OSCE

539039 Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Željka Šulc

Statement of Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on the beginning of the 2024/2025 school year

For children across Bosnia and Herzegovina, September marks a fresh start filled with new opportunities for learning, growth, discovery, and achievement.

On behalf of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, I wish everyone - students, educators, and families across the country - a successful school year.

To students: We encourage you to approach this year with curiosity and enthusiasm, not only in your academic endeavours but also in pursuing your passions and developing lifelong skills. May it be filled with many inspiring moments and new friendships. When challenges and setbacks arise, do not give up. Instead, embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow, especially when supporting one another.

To teachers and school staff:  We deeply appreciate your dedication and hard work. Your efforts have a profound impact on all students by shaping young minds and fostering a positive learning environment.

To families: Your support is crucial in your child’s educational journey. Creating a nurturing and encouraging atmosphere is essential for their well-being, development and success.

Finally, it is the partnerships amongst you all that will pave the best path forward for the children of this beautiful country. Let us embark on this educational journey together.  

BAKU, 2 September 2024 – Azerbaijan’s early parliamentary elections did not offer voters genuine political alternatives and took place within a legal framework overly restrictive of fundamental freedoms and the media, although they were efficiently prepared, international observers said in a statement today.

Election legislation has remained substantially unchanged since the last parliamentary elections, leaving long-standing recommendations unaddressed, the joint observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) found. The candidate registration process was marred by overly burdensome requirements, inconsistently applied procedures, and cases of candidates withdrawing citing intimidation, while new requirements for political parties introduced further restrictions on their registration.

"These elections took place in a restrictive political and legal environment, the consequence of which was a lack of political pluralism coupled with the subdued and low-key campaign, all of which undermined the electoral process," said Michael Creed, Special Co-ordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term observers. "Furthermore, the dominance of ruling party affiliates within election commissions, alongside restrictions on access for independent domestic observers, run contrary to the principles of transparency and inclusivity, which are at the heart of democratic elections."

6.4 million voters were registered to take part in yesterday’s elections. This is approximately 1.2 million fewer than the number of citizens of voting age, raising questions about the accuracy of data and inclusiveness of the voter register. While preparations for the elections were carried out efficiently and there was an extensive voter information campaign, the election administration was effectively controlled by the majority party, impacting its impartiality and the integrity of the process.  Observers assessed the opening and voting processes to be orderly and efficiently organized. However, there were serious irregularities and inconsistencies in the application of important procedures and safeguards, particularly during vote counting, that raised concerns about the integrity of the process overall.

The election campaign was barely visible, including online. Observers were informed of public sector employees and others who were forced to attend campaign events, causing concerns about intimidation of voters and their ability to cast their vote without fearing retribution. At the same time the increase in arrests and detentions of journalists and civil society activists, combined with the restrictive media legal framework, resulted in widespread self-censorship and severely limited the scope for independent journalism. Political debate became further subdued by the authorities’ declared intention to monitor the internet and social networks.

I“In these elections, the lack of genuine choice and engagement that led to pervasive political apathy among the population was quite evident,” said Lucie Potůčková, Head of the OSCE PA delegation. “Equally, the alarming trends of ongoing restrictions on media outlets and increased pressure on non-governmental organizations, including arbitrary arrests, decisively stifle political discourse. Without substantial reforms and change, these issues will continue to undermine democracy and rule of law in the country.”

While the law allows for citizen and international election observers, the vast majority of citizen observers were nominated by the ruling party and affiliated candidates, raising concerns about the access of independent observers to the election process. At the same time, restrictive legal provisions meant that well-known citizen election observer groups remained unregistered and deprived of funding, while some prominent members are under arrest or detention.

“There was regrettably no genuine political pluralism in these elections, with numerous candidates who wished to participate facing serious obstacles, election commissions that lacked impartiality, and restrictions that made the work of many citizen observers impossible,” said Ditmir Bushati, Head of ODIHR’s election observation mission. “Despite the efficiency of the process, these conditions did not allow elections to be held in line with democratic standards. We stand ready to support the authorities in implementing our long-standing recommendations to improve the overall process, for the good of all citizens."

Women made up 30 per cent of all registered candidates, a significant increase from 21 per cent in the previous elections. They were also well represented in the lower-level election administration, although this was not the case for the Central Election Commission. Overall though, women remain underrepresented in elected and appointed positions, and there are no affirmative measures to increase their political involvement.

The international election observation mission to the early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan totalled 279 observers from 34 countries, composed of 225 ODIHR-deployed experts and long-term and short-term observers, and 54 from the OSCE PA.

