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Promoting dialogue and confidence-building on transboundary waterways between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

OSCE - Fri, 12/01/2023 - 06:59
559236 Participants of the 11th Working Group Meeting on Environmental Protection under the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Chu-Talas Water Commission discuss work plan for 2024, Almaty, 21 November, 2023 For Media inquires

The 11th Working Group Meeting on Environmental Protection under the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Chu-Talas Water Commission (the Commission) took place on 21 November 2023 in Almaty city. The meeting was supported and co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana (POiA) and the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB), in close co-operation with the Commission. The Commission has been conducting relevant work with support of the OSCE since 2006.

The meeting gathered 34 officials and water specialists from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to discuss a wide-range of topics, such as presenting results of hydrometeorological monitoring at agreed gauging stations in 2022, exchanging results of laboratory water quality assessments made in 2023, and seasonal co-ordinated water sampling in 2024.

Participants also had an opportunity to discuss a desk study of the impacts of climate change on transboundary river basins of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (for the Asmara/Aspara and Kurkuroo/Kurkureusu). Following the revision of the Water Code in Kazakhstan and important role of basin councils therein, a number of recommendations were presented on how small basin councils can contribute to improving transboundary co-operation. 

In early November, the POiA and POiB assisted the Commission in conducting a visit to the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir for completion of technical inspections of a set of cone valves, the working outlet tunnel of the dam, and the state of bank protection in its lower pool. This work and results were also presented at the 11th Working Group Meeting.

In conclusion to the Working Group Meeting, the Commission adopted a work plan for 2024, encompassing mutually agreed-upon seasonal water sampling and topics for the next (12th) Working Group Meeting to be held in Bishkek in 2024.

The work of the Commission has been supported by the POiA, in co-operation with the POiB, as a multi-year effort to raise awareness and enhance capacities of relevant state institutions in the area of water governance, transboundary dialogue on managing water resources, and strengthen confidence-building amongst neighbouring OSCE participating States.

As an example of its support – the POiA also provided support to the Commission through the development of a publication entitled “Needs assessment for the conservation of globally important wetlands in the Chu river basin (within Kazakhstan’s territory)”, describing the current state of ecosystems and biodiversity in the lower Chu river (Kazakhstan), as well as providing data on climate, flora and vegetation, hydrology, ichthyofauna, and fauna of terrestrial vertebrates, including birds, covering the last 30 years. The publication is available here (in Russian language): https://www.osce.org/programme-office-in-astana/548299

Categories: Central Europe

The impact of climate change on human security in focus at Ministerial Council side event

OSCE - Thu, 11/30/2023 - 16:35
559224 Communication and Media Relations Section Boni Cvetanovska Little Green Book on Climate Change 30th OSCE Ministerial Council

The 2023 Chairpersonship of North Macedonia hosted a side event on “Addressing the Impact of Climate Change on Human Security in the OSCE Area” during the 30th Ministerial Council taking place in Skopje.

Addressing the impact of climate change has been a key priority of the Chairpersonship of North Macedonia, as demonstrated by the appointment of the first Special Representative on Climate Change, Naser Nuredini, by Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani. The side event was particularly valuable as a follow up to the comprehensive discussions held during all major second dimension events, as well as to discussions that took place during the High-Level Conference on Climate Change organized by the OSCE Secretary General in Vienna.

“All our countries are facing different challenges arising from extreme weather events, environmental degradation and overall rising temperatures. This demands a sound and comprehensive policy response. Ensuring the security and well-being of our citizens for generations to come must be our top priority. We must act now, not later, as we are running out of time,” said Osmani in his opening address. “I am confident of the OSCE’s value as a platform to foster exactly this exchange between officials from participating States aiming to find overarching and collaborative solutions to tackle common threats head-on,” he added. 

The event was attended by Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office on Climate Change Naser Nuredini, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Espen Barth Eide, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sodiq Imomi and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Aibek Moldogaziev.

At the end of the event, the “Little Green Book on Climate Change” was presented and handed out to participants and delegations.

Categories: Central Europe

Conference on participation of citizens in decision-making at the local level in BiH concludes in Sarajevo

OSCE - Thu, 11/30/2023 - 12:50
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On November 30, 2023, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted a conference titled "Participation of citizens in decision-making at the local level in BiH: Towards a meaningful partnership”.

The conference’s goal was to provide a forum for representatives from municipal and cantonal authorities, NGOs, the media, and international organizations in BiH to discuss the practice of citizen participation in decision-making at the local level, identify facilitating and inhibiting factors, and suggest next steps.

Mathieu Lemoine, Chief of Policy and Planning Unit of the OSCE Mission to BiH, emphasized: "The importance of citizens’ participation in decision-making cannot be overstated. It is a crucial feature of democracy and good governance. Unfortunately, democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been suffering from a participation deficit for decades. This is especially true when it comes to democracy on the local level, as we find that the existing mechanisms for citizen participation have been both underused and ineffective.”

The participants had the chance to analyse existing mechanisms, including their strengths and weaknesses, as well as to outline lessons learned and best practices in the country and the region.

