Central Europe

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 250 ceasefire violations, including 93 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 15 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded 47 ceasefire violations, including 40 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 28 ceasefire violations in the 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 repairs of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at four entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM monitored gatherings in Lviv and Kyiv.
• The Mission’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted. Its unmanned aerial vehicles again experienced multiple instances of jamming.*

499489

Elections experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the ODIHR final report on Albania’s April 2021 parliamentary elections during a visit to Tirana from 29 September to 1 October 2021.

The experts discussed the report’s findings and recommendations with representatives of Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and Central Election Commission, and with representatives of parliamentary political parties, civil society and the international community.

Discussions focused on the report’s priority recommendations such as the need to guarantee the right to a free and secret choice, eliminate ambiguities and inconsistencies in the legal framework for elections, intensify efforts to prosecute cases of vote-buying, ensure the security of citizens’ personal data and provide for independent media coverage of electoral contestants’ activities.

“It is very encouraging to get positive feedback on ODIHR recommendations from key stakeholders,” said Urszula Gacek, Head of the ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission for the 25 April vote. “Hopefully this will allow further essential reforms to be implemented in a consultative, inclusive process, well in advance of the next elections in Albania”.

ODIHR experts also discussed potential areas for further co-operation with Albanian institutions within the Office’s Support to Electoral Reform in the Western Balkans project, funded by the European Union.

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.

A roundtable discussion on the concept of the planned Water Code concluded on October 1, 2021 in Aktau, Mangystau province. The two-day event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan in partnership with the Water Resources Committee of the Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources Ministry of Kazakhstan.

Some 14 national water resources experts participated in the roundtable discussion and reviewed the main provisions of the draft concept paper to the new Water Code. Olympex Advisers lawyers, who participated in developing the document, discussed the main areas of the concept paper: integrated water resources management, distribution of regulatory powers, water use payment mechanisms, tariffs formation, water market setting up principles, promoting and introduction of best available technologies.

The work on the new Water Code started in mid-2021, and the development of a concept paper is the first step that will determine the set-up of a main regulatory document. The government plans to pass the Water Code in 2023 to replace the existing one adopted in 2003.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s long-term efforts to enhance national legislation in line with best international practices in the efficient and sustainable management of water resources.

SUMMARY

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continued to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). Due to the short reporting period, the overall number of border crossings by persons and vehicles significantly decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week. [1]

This report represents the last Weekly Update issued by the Observer Mission, whose mandate expired on 30 September 2021. As of 00:00 on 1 October 2021, the Observer Mission is no longer present at the Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk. The Mission is continuing to carry out activities related to its discontinuation.

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

During the reporting period, the OM was operating with 22 permanent international mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO) and a First Responder.[2] The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.

Update on COVID-19 measures

Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. Following the host country’s recommendations, the observers are adhering to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities. The vaccination process provided by the host country medical system continued on a voluntary basis. To date, 80 per cent of OM staff have now been vaccinated.

OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS

Persons crossing the border

The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:

1. Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage.
2. Persons in military-style outfits.
3. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.

The average number of entries/exits decreased from 9,360 to 5,265 per day at both BCPs compared to last week. During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 24 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.

Responding to the COVID-19 situation, the host country closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March 2020. Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border (which entered into force on 19 March) are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April 2020, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June 2020. Currently, the crossing of people is going on at a quasi-normal level.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, no persons in military-style outfits crossing the border were observed, compared to six persons in military-style outfits observed during the last week.

Families with a significant amount of luggage

The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, four families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while no families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another one family was observed crossing into Ukraine.

Bus connections                                         

Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (142 compared to 404 observed during the previous week). There were 82 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 60 bound for Ukraine.

On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (330 compared to 804 during the previous reporting week); 171 at the Gukovo BCP and 159 at the Donetsk BCP, 155 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation, and 175 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in Belarus, Lithuania, the Russian Federation and trucks with “LPR” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs decreased (17 compared to 36 during the previous week). These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane. All trucks underwent systematic inspection by Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavorable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.

Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP decreased from 190 to 77. Of the total number of all trucks scanned 77 trucks (100 per cent) were bound for Ukraine.

Minivans

The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[3] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (58 compared to 145 observed during the previous week); 29 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 29 into Ukraine.

Trains

The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on five occasions; the OTs assessed that two trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining three trains were travelling to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).

Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.

Other observations

The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 7 September 2021 to 30 September 2021, please see the attachment here.

[1] The reporting period covers the data for the period from 09:00, 28 September 2021 to 23:59, 30 September 2021.

[2]First responders are OSCE staff or mission members deployed for a short period of time.

[3]Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles that correspond to driving licence C1).

499402 Marina Živaljević

On 1 October 2021, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro donated technical equipment to the Department for Gender Equality within the Ministry of Justice, Human and Minority Rights. The equipment will help to enhance the Department’s capacity to produce quality reports and presentations on the implementation of gender responsive policies.

The Mission donated a laser printer with a scanner, a projector, four laptops and a project screen. The need for this equipment was identified during the evaluation of the Action Plan for Achieving Gender Equality 2017–2021.

During the event, Siv-Katrine Leirtroe, Acting Head of the Mission, said that this donation is a token of the Mission’s commitment to promote gender equality and continue to be a reliable partner to support the work of the Ministry. “We hope that the reports and presentations produced with this equipment will continue to track substantial progress in enhancing gender equality,” said Leirtroe.

Biljana Pejović, Head of the Ministry’s Departments for Gender Equality, in thanking the Mission, said: “As our long-standing partner in achieving the goals of eliminating discrimination against women, the Mission continues to demonstrate its commitment to democratic processes which necessarily includes full gender equality in Montenegro.”

State Secretary in the Ministry, Bojan Božović, also attended the event that served as an opportunity to discuss further support and co-operation between the Mission and the Ministry’s Gender Department.

Communication and Media Relations Section Alexandra Taylor

A five-day OSCE online training course on handling digital evidence by first responders for criminal justice practitioners from the five Central Asian OSCE participating States concluded on 1 October 2021. The course provided practitioners with an in-depth understanding on how to secure digital evidence and conduct basic online investigations.  

The training course covered topics such as pre-search preparation, search and seizure, live data forensics, network investigations, open source intelligence gathering, and anonymity and criminality on the internet. It also included an integrated module on human rights compliance in the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime cases, with a tailored perspective on digital evidence.

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 initiative has train-the-trainers as its core element, in which trainees are expected to organize and deliver, with the OSCE’s support, their own national training courses.

In the next few months, the project will also deliver a second train-the-trainer course as well as thematic training courses on investigating crimes facilitated by the use of Dark Web and virtual currencies, internet investigations and open source intelligence gathering with a focus on countering terrorism, and open source IT forensics and network investigations. The project is also developing OSCE Guidelines on Human Rights Compliance in Cybercrime Investigations, in close co-operation with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

499366

More than 50 young community leaders from across the country gathered for two in-person training courses, which took place from 14 to 18 June in Bishkek and from 27 September to 1 October in Osh. 

The courses are part of the Leaders against Intolerance and Violent Extremism (LIVE) Initiative. LIVE builds the capacity of civil society – youth, women and community leaders – to prevent violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (VERLT).

The events were organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek in close consultation with the Action against Terrorism Unit (ATU) of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department (TNTD),

The courses emphasized the need to prevent violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, and to reject the association of terrorism and violent extremism with any religion, nationality or ethnicity unequivocally, consistent with OSCE commitments.

Upon completion of the two training courses, participants will receive mentoring support from the LIVE facilitators to develop their own action ideas aimed to promote context-specific efforts in preventing VERLT. The group of graduates trained in June have already developed action plans. One of them is an initiative developed by a group of graduates to teach critical thinking for youth aged 15-18 in Chui province.

LIVE facilitators will also coach the participants in carrying out context and stakeholder analyses to ensure that the identified prevention ideas are locally relevant and safe.