For more information, please contact:

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

Anzhelika Ivanishcheva, OSCE PA: + 45 60 10 80 30 or anzhelika.ivanishcheva@oscepa.dk  

VIENNA, 2 September 2024 - In a new communiqué on Fostering Media Freedom Literacy (MFL) issued today, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro recommended that all OSCE participating States adopt a series of multi-stakeholder actions to create an environment that helps people recognize, access, and use different media, as well as understand the importance of a free media as an essential component of democracy and security.

The communiqué underscores the growing importance of MFL in the current digital landscape, where the critical role of informed discussion and debate across society is undermined by exploiting the extreme polarisation of views, often for financial gain.

“Media Freedom Literacy includes understanding the significance of a pluralistic, well-functioning media landscape serving the public interest, along with the ability of all citizens to critically evaluate and ethically produce media content. MFL should be viewed as a life-long learning process with different citizens being provided with different support at different stages of their learning journey,” Ribeiro said.

The RFoM Communiqué emphasizes the need for governments and state agencies to ensure that independent national regulatory authorities and/or other bodies have the scope and resources necessary to promote MFL in line with their mandates and to facilitate strategic co-ordination at a national level. In addition, participating States are called on to ensure easily accessible and understandable information on structures of media ownership.

Ribeiro also recommended that participating States support various types of media, including public service broadcasters, in their efforts to raise awareness on MFL issues with the general public, as well as promote and where possible regulate transparency amongst online platforms about how they deliver news content.

“Throughout the OSCE region, obligations relating to media literacy, and by extension to MFL, apply to a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, media regulatory authorities, video-sharing platforms, and other actors. In close collaboration with civil society, academia, and media, these form a solid base for the introduction of MFL programmes within the wider arena of media literacy,” Ribeiro concluded.

See the Communiqué on Fostering Media Freedom Literacy in the OSCE participating States here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/575422

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

466050 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

Serbia’s 2024 local elections were well run and freedom of expression and assembly were respected, but the dominance of the ruling party as well as the fragmentation of the opposition reduced their competitiveness, and concerns remained about pressure on public sector employees and misuse of public resources. The electoral legal framework provides an adequate basis to hold democratic elections, but further reforms are needed to address outstanding ODIHR recommendations.

These are some main conclusions from the final report on the June elections published today by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

The report offers 29 recommendations to improve the election process and support efforts to bring it further in line with the commitments made by all OSCE states, as well as other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.

Key recommendations include:

• Taking measures to ensure the separation of the state and party and the impartiality of the public administration during the campaign;
• Harmonizing election legislation to effectively address prior recommendations through an inclusive process;
• Carrying out a comprehensive and targeted voter education programme, including on voters’ rights, the prevention of group voting, and the importance of voting by secret ballot.
• Condemning attacks on journalists, implementing measures to protect them, and preventing impunity through independent, timely investigation;
• Enhancing consistency and capacity of the election administration by defining a single institution with overall guidance on applicable rules ;
• Conducting a thorough audit of the voter and civil registers with the participation of relevant stakeholders;

The ODIHR Election Observation Mission for the 2 June 2024 local elections commenced its work on 28 April 2024 and remained in the country until 11 June.

All 57 participating States across the OSCE region have formally committed to follow up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations. The ODIHR Electoral Recommendations Database tracks the implementation of previous recommendations across the OSCE region.

HELSINKI, 30 August 2024 – Dr. Kari Johnstone, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, concluded her five-day visit to Helsinki today. She praised Finland's active involvement in anti-trafficking efforts led by strong structures including a proactive National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and an independent National Rapporteur.

Johnstone commended Finland's inclusive approach to drafting the National Action Plan (NAP), which involved stakeholders across government and civil society. She encouraged integrating survivors' expertise when updating the NAP for 2024 and beyond.

While applauding Finland's focus on combating labour exploitation and forced labour, Johnstone encouraged authorities to enhance measures against all forms of trafficking, including sex trafficking and forced criminality, through proactively identifying and assisting victims and investigating and prosecuting cases.

The OSCE Anti-Human Trafficking Special Representative expressed optimism about the upcoming National Referral Mechanism (NRM), hoping its implementation would lead to more effective victim identification and assistance. However, she voiced concern over potential budget cuts affecting victim services and support, encouraging steps to prevent a reduction in victims’ protection.

