Filtration Station (DFS) (15km north of Donetsk) recorded, in sequence, a projectile in flight from east to west, three undetermined explosions, four illumination flares in vertical flight and two projectiles from east to west, followed by totals of 52 undetermined explosions, nine illumination flares in vertical flight and 134 projectiles (121 from west to east, ten from east to west and three from south to north), all 0.5-3km south.

On the evening and night of 5-6 June, while in Svitlodarsk (government-controlled, 57km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard three explosions assessed as outgoing rounds of mortar and recoilless-gun (SPG-9, 73mm) fire 1-6km south-east, 12 explosions assessed as impacts (one mortar round, one round of recoilless-gun (SPG-9) fire and the remainder undetermined) 4-7km south-east and south, as well as eight undetermined explosions and  about 240 shots and bursts of anti-aircraft-gun (ZU-23, 23mm), heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire, all 2-6km at directions ranging from east-south-east to south.

On the evening of 5 June, while in Debaltseve (non-government-controlled, 58km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard about 60 undetermined explosions, all 3-5km north-north-west. The following day, positioned on the eastern edge of Debaltseve, the SMM heard about 60 undetermined explosions, all 15-20km south-west.

On the evening of 5 June, while in Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard 35 undetermined explosions and about 20 bursts of heavy-machine-gun fire, all 4-6km south-west.

The same evening, while in Donetsk city centre (non-government-controlled), the SMM heard 20 undetermined explosions 8-10km north-west.

During the day on 6 June, positioned on the western edge of Yasynuvata (non-government-controlled, 16km north-east of Donetsk) for about five hours, the SMM heard about 60 shots of small-arms fire, all 1-1.5km south-west and west-south-west. The same day, positioned at the railway station in Yasynuvata for about four hours, the SMM heard an undetermined explosion and about 30 shots and bursts of heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire, all 1-3km at directions ranging from south-west to north-west.

Positioned 1.6km south-south-east of Kamianka (government-controlled, 20km north of Donetsk), the SMM heard two undetermined explosions and 30 shots and bursts of infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) (BMP-2) cannon (30mm), heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire, all 1-7km at directions ranging from south-east to south-west.

While conducting a mini-UAV flight near Novoselivka Druha (government-controlled, 23km north of Donetsk), the SMM heard ten bursts of small-arms fire about 1km south-west of its position, assessed as directed at the UAV. The SMM immediately took shelter in and around its armoured vehicles. Shortly thereafter, the SMM landed the UAV without damage and left the area.*

In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations, including about 50 explosions, compared with the previous reporting period (three explosions).

During the day on 6 June, positioned in Obozne (non-government-controlled, 18km north of Luhansk), the SMM heard 30 undetermined explosions 20-25km north-west, assessed as part of live-fire training near Dmytrivka (government-controlled, 43km north of Luhansk) outside the security zone.

Positioned in Slovianoserbsk (non-government-controlled, 28km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM heard 12 undetermined explosions 5-6km north-west and about 20 bursts of small-arms fire 2-3km south-south-east.

Positioned on the western edge of Novotoshkivske (government-controlled, 53km west of Luhansk), the SMM heard seven explosions assessed as impacts of mortar rounds, five explosions assessed as outgoing automatic grenade-launcher rounds and a burst of heavy-machine-gun fire, all 1.5-1.7km south-south-east.

Positioned 3km south of Muratove (government-controlled, 51km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM heard two explosions assessed as artillery rounds 2-2.5km south.

The SMM continued to monitor the disengagement process and to pursue full access to the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Luhansk), Zolote (government-controlled, 60km west of Luhansk) and Petrivske (non-government-controlled, 41km south of Donetsk), as foreseen in the Framework Decision of the Trilateral Contact Group relating to disengagement of forces and hardware of 21 September 2016. The SMM’s access remained restricted, but the Mission was able to partially monitor them.*

On the evening of 5 June, the SMM camera in Zolote recorded 23 projectiles in vertical flight 4-6km south (all assessed as outside the disengagement area).

During the day on 6 June, positioned in the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area and near the Petrivske disengagement area, the SMM observed calm situations.

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons in implementation of the Memorandum and the Package of Measures and its Addendum.