Bryony Rudkin, Chair of the Current Affairs Committee, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities said: “Our shared vision for inclusive, human-rights based local democracy requires ongoing efforts to amplify everyone’s voices, particularly of those unheard, continuous engagement with citizens in all stages of policymaking, and embracing innovative approaches in doing so.”

The President of the Centre for Environment Tihomir Dakić stressed: “When one exhausts all the options for public participation, starting from obtaining information, through the provision of proposals and suggestions, it then becomes necessary to raise awareness and inform the public about the need to also exercise the right to access to justice, in case of a violation of the right to public participation. Exactly as it was envisaged in the Aarhus Convention. We make choices every day, and not every four years."

This conference was a part of the OSCE Mission to BiH’s larger efforts to support endeavors and initiatives that aim to strengthen and facilitate citizen participation in decision-making processes across all levels of governance, ultimately reinforcing and promoting this fundamental democratic principle.

Categories: Central Europe

Civil society groups call for halt of war against Ukraine ahead of OSCE Ministerial Council

OSCE - Wed, 11/29/2023 - 17:40

SKOPJE, 29 November 2023 — Putting a stop to the war against Ukraine and strengthening civil society across the OSCE were at the heart of recommendations put forward by civil society representatives from across the OSCE region. The recommendations were handed over at the annual OSCE Parallel Civil Society Conference held in Skopje today.

The Civil Society Conference brought together more than 120 civil society representatives from across the OSCE region to discuss common recommendations from civil society to the OSCE leadership. One of the major outcomes of this year’s conference was the Skopje Declaration. The Declaration emphasised the need to end the war against Ukraine, strengthen civil society and hold participating States accountable for their human dimension commitments.

The Declaration was presented to the OSCE’s leadership, as well as to the organization’s 57 participating States on the eve of the 30th OSCE Ministerial Council.

“I am convinced that there is a clear and positive correlation between a strong, diverse and vibrant civil society on the one hand, and on the other the strength of democratic institutions, the rule of law and tolerant and inclusive communities,” emphasized the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani.  

The Conference was also attended by OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, by Matteo Mecacci, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Kairat Abdrakhmanov, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) and Teresa Ribeiro, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM).

The Parallel Civil Society Conference is organized by the Civic Solidarity Platform. The Conference has taken place every year on the margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council since 2010, with the support of the OSCE Chairpersonship.

Categories: Central Europe

Encouraging young people to be “Informed, motivated and active” focus of OSCE-supported seminar in Montenegro

OSCE - Tue, 11/28/2023 - 14:17
558750 Marina Živaljević

Digital and media literacy, gender equality and human rights of persons with disabilities were the main topics of the seminar “Informed, motivated and active youth”, organized in Budva from 22 to 24 November by the NGO Centre for Youth Education, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, for 20 young people aged 18 to 30 from across Montenegro.

Marija Đukanović, a participant, found the seminar was an opportunity to gain new insights into media literacy, gender equality and hate speech, and make new professional connections. “The information about legal regulations, but also statistical data in these fields, will help improve my and the work of my colleagues, with whom I will certainly share the knowledge I’ve gained. Of particular importance to me was the engaging discussion encouraged by the lecturers,” said Marija.

Opening the event, Dominique Waag, Head of OSCE Mission, said that the OSCE has adopted a number of commitments, explicitly recognizing the importance of the role of youth. She introduced the participants with the Mission’s activities and its work for the benefits of youth, who, as she said, are active citizens, committed to building a better country.

In thanking for the Mission’s continuous support, Jugoslav Radović, executive director of the NGO Centre for Youth Education, said that the fact that there were more than 170 applications for the seminar shows that these activities are necessary. “Together with our colleagues from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, we will continue to strive to create a way to represent the interests of young people,” said Radović.

Snežana Ivanović, from the Ministry of Sports and Youth noted that the youth Strategy 2023-2027 is adopted and includes an inter-ministerial coordinating body for youth policy. She also announced that a national youth council is in process of being formed and will serve as an expert and advisory body to monitor and make recommendations to improve youth policy.

The Mission will continue to support youth organizations and services in Montenegro, strengthening their capacities for successful work.

Categories: Central Europe

A Roundtable on Preventing the Involvement of minors in the online criminal activities is held in Tashkent

OSCE - Sun, 11/26/2023 - 07:28
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On November 24, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz), together with the Ombudsperson for Children and the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan convened the round table on “Preventing the involvement of children and youth in criminal activities on Internet” in Tashkent. 

The overall goal of the round table was to support the work of the Government of Uzbekistan and strengthen national capacity to promote effective crime prevention practices through social inclusion and promoting legal literacy, gender sensitivity and the rights of children and youth.

Thirty-four participants (22 women and 12 men), including representatives from the General Prosecutor’s Office, Ministry of Internal affairs, Ministry of pre-school and school education, Law Enforcement Academy, discussed mechanisms for protecting the rights and interests of minors. 

In addition, participants discussed the OSCE PCUzmethodological recommendations to further strengthen the national system for preventing the involvement of childrenand adolescents in cybercrimes and shared their experiences of public-private partnership in preventing crime among children and youth. 