Johnstone welcomed Finland's priority on child trafficking during its recent presidency of the Council of Baltic Sea States. Noting low identification of child victims, she encouraged increased attention to child trafficking risks and proactive identification of minor victims across all forms of trafficking, including sex trafficking, online child sexual exploitation, and forced criminality.

The Special Representative noted that “As forced criminality is the fastest-growing type of human trafficking across the OSCE region, it is more important than ever that trafficking victims compelled to participate in criminal activities in the course of trafficking are identified as such and that the non-punishment principle is applied at all stages of the criminal justice process. Governments must better identify and protect trafficking victims and stop punishing them.” She urged the Finnish authorities to increase awareness of this principle across all law-enforcement and judicial agencies and increase proactive identification of trafficking crimes and victim protection.

Dr. Johnstone praised Finland's recent anti-trafficking practices, including specialized units within the police and the National Investigation Bureau, a network of specialized prosecutors, and judge specialization.

“Deepening anti-trafficking expertise will lead to a more effective criminal justice response in coming years, which should result in more effective prosecutions and convictions under trafficking charges,” she said.

The Special Representative echoed other international experts’ concerns about the length of pre-trial investigations and court proceedings hindering justice delivery. She commended the Office of the Chancellor of Justice for its case review and work with law enforcement to address shortcomings.

Johnstone also urged the Finnish authorities to continue proactively screening migrants and asylum seekers for trafficking indicators as Finland fulfills its international legal obligations to identify trafficking victims and ensure protection for any potential victims among this highly vulnerable population.

During her visit, Dr. Johnstone met with various government officials, including the National Anti-trafficking Co-ordinator, the National Anti-Trafficking Rapporteur, the Prosecutor General, judges, representatives from multiple ministries and departments, as well as civil society.

The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings conducts multiple country visits annually to help increase OSCE participating States' capacity to address human trafficking, identify promising practices, and share recommendations for further action. A detailed report of her visit findings will be released in early 2025.

Skopje, September 2024 - The OSCE Mission to Skopje has published a comprehensive research on “Youth and Security: Perceptions, Views, and Challenges of Young People in North Macedonia," shedding light on the concerns, perceptions, challenges and expectations of the country’s youth in relation to security and safety.

The research reveals crucial insights for policymakers, relevant institutions at all levels, educators, and civil society organizations and suggests a constructive framework and pathways for enhanced policy development and implementation.

It also emphasizes the importance of collaborative approaches to address the issues and concerns identified through targeted interventions aimed at increased youth involvement in evidence-based policy development at both local and national levels. Co-operation among stakeholders is crucial to ensure a more informed, engaged, and secure environment for youth across the region.

The research was conducted countrywide in September and October 2023, through 1,235 telephone surveys targeting respondents aged 15 to 29, as well as focus groups and stakeholder interviews. The analysis captures a broad spectrum of concerns and experiences in the following key areas:

1. Youth’s perceptions of the present safety and security levels and expectations for the next five years. The majority of the respondents (54%) find the country somewhat secure or completely secure, still there are 17% of youth who think that the country is not a secure place. Over one quarter (27%) expects that the situation will worsen. Notably, young women report feeling less safe compared to their male counterparts, and regional disparities are evident, particularly in the Northeast region.

2. Youth’s understanding of and participation in formal and informal Peace Processes: The study reveals a very low conceptual knowledge and understanding of peacebuilding, with only 26% of respondents familiar with the concept, and 87% unaware of peacebuilding and youth security-related activities by the authorities. Engagement in peace and security initiatives seems to be notably low, with just 6% of young people actively participating in such activities over the past year. There is a pronounced need for increased awareness and involvement of youth in peacebuilding efforts.

3. Youth’s level of awareness of Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization and attitudes towards reintegration: While 53% of respondents do not perceive radicalization as a major issue in their communities, 38% express concern about its presence. The primary drivers of radicalization identified include political factors, economic disparities, and religion. There seems to be also a notable reluctance among youth to support the reintegration of former extremists, with 43% hesitant to back resocialization of convicted individuals.

4. Youth’s perception and experience of all form of violence: 59% of respondents deem violence among youth as “completely present”. Nearly one in every five young persons (18%) included in the research has experienced or witnessed violence or both. Young men seem to have experienced more physical violence more than young women (80% vs. 66%), whereas young women seem to have experienced or witnessed more verbal violence as compared young men (84% vs. 76%). The study also highlights a disturbing trend of violence in schools, with 81% of younger respondents (aged 15-18) reporting experiences or having witnessed of violence in educational settings.

