Central Europe

505582 Joana Karapataqi, OSCE Presence in Albania OSCE Presence in Albania

Today marked the seventh annual Media Development Forum, a platform for dialogue among media, state institutions and civil society organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania. This year’s forum focused on the freedom and development of media in Albania.

“I am glad to emphasize our commitment to the cause of media freedom in Albania, which is a priority for our work in the country. We encourage positive partnerships and the use of international best practices. Media, society, and the state need to engage with each other in a spirit of constructiveness,” said Vincenzo Del Monaco, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, at the opening of the forum.

Jutta Gützkow, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, and Jürgen Heissel, Director of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media also delivered welcoming remarks.

The Forum’s first session was dedicated to the main challenges to media freedom and development affecting Albania this year. Discussions focused on the importance of investigative journalism and the verification of facts as a tool in the fight against corruption and in promoting professional journalism.

A special ceremony was held during the Forum to announce the winners of the OSCE competition on anticorruption investigative journalism. They are:

• Anila Hoxhaj, for the article “The PPP contract on sterilization dearly costs to the healthcare system”;
• Entela Bajramaj, for the documentary “Misappropriation through loans;” and
• Ferdinand Dervishi, for the article “The state’s tricks aimed at misappropriating the seashore’s pearls”.

The Forum was also the setting for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Albanian Public Broadcaster (RTSH) and the Department of Journalism and Communication at the University of Tirana, aimed at extending the journalism students’ internship programme at the RTSH.

VIENNA, 25 November 2021 – The media freedom situation in the OSCE region has not improved since her previous report six months ago, said OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, during the presentation of her second biannual report to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna today.

In some cases, developments have even worsened and the problems deepened, the Representative stated, adding that the decline in media freedom is not confined to just a few of the participating States. Ribeiro: “Although some of the developments have a regional aspect, there are also trends that impact media freedom across the whole region, affecting us all in a similar way.”

Distrust against the media and anti‐media sentiment is on the rise in the OSCE region. This development is sparked by several factors, including actions by certain authorities who want to sow doubt in order to cover up their anti‐democratic tendencies and deeds. Ribeiro stated: “In a Joint Declaration with other international media freedom rapporteurs in October, we denounced the rising tide of dangerous, hateful public statements coming from some politicians and public officials. Such rhetoric spreads intolerance and divisiveness and threatens or encourages attacks on journalists, human rights defenders, and puts minorities at risk.”

Mirroring this distrust and anti-media sentiment, there was again a large number of physical attacks against journalists including against those who were reporting on public gatherings. “Sadly, since my last report three journalists were killed in our region,” the Representative added. “I would like to take this opportunity to express again my deepest condolences to their families and colleagues.”

Next to physical threats, media workers and outlets continue to experience severe consequences of abuse and harassment via other means. There were increasing challenges in the online sphere, including the impact of disinformation and hate speech, harmful business practices that rely on the use of artificial intelligence, and the online harassment of – oftentimes women – journalists. In addition, many media workers and media outlets came under the threat of abusive and vexatious legal procedures. Ribeiro said: “Legal harassment poses a serious threat to the safety of media and the economic basis of outlets and has a strong chilling effect on media pluralism in the OSCE region.”

The ability of journalists to pursue their work across borders was hampered again, in some cases again severely, during the past six months. Ribeiro stated: “I want to reiterate that media freedom is dependent on a vibrant and competitive media landscape, with a variety of voices. This includes freedom to perform journalistic duties abroad – something that is also considered crucial for strengthening a climate of trust and co-operation within the OSCE region.”

In 2022, the year RFoM celebrates the 25th anniversary of its Mandate, a number of different initiatives will be employed to enhance the media freedom situation in the OSCE region. This includes taking stock of the parts of the commitments that the participating States still have to fulfil in order to enhance the safety of journalists, including by developing national action plans or strategies, or by strengthening national data collection and analysis of threats and attacks. A project to provide assistance in the development of media literacy approaches will be started, in order to empower individuals, equipping them with the necessary skills to distinguish disinformation, misinformation and fake news from reliable news and to convey them not to be producers of such content.

Next, an advisory group of eminent persons will be established, to  assess current challenges regarding media freedom, anticipate key developments in years to come and propose ways to address the impact of these challenges on the right to seek, receive and impart information as a core concept of comprehensive security. This group will focus on three overarching themes, including political trends and the way they impact media freedom; economic and environmental factors affecting media freedom; and digital transformations shaping the media landscape.

