Central Europe

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 114 ceasefire violations, including 68 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 738 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded 258 ceasefire violations, including 30 explosions. Of these, it assessed 232 as a live-fire exercise inside the security zone and ten as a live-fire exercise outside the security zone. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 11 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission monitored the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission visited a border crossing point and a railway station outside government control in Luhansk region.
• The SMM visited areas near the border with Belarus in Chernihiv region.
• The Mission observed a gathering in Kyiv.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a border crossing point and a railway station outside government control in Luhansk region. Its UAVs again encountered instances of GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by probable jamming.*

KYIV, 11 February - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Foreign Minister of Poland Zbigniew Rau has concluded his visit to Ukraine today. He highlighted the significance of taking specific steps to solve the crisis in and around that country in line with both international law and the principles and commitments of the OSCE.

The Chairman-in-Office then met with Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba. The discussion focused on the de-escalation of tensions in and around Ukraine, on improving the humanitarian situation of communities affected by conflict, and on the measures taken to reach a balanced and peaceful solution through all available formats, including the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG). Reiterating the Chairmanship’s support, Minister Rau emphasized that the Minsk agreements must be fully implemented.

“My first visit to Ukraine as the OSCE Chairman-in-Office is a firm expression of the Polish Chairmanship’s primary concern with supporting efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the crisis and bring it to an end,” said Minister Rau.

Minister Rau also met with OSCE representatives in Ukraine, namely Ambassador Yaşar H. Çevik, Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine; Ambassador Mikko Kinnunen, Special Representative of the Chairman-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group; and Ambassador Henrik Villadsen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.

During the meeting, Minister Rau expressed his full support for the work of the TCG and the SMM and voiced concern over the inadmissible restrictions on the freedom of movement faced by the SMM, especially in Ukraine’s non-government-controlled areas. He pointed out that the persisting restrictions pose a serious challenge for the Mission’s ability to fulfill its mandate.

“As the OSCE Chair, Poland is really looking forward to your support in seeking to de-escalate tensions and improve the living conditions for the population affected by the conflict. We can achieve this also by ensuring the SMM monitor’ unrestricted and safe access throughout the territory of Ukraine, including the area outside of government control, as provided for in the Minsk agreements and the Common Agreed Conclusions of the Normandy Summit of 9 December 2019,” added Minister Rau.

He also met with Florence Gillette, representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Ukraine, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk. The meeting with Florence Gillette was an opportunity to express gratitude to ICRC for providing humanitarian aid in hard-to-reach locations within conflict-affected areas, and to recall Poland’s long-standing co-operation with the ICRC in Ukraine. Minister Rau and Deputy Prime Minister Vereshchuk discussed the negative impact of the conflict on civilians and possible steps to alleviate their hardship and support them.

Minister Rau also travelled to Kharkiv and visited the SMM’s office. Minister Rau also met with participants at an OSCE training event - “Development and Implementation of Information Security Management System (ISMS)” - dealing with combatting cybercrime, organized by the OSCE for Ukrainian police officers.

The visit concluded with a meeting between the Chairman-in-Office and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the context of heightened tensions in the region, Minister Rau underlined the significance of the OSCE Chairmanship’s Renewed European Security Dialogue initiative.

The OSCE’s Chairman-in-Office will visit Moscow next week.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 738 ceasefire violations, including 156 explosions, 277 of which were assessed as live-fire exercises outside the security zone. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 27 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 11 ceasefire violations, all explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 224 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Explosions occurred near SMM patrol near non-government-controlled Manuilivka, Donetsk region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near non-government-controlled Staromykhailivka, Donetsk region and an SMM mini-UAV was lost due to signal interference near non-government-controlled Lozove, Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM monitored the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM monitored two border crossing points in Luhansk region.
• The Mission visited a border crossing point outside government control in Donetsk region.
• The SMM monitored the security situation in east and south-east Kherson region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at two checkpoints of the armed formations near Novoazovsk and Staromykhailivka, Donetsk region. Its UAVs again encountered instances of GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by probable jamming.*

VIENNA, 11 February 2022 – Permanent Representative of Poland to the OSCE, Ambassador Adam Hałaciński together with OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will open the First Preparatory Meeting of the 30th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum on 14 February 2022. The keynote address will be delivered by Mariusz Jerzy Golecki, Deputy Minister at the Polish Ministry of Economic Development and Technology.

