Central Europe

501025 Marina Živaljević

As a concrete outcome of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro’s campaign on more women in policing, the first meeting of the Women Police Association from Montenegro and the Network of Women in Police from Serbia was organized in Podgorica on 14 October 2021, supported by the Mission and the Swedish Police Regional Project Office in Belgrade.

This meeting was designed to enhance networking and mutual co-operation of women in police at the regional level, and to exchange good practices in police women empowerment in the two countries.

Opening the meeting, Dragica Vučinić, Mission’s National Security Co-operation Officer, said that increased participation of women in police contributes to enhanced public confidence in police work. “The Mission continues to support implementation of gender agenda in the police,” said Vučinić

Biljana Dulović, President of Montenegrin Women Police Association, thanked the network from Serbia for initiating the meeting. “This is an important step in strengthening regional co-operation of women police officers from Serbia and Montenegro and their professional empowerment for efficient work in police,” said Dulović.

Tatjana Vetro, President of the Serbian Network of Women in Police presented goals and tasks of the organization, highlighting the importance of women empowerment to improve their position in police and focus on career development. “We believe that women in police can respond to all challenges equally well as a man. We continue to advocate for gender equality and to fight stereotypes,” said Vetro.

Tatjana Vasić, gender consultant within the Swedish police assistance programme to the Serbian Ministry of Interior, said that the meeting was an example of good practice in the area of women empowerment and supporting women in performing police jobs. “This model of networking is inspiring and increases motivation for different types of co-operation and mutual support in police women empowerment,” said Vasić.

The meeting concluded that the two organizations would start sharing information on activities of joint interest to enable bilateral participation and exchange of good practices. Participants agreed to organize the next working meeting with other relevant women police associations from the Western Balkans.

An OSCE-supported a workshop on enhancing youth participation in political and civic life in Kazakhstan took place in Nur-Sultan on 15 October 2021. Some 50 members of parliament, representatives of the Ministry of Information and Social development, youth organizations, young experts and human rights defenders participated in the event, which was held in a blended format.

Participants discussed the political rights of youth in Kazakhstan, and opportunities and mechanisms for their participation in decision-making processes. The workshop provided a platform for dialogue between government bodies and public organizations working with youth promoting the topics of importance for young people. This discussion was also in line with the OSCE approach of working with and for youth. 

National speakers provided an overview of the opportunities for youth participation in decision-making processes in fields, such as urban planning and infrastructure development, elections and political parties. The speakers also discussed access to information and the use of new technologies. International experts from Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation and Ukraine shared their countries’ experience of youth participation in civic engagement and strengthening their political rights.

The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan organized the workshop in partnership with the Youth Information Service of Kazakhstan.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s efforts to promote youth participation in decision-making processes.

501022 Regional Policy Dialogue with Legislators from South-Eastern Europe on the Prosecution, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Foreign Terrorist Fighters OSCE Action Against Terrorism Unit OSCE PA Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism

Legislators and experts discussed strategies and policies for effective and human rights-compliant prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration of foreign terrorist fighters and their families in South-Eastern Europe and neighboring countries at a Regional Policy Dialogue held in blended format on 14 and 15 October 2021 in Vienna.

“The return, rehabilitation and reintegration of foreign terrorist fighters and their families remains a major challenge,” said Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats, during her opening remarks. To address this challenge, she said, “Parliamentarians have an important role to play. As representatives of the people, they are the principal stakeholders to identify lasting solutions to address the threat of terrorism and violent extremism.”

The meeting was organized by the OSCE in co-operation with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA). It gathered more than 50 parliamentarians and representatives from relevant legislative committees from around South-Eastern Europe and select neighboring countries as well as experts and representatives from the OSCE and OSCE PA, including from the OSCE PA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism.

Throughout three thematic discussions, participants discussed ways to align policies related to political, operational, legal and social challenges, as well as to effectively implement international standards and shape human rights-compliant legislation, institutions and procedures related to the return or repatriation of foreign terrorist fighters and their family members. They also exchanged experiences and lessons learned on topics such as evidence collection for prosecution, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, particularly for women and children.