This roundtable was organised within the framework of the PCUz UB project “Promoting Rule of Law, Human Rights and Media Freedom”.

Categories: Central Europe

ODIHR Director visit to Asia focuses on strengthening human rights and increased collaboration

OSCE - Fri, 11/24/2023 - 16:56
558630 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

As part of ongoing efforts by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to strengthen democratic institutions and respect for human rights in the OSCE region, ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci visited Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia on 7-17 November 2023.

This began with a visit to Turkmenistan on 7-10 November, the first by an ODIHR Director since 2010, which aimed to enhance support to the country in implementing its commitments to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

Meetings in Ashgabat focused on increasing cooperation both with the Turkmen authorities and civil society. Director Mecacci held discussions with Foreign Minister Meredov, Speaker Gulmanova, and Ombuds Gurbannazarova, as well as civil society representatives, which centred on support ODIHR can offer in the areas of elections, legislative support and human rights. He also met Justice Minister Taganov, Supreme Court Chair Hojamgulyyev and the Institute of Law and Democracy, with whom he discussed issues related to the rule of law, fair trials and democratic participation, including possible reforms, and means to develop cooperation with ODIHR in the future.

Director Mecacci’s visit to Uzbekistan took place on November 13-14, and aimed to further advance ODIHR’s collaboration with the authorities and civil society in Uzbekistan to improve implementation of the country’s commitments to democracy and human rights.

In Nukus, the Director met the Chairman of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karapakalstan Tleubaevich, the Prosecutor General, and civil society representatives, with whom he discussed issues connected to the events of July 2022. In Tashkent, the Director met Foreign Minister Saidov, Justice Minister Tashkulov, Ombuds Eshmatova, First Deputy Speaker of the Oliy Majlis Prof. Saidov, members of parliament, representatives of the National Center for Human Rights, Deputy Internal Affairs Minister Abdulkhakov, Deputy Prosecutor General Svetlana Artikova, and Deputy Chairperson of the Supreme Court Muslimov. Meetings with civil society representatives were also an important part of the visit.

The meetings highlighted new areas of engagement with ODIHR, aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and increasing the protection of human rights, including freedom of assembly, prevention of torture and supporting human rights defenders. The issues connected to the events of July 2022 were also discussed in Tashkent, and ODIHR will continue to closely monitor the situation.

Director Mecacci’s final visit in the region was to Mongolia on November 15-17. The main purpose of his discussions was to enhance the existing collaboration with Mongolia and identify new possible areas in which ODIHR can support the country in implementing its commitments to democracy and human rights.

In UlaanBaatar, the Director discussed rule of law, judicial reform, the promotion of human rights and implementation of OSCE electoral commitments with Justice Minister Battumur, National Human Rights Commissioner Jargalsaikhan, Head of the Mongolian Delegation to OSCE PA Damdin, Judge Dashdorj, Head of the Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court of Mongolia, and General Elections Commission Chairman Purev as well as civil society representatives.

Categories: Central Europe

Media Opportunities at 30th OSCE Ministerial Council in Skopje, North Macedonia

OSCE - Fri, 11/24/2023 - 15:40

SKOPJE/VIENNA, 24 November 2023 - The 30th Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) will take place on 30 November and 1 December 2023 in Skopje, North Macedonia.

The annual meeting of the Foreign Ministers and senior officials of the 57 OSCE participating States will be held at the invitation of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani.

Media representatives are invited to cover the event, which will be held at the Sport Center Boris Trajkovski, North Macedonia.

Accreditation for media representatives is open

The deadline for registration is 6 p.m., 26 November 2023 and late accreditations will not be accepted.

Media opportunities

The following media opportunities will be open for journalists accredited to the Ministerial Council. More media opportunities will become available in the days leading up and during the Ministerial Council and will be communicated to accredited journalists.

Thursday, 30 November 2023

  • 08:30–09:30:  – Arrival of Heads of Delegations at the Sport Centre and doorstep opportunity
  • 10:00–10:20:  – Opening Plenary Session, Opening Remarks – pool attendance only
  • 15:00–15:30: – Side event: Signing of the Joint Statement on Combating Corruption in South-Eastern Europe through Asset Recovery and Use of Digitalization – pool attendance only
  • 16:30–17:15: – Side event: Addressing the Impact of Climate Change on Human Security in the OSCE Area – pool attendance only

Friday, 1 December 2023

  • 10:00–10:45: – Side event: Youth and Civil Society – pool attendance only
  • 10:00–11:00: – Side event: It’s about people - the impact of OSCE field operations in 2023 – pool attendance only
  • 11:00–11:45: – Side event: Preserving Pluralism - Safety of Women Journalists – pool attendance only
  • 13:30–14:00:  – Closing Plenary Session – pool attendance only
  • 14:30: – Final press conference with Chairman-in-Office, Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, incoming Chairperson-in-Office 2024 (TBC), and OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid – open attendance

Accredited media interest in participating in any pool opportunities should email: Media.OSCEMC@mfa.gov.mk

Further information on the media arrangements for the Ministerial Council can be found in the media handbook.