The theme for this year’s Economic and Environmental Forum is “Promoting security and stability in the OSCE area through sustainable economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic”.

The opening session of the meeting takes places from 9:30 am on 14 February and will be livestreamed on https://www.osce.org/live.

The Economic and Environmental Forum enables political dialogue among the 57 OSCE participating States on key economic and environmental issues related to security.

This year marks the Forum’s thirtieth anniversary and will gather representatives from governments, state institutions, international organizations, the business sector, civil society and academia.

More information about the event can be found here: https://www.osce.org/event/30th_eef_prep1.

511846 Marina Živaljević

As part of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro commitment to encourage the recruitment and advancement women in the police, the Mission provided technical equipment to the Women Police Association on 11 February 2022 in Podgorica.

The Women Police Association was established in 2017. It supports the empowerment of women police officers, encourages women to apply as police officers and builds networks with other women police organizations in the region.

In order to facilitate online meetings, conferences and training courses, the Mission delivered a printer and three laptops to the Association’s branches located in Podgorica, Bar and Bijelo Polje.

Biljana Dulović, President of the Montenegrin Women Police Association, said thatthe Association operates on a voluntary basis and lacks technical equipment. “This donation is of great support to each regional office. It will improve their ability to participate in virtual events,” said Dulović.

Statistics show that only 12.6% of the police in Montenegro are women, with no women in the senior decision making positions. “The situation is slowly improving with growing awareness of the importance and need for more women in the police. Encouraging women to make a career in policing is an important first step,” said Dominique Waag, Head of the Mission.

In 2021, the Police Academy reported a 10% increase in the number of women candidates enrolled after the public information campaign to attract young women to apply for a career in the police. The campaign also triggered an exchange of regional experiences and networking of women police associations from the region.

This activity was in line with the recommendations from the OSCE Increasing and Supporting the Participation of Women at all Levels in the Montenegrin Police report from March 2021.

WARSAW/VIENNA, 11 February 2022 – The OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Foreign Minister of Poland, Zbigniew Rau, and OSCE Secretary General Schmid made the following statement after the adoption in first reading of the Draft Law on Republika Srpska’s High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council by the Republika Srpska National Assembly:

“The unilateral withdrawal from state-level institutions is against Bosnia and Herzegovina’s constitution and undermines the overall security and stability of the country. The High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fundamental safeguard in upholding the rule of law in the country. The establishment of a parallel structure at the entity level  would undermine the achievements made so far in reforming the rule of law in the country and would endanger further progress in this field.”

“The OSCE reaffirms its support for the Dayton Peace Agreement and its values. Withdrawing from the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina would go against the letter and spirit of the Agreement, jeopardizing the independence, impartiality, and professionalism of the judiciary in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while widening the space for criminal impunity.”

“We urge the RSNA to withdraw this law and call on all leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to work together to create the conditions necessary for constructive political dialogue, for the benefit of all citizens across the country.”

Information for Google Short title:  Canada Early Federal Election 2021: ODIHR Final Report Short description:  Canada early federal election 2021: ODIHR election expert team final report 511840 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz Canada, Early Federal Election, 20 September 2021: Final Report

Following the 20 September 2021 early federal election in Canada, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has published its election expert team final report. The report concluded that the election authorities effectively organized the early election, building on proactive efforts to make the electoral process more inclusive and an improved legal framework that had addressed some previous ODIHR recommendations.

The report also noted areas that would benefit from further review, including guarantees for election observation and regulations on campaign advertising. The report offers 11 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections and to increase transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

Key recommendations include:

• Guaranteeing by law the access of citizen and international observers to all stages of the electoral process, in line with OSCE commitments;

• Considering adopting temporary special measures to promote an increased representation of women in parliament;

• Harmonizing disclosure requirements for political advertising among different types of media;

• Updating rules and definitions on issue-related political advertising and providing clear guidance.

ODIHR deployed an Election Expert Team for this election on 8 September 2021. All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to follow up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 27 ceasefire violations, including 11 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 11 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 224 ceasefire violations, including 23 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 169 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near non-government-controlled Luhansk city.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It heard ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Zolote.
• The SMM monitored the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM saw a convoy of an international organization crossing to non-government-controlled areas near Shchastia.
• The Mission monitored three crossing points on the border with Slovakia, Hungary and the Russian Federation.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted. Its UAVs again encountered instances of GPS signal interference assessed as caused by probable jamming.*

KYIV, 9 February 2022 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Mikko Kinnunen, made the following statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG ‎and its Working Groups held through video conferencing:

“The TCG met in the middle of high-level international engagement and visits, including also the mission by the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, to Ukraine from 9 until 11 February.