A co-operative, human rights-based approach is a “key prerequisite” for addressing challenges related to foreign terrorist fighters, said Margareta Cederfelt, President of the OSCE PA. Outlining how the OSCE and its Parliamentary Assembly can jointly support participating States, she said parliamentarians’ “rather unique legislative, oversight, budgetary and bridge-making powers make us valuable assets in the global fight against terrorism and violent extremism.”

Turning to wider efforts related to countering terrorism and violent extremism, Maria Gratschew, Counsellor at the Swedish Permanent Delegation to the OSCE and representative of the 2021 Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship, said: “When taking measures to prevent and counter radicalization leading to violent extremism and terrorism, then human rights, principles of democracy and proportionality must be ensured. Similarly, good governance, transparency and accountability must be upheld. Parliamentarians, as lawmakers and representatives of the public, play a crucial role in this regard.”

501031 Richard Wheeler

On 15 October 2021 in Nur-Sultan, the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan concluded a two-day seminar on countering illegal capital flight.

The seminar was held in a blended format together with the Financial Monitoring Agency. Some 70 representatives attended from the government sector.

The OSCE-supported expert from the Russian Federation familiarized participants with international regulation and enforcement mechanisms to counter illegal capital flight, and on steps for returning stolen assets to the countries of origin. He also provided an overview of the main illegal capital flight typologies and ways of identifying suspicious financial transactions. By analyzing practical cases, participants discussed measures to combat illegal capital flight and familiarized themselves with examples of successful inter-agency co-operation.  

The seminar is part of the Programme Office’s multi-year efforts to promote good governance and to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

VIENNA, 14 October 2021 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, concluded her official visit to Albania yesterday. During her visit, Ribeiro met with several governmental authorities, including Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Foreign Affairs Olta Xhaçka, President Ilir Meta, Speaker of Parliament Lindita Nikolla, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Media Agron Gjekmarkaj and Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Media Petro Koçi.

Ribeiro addressed the safety conditions of journalists, with a particular focus on online safety of female journalists; various concerns related to disinformation; access to public information; the independence of the public service broadcaster and other challenges that the media community faces in Albania.

The Representative and her counterparts also discussed legislative developments related to media freedom and freedom of expression, including the draft media laws known as the anti-defamation package. Government authorities reiterated willingness to adopt these media laws in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission. In this regard, Ribeiro stressed that any legislative amendments must conform to international human rights standards and OSCE commitments. To ensure effective decision-making in the public interest, Ribeiro underlined that legislative processes need to be conducted in an inclusive manner involving all relevant stakeholders, including media non-governmental organizations and journalists.

The Representative also met with Luigi Soreca, EU Ambassador to Albania; Martin Leka, Acting General Director of the public service broadcaster RTSH; Aleksander Çipa, Chair of the Union of Albanian Journalists; Erinda Ballanca, Ombudswoman; and several journalists.

Ribeiro expressed her readiness to provide all necessary assistance to the authorities in strengthening the media environment in Albania in line with her mandate, relevant international standards and OSCE commitments on media freedom and freedom of expression.

On 11 and 12 October, Ribeiro participated in the 8th South-East Europe Media Conference on “Journalism in times of crisis”, organized jointly by her Office and the OSCE Presence in Albania, in collaboration with OSCE field operations from South-East Europe. This two-day hybrid event gathered participants from across the journalistic field as well as media and legal experts, state actors and researchers operating in the region and beyond. Discussions reflected on old and new interlocking challenges that continue to strain the safety of, and public trust in, journalists in the region, with special attention to the role of governments and the media community in safeguarding journalism as a public good. Ribeiro underlined the need for continued dialogue and co-operation across national borders and fields of expertise to improve journalistic conditions in sustaining quality independent media and public-interest journalism across all media channels.

Ribeiro concluded her visit by participating in the conference “Protection of minors in the audio-visual media”, organized by the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) on 13 October. She spoke at the opening of the event together with the Chairwoman of the AMA, Armela Krasniqi.