Follow the Ministerial Council online

The arrivals of Heads of Delegations, opening and closing plenary sessions and the final press conference will be available via livestream on the OSCE website at: www.osce.org/live

For the registered and accredited journalists who cannot attend the Ministerial Council in person, a Zoom link to attend remotely will be provided. More information will follow once the registration process is completed. Journalists must complete the media registration to receive the Zoom link and access to the Zoom webinar will be controlled.

Interview requests

Interview requests throughout the Ministerial Council should be sent to: Media.OSCEMC@mfa.gov.mk

Detailed information about media facilities, instructions for accreditation, booking of hotels and the visa application procedure is available in the media handbook

Follow for updates about the Ministerial Council on X (formerly Twitter) at @OSCE@OSCECiO and #OSCEMC2023 or the MC event page

Categories: Central Europe

ODIHR experts present reports on recent early elections and referendum and discuss recommendations in Kazakhstan

OSCE - Fri, 11/24/2023 - 14:45
558621 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

Election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final reports on Kazakhstan’s 2023 early parliamentary elections, 2022 early presidential election and 2022 referendum during a visit to Astana and Almaty that took place from 20 to 24 November 2023.

“We very much appreciate the co-operation with the Kazakhstani authorities and the opportunity to discuss our latest election reports and recommendations, in particular those related to fundamental rights and freedoms,” said Eoghan Murphy, Head of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission for the 2023 early parliamentary elections. “The recommendations need to be addressed in an open and inclusive manner, and to take place well ahead of the next elections.”

The reports’ key findings and recommendations were discussed with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Central Election Commission, both chambers of the Parliament, and the Commissioner for Human Rights. A roundtable discussion with civil society organizations also took place in Almaty.

Discussions centered on both the positive measures introduced ahead of the elections as well as recommendations that have not yet been implemented. The outstanding recommendations include removing existing restrictions to the fundamental rights of expression, peaceful assembly and association, ensuring pluralism, creating more favorable conditions for the registration of political parties and unimpeded work of citizen observers, enhancing the transparency and integrity of the electoral process and guaranteeing effective adjudication of election disputes.

ODIHR experts also outlined potential areas for ODIHR’s engagement with national institutions and offered assistance to bring the electoral process closer in line with OSCE commitments and international standards, including legal reviews and thematic workshops. The authorities expressed an interest in engaging in further discussions.

ODIHR’s election observation methodology includes an assessment of countries’ efforts to implement previous recommendations through changes in legislation, procedures and practices.  For Kazakhstan, the last ODIHR observation mission evaluated the follow-up to recommendations from the 2019 presidential election, the 2021 parliamentary elections and the 2022 referendum, and concluded that three recommendations had been fully implemented, another three mostly implemented, and 24 partially addressed, while others remain to be carried out.

In the 1999 OSCE Istanbul Document, all OSCE participating States committed themselves to “follow up promptly the ODIHR’s election assessment and recommendations”.

Categories: Central Europe

Prevention and fight against femicide in focus of OSCE-organized conference

OSCE - Fri, 11/24/2023 - 14:37
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On 24 November, OSCE participating States met in Vienna at an event hosted by the Secretary General to seek an end to the scourge of femicide and to develop a roadmap to end the killing of women, merely for being women.

The meeting took place ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and opened the OSCE’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Last year alone, more than 89,000 women around the world were murdered – and most of these murders were gender-based. Moreover, according to the UNODC, more than half of these murders were committed by partners and family members.

However, the figures suggest that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Not all countries collect gender-disaggregated data on homicides, and even fewer collect data on the context that would allow gender-related killings to be identified (such as the relationship between victim and perpetrator, motive, etc). Moreover, comprehensive and coherent legal definitions of femicide and gender-based violence simply do not exist throughout the OSCE region.

“Despite all efforts, around the world, violence against women remains a serious problem. This violence is not just a violation of women’s rights. It is a violation of the most basic human rights: the right to feel safe,” said OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid.

“The numbers on femicide are shocking. But these crimes are preventable. Investing in protection and prevention is therefore essential,” she stressed.

OSCE Survey on Violence against Women revealed that embedded cultural and societal bias perpetuates attitudes and behaviours that are at the root cause of violence against women and girls. As a result, whole societies are not even discussing femicide.

It’s the lack of a serious conversation on femicide that most concerns former UN Special Rapporteur for Women, Dr Dubravka Šimonović.

“We need to accelerate ending this silent war on women and the most extreme form of violence against women by applying a roadmap against femicide,” she said.

Dr. Šimonović strongly echoes Secretary General  Schmid’s ambition: “This roadmap has the following steps: First: to name it femicide. Second: to pull out femicide data from homicide data. Third: to establish a femicide Watch/observatory and to develop meaningful victim-centred prevention strategies,” she explained.

The conference also presented OSCE participating States with a forum to discuss the current state of affairs, listen to what different actors are doing, share experiences, and examine consciences. “It is my sincere wish that this instigates further engagement on this issue across OSCE participating States,” said the OSCE Secretary General.

The conference is the keynote moment in an OSCE-wide social media campaign to raise awareness, organised under the slogan: ‘Act for prevention. Act for protection. Act now to end gender-based violence.’