In violation of withdrawal lines in government-controlled areas, on 4 June, an SMM long-range UAV spotted a surface-to-air missile system (9K35 Strela-10, 120mm) on the eastern edge of Zaitseve (62km north-east of Donetsk). On 6 June, the SMM saw two stationary anti-tank guns (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm) at the railway station in Bakhmut (formerly Artemivsk, 67km north of Donetsk).

In non-government-controlled areas, on 4 June, an SMM long-rang UAV spotted a mortar (2B11 Sani, 120mm) south-west of Kalynove (60km west of Luhansk) and on 5 June, an SMM mid-range UAV spotted two tanks (T-64) parked between civilian houses in Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, 85km south of Donetsk) (see SMM Daily Report 10 April 2018). On 6 June, the SMM saw 13 stationary towed howitzers (D-30 Lyagushka, 122mm) east of Novooleksandrivka (75km south-east of Donetsk) (see SMM Daily Report 28 April 2018).

Beyond withdrawal lines but outside of designated storage sites in government-controlled areas, the SMM saw 14 tanks (T-64 BV) and three surface-to-air missile systems (9K35 Strela-10), all stationary at the railway station in Bakhmut, and a tank (T-80) about 1km north of Mariupol (102km south of Donetsk).

The SMM observed weapons that could not be verified as withdrawn, as their storage did not comply with the criteria set out in the 16 October 2015 notification from the SMM to the signatories of the Package of Measures on effective monitoring and verification of the withdrawal of heavy weapons. In non-government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM noted that a towed howitzer (D-30) and 15 mortars (PM-38, 120mm) were again missing.

The SMM observed armoured combat vehicles (ACV)[2] in the security zone. In government-controlled areas, on 4 June, an SMM long-range UAV spotted three IFVs (BMP-2) within a residential area of Mykolaivka (57km north of Donetsk), five IFVs (BMP-1) near Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk), two IFVs (BMP-2) and an ACV (BMP variant) near Troitske (69km west of Luhansk) and two armoured personnel carriers (APC) (MT-LB and BTR-70) about 50m from houses in Vershyna (63km north-east of Donetsk). On 5 June, an SMM mid-range UAV spotted ten IFVs (one BMP-2 and nine BMP variants) near Novotoshkivske.

In non-government-controlled areas, on 4 June, an SMM long-range UAV spotted an APC (MT-LB) near Nadarivka (64km west of Luhansk), as well as an APC (MT-LB variant) and an artillery reconnaissance vehicle (PRP-4 Nard) near Veselohorivka (64km west of Luhansk). On 5 June, an SMM mid-range UAV spotted a probable ACV (type undetermined) near Verkhnoshyrokivske.

The SMM continued to observe mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). On 5 June, an SMM mid-range UAV again spotted at least 100 anti-tank mines (TM-62) about 2km east of Novotoshkivske, in a field about 150m south of road T1303 (see SMM Daily Report 27 April 2018). The following day, the SMM observed a metal object, assessed as a 120mm mortar tailfin, covered by an overturned plastic crate wrapped with red tape on a road about 1km north-west of Pavlopil (government-controlled, 26km north-east of Mariupol).

The SMM continued to monitor the security situation around the DFS. On the morning of 6 June, positioned on the western edge of Yasynuvata, the SMM saw three men in military-style clothing reinforcing positions surrounded by sandbags with shovels along the south-eastern side of road M04, about 1km south-east of the DFS. During the day, positioned in areas near the DFS, the SMM heard explosions and small-arms fire, despite explicit security guarantees (see above and the table below for ceasefire violations).

The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor repairs to the Petrivske pumping station near Artema (government-controlled, 26km north of Luhansk).

The SMM visited two border areas not under government control. While at a border crossing point near Izvaryne (52km south-east of Luhansk) for 20 minutes, the SMM saw 13 pedestrians (men and women) exiting Ukraine and a bus (with Ukrainian licence plates) and a pedestrian (man in his sixties) entering Ukraine. After being present for ten minutes, a member of the armed formations told the SMM to leave the area.* While at a border crossing point near Verkhnoharasymivka (57km south-east of Luhansk) for 30 minutes, the SMM saw 18 pedestrians (men and women, aged 30-35) entering Ukraine.

The SMM continued monitoring in Kherson, Odessa, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Chernivtsi and Kyiv.