5. Cyberbullying: Almost half of the respondents (42%) in the research feel “safe” or “completely safe” when using the internet while some 20% do not. A relatively large percentage of respondents (38%) feel “neither safe nor not safe”. This may suggest that further investigation into the reasons behind these perceptions might be needed, as well as possibly, additional targeted cyber-safety awareness raising.

6. Exclusion and Discrimination: Almost one third (31%) of the respondents identify ethnic background as the first driver of discrimination and exclusion, followed by economic status, and political affiliation. Meanwhile, 11% of the respondents stated to have personally experienced discrimination. Young women seem to have been subject to discrimination more than young men, and so ethnic Roma, as compared to ethnic Albanians and Macedonians. The research indicates a significant gap in youth involvement in decision-making processes at both local and institutional levels.

7. Trust in Authorities and Inter-Community Relations: Trust in institutions seems to be generally low, with the government and political leaders receiving particularly poor ratings. The most trustworthy appear to be the Police, religious leaders and civil society organizations. Youth seem to have divided assessment of the level of trust in people from different ethnic backgrounds, with 57% expressing in general limited confidence in people from different ethnic backgrounds, and 43% saying to have trust in them. However, the general assessment of inter-ethnic/inter-community relations is less divisive, with 46% evaluating it as “neither good or bad” and 41% good.

To access the full research, please visit links below. 

Perceptions, views and challenges of young people in North Macedonia - Research on Youth and Security | OSCE

Perceptimet, qëndrimet dhe sfidat e të rinjve në Мaqedoninë e Veriut - Hulumtim për të rinjtë dhe sigurinë | OSCE

Перцепции, ставови и предизвици на младите во Северна Македонија - Истражување за млади и безбедност | OSCE

SARAJEVO, 30 August 2024 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 6 October local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, following an official invitation from the national authorities and a needs assessment mission conducted in May this year.

The mission is headed by Corien Jonker and consists of a core team of 11 international experts based in Sarajevo and 20 long-term observers, who will be deployed throughout the country from 6 September. ODIHR also plans to request 300 short-term observers, to arrive several days before election day. 

The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation.

Observers will closely monitor all key aspects of the elections, including the campaign both offline and online, the work of the election administration at all levels, election legislation and its implementation, respect for fundamental freedoms, the work of the public and private media, and the resolution of election disputes. Observers will also assess the implementation of previous ODIHR election recommendations.

Meetings with representatives of the national authorities and political parties, as well as civil society, the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation.

An interim report will be published some two weeks prior to the elections to update the public and the media on the observation mission’s activities. The day after the elections, a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference. A final report with an assessment of the entire election process and containing recommendations will be published some months after the elections.

The ODIHR EOM and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina operate independently under their separate mandates. For further information on ODIHR’s election observation activities in the country, please visit: https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/bih

Media contacts:

Ivan Godarsky, Media Analyst: ivan.godarsky@odihr.ba  or  +387 67 130 0879

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson: +48 609 522 266 (Warsaw mobile), or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl

BAKU, 29 August 2024 – International election observers will hold a press conference to present their findings following the early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.

What:

• A press conference of the international election observation mission to the early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan
• Journalists can attend the press conference in person or via Zoom (details below)
• Those unable to attend in person can follow the livestream here

Who:

• Michael Creed, Special Co-ordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term observers
• Lucie Potůčková, Head of the OSCE PA delegation
• Ditmir Bushati, Head of the ODIHR election observation mission  

When:

• 15:00 local time (GMT +4) on 2 September 2024

Where:

• Rotunda, Landmark hotel, 90A Nizami St, Baku

Registration:

• To take part via Zoom, please register by 11:00 local time on 2 September using the following link

The international election observation is a joint mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE (OSCE PA). The observation mission totals 279 observers, composed of 225 ODIHR-deployed experts, long-term, and short-term observers, and 54 from the OSCE PA.

For more information, please contact:

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

Anzhelika Ivanishcheva, OSCE PA: + 45 60 10 80 30 or anzhelika.ivanishcheva@oscepa.dk  

575344

With climate change intensifying, water scarcity growing and an increasing unpredictability in the global water supply, this year’s annual World Water Week conference in Stockholm gathered international actors, including OSCE representatives, to identify and forge frameworks that ensure equitable and sustainable water management.

The OSCE, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Water Witness International, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the World Bank jointly hosted the Seminar Series "Institutions for Water, Peace, and Cooperation" at this year’s Stockholm World Water Week. The event convened global leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore the crucial role of water governance in fostering peace and international co-operation.