For more information on OSCE’s campaign during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, follow us on social media.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE joins 16 Days of Activism campaign, calls for immediate action to eliminate violence against women and girls

OSCE - Fri, 11/24/2023 - 12:12

SKOPJE/VIENNA/WARSAW, 25 November 2023 - Launching the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, OSCE leaders called on participating States to step up their efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls, end impunity and support survivors.

Despite progress made in raising awareness and strengthening responses to gender-based violence, it is estimated that one in three women have experienced gender-based violence.

In addition, the lack of accessible support services for survivors and the prevailing stigma surrounding gender-based violence, and the impunity that most perpetrators enjoy prevent survivors from receiving the support they need. OSCE leaders stressed that more needs to be done to ensure that women and girls are guaranteed their most fundamental right to safety.

“All participating States need to recognize the importance of continuing to implement their commitments to prevent violence against women, in particular during conflict.  The continued use of violence, including sexual violence has a long-term impact on victims and communities. We condemn all forms of gender-based violence and continue to call for accountability and relevant support for victims,” said OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani.

“Despite all efforts, and all around the world, violence against women remains a serious problem. This violence is not just a violation of women’s rights. It is a violation of their most basic human right: the right to feel safe. Whether we’re talking physical or psychological safety, online or offline,” said Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid.

She urged participating States to not only increase their efforts and take additional measures to implement strong commitments to prevent and combat violence against women, but also to protect and support women in conflict settings and other crisis situations.

“We must recognize all forms of violence against women in order to develop comprehensive protection systems. And we must not only act now but persistently and for as long as it takes,” she stressed.

Violence against women in politics is a growing part of the problem, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). “Women’s participation in political life is crucial to ensure all members of our society are represented,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “But violence against women is stopping them from deciding to run for office and then remaining active in politics, making it a serious threat to our democracies. We must work together to end this violation of women’s rights and ensure they are able to make a meaningful contribution to our societies.”

This year, the OSCE marks 16 Days under the theme "Prevent. Protect. Act for Survivors. Act to End Gender-Based Violence” with a special focus on the need to take immediate action, enhance protection and support survivors. 

For more information on the OSCE’s campaign during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, follow us on social media.

Categories: Central Europe

Criminal intelligence analysis: OSCE and INTERPOL join forces to support Kyrgyz police officers

OSCE - Fri, 11/24/2023 - 11:51
558597 Communication and Media Relations Section David Dadge

From 20 to 24 November, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and INTERPOL in co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and the Ministry of Interior of the Kyrgyz Republic, conducted a training course on criminal intelligence analysis for Kyrgyz police officers.

The training course introduced nineteen participants to available channels for international police co-operation, trained them in the full criminal intelligence cycle and provided them with expertise to conduct criminal intelligence analysis as part of application of intelligence-led policing (ILP). The course built on the knowledge gained in two previous OSCE introductory courses on ILP and its effective implementation.

“The Ministry of Interior of the Kyrgyz Republic appreciates the deep-rooted co-operation between the OSCE and Kyrgyz law enforcement authorities and the expansion of co-operation with INTERPOL, which will bring real added value to our national authorities,” said Deputy Minister of Interior Abdiev Nurbek Takabaevich.

“The event was a unique opportunity for our two organisations to join forces to pilot an activity that can pave the way for future collaboration, and a great personal experience for me to work with such engaged participants,” said Ash Smith, Coordinator, Operational Analysis, Criminal Analysis Sub-directorate, INTERPOL.

“I am very honoured that we were able to support this event. Watching the participants was a great opportunity to see the steep learning curve of everyone present and also to learn something myself,” stressed Constantin Zelenty, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bishkek.

The series of capacity-building events is part of an ongoing effort to assist Kyrgyzstan in its police reform process including implementation of ILP, following an in-depth needs assessment conducted jointly by the OSCE and the Kyrgyz authorities.

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

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE delivers a lecture on cryptocurrencies for police cadets in Uzbekistan

OSCE - Fri, 11/24/2023 - 11:37
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On 23 November, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan organized a lecture on cryptocurrency-related crimes for the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

The OSCE briefed around 120 cadets and lecturers from the Academy about concepts and mechanisms related to cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency transactions, the role cryptocurrencies can play in facilitating crime, methods and approaches for investigating cryptocurrency-related crimes, and trends in the evolution of cryptocurrency market in Uzbekistan as well as in Central Asia.

“Cryptocurrencies are an ever-more important part of the cybercrime landscape, as they provide a useful tool for criminals to fund, hide and launder the profits of their illicit activities. Understanding how cryptocurrencies work and how to investigate crimes involving them is therefore a crucial part of the contemporary law enforcement toolkit. We are delighted to support our partners in Uzbekistan to deepen their knowledge on this critical issue,” said Martha Stickings, Deputy Head of the Strategic Police Matters Unit and Adviser on Cybercrime at the OSCE.

Speakers included experts from the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, the Law Enforcement Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and private sector.