 

*Restrictions of SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate

The SMM’s monitoring and freedom of movement are restricted by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines, UXO, and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations. They have also agreed that the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) should contribute to such response and co-ordinate mine clearance. Nonetheless, the armed formations in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions frequently deny the SMM access to areas adjacent to Ukraine’s border outside control of the Government (see below). The SMM’s operations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions remain restricted following the fatal incident of 23 April 2017 near Pryshyb; these restrictions continued to limit the Mission’s observations.

 

Denial of access:

• Near Izvaryne at the border with the Russian Federation, a member of the armed formations told the SMM to leave the area.

Related to disengagement areas and mines/UXO:

• The SMM was prevented from accessing parts of the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, with the exception of the main road, due to the possible presence of mines and UXO. A Ukrainian Armed Forces officer of the JCCC told the SMM by phone that no demining had taken place during the previous 24 hours. The SMM did not consider it safe to proceed and informed the JCCC.[3]
• The SMM was prevented from accessing secondary roads in the Zolote disengagement area due to the possible presence of mines and UXO. A Ukrainian Armed Forces officer of the JCCC told the SMM by phone that no demining had taken place during the previous 24 hours. The SMM did not consider it safe to proceed and informed the JCCC.4
• The SMM was prevented from accessing secondary roads south of the Zolote disengagement area due to the possible presence of mines and UXO. An armed formation member positioned on the southern side of the Zolote disengagement area told the SMM that no demining had taken place during the previous 24 hours. The SMM did not consider it safe to proceed.

 

Other impediments:

• An SMM long-range UAV was temporarily jammed while flying over areas near Debaltseve and Sofiivka (non-government-controlled, formerly Karlo-Marksove, 40km north-east of Donetsk).[4]
• While conducting a mini-UAV flight near Novoselivka Druha, the SMM heard ten bursts of small-arms fire 1km south-west, assessed as directed at the UAV. The SMM landed the UAV without damage and left the area.

 

[1] For a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations, please see the annexed table. The SMM cameras at the entry-exit checkpoints in Marinka and Pyshchevyk, as well as at Oktiabr mine were not operational during the reporting period.

[2] This hardware is not proscribed by the provisions of the Minsk agreements on the withdrawal of weapons.

[3] The SMM informed Ukrainian Armed Forces officers of the JCCC. Russian Federation Armed Forces officers of the JCCC have withdrawn from the JCCC as of 18 December 2017.

[4] The interference could have originated from anywhere in a radius of several kilometres of the UAV’s position.

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Strengthening co-operation in the field of environmental and sustainable development in Central Asia was the focus of the 2018 OSCE International Business Forum on Green Technologies, organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan in co-operation with the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Environmental Protection and ITECA Exhibitions, on 5 and 6 June in Tashkent. 

The Forum, which was held concurrently with the Central Asian International Environmental Forum, which also included the First International Exhibition on Green Ecology Technologies in Central Asia, GETCA 2018, brought together over 200 participants from across the OSCE region, including private sector representatives, high-level government officials and representatives from embassies and international organizations. 

Over the course of two days, participants discussed sustainable mobility, waste and water management, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Throughout the proceedings, the focus was on specific technologies and economic models offering concrete ideas for the implementation of sustainable development initiatives in Central Asia. 

“The Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan supports capacity building for regulators and civil society on green economy strategies, including by exchanging best practices and creating platforms for discussion, and events like today’s Forum are an important part of that,” said Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan John MacGregor in his opening remarks.

Bakhrom Kuchkarov, Chairman of the State Committee on Ecology and Environmental Protection, said: “Today’s Forum gives us a chance to put into action our plans for sustainable development and moves us a step closer towards fulfilling the goals for sustainability as described in President Mirziyoyev’s decree On the Strategy of Actions to Further Develop Uzbekistan in Five Priority Areas for 2017-2021.”

The Forum was organized as part of the Project Co-ordinator’s project Support in Implementation of Green Economy Policies in Uzbekistan and is set to become an annual event. 

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The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) facilitated the signing of an inter-agency protocol on addressing hate crime at an event on 6 June 2018 in Athens. It was organized in co-operation with the Ministry of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights of Greece. The document outlines obligations of various state institutions and other stakeholders, providing a legal basis for a co-ordinated effort to be launched against hate crimes in the country.