The Representative’s full report is available here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/505564

Media are invited to contact the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media for questions and interview requests.

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.

505633 OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized an online training course on multimedia journalism from 24 to 26 November 2021.

The three-day event brought together journalism lecturers and students from journalism faculties of the Institute of International Relations of Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry, Magtymguly State University, and the International University for Humanities and Development.

An international expert from the United Kingdom presented current trends in multimedia technology and introduced free tools and services for producing multimedia content. The course also covered ethics and professional standards in multimedia journalism, content management in social networks, communications and multimedia tools, and the principles of mobile journalism.

Addressing the students, John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, mentioned the declaration adopted by participants of the 13th Central Asia Media Conference “Pluralism and Internet Governance”, which emphasized that “media pluralism is a key value and one of the most important conditions for the existence of a democratic society, in which Internet plays a crucial role.”

“With unique opportunities offered by the Internet, modern journalists need to be able to use new technologies and master multimedia skills in addition to having good analytical skills to quickly catch the essence of events,” he added. “Today’s students represent the future of Turkmenistan’s journalism and we firmly believe that this training course will contribute to their professional development in line with requirements of the modern media environment”.

The course was organized to support Turkmenistan’s efforts in the area of the digitalization of print media, which gained new dynamics in 2020 when the Centre initiated a number of groundbreaking activities.

505489 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

A five-day OSCE-supported study visit to Moscow for participants from Tajikistan on disaster prevention and management system concluded on 19 November 2021.

Six representatives of Tajikistan’s Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence (Committee) learned about new disaster management techniques while also strengthening their professional networks. The study visit was hosted by the Russian Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters.

Zarif Saidov, Head of the Committee’s Search and Rescue Department, said that the study visit gave an opportunity to meet with colleagues from Russia and discuss future co-operation, notably in the area of psychological aid.

The visit also aimed to contribute to future enhancement of the Committee’s capacity in the areas of psychological assistance and crisis management, taking into account all recommendations from the Committee and Russian Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters.

Meetings with senior professionals of the Fire Fighting Service of State Academy; Centre for Emergency Psychological Aid; Leader Centre for High Risk Rescue Operations; All-Russian Research Institute for Fire Protection; Main department of the National Crisis Management Centre and the Civil Defense Academy were part of the study visit.

505513 OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

International standards on efficient energy use and best practices of Energy Service Companies (ESCO) in OSCE participating States were discussed during an OSCE-organized online seminar in Ashgabat on 23 and 24 November 2021.

Representatives from the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan and students and teaching staff of the Turkmen State Energy Institute (TSEI) participated in the seminar.

Two international experts from Ukraine shared their extensive experiences in the implementation of ESCO projects and addressed energy efficient solutions. They familiarized participants with the concept of energy service contracts, business models, financing of the contracts and measurement and verification methods of energy efficiency.

“The OSCE recognizes that sustainable management of energy resources is one of the key modern challenges, not only in the OSCE region, but also across the globe. Addressing those challenges, the organization has been providing a platform for a broad dialogue on good governance in the energy sector, including promotion of energy efficiency, energy security and development of renewable energy,” said John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“This is why many OSCE participating States developed business models, which provide a broad range of energy efficient solutions through implementation of energy saving projects by ESCO,” he added.

The event marks a continuation of the OSCE Centre's co-operation with the government of Turkmenistan in the area of energy efficiency.

KYIV, 24 November 2021 – 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 security situation along the contact line is highly volatile. SMM reports on damage to civilian houses and infrastructure on both sides of the contact line caused by heavy weapons. The average number of daily cease-fire violations has exceeded figure before entering into force of the Measures to strengthen the ceasefire in July 2020. The impasse related to the the provision of security guarantees has become a major issue for activities along the contact line and complicates the life of civilians as well as the work of SMM.

Facts gathered by SMM are crucial for the work of the TCG. De facto, the Mission is an important part in the conflict management. Freedom of movement is a prerequisite for the Mission’s work, the increasing number of impediments makes it difficult for SMM to establish and report facts in response to specific incidents.

Participants in the Political Working Group remain in their respective positions making it challenging to have an exchange on substance related to the development of a single Plan of Action.

In the Security Working Group the participants predominantly focused on the issue of security guarantees.

