Central Europe

502963 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

Thirteen specialists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan completed a three-week regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal course (EOD level 2) at the Regional Explosive Hazards Training Centre (REHTC) in Chimteppa, Tajikistan, on 29 October 2021.

The course was hosted by Tajikistan’s Defence Ministry and facilitated by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. For the first time, the course was conducted by the national EOD instructors of Tajikistan’s Defence Ministry, including the REHTC’s instructors.

The activity aimed to develop the competences and enhance the qualifications of military personnel from Central Asia in detecting and identifying explosive ordnances as well as determining when they can be safely moved and transported to their final disposal. Participants also learned to simultaneously implement the destruction of multiple ordnances using the line and ring chains of individual mines and unexploded ordnance.

During the closing ceremony, a computer equipment loan agreement to the REHTC was signed between Tajikistan’s Defence Ministry and the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe.

Parviz Shomahmadov, National Politico-Military Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, noted that the role of the REHTC in training specialists in the region in the latest methods of combating the risks of explosive hazards was  important in the context of regional security.

Representing Tajikistan’s Defence Ministry, Major General Egamzod Sharaf, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Ministry said: “I am confident that this course will have its feasible contribution in the collective work in developing the national capacities for maintaining the peace and stability in our countries.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Vitaly Gelfgat, Chief of the Office of Military Co-operation at the United States Embassy in Dushanbe, noted the importance of co-operation and exchange of experience between the countries in Central Asia in disposal of explosive hazards.

Major General Muhabbat Ibrohimzoda, Director of Tajikistan’s National Mine Action Centre, stressed the importance of applying the knowledge and skills gained in stabilizing the peace and preserving the lives of the peaceful population in the countries of Central Asia.

The project is supported by the US Department of State and Germany and is part of the OSCE’s efforts to develop a co-operative mechanism among Central Asian states to address concerns and challenges stemming from the disposal of explosive hazards.

502867

A ceremony marking the removal of the last batch of mélange, a rocket fuel component, from Novopavlovka area and the Chui valley in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan took place on 2 November 2021. This brought the total removal of mélange from the area by the OSCE to more than 140 tons, eliminating a major threat to human and environmental security.

“Today we are witnessing an important event, not only for the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic, but also for the country's society as a whole. Thanks to the support of the OSCE and donors, it was possible to remove chemicals that posed a serious threat to the environment and the population,” said Akylbek Ibraev, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic, during the opening ceremony. The ceremony was attended by representatives from the OSCE, the Ministry of Defense of Kyrgyz Republic, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and U.S. Embassy in Bishkek.

Melange is a highly toxic and hazardous substance that represents serious environmental and human security risks. In case of leakage, it can cause long-term groundwater pollution as well as emit toxic fumes that can expand to surrounding residential areas, causing significant health damage to the population.   

The project to remove mélange from the Novopavlovka and the Chui valley areas is the second phase of an OSCE extra-budgetary project, Regional Programme on Liquid Rocket Fuel Components Disposal, which began in 2019 and has been carried out with the financial support of Germany and United States. The aim of the project is to improve human and environmental security in the OSCE region by removing and disposing of rocket fuel components.

“The Federal Republic of Germany appreciates the Kyrgyz authorities’ commitment to implementing this important project. Thanks to the fruitful cooperation between the OSCE, the United States, Germany and Kyrgyzstan, Novopavlovka is a safer place today. Germany will continue to advocate for disarmament and the disposal of hazardous materials around the world,” said Gabriela Guellil, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kyrgyz Republic.

“The United States is proud to support this important project, in cooperation with the OSCE and the government of Germany. The residents of Novapavlovka can feel safer with the removal of this Soviet-era rocket fuel today. Protecting Kyrgyzstan from potential environmental threats is a U.S. priority,” said Sonata Coulter, Charge d’Affaires ad interim at the United States Embassy in Bishkek.

The OSCE has a long history and expertise in implementing projects across the OSCE region that help to remove and dispose of hazardous and toxic chemicals being stored in the vicinity of densely populated areas. Similar projects have been successfully implemented by the OSCE in Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Montenegro and Ukraine.