The Political Working Group discussed a number of real, substantive issues related to the political settlement of the conflict.

I was saddened to learn about the first civilian casualty of the year, reported by the SMM in the Security Working Group. Regarding the Mission itself, increasing trend on constrains imposed on its operations continues. The Mission’s ability to provide impartial information contributes to our discussions as well as factual basis for our work.

In the Humanitarian Working Group, the participants discussed the opening of two new crossing points in Zolote and Shchastya of Luhansk region, easing of Covid-restrictions to facilitate the population’s freedom of movement across the contact line and questions around the release and exchange of detainees.

Economic Working Group discussed matters related to water supply as well as ecological issues, including  environmental hazards linked to flooding of mines along the line of contact.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 11 ceasefire violations, including seven explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 76 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 169 ceasefire violations, including 29 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 25 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The Mission monitored the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission monitored a border crossing point in Luhansk region.
• The SMM visited two border crossing points outside government control in Donetsk region.
• The Mission monitored the security situation in south-east Kherson region.
• The SMM observed a gathering in Kyiv.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including twice at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Zaichenko in southern Donetsk region.*

VIENNA/WARSAW, 9  February 2022 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Poland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau will visit Ukraine this week for meetings with high-level officials.

Minister Rau will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Iryna Vereshchuk. The talks will focus on current developments in Ukraine, steps for contributing to de-escalation and resolution of the crisis in and around the country, and co-operation between the OSCE and Ukraine.

During his visit, Minister Rau will hold discussions with the Special Representative of the Chairman-in­-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), the head of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) and the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine (PCU). He will also meet with a Delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Ukraine and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA).

On 11 February Chairman-in-Office Rau will visit eastern Ukraine to observe the security and humanitarian situation in the conflict-affected areas.

For more information about Poland's 2022 OSCE Chairmanship, please visit the OSCE website: https://www.osce.org/chairmanship.

VIENNA, 8 February 2022 – Today, OSCE Chairman-in-Office (CiO) and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland Zbigniew Rau launched the Renewed OSCE European Security Dialogue (RESD) during a high-level meeting.

The Renewed OSCE European Security Dialogue is an initiative of the Polish Chairmanship-in-Office aimed at using the full potential of the OSCE as a platform for dialogue in the context of growing tensions and the risk of further escalation in Europe.

“It is imperative that through diplomacy and dialogue we shall find a way to de-escalate, and to begin rebuilding trust, transparency and cooperation,” said Minister Rau.

The process will start by focusing on arms-control, and confidence- and security- building measures. Specifically, military transparency, risk reduction and conflict prevention mechanisms, which are key factors in building trust and mutual understanding. The dialogue will then move on to working out recommendations in the field of non-military threats, including hybrid warfare, cybersecurity, and disinformation.

“The OSCE remains a vital pillar of the international system. Its broad membership allows every participating State to actively engage in the debate. The OSCE’s strong, additional advantage is the concept of linking the security of states to security and rights of the individuals,” added Minister Rau.

The process of renewing the European Security Dialogue will be based in Vienna. The bulk of the preparatory meetings and regular coordination will be carried out by Permanent Representatives in Vienna. The Chairmanship will give additional impetus and momentum to the process by convening informal high-level political meetings.

WARSAW, 8 February 2022 – A two-day conference at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews under the auspices of Poland’s Chairmanship of the OSCE in 2022 gathered together OSCE leaders  and several hundred online and in-person participants to discuss more effective ways of combating anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and discrimination. The event was preceded by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland, Zbigniew Rau pointed out that all forms of anti-Semitism should be met with a firm response. “Anti-Semitism will not disappear overnight. It requires time and forward-looking proposals. Poland is privileged to lead these efforts of the OSCE in 2022,” he said.

On behalf of the Polish President, a letter was read out by Secretary of State at the President’s Chancellery Wojciech Kolarski: “Combating anti–Semitism requires a comprehensive strategy and skilful use of various methods and measures: from education through prudent and reliable information policy to legal remedies. We cannot remain defenceless in the face of lies and hostility.”