The in-person event was a culmination of the webinar series on trends in contemporary policing launched in the autumn last year. In total, the OSCE delivered seven webinars on a wide range of topics, including countering the use of the internet for terrorist purposes, cybercrime and cyber-enabled crime, intelligence-led policing, gender-based violence, malware and ransomware, online payment frauds, and Dark Web criminal landscape.

The events complemented the national and regional training activities conducted by the OSCE in Uzbekistan under the extra-budgetary project “Capacity building on combating cybercrime in Central Asia”.

Categories: Central Europe

Protection of soft targets from terrorist attacks: government officials from Tajikistan conclude OSCE-led study visit to France

OSCE - Fri, 11/24/2023 - 10:36
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The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, and the Permanent Representation of France to the OSCE organized a study visit to Paris for government officials from Tajikistan, familiarizing them with France’s approach to the protection of soft targets from terrorist attacks.

During the study visit, held from 20 to 22 November 2023, officials from Tajikistan met with representatives of the city of Paris and the national Government. They discussed the design of emergency plans in public spaces, including schools, hospitals, religious sites and shopping centres. They also discussed threat analysis procedures, the evolution of legislative frameworks on terrorism prevention, human rights-compliant approaches to the protection of public spaces and public engagement.

“France's experience in the fight against terrorism in general, and in particular on protecting vulnerable targets in a terrorism context can be very beneficial for further enhancing our national efforts in this area. It was a fruitful and informative study visit,” said Zafar Safaralizoda, Deputy Head of the Directorate on Human Rights Guarantees under the Presidential Office and Head of the delegation of Tajikistan on this study visit.

“For many years, our country has been a target for ISIS and Al Qaeda-inspired groups and their supporters. Attacks on vulnerable targets are a modus operandi that we must anticipate and be able to respond to. The terrorist attacks that have plunged French society into mourning in recent years, particularly those in Paris in January and November 2015, illustrate the crucial challenge of ensuring the safety of the French people while preserving our way of life, values and commitment to freedom. This study visit, initiated by the OSCE, enabled the delegation of Tajikistan on this study visit to meet the various players responsible for facing this challenge and contributed to our desire to strengthen the co-operation and exchanges of best practices with countries facing similar threats,” said General Christophe Perret, Head of the French Ministry of the Interior International Affairs Sub-directorate (SDAI), who co-ordinated the study tour.

“One of the OSCE’s greatest strengths is the expertise and experience of its participating States and their willingness to share with one another. We thank the Government of France for welcoming the delegation of Tajikistan in their country and making available the expertise necessary to truly grasp how schools, public spaces, houses of worship and other soft targets are protected from terrorist attacks,” said Jukka Tuononen, Head of the Politico-Military Department and Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Programme in Dushanbe.

The study visit will serve as a basis for further OSCE capacity-building and technical support to Tajikistan on soft targets protection, with a focus on preventing terrorist threats while upholding respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The study visit takes place alongside recent OSCE and partner activities in the field of soft targets protection, including the 2023 Workshop to Raise Awareness and Launch the Republic of Tajikistan’s Roadmap on Countering Terrorist Threats against Vulnerable Targets and a 2022 Central Asia-focused regional workshop on vulnerable targets protection from terrorist attacks.

The study visit took place within the framework of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe’s unified budget project “Supporting Tajikistan’s National Strategy and Action Plan on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism for 2021-2025”, which seeks to assist the host country in implementing its counter-terrorism commitments in line with pertinent OSCE standards and principles.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Mission to Montenegro works with journalism students on how to report on all forms of violence against women and presents newest research on how media report on it

OSCE - Fri, 11/24/2023 - 09:44
558549 Marina Živaljević

How to investigate and report on gender-based violence with a victim-centred approach, was the focus of a training course the OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized for students from the Media Studies and Journalism Department of the Faculty of Political Science on 23 November.

As part of continuous support to the University of Montenegro, the Mission gathered 30 journalism students and introduced them with the Mission’s Handbook on media reporting on gender-based violence against women, distributed to national TV stations, newspapers, news portals and local broadcasters last year.

During the training course, Slaven Živković, executive director of the DeFacto Consultancy, presented to the students an Analysis of media reporting and the effects of media reporting on gender-based violence against women and girls in family and partner relationships, which was undertaken to measure how the media reports on violence against women and girls. This analysis was an innovative experimental method to assess the extent and nature of the influence that media reporting on gender-based violence has on citizens’ attitudes, opinions, and subsequent behaviour.

Živković explained that through an analysis of 2,661 media reports, the research found that “the media predominantly reported on cases of physical (76.9%) and sexual (68.3%) violence while online or digital violence comprised only 9.8% and selective abortion cases (7%). Further the analysis revealed that the majority of reported cases describe gender-based violence and domestic violence as a private matter.

OSCE-engaged media expert Duška Pejović said that the media create public opinion and have a significant influence on shaping attitudes, changing social and cultural patterns and gender roles. “To this reason it is important to constantly educate journalists and raise their awareness about discrimination against women and gender-based violence,” said Pejović. She elaborated that the media should develop a critical, emancipatory spirit, promote human rights and gender equality, and promote positive societal change. “Unfortunately, there are stereotypes and prejudices based on the inferiority of women and the superiority of men, which are used to justify violence against women and make it part of traditions and culture. This needs to be constantly challenged,” said Pejović.