The LIVE initiative has its roots in the 2015 OSCE Ministerial Council. The training model is designed to be used across the OSCE area. The LIVE Initiative consists of three training courses tailored to youth, women and community leaders across the OSCE area.

An OSCE-supported two-day online seminar on countering crimes related to clandestine drug laboratories concluded on 30 September 2021. The event was attended by some 100 representatives of law enforcement agencies from different regions of Kazakhstan responsible for countering crimes related to illicit drugs.  

The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan organized the event in partnership with the Law Enforcement Agencies Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office. The seminar provided an overview of the threat posed by clandestine drug laboratories. National and international experts discussed methodologies for investigating crimes related to such laboratories in Kazakhstan, the features of amphetamine-type stimulants production in clandestine laboratories, as well as the US experience in detecting, investigating and preventing crimes related to clandestine drug laboratories. 

The event is part of the Programme Office’s multi-year effort to combat illicit trafficking and trade of drugs in the host country.

VICENZA, Italy, 1 October 2021 – The OSCE simulation-based exercise for anti-trafficking practitioners across the OSCE region concluded today in Vicenza, Italy.

More than 40 professionals from six countries attended the week-long training course. Participants came from Austria, Canada, Denmark, Georgia, Germany and Spain, representing law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, social service providers, civil society organizations and asylum agencies. They worked together in national multi-agency teams for the first time to foster interdisciplinary co-operation.

“What I have seen at the simulation exercise this week leaves me confident about OSCE’s ability to deliver quality support to our participating States and our region,” said Helga Maria Schmid, OSCE Secretary General during her visit in Vicenza. “Our Organization strives to foster co-operation – States working together to face common challenges. Today I saw that co-operation in action, with concrete activities helping countries work together to combat crime and protect human rights on the ground.”

The simulation exercise enhanced the participants’ capacity to effectively identify and protect victims of trafficking among migrants and refugees, and to investigate and prosecute their traffickers. Particular emphasis was given to the close co-ordination between relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations, to meet the protection needs of victims and support law enforcement efforts. Participants tackled realistic scenarios working within their multi-agency teams on cases of human trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation, following a victim-centered and human rights based approach.

“Participants in our exercises consistently point to the professional benefits of this training, including gaining a greater understanding of the roles other groups play in combating human trafficking, as well as networking with anti-trafficking practitioners from other countries," said Valiant Richey, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.

Since 2016, when the OSCE project “Combating Human Trafficking along Migration Routes” began, the Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings has implemented nine simulation-based exercises involving 570 practitioners from 68 countries, including 55 participating States, seven Partners for Co-operation and six States from West and Central Africa.

The project was financed by Italy, Austria, Ireland, Cyprus, France, Monaco and Andorra, and implemented in partnership with the Carabinieri Corps, the Centre of Excellence for Stability Police Units in Vicenza, Italy, the Italian State Police, Guardia di Finanza, the University of Padova, and independent experts.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 15 ceasefire violations, including three explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 257 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded 28 ceasefire violations, including 12 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 159 ceasefire violations in the 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, maintenance and repairs of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and two corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted. Its unmanned aerial vehicles again experienced instances of jamming.*

Tbilisi, 30 September 2021 – International election observers will hold a press conference to present their findings following the local elections in Georgia.

NB Due to social distancing requirements, only a limited number of 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
• David Eray, Head of the CLRAE Delegation
• Michael Gahler, Head of the EP Delegation​

When:

• 15.00 local time (GMT +4) on 3 October 2021

Where:

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

Registration:

• To take part via Zoom, please register by 11:00 CET on 3 October using this link.

The international election observation is a joint mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE), and the European Parliament (EP). The mission totals 338 observers from 37 countries, including 306 ODIHR experts and long- and short-term observers, 18 parliamentarians and staff from the CLRAE, and 14 from the EP.