502873 Mirvete Islam, OSCE Mission to Skopje Ilona Kazaryan

To help female media professionals developing digital safety approaches that will keep them safe online, the OSCE Mission to Skopje launched an e-learning course on digital safety on 2 November 2021.

The course focuses on specific challenges journalists face both online and offline, including threats, hate speech, harassment, intimidation, slander and other associated risks. The learning sessions communicate also effective ways to prevent and address attacks as well as associated psychological stress, including COVID-19 challenges.

Upon course completion, journalists in North Macedonia and beyond will be able to improve their digital security habits, following safe practices and planning their response to possible incidents.

“Today, on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, we launched our course helping women journalists to raise their awareness of existing online risks and aiming at improving their digital safety habits. Only protected, safe, and empowered media professionals can help to build a society relying on democratic values, as well as offer varied and timely access to information”, said Clemens Koja, Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje.

Male journalists facing security challenges are also encouraged to check the course out on the following links:

-English: https://elearning.osce.org/courses/course-v1:OSCE+OMSk-DSFJ-EN+2020-12/about

-Macedonian: https://elearning.osce.org/courses/course-v1:OSCE+OMSk-DSFJ-MK+2020-12/about

-Albanian: https://elearning.osce.org/courses/course-v1:OSCE+OMSk-DSFJ-AL+2020_12/about

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, between the evenings of 29 and 31 October, the SMM recorded 988 ceasefire violations, including 139 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 321 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, between the evenings of 29 and 31 October, the Mission recorded 471 ceasefire violations, including 62 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 436 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM followed up on reports of recent damage to five civilian properties in government-controlled Hranitne, Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM monitored the security situation in east and south-east Kherson region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near the disengagement areas near Zolote and Petrivske, as well as at a railway station and a border crossing point outside government control near Dovzhanske, Luhansk region. Its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) again experienced multiple instances of probable jamming and jamming.*

502819

A high-level conference on Albania’s achievements under the agenda on Women, Peace and Security and the way ahead took place in Tirana on 1 November 2021. The OSCE Presence, UN Women Albania and the Dutch Embassy organized the event to mark the 21st anniversary of the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

The event brought together parliamentarians, government, civil and international community representatives, who highlighted the progress and challenges in the implementation of the first National Action Plan in this field.

“Since the approval of its Action Plan, Albania has made significant progress to ensure gender balance in the security sector. The personal commitment and expertise of high-level officials in ministries and institutions continue to be an important driving force in this respect. While this can be considered a key success factor, better institutionalization of gender inclusiveness remains of paramount importance for further improving gender equality in security sector,” said Vincenzo Del Monaco, Head of the OSCE Presence. While pledging the Presence’s continued support to Albania’s institutions, Del Monaco encouraged for a whole-of-society approach.

Following finalization of the second monitoring report of the National Action Plan, the conference reflected upon the future of the WPS agenda in Albania, also in view of the country’s participation as a non-permanent member in the United Nations Security Council in 2022-2023. Women, Peace and Security was one of the priorities of Albanian OSCE Chairpersonship in 2020.

Foreign Minister Olta Xhaçka said that Women, Peace and Security agenda would be at the top of Albania’s priorities in UN Security Council for the next two years. “Having such a priority in itself, the work that we will do, the alliances, co-operation and synergies that we will create, and the attention that we will receive will be additional reasons to further advance the consolidation of women’s rights and of their natural and deserved place in decision-making, in government and in all areas of life in each and every country”, she said.

Xhaçka informed that Albania tops the global ranking of women in government, has almost 30% women in parliament, over 60% in leadership positions in the public administration, and a constantly increasing participation in what used to be considered as male domains such as the police and the military. “The battle continues, but the glass ceiling is breaking”, she said.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ermonela Felaj, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection Denada Seferi, Deputy Minister of Interior Romina Kuko, Deputy Minister of Defence Dallëndyshe Bici, Dutch Ambassador to Albania Reinout Vos and UN Women Country Representative Michele Ribotta were among the key speakers at the event.

The OSCE Presence contributed to the co-ordination of efforts that resulted in the adoption of the first ever Women, Peace and Security Action Plan of Albania 2018-2020, and continues to assist in the preparation of the next action plan. 