The ceremony was attended by the President of the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court Prosecutor, the Minister of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights Department, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Migration Policy, the Alt. Minister of Interior, the Director General of the National School of Judges and Vice-President of the Supreme Court. Representatives of the Racist Violence Recording Network and the Greek National Point of Contact for OSCE/ODIHR on Racist Crimes for Greece also participated.

Both the ceremony and the workshop that followed were held as part of ODIHR’s project Building a Comprehensive Criminal Justice Response to Hate Crime, with the aim of presenting the project’s achievements in Greece. Another objective of the event was to gather feedback from relevant stakeholders, including representatives of civil society, the national administration and international organizations working on hate crime-related matters in Greece. 

“ODIHR’s work in Greece focuses on three major elements: development of a national, inter-agency protocol on activities and policies to be implemented by relevant authorities and civil society to address hate crime; improving the database of hate crimes; and training prosecutors to enhance their ability to address hate crime. All of these activities form a comprehensive approach to hate crime that ODIHR is developing through this project,” said Cristina Finch, Head of the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department at ODIHR.

“The project, implemented in co-operation with ODIHR, demonstrates our determination to address hate crime by taking a comprehensive approach. All actors involved need to be alert and work in a co-ordinated manner to achieve this goal,” said Maria Giannakaki, Secretary General for Human Rights of the Greek Ministry of Justice.  

The lessons learned and best practices from Greece in drafting the inter-agency agreement will contribute to the development of a general toolkit, consisting of training packages, methodologies and guidelines on the topic of hate crime. The toolkit will become a useful resource in addressing hate crime for actors in criminal justice systems across the EU and the OSCE region.

 

This report is for the media and the general public.

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region, compared with the previous reporting period. Small arms were fired in the direction of an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near Zaitseve and an SMM long-range UAV was jammed near Horlivka. The SMM followed up on reports of two civilian casualties, in Vozdvyzhenka and in an area close to the contact line. The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; it recorded ceasefire violations near all three disengagement areas. The Mission’s access remained restricted in all three disengagement areas and was also restricted near Siedove, an area in Donetsk region near the border with the Russian Federation. The SMM monitored the security situation and successfully facilitated the access of Voda Donbassa water company employees to and from the Donetsk Filtration Station (DFS), as well as of repair works to the DFS and demining activities around the station. Due to ceasefire violations registered in the area and the presence of explosive devices near the DFS, the Mission decided to suspend and review its facilitation of the physical access of DFS employees through enhanced SMM presence. It continued to monitor and facilitate repairs to the Petrivske pumping station in Artema.

In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations[1], including, however, fewer explosions (about 170), compared with the previous reporting period (about 180 explosions).

On the evening and night of 4-5 June, the SMM camera at the DFS (15km north of Donetsk) recorded, in sequence, a projectile in flight from north-west to south-east, an illumination flare in vertical flight and a projectile from west to east, followed by totals of 24 undetermined explosions, one illumination flare in vertical flight and 138 projectiles (26 from east to west, 112 from west to east), all 1-4km south.

On the evening and night of 3-4 June, the SMM camera at the entry-exit checkpoint in Maiorsk (government-controlled, 45km north-east of Donetsk) recorded, in sequence, three undetermined explosions, five projectiles in flight from south-east to north-west and a projectile from south to north, followed by totals of 12 undetermined explosions and 330 projectiles (127 from south-east to north-west, 49 from north to south, 66 from south to north, 83 from north-west to south-east, one from north-east to south-west, one from south-west to north-east and three from east to west), all 1-2km east.

On the evening and night of 3-4 June, the SMM camera at Oktiabr mine (non-government-controlled, 9km north-west of Donetsk) recorded, in sequence, two projectiles from west to east, seven projectiles from south to north and a projectile from east to west, followed by totals of two undetermined explosions, an illumination flare in vertical flight and 14 projectiles (one from north-west to south-east, 12 from south to north, and one from west to east), all 1-3km east and north-west.

On the evening and night of 4-5 June, while in Svitlodarsk (government-controlled, 57km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard 57 undetermined explosions and about 920 shots and bursts of small-arms and heavy-machine-gun fire, all 3-5km south-south-east.

On the night of 4-5 June, while in Debaltseve (non-government-controlled, 58km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard 16 undetermined explosions and three shots of small-arms fire, all 1-8km north-west and west-north-west.

Positioned at the DFS for about three hours, the SMM heard nine undetermined explosions and 13 bursts of heavy-machine-gun and small-arms fire, all 1-3km east and south-west.