In her address to conference participants, OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid urged to keep up efforts to eradicate all forms of anti-Semitism: “Anti-Semitism remains a serious and persistent challenge in many of our societies. Jewish communities in the OSCE region are still targeted by terrorist attacks on synagogues, and are victims of violence and hate speech– all of this is despicable and intolerable. We all must remain alert to any form of anti-Semitism and stand strongly to counter it. Not only on an international remembrance day, but every day.“

“We need creative solutions in order to halt the spread of anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial, and the conspiracy theories that harm not only the Jewish communities directly targeted but also entire societies across the OSCE region,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “ODIHR's assistance to OSCE countries in combating anti-Semitism takes many forms, from documenting hate crime, through strengthening the security of Jewish communities, to supporting schools and teachers in their vital role of building young people’s resilience to the prejudice and stereotypes that drive hatred.”

The conference gathered government representatives, as well as relevant stakeholders from international organizations, academia, civil society organizations, leaders of Jewish communities and local activists, and offered a platform for dialogue on challenges and good practices in addressing anti-Semitism. Participants discussed current risks and challenges of combating anti-Semitism in the OSCE area and addressing it online; fostering Jewish life revival and the role of local activists as well as addressing anti-Semitism and anti-Roma discrimination in and through education.

The conference concluded with practical recommendations on all these topics from, among others, the representatives of the United Nations, the Council of Europe as well as all three Personal Representatives of the Chairman-in-Office on Tolerance and Non-Discrimination: Rabbi Andrew Baker, Ambassador Mehmet Paçacı and Professor Regina Polak.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 76 ceasefire violations, including 23 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 34 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 25 ceasefire violations, including 20 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 33 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM saw recent damage to an inhabited residential property in government-controlled Pavlopil, Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It observed people inside the disengagement areas near Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM monitored the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM monitored a border crossing point in Kharkiv region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted. The Mission’s UAVs again encountered multiple instances of GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by probable jamming.*

511543 Marina Živaljević

Dominique Waag, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and Judge Vesna Vučković, Acting President of the Supreme Court, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 7 February 2022.

The Memorandum will facilitate the implementation of the ongoing three-year project “Supporting a More Effective Administration of Justice in Corruption and Organised Crime Cases through Trial Monitoring,” funded by the European Commission and implemented by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro. This is part of a regional project, also implemented in Tirana, Sarajevo, Skopje and Pristina, with the overall objective to support a more effective judicial response to corruption and organised crime in South-Eastern Europe.

After signing the Memorandum, Waag said: “The Project uses the monitoring of organised crime and corruption cases to identify systemic issues, develop evidence-based recommendations, both at a regional and country level, and disseminate these findings and recommendations. We will take an inclusive approach when discussing its key findings and recommendations.”

Vučković said that an effective and efficient response of the judiciary to corruption and organized crime remains a major challenge for the Montenegrin judiciary in its efforts to improve the rule of law and restore public confidence in the work of the judiciary. “As assessed by the European Union, Montenegro’s criminal law policy towards corruption, inter alia, influences the independence of the judiciary, which often results in sentences below the legal minimum, as well as in plea agreements, which often result in milder sentences and thus create the impression of impunity,” said Vučkovič.

The Trial Monitoring Project aims to support effective administration of justice by enhancing evidence-based knowledge and understanding of judicial responses. Through monitoring of selected court trials in corruption and organised crime cases, the project will collect data in line with the ODIHR methodology, conduct media analysis and identify systemic gaps which can be used to provide recommendations to strengthen the judicial system.

More details about the project, its objectives, plans and implementation can be found in the factsheet and the project’s webpage.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, between the evenings of 4 and 6 February, the SMM recorded 416 ceasefire violations, including 38 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 85 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, between the evenings of 4 and 6 February, the Mission recorded 35 ceasefire violations, including one explosion. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 73 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Two SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were lost due to signal interference near government-controlled Zolote-2/Karbonit, Luhansk region, and Bohdanivka, Donetsk region; an SMM mini-UAV was assessed as targeted by gunfire near non-government-controlled Pervomaisk, Luhansk region.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It observed people inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM monitored the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at five entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM monitored two border crossing points outside government control in Donetsk region.
• The Mission observed a gathering in Kharkiv city.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted. The Mission’s UAVs again encountered multiple instances of GPS signal interference, assessed as caused by probable jamming and jamming.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 85 ceasefire violations, including one explosion. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 29 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 73 ceasefire violations, including one explosion. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 31 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Armed formations denied the SMM passage near Stanytsia Luhanska, Luhansk region.*
• The Mission followed up on reports of damage at the entry-exit checkpoint near Hnutove, Donetsk region.
• An SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was lost due to signal interference near non-government-controlled Verkhnoshyrokivske, Donetsk region.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM monitored the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at five entry-exit checkpoints and two corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission visited a border crossing point in Kharkiv region, where it saw no change in the security situation.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations in southern Donetsk region. Its UAVs again encountered multiple instances of GPS signal interference assessed as caused by probable jamming. Restrictions prevented the Mission from following up on reports of damage.*