502801

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) organized a series of two events from 27 to 29 October 2021 focused on supporting States in implementing passenger data programmes, enhancing coordination between participating States, international organizations and private sector companies, and deepening regional cooperative partnerships.

From 27 to 28 October, the inaugural meeting of the Eastern Europe Informal Working Group (EEIWG) on Passenger Data established a new platform that aims at: facilitating discussions for sharing good practices and lessons learned and methodologies in data collection from travelers; as well as security analysis across different travel modes of travel. The meeting also laid the foundation for future events related to the working group, which will be driven by participating States in coordination support with the OSCE.

Nominations for the annual Chair and Vice-Chair positions were finalized during the EEIWG meeting. The Republic of Kyrgyzstan accepted the nomination by the group to be the first Chair, and the Vice-Chair positions will be assumed by delegates from Albania, Georgia, Mongolia and Montenegro. The development of informal working groups at the regional level will support the United Nations Countering Terrorist Travel Programme’s initiative to establish regional informal working groups in Eastern Europe as well as Western Africa, Southern Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

“Our aim with the Countering Terrorist Travel Programme is to provide tailored, yet comprehensive support to States across four key pillars of work: legal, operational, carrier engagement, and technical, in accordance with international standards, fundamental freedoms and human rights, and relevant privacy laws,” said Christine Bradley, Chief of the Countering Terrorist Travel Section within UNOCT.

Held online and in-person, the second event, the 5th OSCE-wide Seminar on Passenger Data Exchange, brought together more than 250 passenger data experts from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation, international organizations, private sector and other global border management partners. They discussed new means for cooperation on the implementation of passenger data programmes; good practices in legislation, operations and security analysis; and future use of passenger data systems in maritime environments.

“Considering the continuing threat posed by the movement of terrorist fighters into and through the OSCE region, the rapid advances in technology, and the expansion in the use of advanced passenger data for new travel modes, this seminar remains a critical platform for sharing new ideas, good practices and discussing emerging challenges. To meet these challenges, we must work towards building deeper cooperative partnerships in border management,” said Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats.

The seminar also examined the technical assistance needs of States for implementing United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 2178, 2396, and 2482. These resolutions mandate States to adopt and use Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) for identifying and detecting terrorists and serious criminals in accordance with international law and human rights principles.

Experts from participating States and international organizations also presented on how, in addition to data collected from air passengers, maritime passenger data can be used to provide a broader risk assessment of the threats facing a country. Additional presentations focused on the collection of personal data in the context of migration, human rights and freedom of movement.

The seminar also included a networking session for experts and a mini trade show featuring IT services and API/PNR analysis systems available from various providers.

SKOPJE 1 November 2021 – The second round of North Macedonia’s local elections was competitive and the election administration took efforts to address some procedural shortcomings from the first round. However, negative rhetoric and allegations of pressure on voters and candidates continued to affect the elections, international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.

Election officials carried out the technical preparations for the run-offs within legal deadlines. Following some efforts to address technical issues from the first round, the second-round election day proceeded smoothly, although some shortcomings persisted. The inadequate handling of complaints undermined effective remedy and deprived some people of the opportunity to vote.

While financial reports were required of contestants in the second round, they were not published prior to voting. This, along with the limited public information on and accountability for campaign finances in the first round, reduced transparency.  

Broadcasters monitored by ODIHR provided voters with ample information about contestants and the tone of news programmes was generally neutral. The largest parliamentary parties enjoyed systemic advantages in the distribution of public resources for campaigning and coverage and advertising in the media, significantly disadvantaging independent candidates and those from smaller parties.

“More can be done to make elections in North Macedonia more inclusive, both of independent candidates and those representing smaller parties,” said Tana de Zulueta, head of ODIHR’s election observation mission. “Improvements to the election framework could create a more level playing field by addressing systemic disparities in campaign opportunities, as well as focusing on ways of improving the participation of women in political life.”

ODIHR’s Election Observation Mission to North Macedonia commenced its work on 7 September with a team of 16 experts based in Skopje. In this second round, the mission included 23 observers from 13 countries. A final report with recommendations for improving the election process will be available in about two months.