Positioned about 1km north-west of the railway station in Yasynuvata (non-government-controlled, 16km north-east of Donetsk) for about two hours, the SMM heard 18 undetermined explosions and 11 shots and bursts of small-arms fire, all 1-4km north, west and south-west.

While conducting a mini-UAV flight in the western part of Zaitseve (government-controlled, 62km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard about 20 shots of small-arms fire, 50-70m south of its position. The SMM assessed that the shots had likely been aimed at the UAV. The SMM landed the UAV, which was undamaged. A few minutes later, two Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers approached the SMM and apologized for shooting at the SMM UAV. The SMM then departed the area.     

In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations[2], including, however, more explosions (three explosions), compared with the previous reporting period (one explosion).

The SMM followed up on reports of two civilian casualties due to small-arms fire. In Luhanske (government-controlled, 59km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM spoke with a man (64 years old) with a bandage on his left hip. He told the SMM that he had been injured by a bullet on 28 May around 21:30 while he had been in the yard of his house at 96 Luhova Street in Vozdvyzhenka (government-controlled, 66km north-east of Donetsk), about 8km from the contact line. A Ukrainian Armed Forces representative of the JCCC told the SMM that a civilian with the same name and address had been wounded on 28 May. The deputy head doctor of a hospital in Svitlodarsk told the SMM that the man had been admitted to the hospital in the early morning hours of 29 May, received treatment for a bullet wound to his left hip and had been released on 30 May.

At the same hospital, a man (61 years old) told the SMM that he had been shot as he tried to cross the contact line on foot from the area around Debaltseve towards Svitlodarsk during ongoing fighting on the morning of 2 June. The SMM saw that he was in shock. Medical staff at the hospital told the SMM that the man had been admitted to the hospital on the afternoon of 2 June and had received treatment for an open displaced fracture of a bone in the lower part of his left leg, caused by a bullet which had penetrated and exited the bone. In Svitlodarsk, a police officer told the SMM that the man was a resident of the area around Debaltseve and had been admitted to the hospital on 2 June.

The SMM continued to monitor the disengagement process and to pursue full access to the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Luhansk), Zolote (government-controlled, 60km west of Luhansk) and Petrivske (non-government-controlled, 41km south of Donetsk), as foreseen in the Framework Decision of the Trilateral Contact Group relating to disengagement of forces and hardware of 21 September 2016. The SMM’s access remained restricted, but the Mission was able to partially monitor them.*

On the evening and night of 3-4 June, the SMM camera at the Prince Ihor Monument south-east of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk) recorded two undetermined explosions 4-8km north-north-east, as well as an illumination flare in vertical flight and 15 muzzle flashes 50-200m north and north-north-west (all assessed as outside the disengagement area). During the same evening, while on the eastern edge of Stanytsia Luhanska, the SMM heard six shots of heavy-machine-gun fire 3-5km south-east (assessed as outside the disengagement area).

On the night of 4-5 June, the SMM camera in Zolote recorded an undetermined explosion and six projectiles in flight (two from south to north and four from north-west to south-east), all 8-15km east (assessed as outside the disengagement area).

Inside the Zolote disengagement area, on 28 May, an SMM mid-range UAV spotted for the first time a footpath originating from the southern edge of the disengagement area (about 600m east of road T1316) and leading north-north-west along a tree line for about 900m, before turning west (for about 300m) and east (for about 200m). At the westernmost end of the footpath, the UAV spotted a newly dug trench about 40-metre-long.

Inside the Zolote disengagement area, the same UAV also spotted for the first time two rows of anti-tank mines: the first one about 600m north of the southern edge of the disengagement area and about 1km west of its eastern edge; the second one about 700m north from the southern edge of the disengagement area and 200m west of its eastern edge.

During the day on 5 June, positioned in Petrivske for about two and a half hours, the SMM heard 11 shots of small-arms fire 1-2km west (unable to assess whether inside or outside the disengagement area).

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons in implementation of the Memorandum and the Package of Measures and its Addendum.

Beyond withdrawal lines but outside designated storage sites in government-controlled areas, on 5 June, the SMM saw two tanks (T-64) on a flatbed truck in the western outskirts of Pidhorodne (73km north of Donetsk) and a towed anti-tank gun (MT-12 Rapira, 100mm) near Paraskoviivka (75km north of Donetsk).