OSCE-engaged expert Paula Petričević explained that the handbook provides guidelines and recommendations to improve how journalists report on gender-based violence. Reporting should be based on two key principles - that violence is the responsibility of the abuser, not the victim or survivor, and that reporting must not jeopardize victim’s safety and dignity at any cost,” said Petričević.

The Mission will continue to support journalism students and journalists in enhancing their capacities when reporting on gender-based violence.
Categories: Central Europe

“Defending media freedom is defending the core of democratic societies,” says OSCE Media Freedom Representative

OSCE - Thu, 11/23/2023 - 16:25

VIENNA, 23 November 2023 – At a pivotal juncture for media freedom, Teresa Ribeiro, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, delivered her sixth biannual report to the Permanent Council today. The report, a reflection on her three-year tenure, portrays a media environment under duress. With media freedom serving as a barometer of democratic viability, Ribeiro's findings signal an urgent call to action.

"Defending media freedom is defending the core of democratic societies, instrumental for maintaining peace and security," the Representative emphasized.

In her report, Ribeiro addresses several critical points, including the ongoing war against Ukraine by the Russian Federation and its repercussions for journalists, the complete clampdown on media freedom in some OSCE countries, and the ongoing safety concerns that journalists face, including online and physical attacks, legal harassment and detention. She also mentioned measures that some authorities have taken in the name of national security that suppress media freedom.

“There is no shortcut in addressing today’s security challenges,” the Representative stated. “Media freedom and security are not opposing ends of the spectrum, but rather concurring to the same goals. There can be no security without media freedom. Only by strengthening our democratic institutions and the rule of law, by preserving and defending media freedom and by investing in a resilient and well-informed citizenry, will we be able to revert the democratic regress and provide sustainable responses to today’s uncertainties.”

Ribeiro also paid attention to the various challenges in the digital realm that risk undermining media freedom and pluralism as a bedrock of democracy. “In a broader freedom of expression context, it is essential to ensure that online information spaces provide access to reliable, diverse, and public interest information. To this end, it is timely and necessary that we start thinking about what a framework for the information space that will promote the visibility and accessibility of public interest information and content could look like – in other words: a Public Interest Framework.”

The Representative concluded by noting some positive developments as a testament to the potential for progress amidst adversity, including measures by some participating States to enhance journalists’ safety, and new regulations to tackle emerging challenges in the digital sphere and to provide for a safer and healthier digital space.

The report can be found here: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/b/0/558531.pdf

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.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Mission, Council of Europe host high-level roundtable on strengthening Assembly’s role in monitoring ‘Istanbul Convention’ implementation in Kosovo

OSCE - Thu, 11/23/2023 - 16:00
558525 Therese Abrahamsen Edita Buçaj

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo, in co-operation with the Council of Europe and the Kosovo Assembly, organized on 22 November 2023 in Prishtinë/Priština a high-level panel on the role of the Assembly in monitoring the implementation of the Istanbul Convention.

Preceding the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence” campaign, the event brought together MPs, representatives of the government, civil society organisations, international institutions and organisations active in the field of combating violence against women and domestic violence.

Through carefully-structured discussion, these leading experts and practitioners explored the modalities for strengthening the institutional instruments for monitoring the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, including the requirement to establish an institutional support mechanism between key stakeholders and across different levels of governance.

The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Michael Davenport, opening the event, said, “the theme of the 2023 campaign is around investing to prevent violence against women and girls. So, with that in mind, the Mission is focused on building up essential coordination mechanisms at central and local levels. For if we are not more coordinated, we cannot be more effective. This means engaging young people, young women and young men and also concentrating even more on the specific needs of vulnerable groups and non-majority communities.”

In her address, Saranda Bogujevci, Vice President of the Assembly, said, “one important point that I believe requires more work and more attention is the establishment of a form - be it through the Ministry or within the Assembly - to gather more data that would not focus only on the causes of violence but would encompass the manner in which we plan, both within the parliament and overall governance, and how this planning affects women across various spheres of life.”

Participants concluded that ending violence against women requires continuous, comprehensive engagement which transcends political lines and entails comprehensive institutional approach. In that regard, the role of the Assembly and its organs was underlined as instrumental in these efforts. The executive branch was urged to establish contact points within the Assembly and keep the legislators well-informed of the progress and challenges in implementing the Istanbul Convention. Finally, it was pointed out that both the legislative and executive branch need to strengthen their co-operation and coordination with the civil society sector.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with the protection and promotion of human and community rights, and with democratization and public safety sector development, and has women’s empowerment, gender equality and women’s rights at the core of all its activities. The Mission focuses on supporting enactment and implementation of non-discriminatory legal frameworks and policies and gives particular attention to women’s participation in public and political life.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE co-organizes conference on "Civil Society and the Media: Critical Voices Under Pressure"

OSCE - Thu, 11/23/2023 - 13:59
558471

Numerous representatives of BiH civil society, media, experts and the international community called on the RS authorities to withdraw the draft legislation on ‘foreign agents’ at the “Civil Society and the Media: Critical Voices Under Pressure” conference held in Dom omladine in Banja Luka on 22 November 2023. The conference was organised by the EU Office in BiH with the OSCE Mission to BiH and Transparency International in BiH.