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

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 230 ceasefire violations, including 96 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 244 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 95 ceasefire violations, including 33 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 134 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.* It recorded ceasefire violations inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure, as well as vegetation clearance.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and four corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at checkpoints of the armed formations south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, on the southern edge of the disengagement area near Zolote and at a checkpoint near the disengagement area near Petrivske. Its unmanned aerial vehicles again experienced instances of jamming.*

COPENHAGEN, 14 October 2021 – Dutch parliamentarian Farah Karimi, who serves as Vice-Chair of the OSCE PA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Migration and as Special Representative on Youth Engagement, has been in Albania this week discussing the situation of Afghans sheltered in Albania under Temporary Protected Status with representatives of the international community and national authorities.

On Wednesday, Karimi conducted a field visit to Shengjin, Lezhe, to meet with Afghan refugees who are temporarily being housed there, and lauded the efforts of Albania, which has been one of the first countries to offer accommodation and assistance to a wave of Afghans leaving their country after the Taliban takeover on 15 August.

Karimi also held a meeting with Alma Mele, Director of the Directorate for Local Affairs and Prefectures within the Ministry of Interior, and was briefed on how the Directorate works in receiving, screening and sheltering evacuees in co-operation with international aid organizations.“The Albanian authorities – both on the national and local levels – have shown exemplary leadership in dealing with this humanitarian emergency, agreeing to temporarily shelter up to 4,000 Afghans,” Karimi said. “Although the national government is not financing evacuation, shelter, health care or education services, municipalities are making local health facilities accessible to the Afghan evacuees and other organizations have stepped up to meet other needs, showing a great capacity for co-operation and co-ordination among international organizations and civil society.”

Karimi added that although the Afghan evacuees are uncertain about how long it will take before they will be allowed to travel to the United States, they are very grateful for the friendly welcome they have received by Albanian government and people.

As of today, approximately 1,400 Afghan evacuees are being temporarily housed in Albania – in Shengjin, Durres and Tirana, with the largest group – totaling 906 – staying at the Rafeal Resort in Shengjin. Under Albanian asylum law, the Afghan nationals have been granted “temporary protected status” which translates into national protection under Albanian law applicable for a year, and subject to renewal by a Council of Ministers decision.

Among the organizations that are working to evacuate local staff and families to Albania are National Endowment for Democracy, Yalda Hakim Foundation, Vital Voice, and Michigan University, which fully fund all services for their evacuees independently and separately. The evacuees are planned to be permanently relocated to the United States within a year.Earlier in the week, in her capacity as OSCE PA Special Representative on Youth Engagement, Karimi participated in the OSCE South East Europe Media Conference (SEEMC 2021) held in Tirana from 11-12 October.

The SEEMC 2021, organized by the office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media in co-operation with the OSCE Presence in Albania, focused on media freedom challenges by exploring opportunities, best practices and ways forward to advance the media environment in SEE bringing together journalists, relevant state actors, policymakers, media and legal experts, and researchers.

Special Representative Karimi moderated the panel “The future of journalism: Young perspectives on media,” a session dedicated to young journalists’ participation in the public sphere. Karimi was joined by the participants of the Youth Camp “Youth and Media in Focus,” a flagship youth exchange programme organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania within the framework of the “YouthTrail: Promoting OSCE Values in the Western Balkans” initiative, which aims to promote regional peace and stability.

On the margins of the conference, Karimi held bilateral meetings with Ambassador Del Monaco, Head of Mission of the OSCE Presence in Albania, and Sihana Nebiu, Head of the Democratization Department of the OSCE Presence in Albania. Karimi was briefed on the work of the mission, particularly with regards to activities on youth and gender.

500857 Marina Živaljević

With the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Directorate for Sports and Youth, the Regional Youth Co-operation Office (RYCO) Local Branch Office in Montenegro organized the third youth camp on “Intercultural Competencies in Sports”, from 10 to 13 October 2021 in Kolašin.

Fourteen young professionals from seven different sports associations participated in the camp, which aimed to increase their knowledge and understanding on intercultural competences and foster youth co-operation in sports.