For further information, please contact:

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR: +48 609 522 266 or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl 

502771 Strengthening the fight against transnational organized crime in South-Eastern Europe through improved regional co-operation in asset seizure, confiscation, management and re-use

The OSCE, together with the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), supported the third Annual General Meeting of the Balkan Asset Management Interagency Network (BAMIN) held from 27 to 29 October 2021 in Tirana, Albania. This was the network’s first in-person meeting since 2019, convening 40 participants from asset management agencies of ten jurisdictions, representatives of the BAMIN Secretariat, the OSCE, GIZ and Europol, with 20 participants from six jurisdictions also participating online.

This year’s annual general meeting served as a platform for information exchange about specific cases related to asset management from the previous year.

Participants discussed challenges and best practices and had an opportunity to network with asset management agencies from different jurisdictions. During a field visit to Shkodra, they were introduced to an example of social re-use of confiscated assets: a mobile library built on a 4x4 SUV vehicle, which provides books to children living in remote villages.

Elena Pici, General Secretary and Head of the Inter-Institutional Committee on Measures against Organized Crime, opened the second day of the meeting by welcoming participants and stressing the BAMIN network’s role in fostering collaboration among jurisdictions. The welcoming remarks were followed by short presentations from representatives of asset management agencies, as well as keynote speakers from the U.S. Marshals Service from the United States Department of Justice, the Criminal Assets Bureau in Dublin, the National Police Chiefs’ Council in London, and Europol.

Denise Mazzolani, Head of the OSCE’s Strategic Police Matters Unit and the co-manager of the project support BAMIN, emphasized the importance of the BAMIN network and highlighted how it is continuously expanding and providing opportunities for further cooperation and information exchange among asset management agencies.

The OSCE supports BAMIN through its extra-budgetary project, Strengthening the fight against transnational organized crime in South-Eastern Europe through improved regional co-operation in asset seizure, confiscation, management and re-use. This regional initiative is jointly implemented by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA). It is financially supported by the United States Department of State, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.

A two-day training on International Standards and Best Practices on the Adjudication of Corruption Offences organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania concluded on 29 October 2021.

The training was designed to reflect issues of interest expressed by the Judges of the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime in Albania, who were the main beneficiaries of the activity. Considering, however, the importance of the topic and its multidimensional applicability, the training also included judges from the Special Court of Appeals against Corruption and Organized Crime in Albania, the Criminal Chamber of the High Court, and Special Anticorruption Prosecution Office Prosecutors.

The training covered topics such as the UN Convention against Corruption, the Criminal Convention against Corruption and Additional Protocols of the Council of Europe (CoE), CoE’s Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL) and Anti-money Laundering (AML) standards, European Standards on Whistle-blower Protection, and best practices of foreign corruption courts. In addition, the training focused on the unique challenges in delivering justice for judges specialized in anti-corruption.

The OSCE Presence in Albania has been a long-standing partner of the judiciary, providing them with continuous support in their professional development. This training is expected to be part of an ongoing process towards the Presence’s further engagement in judiciary’s support for a more efficient fight against corruption.

TBILISI, 31 October 2021 – The second round of Georgia’s local elections was generally competitive and organized professionally, but increasing polarization and negative rhetoric, as well as allegations of voter intimidation and the continuing advantage of incumbency, demonstrate the need for further reforms, international observers said in a statement today.

The joint observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the European Parliament (EP) noted that while recent legislative changes largely addressed previous recommendations to regulate election runoffs, the legal framework remains complex and contains a number of inconsistencies.

“While these elections were well organised and transparent, there were a number of shortcomings that became evident in the run-up to the second round as the tone of the political debate became increasingly confrontational and claims of pressure and intimidation continued,” said Albert Jónsson, who heads the ODIHR election observation mission. “The purpose of our observation is to contribute to the democratic process, but it’s then for the authorities to act upon our recommendations. Our offer to support further reform for the benefit of Georgian society will remain.”

Some 2 million voters were eligible to vote in the second round of the elections. While the elections were technically well run, concerns over the impartiality of election commissions at the lower level persisted. Election day itself was generally calm, although there were instances of mutual provocation by supporters of political parties outside polling stations. The observers assessed the opening and voting procedures positively in most polling stations, but the ongoing practice of representatives of observer organizations acting as party supporters and at times interfering with the process remains of concern.