The participants in the Humanitarian Working Group discussed about conflict-related detainees, missing persons and the possible simultaneous opening of two new crossing points across the contact line in Zolote and Shchastia of Luhansk region.

Economic Working Group engaged in a constructive discussion on different aspects of water supply to certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine (CADLO). Ecological issues, pension payments and questions related to telecommunication were also reviewed.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 376 ceasefire violations, including 230 explosions, eight of which were assessed as a live-fire training exercise outside of the security zone. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 163 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 372 ceasefire violations, including 230 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 36 ceasefire violations in the region.
• Members of the armed formations denied the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas near Zolote, Stanytsia Luhanska, and Molodizhne, Luhansk region.*
• Ceasefire violations occurred close to an SMM patrol near Molodizhne, Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagements area near Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM continued to facilitate the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and the three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM monitored the security situation in southern Kherson region.
• The Mission monitored a gathering in Chernivtsi.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Zaichenko, Oleksandrivske and Novoazovsk Donetsk region and near the disengagement area near Petrivske. Its unmanned aerial vehicles again experienced multiple instances of probable jamming.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

On 24 November, at 10:39, an SMM patrol consisting of two vehicles and five people arrived from Donetsk city at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk), travelling to government-controlled areas. At the checkpoint, two visibly armed members of the armed formations denied the Mission passage, citing a “lack of permission” for the SMM to cross. At 14:54, the patrol returned to Donetsk city.

At 11:40, a second SMM patrol consisting of two vehicles and five people arrived from Kramatorsk (government-controlled, 83km north of Donetsk) at a checkpoint of the armed formations, travelling to non-government-controlled areas on the same crossing route as the first patrol. At the checkpoint, one member of the armed formations denied the Mission passage, citing a “need for permission” from his superior. At 12:22, the patrol left the checkpoint and returned to Kramatorsk.

In both cases, the SMM had notified the armed formations of the patrols’ crossings in advance, according to COVID-19 operating procedures.

To recall, on 23 November, the armed formations denied the SMM crossing from government-controlled to non-government-controlled areas in three locations in Luhansk region. (see SMM Spot Report 27/2021) 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.

Jeff Bieley Edita Buçaj

Translators and proof-readers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Kosovo Police were trained on using computer-assisted translation software during a two-day workshop organized by the OSCE Mission to Kosovo on 18 and 19 November 2021.

During this interactive training, language professionals were acquainted with the software and had an opportunity to use its innovative features to boost their productivity through predictive typing, proofreading and quality checks. This tool will help ensure professional and consistent institutional translations and terminology.  

Both the Ministry and the Kosovo Police work with various official documents that require timely and professional translation into Albanian or Serbian, the two official languages in Kosovo. By providing them with 12 permanent licences for superior computer-assisted translation software, the Mission aims to enhance bilingual service to the public.

“I thank the OSCE Mission in Kosovo for providing us with advanced software, which will be immensely helpful in enabling the Kosovo Police to increase our effectiveness in delivering clear messages to all of the communities we serve,” said Colonel Taibe Canolli, Director of the Kosovo Police Human Resources Department. “By supporting accurate translations in a prompt and efficient manner, this vital tool will also increase trust and confidence in the police,” she added.

Enhancing bilingual communication is a strategic priority of the Mission and its partners, and is in line with the legal requirements set by the Law on the Use of Languages in Kosovo.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with the protection and promotion of human and community rights, as well as with democratization and public safety sector development.

505315 Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ton van den Brandt

On 23 November 2021, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) Teresa Ribeiro met with Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen to discuss current developments on media freedom and freedom of expression in Finland and the wider OSCE region. They addressed several topics, including the importance of promoting media literacy as a tool to counter dissemination of misinformation and strengthen freedom of opinion and expression. They agreed that an official visit by the Representative to Finland would be an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand insight into Finland’s experiences in media literacy.

Ribeiro and Häkkinen also discussed the importance of media freedom as a cornerstone of democracy and comprehensive security, underlining the unique role the OSCE plays in this regard.

They further addressed the case of three journalists of Finland’s daily newspaper Helsingin Sanomat who have been charged with disclosure and attempted disclosure of national secrets. While the case is still pending in court, the RFoM underlined the importance of journalists’ ability to report on matters of public interest and the need to find a balanced approach between national security and freedom of expression and information.

VIENNA/SARJEVO, 24 November 2021 – Following meetings with the members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid made the following statement:

“Yesterday I held meetings with the three members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željko Komšić, Šefik Džaferović and Milorad Dodik.”