In his welcome address, Edin Koljenović, Head of the RYCO Local Branch Office in Montenegro, said that this camp represented a great opportunity for them to gain new competences, learn more about the intercultural dialogue, co-operate with youth from Montenegro, and with their regional peers in future. “RYCO offers mobility opportunities for young people, motivating them to connect and get to know their neighbours first, instead of travelling only outside of the Western Balkans”, said Koljenović.

Ksenija Božović, Deputy Director of the Directorate for Sports and Youth of Montenegro, said that the goal of this camp was to connect young sport’s professionals from different disciplines, improve their status and help them overcome prejudices and stereotypes. “You have a great role in Montenegrin society and should serve as a positive example to new generations,” said Božović.

Upon the completion, participants were awarded with certificates and invited to take part in future RYCO activities.

OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

Effective good governance in preventing and combatting corruption to promote economic efficiency and favourable business investment climate was the focus of an OSCE-organized online seminar held on 14 and 15 October 2021.

Participants were representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Economyof Turkmenistan, law enforcement bodies, the Mejlis (lower chamber) of the Milli Gengesh (parliament) of Turkmenistan, financial institutions and other relevant agencies.

International experts from Latvia and Ukraine presented OSCE participating States’ best practices in promoting good governance principles, ensuring transparency, integrity and accountability in the public sector, which supports sustainable and effective economic development.

Participants discussed the investment policy of states and explored the roots of corruption based on World Bank research. Special emphasis was placed on measures to prevent corruption, including mechanisms to receive and respond to information on corruption cases in state institutions.

“Corruption is a key threat to good governance, democratic processes, economic stability and fair business practices,” said John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

He stressed that effective national anti-corruption work requires further development of institutional and legislative mechanisms, and consistent improvement of human and organizational potential.

“The OSCE and its respective structures and field missions, are undertaking consistent work to facilitate further political dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and best practices from across the OSCE region, on countering corruption threats,” added MacGregor.

Participants examined the impact of corruption on the economic growth and development of entrepreneurship. Emergence of e-corruption and the role of digitalization in anti-corruption work were also addressed.

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organized a train-the-trainer course in Vienna from 11 to 13 October 2021, as part of a multiannual training programme focused on strengthening North Macedonia’s capacities in countering terrorist financing.

Eight national trainers (four male, four female) from law enforcement and customs agencies, the Ministry of Defence, and the public prosecutor’s and financial intelligence office took part in the course, which focused on how the analysis of financial information can support counter-terrorism investigations and highlighted a range of analytical techniques.

Together with the lead trainers, the national experts co-produced scenario-based exercises to further localize and adapt an OSCE and UNODC training course to the needs of North Macedonia. The trainers also learned how to facilitate presentations and discussions with representatives from multiple agencies.

As part of a multi-year training programme delivered by the OSCE and UNODC, the experts taking part in the train-the-trainer course, jointly with the lead trainers, will go on to deliver this course to other experts from state authorities of North Macedonia involved in countering terrorist financing.

The training programme aims to increase the country’s capacity to detect and combat terrorist financing and strengthen compliance with international standards in this area. These international standards are embedded in the United Nations Security Council Resolutions, United Nations norms, OSCE commitments that promote human rights-based approaches in countering terrorist financing, as well as the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) and interpretive notes. 

The course was organized with the financial support of the United States.

Richard Wheeler

An OSCE-organized week-long simulation exercise on combating human trafficking along migration routes, hosted by the Almaty Police Academy under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, started on 11 October 2021 in Almaty.

The simulation exercise is organized in co-operation with the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Programme of the US Embassy in Nur-Sultan, UNHCR National Office in Kazakhstan and the Law Enforcement Agencies Academy under the  Prosecutor General’s Office. More than 30 professionals from law enforcement, labour inspectorates, migration authorities, prosecutorial offices, NGOs and public social services are participating in the live-action exercise.

Delivered for the second time in Kazakhstan, this training exercise offers front-line responders the opportunity to simulate real-life anti-trafficking responses, using actors to create trafficking scenarios. A fictitious brothel, a massage parlor, a construction site, and an agricultural field were re-created to simulate cases of human trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation.