For more information, please contact:

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

Renate Zikmund, CLRAE: +33 659786455 or renate.zikmund@coe.int

Raffaele Luise, EP: +32 477855324 or raffaele.luise@europarl.europa.eu

499315 Andrii Dziubenko

A new cyber hygiene project for employees of state institutions in Ukraine was presented on 30 September 2021 by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine with the National Agency of Ukraine for Civil Service and the Ukrainian School of Governance (USG). The project comprises an online and in-person programme for basic cybersecurity skills, an equipped mobile training centre and a pool of trainers prepared to teach public servants.

The project’s short-term course, Cyber Hygiene Essentials, comprises nine online modules, available at Diia. Digital Education Platform  and Despro online resource, which are complemented by a 2-day in-person training session delivered by the USG, an official provider of training courses for public officials. The short-term course covers a range of topics related to the most widespread digital threats, including hacking and phishing, and ways to avoid them.

Further training courses were delivered at various locations using 20 laptops provided by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in support of the project. The laptops were equipped with appropriate software and complemented by a Methodological Manual and Workbook for Participants of Cyber Hygiene Training developed by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator. In addition, a pool of 52 trainers were selected and prepared to provide training courses, including pilot training sessions.

Once a public servant completes the course, they are entitled to one European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) point in the state’s system of retraining and career management. One ECTS stands for 30 hours of annual mandatory re-training of civil servants.

“By adopting sound cyber hygiene practices, organizations and state institutions are better able to ensure security of their information systems, as it gives every individual a role to play in protecting their network and resources from hackers,” said Henrik Villadsen, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.  

To complement the project and further support Ukrainian partners in addressing cyberspace-related risks, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator will launch in October 2021an awareness-raising campaign and develop advanced training courses for IT specialists employed by state institutions.

These cyberspace-related efforts are being implemented as part of the OSCE project, “Strengthening Ukrainian State Authorities’ Cyber Hygiene and Cybersecurity Capacity”, and with financial support from the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and the German Federal Foreign Office.

499275 Marina Živaljević

From 7 to 28 September 2021, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized in Bijelo Polje, Berane, Plav, Bar and Ulcinj a series of workshops focusing on multi-sectoral approaches supporting women who have experienced domestic violence.

Over 50 representatives of basic and misdemeanour courts, prosecutors, police, social and health services, municipality’ gender offices and NGOs took part in the event.

During the interactive workshops, representatives of the institutions and organizations involved in protecting survivors and victims of domestic violence discussed requirements and recommendations laid down in national legislation, the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention and GREVIO Evaluation  Report on Montenegro on legislative and other measures giving effect to the provisions of the Convention. Participants also exchanged their knowledge, experiences and good practices, clarified questions and respective competencies, ensuring strong inter-institutional co-operation in the cases of domestic violence.

Gender experts Biljana Zeković and Aleksandra Gligorović agreed that the workshops were based on intensive discussions through which representatives of institutions and organizations reached common conclusions and agreed on directions for an efficient and effective multi-sectoral response to cases of domestic violence. “The need for professionals in areas related to effective protection of victims and sanctioning of perpetrators are clearly articulated, which is important for designing future similar programmes that will further strengthen capacities of state institutions and organizations,” said the experts.

The Mission will continue to support institutions and civil society organizations to work together on promoting gender equality in a society with zero tolerance towards domestic violence.

498339 Kunduz Rysbek

Alexey Rogov, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, met with Talant Mamytov, Speaker of the Parliament of Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek on 16 September 2021.

The two discussed prospects of expanding co-operation between Kyrgyzstan and the OSCE in promoting democracy, comprehensive security, and sustainable development.

Mamytov emphasized the importance of activities aimed at mitigating consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kyrgyzstan. He expressed appreciation for the OSCE’s continuous support, including technical support for establishing live video-streaming services to the Parliament, which aims to increase transparency within Parliament. Mamytov also confirmed the host country’s readiness to invite international election observers to the upcoming parliamentary elections on 28 November 2021.

Rogov welcomed efforts for holding free and fair parliamentary elections in November, and stressed the Office’s readiness to continue strengthening existing ties with the Parliament in promoting democratic governance, rule of law, and supporting Kyrgyzstan in upholding OSCE commitments, within its mandate.