While candidates were able to campaign freely, the campaign intensified ahead of the second round. There was an increasing focus on national issues, making for a fierce political competition, greater polarization and an increasingly offensive rhetoric. Observers noted continuing allegations of intimidation and pressure on voters, including threats of dismissal. By making announcements between the two rounds about planned public investment and promises of social benefits, the ruling party again enjoyed an undue advantage.

Polarization continued to be the key characteristic of the media environment ahead of the second round, with many private television channels either voicing clear support for the ruling party and providing negative coverage of the opposition or vice versa. While campaign coverage by the public broadcasters was mostly neutral, the main private television channels maintained or at times increased the bias in their reporting. There was very little coverage dedicated to policies or issues of local interest, limiting the ability of voters to make an informed choice.

“The election was calm and well run, and the administrative staff well trained and instructed. My sincere thanks to the many Georgian women who worked in the commissions, where they represented the overwhelming majority of staff. At the same time very few candidates were women, and I expect and hope this will change in the time to come,” said Inese Vaidere, Head of the EP Delegation. “We witnessed once again that national politics and the aggression surrounding it took precedence over local issues, which made it more difficult for voters to form a genuine understanding of the policies represented by the candidates.”

The international election observation to the second round of the local elections in Georgia totalled 149 observers from 31 countries, including 142 ODIHR experts and long- and short-term observers, and 7 from the EP.

For more information, please contact:

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR: +48 609 522 266 or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl

Raffaele Luise, EP: +32 477 855324 or raffaele.luise@europarl.europa.eu   

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 321 ceasefire violations, including 90 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 292 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 436 ceasefire violations, including 128 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 20 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM corroborated reports of two civilian casualties in non-government-controlled Donetsk city’s Kuibyshevskyi District.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations and observed people inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• An SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spotted recent craters on both sides of the contact line in Donetsk region.
• 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 four entry-exit checkpoints and four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM monitored a gathering in Kyiv.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations near the disengagement areas near Zolote and Petrivske and at a plant in Holmivskyi, Donetsk region. Its UAVs again experienced multiple instances of probable jamming.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 292 ceasefire violations, including 56 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 681 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded 20 ceasefire violations, including five explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 103 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission followed up on reports of recent damage to a kindergarten and four civilian properties, of which two inhabited, in government-controlled Hranitne, Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement areas near Petrivske and Zolote.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the operation and construction of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and five the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM monitored the security situation in south Kherson region.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formation near the disengagement area near Petrivske, Donetsk region.

502665 Marina Živaljević

Ahead of the municipal elections in Cetinje and Petnjica on 5 December 2021, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, the Association of Youth with Disabilities and the Union of Blind of Montenegro delivered an online training course on 28 October for representatives of the local Municipal Electoral Commissions (MECs) on how to improve accessibilty of polling stations and voting materials.

Marko Brnović, Chair of Cetinje MEC, said that the Commission had undertaken all activities to ensure a greater accessibility of polling stations. “We held talks with the MECs of Herceg Novi and Nikšić, who held elections earlier this year, to hear more about what they did to make polling stations more accessible to people with disabilities,” said Brnović.

Adis Duraković, Chair of Petnjica MEC, said he visited all polling stations in that town. “We are dedicated to achieving a greater accessibility of polling stations,“ said Duraković.

Marina Vujačić, Executive Director of the Association of Youth with Disabilities, said that regardless of how small a constituency is, election management bodies should not assume whether people with disabilities would vote or not in elections and where. “We are working alongside the OSCE Mission and the Ministry of Interior to raise awareness of the right to vote for people who are deprived of legal capacity, but now are registered and will be able to vote in local elections this year,” said Vujačić.

Katarina Bigović of  the Union of the Blind of Montenegro said that tactile devices that were used in earlier elections did not ensure secrecy of the ballot for people with impaired vision. “Polling station staff should not make assessments on whether voters require a tactile device, but provide it to all voters who request it,“ said Bigović. She also offered support to the MECs in producing ballot papers in Braille’s alphabet to allow people with impaired vision to read more about the candidates before they vote.