The event is a part of the OSCE Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to support the host country in combating human trafficking and in implementing the OSCE Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings.

WARSAW/STOCKHOLM, 14 October 2021 – Thirty years ago, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) was established. Its mandate is to assist the countries of the OSCE region in strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law, and in respecting  human rights. Over the next two days, over 500 participants will gather in person and online to discuss the ODIHR’s achievements and its role in finding lasting solutions to the challenges faced across the OSCE region.

“ODIHR was created 30 years ago in the knowledge that democracy and human rights are key to lasting safety and security across the vast OSCE region, and this remains the basis of our work today,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “As countries continue to struggle with the aftermath of the pandemic and we continue to witness violations of human rights around the OSCE region, this anniversary year is a time for both reflection and for looking forward. It also reminds us that genuine dialogue is not just a good solution to global problems, but the only solution.”

It was in 1990 that OSCE leaders agreed in Paris to “undertake to build, consolidate and strengthen democracy as the only system of government of our nations.” The states that signed the agreements in Paris and in Copenhagen earlier that same year were both far-sighted and courageous, reaching towards a future that lay beyond the immediate challenges to a time of peace and growing prosperity.

ODIHR has taken on a leading role across the 57 countries of the OSCE in surmounting the region’s many challenges, supporting states in strengthening their democratic institutions and respect for human rights and the rule of law in a multitude of ways. ODIHR’s strong ties with civil society are at the heart of its work, creating a platform for civil society organizations to interact with national authorities and ensuring all voices are heard. By encouraging and assisting governments to genuinely engage civil society in their decision-making, ODIHR offers assistance in increasing respect for human rights and thus strengthening the security of the entire region. 

“ODIHR’s assistance over the last three decades has had a major impact throughout the OSCE region. All participating States will continue to need the support of ODIHR in implementing our commitments and in protecting and promoting democracy and the rule of law, as well as human rights including gender equality. This we owe to all individuals of this region,” said Ann Linde, Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE and Swedish minister for foreign affairs.

As well as marking the many achievements of the last three decades, participants in the two-day meeting will debate current challenges and opportunities, and discuss ODIHR’s role in continuing to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the future in a common spirit of co-operation. The conference will also allow participants to share experiences and exchange best practices as the countries of the region seek to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, on the understanding that societies that stand together are more resilient in times of crisis.

“I wish to stress that Poland is proud of hosting ODIHR. Our capital, Warsaw, has become a vibrant centre of dialogue on human rights and democracy. Being a seat of both ODIHR and the Permanent Secretariat of the Community of Democracies, it is also the city where the largest human rights conferences in Europe take place,” said Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk. He recalled the role of ODIHR and regular Human Dimension events for strengthening cooperation among the OSCE Participating States based on human rights and democratic values.

Building on the OSCE’s unique vision of security, the conference focuses on the paramount importance of human rights and democracy for ensuring the security of the 57 countries of the OSCE region. Other high-level speakers include OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Margareta Cederfelt, Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard, and Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 244 ceasefire violations, including 73 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 220 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 134 ceasefire violations, including 16 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 71 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM corroborated reports of two civilian causalities on both sides of the contact line in Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the operation and repair of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at the checkpoint of the armed formations south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, as well as at a border-crossing point and a railway station in Luhansk region. Its unmanned aerial vehicles again experienced multiple instances of jamming.*

GENEVA, 13 October 2021 - The 54th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place on 12 and 13 October 2021, with requisite COVID-19 pandemic measures in place. The GID process continues to serve as the primary venue in which the consequences of conflict are addressed as mandated by the six-point ceasefire agreement of 2008.

The elements of “comprehensive / human dimensions of security” were once again discussed at an information session in which participants exchanged views on the fears, wants and dignities of conflict-affected populations in a facilitated discussion.

Participants met in the GID’s two working groups, focused on security and humanitarian issues. The overall security situation on the ground was assessed as relatively stable, although participants brought attention to a number of outstanding issues, including ongoing detentions, unresolved missing persons cases, restrictions on freedom of movement and travel abroad, response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and specific security concerns. Discussions once again paid particular attention to the core agenda item of non-use of force and international security arrangements.