“The meetings confirmed that my visit takes place during a particularly complex and challenging period for Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was​ clear to me that there is a difference in outlook when it comes to key challenges and their resolution. From my side, I conveyed to all Presidency members the urgent need to decrease tensions, cease the use of divisive rhetoric and to restore the full functionality of State-level institutions.” 

“I urged political leaders to focus on implementing reforms and dealing with the real problems citizens face, for instance unemployment, corruption, and the need for quality, inclusive education. The ongoing crisis is negatively affecting the economy and discouraging investment. The aggregate result of these factors is the continued outflow of citizens from Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially young people.”

“I also raised with all interlocutors the critical need for electoral reform.  Citizens are losing faith in elections, which undermines the very foundation of democracy. Constructive engagement is needed to amend the BiH Election Law in line with international standards.  I underlined that the OSCE’s Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), together with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, stand ready to provide expertise and facilitation in support of this critical effort.”

“The OSCE, including through the OSCE Mission, will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in keeping with the mandate provided under the Dayton Peace Accords. We will continue to focus on building trust, reconciliation and reform.  Ultimately, responsibility rests with the country’s leaders to make the right decisions and to move forward. The many positive success stories at the local level across the country serve as an inspiration in this regard, and as proof that positive change is possible.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 163 ceasefire violations, including 39 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 122 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded 36 ceasefire violations, including 14 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 28 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission followed up on recent damage to civilian properties in Nevelske, Donetsk region.
• The SMM was denied passage to an SMM camera site for scheduled maintenance at the corresponding checkpoint of the armed formations south of the disengagement area near Zolote.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded one ceasefire violation inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable 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 four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM monitored a gathering in Kyiv.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near Zaichenko, Donetsk region and at a border crossing point outside government control near Izvaryne, Luhansk region. Its unmanned aerial vehicles again experienced instances of probable jamming.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Between 09:45 and 10:00 on 23 November, an SMM patrol consisting of two vehicles and five people arrived from government-controlled areas at about 350m north of the southern edge of the disengagement area near Zolote (government-controlled, 60km west of Luhansk) to travel to non-government-controlled areas. Two members of the armed formations (wearing armbands with “JCCC” written on them) denied the Mission passage, citing “orders from their superiors”. At 10:05, the patrol left the area and proceeded towards Popasna (government-controlled, 69km west of Luhansk).

At 10:18 on 23 November, a second SMM patrol consisting of three vehicles and eight people arrived at the northern edge of the disengagement area near Stanytsia Luhanska (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Luhansk), after which the patrol members proceeded towards the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk). At 10:59, at the checkpoint south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge a member of the armed formations denied one patrol member, who intended to cross to non-government-controlled areas, passage, citing a “need for permission” from those in control in non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region. At 11:00, the patrol left the area and returned to Stanytsia Luhanska.

Between 11:42 and 11:57, a third SMM patrol consisting of two vehicles and five people arrived from government-controlled areas at a checkpoint on road T-0504 about 1.5km south-west of Molodizhne (non-government-controlled, 63km north-west of Luhansk) to travel to non-government-controlled areas. At the checkpoint, a member of the armed formations denied the Mission passage, citing “orders from his superiors”. At 12:04, the patrol left the checkpoint and proceeded towards Popasna (government-controlled, 69km west of Luhansk).

The Mission notes that such denials at checkpoints of the armed formations restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line and 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.

505249 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe Nuriya Sherzodova

Twenty-six officers and managers of various border security and law enforcement agencies from fourteen countries across the OSCE region graduated from the fourth one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Border Security and Management for Senior Leadership Course on 19 November 2021.

Participants represented Afghanistan, Armenia, Egypt, France, Greece, Jordan, Lithuania, Moldova, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Spain, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. 

Following the conclusion of the final module of the course, participants prepared course work and defended their research findings to a panel of experts from 15 to 18 November online and face-to-face in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.   

Ihar Kuzminich, Acting Director of the BMSC noted that despite the challenges induced by the pandemic and travel restrictions, the College still managed to conduct one session in an in-person format in Greece and the defense in Dushanbe, which allowed good opportunities for knowledge exchange and network building. 

The course consisted of three modules namely: Modern Security Challenges and Border Management, Leadership and Management, Current and Emerging Trends in Border Security Management and Trade Facilitation. 