Darko Brajović, Mission's Democratization National Programme Officer said that discrimination on basis of disability is a violation of inherent dignity. “Accessibility is more than a ramp at the entrance of polling stations. There are a number of other factors that need to be met in order for a polling station to be accessible, and the voting experience pleasant to all voters on election day,“ said Brajović.

In May this year, the Mission and the two organizations produced guidelines for municipal electoral commissions on improving accessibility of polling stations, which have been shared with all municipal electoral commissions.

502638 Marina Živaljević

From 25 to 27 October 2021, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized an online training course on gender aspects in investigative journalism.

Through a series of lectures and practical tasks, international consultants Sanita Jemberga, Executive Director of the Baltic Center for Investigative Reporting, and Prune Antoine, correspondent for Le Nouvel Observateur, discussed with participants tools for gender sensitive reporting, available financial resources, supporting programmes and safety of women journalists in real life and online

Zuzana Paukova, Mission’s Media Programme Manager, said that the training course was a platform for all participants to discuss their needs, constraints and desires on how to enhance professional skill and experience. “I believe this online training course contributes to improving the professionalism of investigative journalism. The OSCE Mission to Montenegro will continue to support these programmes, especially in respect of gender equality and diversity,” said Paukova.

The Mission will continue to work with the Department for Media Studies and Journalism, as well as with media outlets and NGOs across the country, to further improve their skills and knowledge.

A five-day OSCE online training course on the Dark Web and virtual currencies for criminal justice practitioners from the five Central Asian OSCE participating States concluded on 29 October 2021. The course provided practitioners with basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the investigation of crimes facilitated by the use of the Dark Web and virtual currencies.

The course was based on training materials developed by the European Cybercrime Training and Education Group (ECTEG) and covered topics such as cryptocurrency seizing, Blockchain analysis, obfuscation techniques, anonymous communication services, and searching the Dark Web. It also included a session on human rights compliance in the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime cases, tailored to the course topics.

As part of the practical exercises, the participants used GraphSense, an open-source tool for analyzing major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Zcash and Ethereum. This tool was developed by the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) and is currently supported by the Austrian Security Research Programme’s (KIRAS) KRYPTOMONITOR project, which is led by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). It has been used in several scientific studies to evaluate cryptocurrency data.

The training course was delivered as part of the OSCE project, Capacity-Building on Combating Cybercrime in Central Asia, in close co-operation with OSCE field operations in the region. The aim of the project is to build sustainable national training capacities for police officers and prosecutors on combating cybercrime.

The project will also deliver a second train-the-trainer course as well as thematic training courses on open-source intelligence gathering with a focus on countering terrorism and digital forensics.

502596 Marina Živaljević

In close co-operation with the National Coordinator for Countering Violent Extremism, from 26 to 28 October 2021, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized a series of workshops on prevention of violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism for first responders.

The workshops were organized in Budva, Kolašin and Podgorica, gathering teachers, youth and medical workers of local health centres, employees of centres for social work, as well as representatives of religious organizations, local media and local self-government units from the northern, central and southern regions of the country.

With the aim to strengthen capacities to identify, prevent and combat radicalization and violent extremism, the participants discussed concepts and types of extremism and radicalization, prevention and use of the internet. Marija Đorić, Research Associate at the Institute for Political Studies in Belgrade and author of the handbook for recognition, prevention and suppression of radicalization and violent extremism among students, facilitated the workshops.

Stephen Harmon, Mission’s Security and Co-operation Acting Programme Manager, said that first responders should be especially proud of their contribution to society on a daily basis. “Experience has taught us that preventing violent extremism requires commitment from all of society. As first responders, you are in daily contact with people who are vulnerable to influence that can lead to violent extremism,” said Harmon.

Rade Milošević, State Secretary at the Ministry of Interior and National Coordinator for the Prevention and Suppression of Violent Extremism, said that although violent extremism is not specific to a particular age, gender, group or community, young people are the ones most vulnerable to messages from violent extremists and terrorist organizations. “The dynamic of extremist groups is such that it offers them a sense of belonging, inclusion, equality and meaning. Education is the best tool to prevent violent extremism, build youth resilience to it and foster a positive sense of identity and belonging,” said Milošević.