The SMM revisited a permanent storage site whose location was beyond the respective withdrawal lines in a government-controlled area of Donetsk region and noted that the site continued to be abandoned and the following weapons were missing: 53 tanks (T-64) and seven mortars (five 2B9 Nona-S, 120mm, and two PM-38, 120mm).

The SMM observed armoured combat vehicles and other indications of military-type presence in the security zone. In government-controlled areas, on 5 June, the SMM saw two armoured personnel carriers (APC) (BTR-80) near Voitove (33km north-west of Luhansk), and an armoured vehicle (unknown type) near Heorhiievka (27km south-west of Donetsk).

In non-government-controlled areas, on 3 June, an SMM mid-range UAV spotted two box-body military trucks (KamAZ-4310) with an antenna belonging to a TORN radio intelligence system near Debaltseve.

The SMM monitored the security situation and successfully facilitated the access of Voda Donbassa water company employees to and from the DFS, as well as of repair works to the DFS and demining activities around the station. Positioned in areas near the DFS, the SMM heard explosions and small-arms fire, despite explicit security guarantees (see above and the table for ceasefire violations). Approximately 1.2km north of the DFS on road H-20, the SMM continued to observe 25 anti-tank mines placed on the grass surface beside the eastern side of the road, and nine anti-tank mines in two rows on the western side of the road. (See SMM Daily Report 4 June 2018.) The SMM also saw for the first time a (probable 82mm) mortar tailfin sticking out of the asphalt on the eastern-side shoulder of the road. On 5 June, due to ceasefire violations registered in the area and the presence of explosive devices near the DFS, the SMM decided to suspend and review its facilitation of the physical access of DFS employees through enhanced SMM presence.

The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor repairs to the Petrivske pumping station in Artema (government-controlled, 26km north of Luhansk).

The SMM visited a border area not under government control. While at a border crossing point near Novoazovsk (40km east of Mariupol) for about an hour, the SMM saw 22 cars (eight with Ukrainian, seven with Russian Federation and one with Lithuanian licence plates, as well as six with “DPR” plates) and two minivans (with Ukrainian licence plates) entering Ukraine. The SMM also observed 18 cars (six with Ukrainian, six with Russian Federation, and one with Polish licence plates, as well as five with “DPR” plates), one minibus (with “DPR” plates) and two cargo trucks (one with Ukrainian, and one with Russian Federation licence plates) exiting Ukraine.

The SMM continued monitoring in Kherson, Odessa, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Chernivtsi and Kyiv.

*Restrictions of SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate

The SMM’s monitoring and freedom of movement are restricted by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations. They have also agreed that the JCCC should contribute to such response and co-ordinate mine clearance. Nonetheless, the armed formations in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions frequently deny the SMM access to areas adjacent to Ukraine’s border outside control of the Government (see, for example, SMM Daily Report 5 June 2018). The SMM’s operations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions remain restricted following the fatal incident of 23 April 2017 near Pryshyb; these restrictions continued to limit the Mission’s observations.

Denial of access:

• At a checkpoint about 1.2km north-west of Siedove (non-government-controlled, 33km north-east of Mariupol), near the border with the Russian Federation, four armed members of the armed formations denied the SMM access to the village, saying that a special operation was ongoing in the area and that the SMM needed to obtain permission from other members of the armed formations.

Related to disengagement areas and mines/UXO:

• The SMM was prevented from accessing parts of the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, with the exception of the main road, due to the possible presence of mines and UXO. A Ukrainian Armed Forces officer of the JCCC told the SMM by phone that no demining had taken place during the previous 24 hours. The SMM did not consider it safe to proceed and informed the JCCC.[3]
• The SMM was prevented from accessing secondary roads in the Zolote disengagement area due to the possible presence of mines and UXO. A Ukrainian Armed Forces officer of the JCCC told the SMM by phone that no demining had taken place during the previous 24 hours. The SMM did not consider it safe to proceed and informed the JCCC.4
• The SMM was prevented from accessing secondary roads south of the Zolote disengagement area due to the possible presence of mines and UXO. An armed formation member positioned on the southern side of the Zolote disengagement area told the SMM that no demining had taken place during the previous 24 hours. The SMM did not consider it safe to proceed.