Fua'd Suleiman Sayyah Al-hreishat, a course graduate from Jordan Customs said that the most exciting part for him was the session on risk management and analysis, where participants practiced all concepts and took part in different drills and exercises.

Each module of the course utilized a variety of training methods, such as self-learning in an electronic environment, lectures, and presentations, follow-up discussions and activities on the subject matter, discussions and exercises supported by experts, and study visits.

The OSCE Border Management Staff College (BMSC), in collaboration with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), conducted the course aimed at intensifying the professional skills of border officers in the context of international standards. 

The course is accredited by the Estonian Quality Assessment Council for Higher Education (EKKA) and equals an internationally recognized one-year postgraduate diploma course. After the successful defense of their course work, participants received 60 ECTS credits, equivalent to level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework.

505282 OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

Discussions on a victim-centred approach and multi-agency co-operation in combating trafficking in human beings were held during an OSCE-organized online seminar on 22 and 23 November 2021.

The seminar was led by Oleksandr Kyrylenko, Programme Officer, and Tetiana Rudenko, Senior Co-ordination Officer from the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordination for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. International and national experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan presented steps to strengthen the interagency response to human trafficking in light of current national and international challenges. They also discussed practices and approaches to comprehensive assistance to victims of human trafficking in the OSCE region.

Representatives from the Mejlis (lower chamber) of the Milli Gengesh (Parliament) of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Justice, Prosecutor General's Office, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, State Migration and Border Services, Supreme Court, Ombudsperson's Office, Bar Association, and Institute of State, Law and Democracy, Women’s Union and Youth Organizations of Turkmenistan attended the event.

In his opening address, John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat said: “Trafficking in human beings is a complex, multi-faceted crime and a severe violation of human rights, which concerns all OSCE participating States. It intersects with issues of fundamental rights and the rule of law; law enforcement and crime control; inequality and discrimination; corruption, economic deprivation and migration.”

He noted that, for a number of years, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat has been assisting the government of Turkmenistan in building the capacity of government agencies and civil society organizations in preventing human trafficking, strengthening prosecution efforts by training law enforcement and other agencies, and assisting victims.

The OSCE is the largest regional organization that engages in a broad range of security issues, where human rights issues, including the protection of the legitimate rights of the victims of human trafficking, are instrumental.

505210 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized a three-day online workshop for officers of Tajikistan’s Drugs Control Agency (DCA) on countering trafficking in illicit drugs via the internet and specifics of initial investigations. The event took place in Dushanbe from 15 to 17 November. Fifteen officers from operational and investigation departments of DCA attended the workshop. Participants improved their knowledge on the basics and initial actions in the fight against drug trafficking on the internet.

The OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department and the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the OSCE facilitated the workshop and trainers from the Siberian Law Institute under the Russian Interior Ministry conducted it. Participants explored general concepts related to hidden networks, including the Darkweb, addressed the misuse of cryptocurrencies and official payment systems through which illicit drugs can be purchased. Among other topics, they also learned how to apply special investigation techniques aimed at seizing and inspecting electronic documents and ICT devices, making audio, photo and video recordings and their entries into the crime scene protocol.

“It is important for our officers to receive more information about new trends and approaches in identifying and investigating cases related to trafficking in illicit drugs on internet networks,” said Tojiddin Ismoiliyon, Head of DCA’s Training Centre. Ismoiliyon stressed that DCA is interested in continuing joint co-operation with the OSCE to further improve theoretical and practical capacities of DCA officers.

505186 Željka Šulc

Identifying best practices in providing support to the victims of hate crimes in South-East Europe was at the centre of a regional conference held on 23 November, organized by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). This event was dedicated to developing tangible domestic initiatives, and helping prevent potential cross-border spill over of hate crimes based on ethnicity or religion.

The conference brought together government and judicial officials, civil society representatives, and social workers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The event included representatives from the OSCE field missions in these countries, as well as from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Participants from Kosovo also attended.

Participants examined existing models to support victims of hate crimes in South-East Europe, identifying positive aspects, existing gaps, and corrective follow-up activities.

“Hate crimes in South-East Europe have many common features and patterns, one being the adverse position of the victims of hate crimes and a lack of institutional support. Ensuring respectful treatment, support and protection for the victims and their communities is an essential and often overlooked component of comprehensive hate crimes response,” said Jasna Dobricik, Head of the Human Dimension Department of the OSCE Mission to BiH.