This activity was a continuation of 2019 and 2020 Mission’s workshops for educators and youth on prevention and combating violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism.

SKOPJE, 29 October 2021 – International election observers will hold a press conference to present their findings following the second round of local elections in North Macedonia on Monday, 1 November. The ODIHR election observation mission, in the second round, comprised 23 observers from 13 countries.

Due to social distancing requirements, only a limited number of journalists can attend the press conference in person. The venue requires a vaccination certificate for entry. All others will have the opportunity to watch and ask questions via Zoom. Broadcast media wishing to film the press conference will be prioritized for personal attendance.

What:

A press conference of the ODIHR election observation mission to the local elections in North Macedonia.

The press conference can be attended in person or via Zoom (details below).

You can also follow the livestream on www.facebook.com/osce.odihr

Who:

Tana de Zulueta, Head of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission

Stefan Krause, Deputy Head of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission

When:

15.00 local time (GMT +2) on 1 November 2021

Where:

Aleksandr Palace Hotel

Ballroom 3

Prohor Pcinjski1000 Skopje

Registration:

To take part via Zoom, please register by 11:00 CET on 1 November using this link.

For more information, please contact:

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR: +48 609 522 266 or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl 

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 681 ceasefire violations, including 192 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 435 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded 103 ceasefire violations, including four explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 20 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The Mission followed up on reports of damage to a civilian property in government-controlled Hranitne and to five civilian properties in the Kuibyshevskyi district of non-government-controlled Donetsk city, Donetsk region.
• Members of the armed formations delay SMM exit out of non-government-controlled areas at Stanytsia Luhanska, Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the operation and construction of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission visited two border crossing points outside government control.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and five checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a border crossing point outside government control near Izvaryne, Luhansk region.

TBILISI, 28 October 2021 – International election observers will hold a press conference to present their findings following the second round of the local elections in Georgia.

NB Due to social distancing requirements, only fifty journalists can attend the press conference in person. All others will have the opportunity to watch and ask questions via Zoom. Broadcast media wishing to film the press conference will be prioritized for personal attendance.

What:

• A press conference of the international election observation mission to the local elections in Georgia
• The press conference can be attended in person or via Zoom (details below)
• You can also follow the livestream on www.facebook.com/osce.odihr

Who:

• Albert Jónsson, Head of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission
• Inese Vaidere, Head of the EP Delegation​

When:

• 14.30 local time (GMT +4) on 31 October 2021

Where:

• Ushba and Shkara Hall, Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, 20 Telavi St, Tbilisi

Registration:

• To take part via Zoom, please register by 11:00 on 31 October using this link.

The international election observation is a joint mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), and the European Parliament (EP). The mission totals 150 observers from 31 countries, including 142 ODIHR experts and long- and short-term observers, and 8 from the EP.

For more information, please contact:

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR: +48 609 522 266 or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl

Raffaele Luise, EP: +32 477 855324 or raffaele.luise@europarl.europa.eu   

502551

On 26 October 2021, the OSCE convened the first meeting of the Multi-Agency Committee in Serbia established as part of its project, Enhancing Criminal Justice Capacities for Combating Gender-based Violence in South-Eastern Europe.

The project, which is run by the OSCE’s Strategic Police Matters Unit, aims to increase the public’s trust in criminal justice responses and the level of reporting of cases by enhancing the capacities of criminal justice systems in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia to prevent and combat gender-based violence.

The Committee will provide guidance to the project team to help ensure that the project activities comply with local strategies and other existing programmes and minimize a duplication of efforts.

The focus of the first committee meeting was to discuss the project’s strategy and implementation with local stakeholders to help tailor its activities’ to the countries’ needs.

Representatives of the OSCE and its Mission to Serbia, the Police Directorate and Police Training Center, Republic Public Prosecutor’s Office, Higher Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, and Autonomous Women’s Center attended the meeting.

The project is currently being implemented with the financial support of Germany, Norway, Finland, and will, pending continued funding, last until 2024.