The Head of EU Delegation/EU Special Representative in BiH, Ambassador Johann Sattler recalled that the European Commission’s recent Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina identified the recent criminalisation of defamation, as well as the draft ‘foreign agents’ legislation as major backward steps for the EU path of the country.

He added, “Democracies do not place obstacles in the way of legitimate critical voices. Critical voices and diverse viewpoints are essential not only for the health of a democracy, but also the health of society, aiding for example the fight against corruption and the fight against intolerance. The draft legislation on ‘foreign agents’ would take Republika Srpska closer to standards in authoritarian regimes than to those in the European Union. The draft legislation on foreign agents is a step back for fundamental freedoms as well as the EU path and should therefore be withdrawn”, said Ambassador Sattler. 

The Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Brian Aggeler, recalled that the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) together with the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission, produced a detailed opinion on the RS 'foreign agents’ law which stated that the RS authorities must reconsider the adoption of this law since it seriously violates BiH’s human rights obligations and commitments regarding freedom of association and expression.

“We are deeply disappointed that the RS authorities chose to disregard this opinion, as well as the opinions of several other international human rights mechanisms, including three UN Special Rapporteurs, and instead proceed with the adoption of this harmful and regressive piece of legislation,” Aggeler added. 

Many civil society organisations and activists participated in the conference and shared their views against the proposed legislation as well as the overall atmosphere or shrinking space for critical voices which was particularly created in Republika Srpska in recent months.

"Now we have the labelling of civil society organisations as foreign agents, limiting the work of non-governmental organisations monitoring and criticising the work of institutions and authorities, while on the other hand, non-profit media, which are also citizens' associations, are under pressure. We see all this as a strategic approach by the government to stifle freedom of expression and to send a message that only the way of thinking and acting promoted by the members of the ruling coalition in RS can and should be present in the public," said Ivana Korajlić, Executive Director of Transparency International in BiH.

The conference also heard from civil society activists from Georgia – a country where public pressure recently forced the government to abandon plans to introduce similar legislation.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE-supported International Conference in Kyrgyzstan Promotes Interfaith Peace and Harmony

OSCE - Thu, 11/23/2023 - 13:52
558462 Religious leaders of Kyrgyzstan at the International Conference named "Kyrgyzstan - a Country of Interfaith Peace and Harmony", Bishkek. Chyngyz Zhanybekov

The State Commission for Religious Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic hosted the International Conference "Kyrgyzstan - a Country of Interfaith Peace and Harmony" with the support of the Programme Office in Bishkek. The Conference is dedicated to fostering collaboration on current religious issues and interfaith harmony.

The conference brought together representatives from government bodies, international organizations, civil society, religious leaders, and experts from over 20 countries.

During the conference, participants engaged in discussions addressing a range of crucial topics such as the intricate relationship between religion and state, the intersection of religion and the economy, and approaches to ensure stability within society. These deliberations contribute to a comprehensive understanding of religious dynamics and promote strategies for preventing radicalism.

The outcomes of this conference are anticipated to have a lasting impact on the promotion of interfaith understanding, peace, and harmony not only in Kyrgyzstan but on a global scale. The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek reaffirms its commitments to promoting interfaith dialogue and supports this international conference on an annual basis.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Concludes Cybersecurity Fair: Focus on Collaboration and Effective Solutions to Contemporary Challenges

OSCE - Thu, 11/23/2023 - 13:11
558450 OSCEBiH/Zejd Kadric

On 23 November 2023, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina successfully hosted a Cybersecurity/ICT Fair in Sarajevo. The primary goal of the event was to increase awareness and networking possibilities among stakeholders from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the surrounding region, including the public sector, businesses, academia, women, and youth. This distinctive platform serves as a crucial space for professionals and decision-makers to exchange best practices while supporting increased collaboration in the field of cybersecurity, with a particular focus on the meaningful participation of women and youth.

Bradley Shelton, Senior Politico-Military Officer at the OSCE Mission to BiH, underlined the event’s inclusive tone, emphasizing the organization's firm belief in the significance of collaboration among a wide range of participants: "Most of us are well aware of the enormous benefits and possibilities afforded by digital technology. Nevertheless, we frequently lack awareness about the threats that its poor management poses to human rights, safety, and security."

The event stressed the urgent need for a collaborative effort to address cybersecurity concerns, emphasizing the need for multi-stakeholder engagement. The fair provided a platform for participants to explore opportunities for co-operation, share insights, and develop relationships that would help to safeguard a more secure digital landscape.

The Cybersecurity/ICT Fair is part of the OSCE Mission to BiH’s broader initiative and commitment to enhancing Bosnia and Herzegovina's capacity in proactively preventing and effectively responding to security threats originating from cyberspace, in line with its international commitments as an OSCE participating State. Support for the development of a comprehensive cybersecurity framework strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the establishment of dedicated Computer Emergency Response Teams, is crucial to these efforts

Categories: Central Europe

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