The Co-Chairs acknowledged the continued functioning of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Ergneti, including co-operative efforts over the summer on issues of water use, and emphasized the need to resume regular meetings of the Gali IPRM without further delay. The Co-Chairs welcomed the lifting of restrictions at the Enguri bridge and Saberio-Pakhulani crossing points and called for freedom of movement to be fully restored, in particular at the Odzisi crossing point.

Despite constructive engagement on a variety of humanitarian issues, a discussion on the core issue of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees could not take place due to a walkout by some participants, which disrupted the round.

The Co-Chairs again called on all participants to increase efforts to build trust and confidence among them and to address all elements of comprehensive security.

The participants agreed to hold their next meeting in Geneva on 7 and 8 December 2021.

KYIV, 13 October 2021 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Mikko Kinnunen, made the following statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG ‎and its Working Groups held through video conferencing:

“The security situation along the contact line is considered to be close to unstable even though the last two weeks have shown a slight decrease in cease fire violations reported by SMM compared to the previous two weeks period. The meeting was informed about a developing incident that took place at Zolote-Pervomaisk disengagement area. While it is important to avoid any further escalation at this point, every effort should be undertaken to ensure such incidents do not repeat themselves in the future.

The participants in the Security Working Group discussed ways to reduce the violence along the contact line to avoid civilian and military casualties as well as damage to civilian infrastructure. Unfortunately, the participants did not achieve a common standpoint.

The Political Working Group continued its discussion on a draft action plan in full compliance with the Minsk agreements.

The meeting of the Humanitarian Working Group could not convene due to the controversy on an expert appointment. I expressed hope that at the next meeting the Working Group will be able to advance on the important issues on its agenda, namely missing persons, the mutual release of detainees and freedom of movement along the line of contact.

The Economic Working Group focused on questions related to water deliveries to certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine (CADLO). In this context, particular attention was paid to the company KP Voda Donbassa and its operations in CADO. Moreover, participants discussed pension payments as well as ecological issues.

Recent limitations imposed by CALO to cross contact line travelling and their possible repercussions were brought up and discussed in the plenary meeting.”

OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

On 7 and 8 October 2021, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized a two-day online roundtable discussion on Turkmenistan’s 2018-2022 National Action Plan (NAP) and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540 on Effective Measures against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Two international experts guided the roundtable discussion that served as a platform for developing key recommendations and inputs based on the implementation of the 2018-2022 NAP.  Participants discussed the status of the draft Law on Strategic Trade Control, supporting normative acts – including the relevant control list, and the establishment of a strategic commodity identification centre.

The meeting brought together twenty representatives from relevant ministries and state agencies of Turkmenistan who briefed participants on their agencies’ contribution to the implementation process.

John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, said: “Such meetings are critical, as they allow the free and active exchange of ideas, concerns, and experiences in this area among national stakeholders.” He added that a project plan for 2022 is already being drafted and it includes a continuation of the co-operation between the OSCE Centre and the Government of Turkmenistan on implementing UNSCR 1540.

The recommendations from the roundtable discussion will feed into the development of further measures to ensure the NAP implementation is in accordance with specific national needs. This event concluded a round of consultative meetings organized with the help of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat that aimed to provide expert support to national stakeholders involved in the implementation of the NAP.

499002 Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Ton van den Brandt

The eighth South-East Europe Media Conference on “Journalism in times of crisis”, organized jointly by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) and the OSCE Presence in Albania, in collaboration with OSCE field operations from South-East Europe, concluded today.  

The two-day hybrid event gathered participants from across the journalistic field as well as media and legal experts, state actors and researchers operating in the region and beyond. Discussions reflected on old and new interlocking challenges that continue to strain the safety of, and public trust in, journalists in the region. Reflecting on the current state of affairs of media freedom and freedom of expression in the region, special attention was paid to the role of governments and the media community in safeguarding journalism as a public good in today’s fast-paced digital world.