Ambassador Bakyt Dzhusupov, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, opened the series by emphasizing the multifaceted role of institutions in water diplomacy.

“Institutions provide essential frameworks to address the sensitivities surrounding water diplomacy and transboundary water co-operation. They serve as platforms for dialogue and, in many cases, contribute to building confidence and trust within and beyond borders. The OSCE contributes to supporting such institutions in promoting transboundary water co-operation,” Ambassador Dzhusupov said.

The seminar series delved into the importance of institutional frameworks in responding to and co-ordinating efforts for peace.

The series featured three focused sessions:

• Session 1: Grassroots Institutions and Local Cooperation highlighted the vital role of grassroots organizations in fostering local water co-operation. Shohida Tulieva, a member of the OSCE-SIWI-CAREC Women in Water Management Network in Central Asia and Afghanistan, contributed valuable insights into the importance of community-level initiatives.
• Session 2: Regional Basin Organizations and Challenges examined the approaches and challenges faced by Regional Basin Organizations, including from the Dniester River Basin Commission. Representatives from Ukraine and Moldova, Mr. Vitalii Zhuk, Head of the Division on Protection and Reproduction of Water Resources and Marine Ecosystems of the Department of Balanced Management of Use of Nature Resources of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine and Ms. Ana Jeleapov, Head of River basin Planning and Management Working Group at the Dniester River Basin Commission, shared successful examples of transboundary water co-operation and lessons learned over years of joint work.
• Session 3: Global Institutions and Frameworks for Water and Peace concentrated on global institutions that co-ordinate water and peace initiatives, including the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). Mr. Askhat Orazbay, Chairman of IFAS, emphasized the critical role these institutions play in addressing water-related challenges on a global scale. "The UN, along with its institutions and agencies, plays a vital role in offering technical assistance and support to IFAS, aiding in the enhancement of the environmental conditions in Central Asia and improving the lives of those impacted by the Aral Sea tragedy", said Mr. Orazbay.

The seminar series concluded with a call to action, urging all stakeholders to prioritize water governance in both international and domestic agendas. The message was clear: water is a critical resource that must be managed collaboratively to prevent conflict and promote peace.

Stockholm World Water Week remains a leading platform for addressing global water issues, bringing together experts and decision-makers to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

575329 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 23-26 August 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD), in collaboration with the Committee for Environmental Protection, organized the Youth Ecological School (Eco-School) in Yos resort, Tajikistan. The event brought together 26 young participants, including 11 females, from all the regions of Tajikistan representing the students of Tajikistan’s academic institutions.

The Youth Eco-School provided a platform for participants to engage in discussions and practical activities on environmental challenges, gain insights on sustainable waste management practices and evaluate actions to mitigate climate change. During the event, participants were also introduced to an exhibition showcasing innovative waste management technologies and sustainable practices. The exhibition, organized by the NGO Little Earth, featured demonstrations on waste reduction, recycling techniques, and the benefits of composting, emphasizing the role of technology in fostering a sustainable future. A highlight of the event was a hands-on cleaning campaign, where participants contributed to the local environment by cleaning a designated area, showcasing their commitment to practical environmental action.

The event aligns with the Action Plan of the Comprehensive State Program for the Development of Education and Environmental Awareness of the Population (2021-2025), which emphasizes the importance of youth involvement in sustainable environmental practices. The POiD plans to continue assisting Tajikistan in addressing environmental challenges, improving environmental education and empowering young people on environmental matters.

575281 For Media inquires

On 26 August, 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana (the Office), in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the International Water Assessment Centre (IWAC), held the 3rd meeting of the Inter-Institutional Working Group (IIWG) on tailings safety and the prevention of accidental water pollution in Kazakhstan. This initiative is part of a multi-year co-operation effort aimed at disaster risk reduction and environmental protection.

Tailings are waste materials left over after mining, and their safe management is crucial. Tailings dams, which store these materials, must be carefully monitored to prevent failures that can lead to severe water pollution and environmental damage. Such failures can release millions of cubic meters of hazardous substances, contaminating water supplies and impacting ecosystems. Effective tailings dam safety practices are essential to protect public health and reduce the costly cleanup and remediation efforts required after an accident.

The meeting was attended by representatives from relevant state bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan, experts from public and international organizations, operators, business representatives, and scientific institutions.