KYIV, 29 September 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:

“Today’s meeting took place one day before the non-extension of the OSCE Observer Mission mandate on the Russian-Ukrainian border by the Russian Federation. Since 2014, this mission has been an important confidence-building component of the OSCE’s agreed conflict resolution efforts.

The security situation is volatile with an average of over 250 ceasefire violations per day during September. Of special concern is the high number of civilian casualties by shelling and shooting, which in September 2021 reached the highest number since July 2020 ceasefire measures.

During the last two weeks, OSCE SMM freedom of movement has been violated 39 times of which 31 in CADO, 6 in CALO and 2 in government-controlled areas. Other impediments to the work of SMM is the continued shooting at and jamming of SMM UAV flights.

The discussions in the Security Working Group allowed the participants to voice their views of the security situation but regrettably, it was not possible to agree on concrete measures.

The Political Working Group continued its discussion related to the elaboration of a draft action plan in full compliance with the Minsk agreements and its way forward.

I welcomed the positive fact that the Humanitarian Working Group returned to substantial discussions on the issues on the agenda. It is encouraging that participants are trying to find ways to remove the remaining blockages for opening of the new crossing points near Zolote and Shchastia of the Luhansk region.

The Economic Working Group dealt in particular with water issues. With regard to ecological questions, the WG discussed steps towards a possible IAEA inspection in CADLO and welcomed the upcoming second session of the expert group on flooded mines close to the contact line.”

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• In Donetsk region, the Mission recorded 257 ceasefire violations, including 15 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 143 ceasefire violations in the region.
• In Luhansk region, the SMM recorded 159 ceasefire violations, including 38 explosions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 139 ceasefire violations in the region.
• The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. It recorded ceasefire violations outside the disengagement area near Zolote.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near non-government-controlled Shyroka Balka, Donetsk region.
• The SMM saw for the first time an anti-personnel mine (MON-90) laid on the edge of the road close to a checkpoint of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Popasna, Luhansk region. 
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localized ceasefires to enable the operation, construction, and repair of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM continued following up on the situation of civilians, including at three entry-exit checkpoints and the corresponding checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM monitored the security situation in east and south-east Kherson region and observed no changes.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations near Prymorske in southern Donetsk region. Its mini-, mid- and long-range UAVs experienced instances of jamming.*

VIENNA, 29 September 2021 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro urges the Turkish authorities to acquit journalists Erol Önderoğlu and Ahmet Nesin, and human rights defender and physician Şebnem Korur Fincancı, ahead of their retrial hearing on 30 September. They face a lengthy jail sentence on terrorism-related charges for their participation in a 2016 press freedom campaign.

The three of them are standing trial for their one-time symbolic participation as guest editors-in-chief of a solidarity campaign with the then shutdown pro-Kurdish newspaper, Özgür Gündem. If convicted, they could each face up to fourteen and a half years in prison under the Anti-Terror Law No. 3713 and the Penal Code of Turkey.

After three years of judicial persecution, a lower court acquitted all three in 2019. During this trial period, they spent a significant period in pre-trial detention and faced numerous days in court before the judges reached their verdict. In October last year, a regional court of appeals overturned this acquittal on procedural grounds, and ordered a retrial. At the retrial, which starts on 30 September, all three will face identical spurious charges of “propagandizing for a terrorist organization”, “openly inciting to commit crimes” and “praising the crime and the criminal”.

“I deplore the renewed judicial harassment against Erol Önderoğlu, Ahmet Nesin and Şebnem Korur Fincancı, who once again have to face severe meritless terrorism-related charges, while risking a long and arduous judicial process, and possibly a lengthy prison sentence – only for exercising their right to freedom of expression five years ago.”

The Representative added: “To penalize expressions of collegial solidarity, by equating such acts with terrorism or criminal behaviour, goes beyond the principles of necessity and proportionality, and sends a chilling message on freedom of expression and media freedom in the country. I urge the authorities to acquit Erol Önderoğlu, Şebnem Korur Fincancı and Ahmet Nesin of all charges brought against them and ensure an enabling environment for freedom of expression.”