“The goal of this conference is to help bridge the gap in support to the victims and build on available structures and resources. As professionals in different areas, we need to open this discussion and keep this issue alive and relevant for the benefit of societies in the region,” she added

The OSCE has been facilitating regional co-operation and co-ordination on hate crimes issues since 2012 to help reduce potential threats to post-conflict stability in the region.

505171 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

A four-week training course on sustained field operation capacity for border officers of Tajikistan’s Border Troops was completed on 18 November 2021 in Dushanbe. The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in co-operation with Tajikistan’s Border Troops organized the course, which was funded by the European Union.

Thirty border officers, including ten women, benefited from the course and enhanced their skills in military and topography map reading, first aid related to battlefield injuries, tactical patrolling, radio communications, national border regulations, gender awareness, risk assessment, patrol report writing, and survival techniques specific to summer and winter. Tactical patrolling modules included lessons on national legislation and international human rights commitments pertaining to the rights and treatment of detainees and refugees.

While addressing participants at the closing ceremony, Ilgar Ibrahimli, Senior Executive Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe expressed his appreciation to Tajikistan’s Border Troops for their support. “Since mid-February till the end of this year, 13 training courses for 432 Tajik border troop officers have been conducted within this project,” said Ibrahimli. He also extended his gratitude to the EU for its financial support in implementing the project.

General Major Safarali Mirzozoda, Deputy Commander of the Border Troops of the State Committee for National Security of Tajikistan noted that graduates of the course have repeatedly demonstrated their skills and knowledge in the field of topography, tactical training, medical training, survival in various conditions.

This training course is part of a project funded through the European Union’s Foreign Policy Instrument. The project aims to increase the professional capacity of both Tajikistan’s Border Troops and Afghan Border Services to better tackle illicit activities in border areas. The project also aims to strengthen the capacity of the Committee on Emergency Situations and Civil Defense to respond to natural disasters in border regions.

505180

A two-day workshop on strengthening effective security sector governance through partnerships between security institutions and civil society concluded on 23 November 2021 in Tirana. The workshop was jointly organized by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, the OSCE Presence in Albania and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence. It brought together some 28 representatives from Albanian state security institutions, civil society, and the media.

The event aimed to raise awareness about good governance of the security sector. Discussions were held on opportunities and challenges for co-operation between state security institutions, such as the Police, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defence, and with the media and civil society, including women and youth organizations. Recommendations from the workshop will serve as a basis to further strengthen partnerships between state security institutions and civil society to ensure an accountable, effective and inclusive security sector that respects human rights, adheres to the rule of law and promotes gender equality.

Megi Fino, Albanian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “Civil society organizations serve as an essential partner for security sector reform in its aim to strengthen the effectiveness, transparency and integrity of security and defence actors and institutions, which is important for the national development of Albania”.

"The world does not stand still. Digitalization, globalization, global warming, the COVID-19 pandemic and illegal migration bring new complex security threats. The OSCE addresses them through initiatives like this. Comprehensive security and inclusive governance are approaches we don’t preach, but live, everyday", said Clarisse Pasztory, Deputy Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania.

The event was implemented through the extra-budgetary project “Support, capacity-building and awareness-raising for Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSG/R) within the OSCE: Phase II” and funded by Austria, Finland, Germany, Norway, Slovakia, and Switzerland.

VIENNA, 23 November 2021 – Addressing the genuine risk of being targeted with legal procedures and vexatious litigation that journalists and other media workers face, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, launched today a special report on legal harassment and abuse of the judicial system against the media.

The report elaborates on instances where the law is being misused to prevent journalists and other media workers from doing their work, or as a means of retaliation for their unwanted investigations or reporting. This risk comes in many forms, ranging from administrative sanctions or criminal prosecution, to (the threat of) extensive and expensive civil litigation by powerful individuals and organizations.

The report contains 11 recommendations to provide general guidance to OSCE participating States regarding their related commitments.

“Legal harassment can pose a serious threat to the safety of media and the economic basis of media workers and outlets and, hence, has a strong chilling effect on media pluralism, undermining journalistic freedom in the OSCE region,” said Ribeiro. “The use of legal instruments and procedures to intimidate, hinder and stifle journalistic work is in stark contradiction to the safety of media workers as established in various OSCE principles on freedom of expression and freedom of the media.”

The report can be found here.

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.