The working group members discussed various topics on the agenda, including current issues and measures taken in the field of tailings dam safety and the prevention of accidental water pollution in Kazakhstan, as well as the implementation of the UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents in Kazakhstan. Additionally, the IIWG addressed co-operation on the safe management of tailings ponds and the prevention of accidental water pollution in the context of climate change. The group also considered challenges and priorities in preventing industrial accidents and their impact on Kazakhstan's water bodies, the measures taken by operating companies to mitigate and reduce the risks of water pollution from industrial accidents, and the progress in implementing the UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents. A key outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the working group's work plan for 2024-2025, which incorporates the proposals put forward by the meeting participants.

The next, 4th meeting of the IIWG is scheduled for approximately the third quarter of 2025, where the achievements and concerns of the past year will be reviewed. The Office remains committed to continued collaboration with national and international partners in disaster risk reduction and fully supports Kazakhstan's initiatives in this critical area.

575260

Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) Ambassador Bakyt Dzhusupov concluded his first visit to Mongolia on 28 August. During his visit, he met with officials across the country to discuss opportunities for enhanced co-operation on environmental and economic security.

Good economic governance and combatting corruption and money laundering using virtual assets was the focus of meetings with officials from the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC), Bank of Mongolia (Central Bank), Financial Intelligence Unit of the Bank of Mongolia, Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs, and the Prosecutor General’s Office.. He also met with officials from the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the National Forest Agency to discuss co-operation in the area of climate change, water management, disaster risk reduction and wildfire management, as well as with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting  a high level of enthusiasm and willingness on the side of Mongolian counterparts to enhance co-operation with the OSCE in the economic and environmental dimension.

Mongolia joined the OSCE in 2012 and has been working closely with the Organization on several topics since, including as part of an extra-budgetary project on anti-corruption efforts from 2017-2019. In the scope of this project, OCEEA has organized several modular training courses for Mongolian officials that are focused on legal frameworks surrounding anti-corruption measures, corruption risks in public procurement, investigation of corruption crimes, and corruption risks in customs.

The OSCE has also closely co-operated with Mongolia in the area of climate change and wildfire risk reduction. In 2015, in partnership with the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC), OCEEA supported Mongolia in establishing the Regional Central Asia Fire Management Resource Center at the National University of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar.

In addition to conversations on strengthening collaboration in the economic and environmental dimensions, Ambassador Dzhusupov used his visit to kick off the OCEEA Introductory Workshop on Combating Money Laundering with the Use of Virtual Assets and Blockchain-based Finance.  The two-day workshop, which took place in Ulaanbaatar on 27 and 28 August, brought together 29 representatives from relevant agencies across the country. During the workshop, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of blockchain technology, compliance processes in blockchain-based finance, blockchain analytics, tracing transactions on blockchains, as well as regulatory frameworks. Ambassador Dzhusupov highlighted the high level of interest and engagement in the workshops, noting that this was both encouraging and indicative of the importance collectively placed on addressing the security and economic governance challenges posed by money laundering and financial crime.

“Combating money laundering, particularly through the use of virtual assets and cryptocurrencies, is a key priority for the OSCE. It is essential that we continue to focus on establishing comprehensive national and international legal frameworks, enhancing cooperation between law enforcement agencies, and implementing effective supervision regimes. These efforts are critical to maintaining the integrity of our financial systems and safeguarding our economies from the threats posed by illicit activities,” Ambassador Dzhusupov said in his opening remarks.  “The success of this project in Mongolia will not only contribute to national efforts but will also complement regional and international endeavours to combat money laundering through the use of virtual assets,” he added.

Azjargal Gavaasuren, Deputy Director and Commissioner in Charge of the IAAC, participated in the two-day workshop and noted the value the workshop brings in the light of quickly evolving technologies.  

“Cryptocurrencies are taking us to a new level and it is a necessity to understand these tools since the technology is developing rapidly – that is why the OSCE workshop is so important for us,” said Gavaasuren.

The training is part of an OSCE-led extra-budgetary project on “Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets”, funded by Germany, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States. The project supports OSCE participating States in building national capacities to mitigate criminal risks related to virtual assets and cryptocurrencies.

575209 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

A joint delegation, comprising Ambassador Willy Kempel, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, and Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis, Head of the EU Delegation to Tajikistan, visited two key sites in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), Tajikistan on 20 August 2024, witnessing the positive impact of a project funded by the European Union. During the visit, the delegation, which included the project’s donor representative Lea Tries from the EU Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) in Vienna, observed the delivery of two ongoing training courses for the Tajik Border Troops in the Khorog Border Detachment. They then attended the official opening of five pre-fabricated containers in the Rushan Border Detachment, GBAO.  