For more than twenty years, Erol Önderoğlu has been a tireless advocate for media freedom and freedom of expression in Turkey, for which he received several renowned awards in his country and abroad.

In order to ensure effective protection of the fundamental human right to freedom of expression, Ribeiro encouraged the authorities to take concrete and meaningful steps to revise the widely interpreted national anti-terrorism laws in Turkey and bring these in line with OSCE commitments and international standards, including the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.

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

499170 Željka Šulc

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the Austrian Embassy in Sarajevo, supported the association of citizens “Fojničani” in establishing an outdoor ‘Classroom of Peace’ which was opened on 29 September 2021 in Bradići/Fojnica settlement, in the Maglaj municipality.  

The classroom, which was built by volunteers on land set aside by the municipality is designed to bring students together through extra-curricular activities.  The project is the result of a partnership among the OSCE Mission, the Austrian Embassy, Fojničani, and local school leaders. 

Students, teachers, parents, municipal officials and non-governmental representatives gathered at the opening ceremony to inaugurate the classroom and show support for building a strong and healthy community that values diversity and promotes collaboration.

“We applaud efforts in Maglaj and in neighbouring municipalities – including nearby Žepče – to strengthen inter-ethnic co-operation,” said Kathleen Kavlec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. “The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is pleased to support this endeavour based on our commitment to inclusive, discrimination-free education.  It is important for youth to have the opportunity to socialize and learn with each other through extracurricular activities. This outdoor classroom will further expand such offerings.  We look forward to seeing the whole community make the most of it,” stressed Kavalec.

Ulrike Hartmann, Austrian Ambassador to BiH, said: “This ‘peace classroom’ is a perfect example of bringing together young people. It provides an opportunity to spend time in nature and come up with creative ideas to help protect this beautiful environment.  It is my strong conviction that young people and their enthusiasm are the motor for progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You have the potential to be change-makers! ”

This activity is part of the wider efforts of the OSCE Mission to BiH to build an inclusive, discrimination-free and modern education system that is best placed to teach young people the values and skills needed to succeed in today’s world.

Richard Wheeler

An OSCE-supported three-day seminar on water governance and climate security in Central Asia concluded on 29 September 2021 in Almaty. The event was attended by some 30 young civil servants, students and representatives of government organizations responsible for climate change policy and water resources management in Central Asia and Afghanistan.

The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan organized the event in partnership with the German-Kazakh University. The seminar provided an overview of legal issues for water security in Central Asia.  Lecturers discussed the risks, which countries in the region may face following climate change impacts on water resources and how the dependent sectors may be affected. 

In light of the upcoming UN Climate Change Summit (COP26, to be held in Glasgow), participants reviewed the concept of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) — a key element of the Paris Agreement — and the compliance of Central Asian countries to their governments’ declared obligations.

For the second year in a row, the seminar was done in a blended format because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s event is the 5th seminar supported by the Programme Office and is part of the Office’s long-standing efforts to engage youth and promote environmental leadership in the Central Asia region and Afghanistan.

Two online seminars concluded on 24 September 2021 in Nur-Sultan. One seminar was on the characteristics of cyberattacks and the other on investigating criminal cases related to Internet fraud.

The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan organized the events in co-operation with the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office/Hub to Counter Global Threats.

Some 40 law enforcement officials of the Prosecutor's offices, the Committee for National Security, the Anti-corruption Service, the Economic Investigations Service of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Main Directorate of the Military Police from across Kazakhstan took part in the seminars.

International experts familiarized participants with the concept of cyberattacks, the spread and consequences of cyberattacks, the methodology for investigating cybercrimes associated with the creation and distribution of malware, and forensics and malware examination. They also covered creating and distributing malicious programmes, and the process of collecting digital evidence. Experts also shared international experiences in criminal cases related to Internet fraud, and mutual legal assistance in criminal cases related to Internet fraud among other topics.

These events are part of the Programme Office’s multi-year efforts to build law enforcement officers’ capacity to counter cybercrimes in Kazakhstan.