“More than ever, we need strong, independent and trustworthy journalism to serve the public interest, contributing to a more informed and active citizenry and being the watchdog that holds those in power to account. Only this can ensure a rich, pluralistic and transparent media landscape,” said Teresa Ribeiro, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media.

Participants also shared their experiences and touched upon the ongoing reforms and best practices towards enhancing the economic, legal and physical safety of journalists in the region. Ribeiro underlined the need for continued dialogue and co-operation across national borders and fields of expertise to improve the journalistic conditions in sustaining quality independent media and public-interest journalism across all media channels.

“The overall freedom of media should never be taken for granted, nowhere in the world,” stated Vincenzo Del Monaco, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania. “When obstacles arise; they should be addressed swiftly and seriously. We need to make sure that journalists can operate in a conducive environment, a safe environment, in line with the principle of free access to information. We need to support fact-based journalism – as an important antidote to disinformation – and editorial independence of journalists."

More information about the conference can be found here: 8th Annual South East Europe Media Conference - Journalism in times of crisis | OSCE

500674 Kunduz Rysbek

Over forty representatives of the State Customs Service under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Kyrgyzstan and cross-border trade researchers were trained in how to accurately measure the duration of time for clearing goods at border checkpoints. The two-day workshop, organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, concluded on 13 October 2021 in Bishkek.

On the basis of the World Customs Organization Time Release Study, participants learned about advanced practices in handling import/export/transit goods at border crossing points, and procedures related to customs clearance.

The Study is a widely used method to measure the average time taken between the arrival of goods, clearance and their release. This facilitates customs officers to identify problem areas and take corrective measures to increase their efficiency. The time required to release goods is also used as a measure for the ease of doing business indicator, where Kyrgyzstan ranks 80th among 190 countries in the world.

The workshop is part of capacity-building activities of the State Customs Service to improve economic ties and cross-border co-operation of the host country. Similar events are planned to be held in the cities of Naryn, Osh and Batken.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 220 ceasefire violations, including 50 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 126 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded 71 ceasefire violations, including 27 explosions. In the previous 24 hours, it recorded 94 ceasefire violations in the 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 repairs of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at five entry-exit checkpoints and three corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted. Its unmanned aerial vehicles again experienced multiple instances of jamming.*

VIENNA, 12 October 2021 – Immediate actions offers a chance to curb economic and environmental security risks, and build more resilient and sustainable societies in the OSCE and the Mediterranean regions say participants at the OSCE 2021 Mediterranean Partners Conference, which opened today in Vienna.

Organized by the Polish Chair of the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation Group, the two-day conference outlines a ‘road to resilience’ for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference will focus on three areas in which the OSCE can add value to Mediterranean co-operation: sustainable and green recovery, fighting pandemic-related organized crime, and combating human trafficking in labour markets affected by the pandemic.

“When building back from the pandemic, we have a chance to make it right, and to build back better by focusing on human security and sustainable development”, said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde. “To achieve sustainable security, peace and development, we need our societies to be more inclusive. Women and girls need to be economically empowered. And our youth must be heard in the political processes that affect their current, as well as their future, lives and safety.”

“We meet at a particular moment that requires reflection and action,” said Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland, Piotr Wawrzyk. “COVID-19 still has a substantial impact on our work. However, it taught us something important — as an Organization and as societies, we cannot do much if we do not join forces. Sharing the same challenges, we are aware that recovery demands co-ordinated action.”

Megi Fino, Albania’s Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, said that recovery depends on stronger co-operation with Europe and the OSCE region for the Mediterranean Partners. “We need to move from lofty statements to concrete action. As the virus knows no borders, so should our approach to trade and investment. We cannot afford a post-pandemic recovery that does not bridge – or at worst even widens – the long-standing gap in economic opportunity between the different shores of the Mediterranean basin.”

“We could look with some confidence at the emerging post-pandemic world,” said OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid. “However, it would be mistaken to conclude we can just turn the page. We may be able to manage, but not necessarily end the pandemic. Resilience will be the name of the game from now on. The OSCE has an important role in operationalizing resilience across all areas of security from politico-military to economic and environmental, and the human dimensions,” said Schmid.