The two training courses, named “Sustained Field Operational Capacities” and “Medical Sustained Field Operational Capacities,” were conducted for a total of 60 officers, including 8 female officers in the medical course. The delegation observed participants using their newly learned skills in practical exercises, such as first aid and casualty transportation using the FPI project-donated 4x4 ambulance. The delegation also witnessed a training session on refugee rights during “Sustained Field Operational Capacities,” led by a UNCHR expert.

Ambassador Kempel held a bilateral meeting with General-Major Dilshod Toirzoda, Deputy Commander of the Tajik Border Troops. The two officials discussed the ongoing co-operation between the OSCE and the Tajik Border Troops, highlighting the excellent level of partnership and exploring opportunities for further collaboration in border security initiatives.

Following the training demonstrations, the delegation traveled to the Rushan Border Detachment in GBAO for the official opening ceremony of five pre-fabricated containers. These containers provide essential working facilities for Tajik Border Troops, addressing the urgent need for expanded space due to an increase in staff and border units. In total, the project has provided 16 containers, strategically deployed along the Afghan border in Rushan (GBAO), Sari Chashma, and Ayvaj border facilities (Khatlon region).

The OSCE and the EU remain committed to supporting Tajikistan in its efforts to secure its borders and enhance its border security capabilities through ongoing co-operation and project implementation.

574873 Therese Abrahamsen Edita Buçaj

Today, in a significant step towards modernizing electoral processes in Kosovo, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo presented the Central Election Commission (CEC) with a software to digitalize the vote counting and the tabulation of election results.

The newly developed software, a product of close co-operation between the OSCE Mission, the CEC and the software development partner CACTTUS, represents a milestone in ongoing efforts to digitalize Kosovo’s electoral infrastructure. Created in line with new obligations under the recently amended election law in Kosovo, the software will streamline election management, improve data accuracy, ensure timely and reliable results, and increase the transparency of results counting and tabulation to the public.

“This software is more than just a technological upgrade, it represents a crucial advance in strengthening democracy, enhancing public confidence, and ensuring that elections in Kosovo are conducted with the utmost integrity and transparency, using both official languages and with the needs of all communities in mind,” said Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Michael Davenport, at the handover ceremony.

The CEC Chair, Kreshnik Radoniqi, said: “In this time of great technological development, the CEC is making significant strides in the digitization of election operations. The CEC software, which was developed with the support of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, aims to advance the institution's services for voters, political subjects and election observers.”

“Therefore, on behalf of the CEC, I express my gratitude to the OSCE and Ambassador Davenport, for the help given in this direction,” Radoniqi added.

The OSCE Mission will continue to support the CEC to further strengthen electoral processes in Kosovo, and make them more professional, inclusive and gender-sensitive.

575146 Communication and Media Relations Section

From 19 to 23 August, the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department held a training-of-trainers course for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS) in Warsaw, Poland. The training focused on identifying forged documents and impostors at border crossing points.

The hands-on training was delivered by two experts from the Main Forensic Centre of the SBGS to eight border guards, including five women and three men. With the knowledge acquired, participants will return to Ukraine’s border control points and train their fellow border guards on these key skills.

“The use of forged documents at checkpoints across the state border is constantly increasing, the priority task is awareness of the latest methods of forgery. As trainers, it was important to provide each inspector with the opportunity to practically work with a variety of forged documents, in order to deepen their understanding of the process of production, use and detection of forged documents,” noted Major Myroslava Andrushchyshyna, forensic expert at the SBGS Main Forensic Center.

According to Major Oleksii Markovskyi, forensic expert, “In these trainings, it is important not just to memorize, but to understand the cause-and-effect relationship of certain elements of document protection and their signs of forgery. Participants were taught to understand the logic of a forger who imitated security features in documents and, as a result, to produce tools for their prompt detection.”

At the start of the course, participants refreshed their knowledge of different types of documents, personalization and security techniques, and international standards involved in developing travel documents. Representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and the United Kingdom’s Home Office also presented on security features contained in U.S. and U.K. passports, as well as common forgery techniques and trends observed in their own investigations.

Participants discussed innovative methods to train fellow border guards to detect fake documents, developing a training programme based on the needs they identified. Each participant then presented to the group on a topic included in the basic course curriculum.

While the SBGS continues to confront the challenges caused by Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, participants noted the importance of these training opportunities to continue enhancing their skills as document inspectors.

This training marked the third step in the training cycle, in which every participant had previously completed the basic and advanced courses. The next and final step will be a study visit to Madrid, Spain in November 2024 to disseminate good practices and enhance knowledge of new technologies in detecting forged documents and impostors at border crossing points.