Other impediments:

• An SMM long-range UAV was jammed for six minutes while flying over areas near Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk).[4]
• While conducting a mini-UAV flight near Zaitseve, the SMM heard about 20 shots of small-arms fire 50-70m south of the SMM’s position. The SMM landed the UAV, which was undamaged. A few minutes later, two Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers approached the SMM and apologized for shooting at the SMM UAV. The SMM then departed the area.   

[1] For a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations, please see the annexed table. The SMM camera at the entry-exit checkpoint in Marinka was not operational during the reporting period

[2] The SMM informed Ukrainian Armed Forces officers of the JCCC. Russian Federation Armed Forces officers of the JCCC have withdrawn from the JCCC as of 18 December 2017.

[3] The interference could have originated from anywhere in a radius of several kilometres of the UAV’s position.

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VIENNA, 6 June 2018 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today condemned the killing of journalist and videographer (or vlogger) Zachary Stoner, who was fatally shot on 30 May in Chicago, United States. Stoner published videos on his YouTube page called “zacktv1”, which has 170,000 videos and more than 180,000 subscribers. Stoner’s videos focused on the realities of life in his community and hip hop artists in Chicago.

“I am saddened by the murder of Zachary Stoner in Chicago. I urge the authorities to conduct a thorough and speedy investigation into his killing. This should include an investigation into whether his journalistic work was a reason for his murder,” Désir said. “Journalism is a far-reaching and multifaceted profession; it allows people to engage on sensitive and challenging experiences in society.”

Stoner was shot in the neck and head whilst he was driving along Clark Street in the South Loop neighbourhood of Chicago. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition, but was declared dead at 4:20am on 30 May. 

The journalist had apparently received threats for his coverage of the death of a teenage girl, Kenneka Jenkins, in September 2017. Such threats, as well as the fact that his house had been broken into and his equipment had been stolen, made him decide against posting interviews related to the case until about two months after the threats.

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.

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COPENHAGEN/BERLIN, 6 June 2018 – Registration is open for journalists interested in covering the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s 27th Annual Session, taking place 7-11 July at the Reichstag Building in Berlin.

Held under the theme “Implementing OSCE Commitments: The Role of Parliaments,” the Session will bring together some 300 parliamentarians from North America, Europe and Asia to debate and adopt resolutions on today’s most pressing challenges in the areas of security, human rights, economics and the environment.

Featuring high-level speeches and debates, the event will culminate in the adoption of the Berlin Declaration on 11 July. This document will contain recommendations to national governments, parliaments and the international community, providing policy input to the OSCE’s Ministerial Council later this year.

In addition to speeches by OSCE PA President George Tsereteli (MP, Georgia) and the Italian OSCE Chairmanship, keynote speeches are also expected by Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble, President of the German Bundestag, and Thomas Greminger, Secretary General of the OSCE.

High on the agenda will be issues such as counter-terrorism, climate change, migration, and access to education. Debates are expected in particular on the crisis in and around Ukraine, rising populism in Europe, protracted conflicts, the environmental impacts of war, and rebuilding trust in the OSCE area.

The Session is open to the media. Accreditation procedures for representatives of the media are explained here. Journalists are requested to register for the event by 27 June. For schedules, resolutions, live streaming during the event, press releases and other information, click here. Follow on Twitter: @oscepa #OSCEPABerlin2018.

 

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KYIV, 6 June 2018 – Ceasefire violations continue around the Donetsk Filtration Station in eastern Ukraine, says the Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, Ertugrul Apakan.

“As is regularly outlined in SMM daily reports, the OSCE SMM is recording ceasefire violations on a daily basis, sometimes more than 100 violations a day in the wider DFS area. This places the women and men maintaining the plant and the unarmed SMM monitors facilitating their access in danger, and jeopardizes the operation of the plant itself, upon which over 300,000 civilians on both sides of the contact line depend for drinking water,” said Chief Monitor Apakan. “The Mission has also noted the presence of explosive devices on access roads to the facility.”

“In light of ongoing ceasefire violations by the sides, the Mission has been obliged to suspend and to review its enhanced presence at the facility,” the Chief Monitor said. He emphasized, however, that the OSCE SMM would, in line with its mandate, continue to monitor and report on the security situation in the wider DFS area, and would continue to facilitate security guarantees by the sides to enable access of DFS employees to the facility and the performance of other essential work related to the running of the facility.

 

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