VIENNA, 4 February 2022 – While closely looking into the implications of recent developments involving RT DE channel and Deutsche Welle broadcaster on media freedom in the region, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro today condemned the retaliatory measures undertaken by the Russian authorities against German media outlet Deutsche Welle.

“Initiating retaliatory proceedings against media and penalizing journalists for the legitimate pursuit of their professional activities merely based on political motives is disproportionate and goes against the very spirit of OSCE principles and commitments regarding media freedom,” Ribeiro said. “I call on the Russian authorities to reconsider their approach and ensure that media professionals can continue fulfilling their important societal role.”

The Representative’s comments follow the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ announcement of 3 February about the retaliatory measures against German media operating in the country, as a response to a recent decision by Germany’s national media regulator in a case against RT DE. In particular, the Russian authorities decided to close the office of the TV and radio broadcaster Deutsche Welle; to revoke the accreditation of all employees of the Deutsche Welle Russian bureau; to terminate Deutsche Welle’s satellite and other broadcasting; and to suggest labelling Deutsche Welle as a foreign agent.

Earlier, on 2 February, Germany’s national media regulator, the Commission for Admission and Supervision (ZAK), declared that RT DE Productions is a German-based broadcaster – the same conclusion that the Media Authority of Berlin-Brandenburg (MABB) had come to in December last year. According to ZAK, this means that RT DE is subject to Germany’s laws and regulations and requires a license to broadcast. This license was reportedly not applied for by RT DE and was not granted to RT DE. ZAK declared that this means that RT DE must cease all broadcasting in Germany, including through live stream on the internet, via mobile and smart TV apps, as well as via satellite.

“International obligations and standards, including OSCE principles and commitments, put a high barrier on the possibility to put restrictions on broadcasting by media outlets. Such restrictions always have to be legitimate and fall under the scrutiny of a functioning, independent regulatory system, with the possibility to appeal restrictive decisions.”

The Representative invites OSCE participating States that have differences regarding media activities to use all available platforms to engage in open and constructive discussions to find suitable solutions.

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

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 29 ceasefire violations, including four explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 292 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 31 ceasefire violations, including six explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 114 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Armed formations denied the SMM passage near Stanytsia Luhanska, Luhansk region.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM monitored the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at five entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM monitored three crossing points on the border with Belarus and the Russian Federation where it saw no change in the security situation.
• The Mission monitored a gathering in Kyiv.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On the morning of 4 February, the armed formations in Luhansk region denied the Mission passage to non-government-controlled areas. The SMM patrol was travelling from government-controlled areas.

The SMM had pre-announced its passage - although not required to do so - as a COVID-19 related courtesy, in order to ensure such checkpoints are staffed.

The denial occurred at 11:03, at the checkpoint of the armed formations south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge. A member of the armed formations denied three mission members passage to non-government-controlled areas, citing a “lack of prior notice about the number of mission members crossing”. The mission members could thus not travel to non-government-controlled areas and returned back to base in government-controlled Sievierodonetsk.

These incremental but continuous restrictions imposed on the SMM degrade and condition the Mission’s movements and operations. For recent freedom of movement restrictions faced by the Mission, see previous SMM Spot Reports.

The Mission again notes that such denials not only restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, but also prevent the SMM’s logistical operations, which are essential for the effective functioning of the Mission.

The OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1117 specifies that the SMM shall have safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. Unrestricted and unconditional access to all areas is essential to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the security situation, as well as other mandated tasks. The mandate also tasks the Mission to report on any restrictions of its freedom of movement or other impediments to fulfilment of its mandate.