This project supports OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation in their efforts to reduce the number of people that manage to illegally cross borders using a fake or stolen identity or by posing as an impostor. The project is made possible through the generous financial support of the U.S. Mission to the OSCE.

WARSAW, 22 August 2024 – Safeguarding the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief protects the inherent dignity of every individual and at the same time helps to build more tolerant and inclusive societies, reducing tensions and allowing our diverse communities to exist together, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on today’s International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.

“Freedom of religion or belief is at the heart of our democracies and our sense of identity,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “Safeguarding this right increases mutual understanding and respect, helping to increase the resilience of our societies to polarization, and act as a barrier against violence and hatred.”

Freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief protects every individual’s right to have, not to have, adopt, change, or leave a religion or belief. OSCE states have committed to “recognize and respect the freedom of the individual to profess and practice, alone or in community with others, religion or belief” in line with their own conscience. Nobody should face prosecution or persecution because of their choice to exercise this right in a peaceful way.

It is the primary duty of governments to prevent and protect people against violence and attacks based on their religion or belief, or any other aspect of their identity. All OSCE countries have committed to “prevent intolerance, violence and discrimination on the basis of religion or belief (…) and endeavour to prevent and protect against attacks directed at persons or groups based on thought, conscience, religion or belief.”

Violence based on religion or belief can be a threat to the stability and security of our societies. OSCE states have stressed the importance of “fostering a climate of mutual tolerance and respect between believers of different communities as well as between believers and nonbelievers”.  They have also noted the “role that discrimination and intolerance can play in fuelling violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism,” and recognized the role of interfaith and interreligious dialogue in fostering an inclusive climate that protects freedom of religion or belief.  

States act as the guarantors of all human rights, including the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. This freedom must be respected not just in times of peace, but also during conflict or war. In guaranteeing this right, states should act with impartiality, not commenting on the validity of religions or beliefs and not discriminating or treating any specific communities differently. The autonomy of religious or belief communities must also be protected, including the right to organize themselves within their own institutional structure.

In essence, the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief reflects the understanding that diversity of religion or belief exists in every society, and that respecting our differences is the only way for us to live together peacefully.

VIENNA, 22 August 2024 - As we observe the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, we once again express our deep concern at the alarming level of hate crime and acts of violence based on religion or belief across the OSCE region. 

The high and increasing number of reported incidents of intolerance, violence and discrimination against Muslims show that the root causes of anti-Muslim hatred, coupled with xenophobia, are deep-rooted in many countries in the OSCE region. 

The worrying levels of anti-Semitism since the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, and ensuing developments in the Middle East have led Jews in many OSCE participating States to fear for their physical safety and to hide their Jewish identity in public.

Acts of intolerance against Christians and members of other religions or beliefs continue unabated. 

Such acts of violence are often interlinked with aggressive nationalism, racism, chauvinism and xenophobia and can have a differential impact on diverse groups within society, including women, migrants, and Roma and Sinti.

The role of social media in promoting and amplifying these acts and expressions of intolerance and xenophobia, as well as in disseminating false information for the sake of provocation is a serious cause for concern and must be addressed to ensure safe and peaceful societies for all. Freedom of expression is a basic tenet of democracy, but it cannot be an excuse for unchecked hatred, based on religion or belief, which targets the physical and emotional wellbeing of individuals.

Violence based on religion or belief is a threat to social cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and the security of our societies. It ultimately risks the erosion of our basic democratic values and principles, vital to the welfare of our communities and a function of peace on a larger scale. 

On this day of commemoration, we encourage OSCE participating States to strengthen their efforts to protect freedom of religion and belief for all and implement their commitments in the area of tolerance and non-discrimination with legislation and enforcement, including comprehensive measures enabling the effective reporting, recording, and prosecution of hate crime, together with appropriate victim support.

Freedom of religion or belief is specifically acknowledged as an integral aspect of the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security, thus providing for a sound bulwark against discrimination, intolerance, racism, hatred and prejudice.  We therefore call on all participating States to implement their OSCE commitments while addressing the scourge of increasing hatred based on religion or belief. 

Together with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), we stand ready to lend our support in assisting participating States in ensuring respect for the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, as well as countering intolerance and discrimination.

Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism

Ambassador Evren Dağdelen Akgün, Personal Representative on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims

Dr Regina Polak, Personal Representative on Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Discrimination, with a focus on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions

574658 For Media inquires

On August 19-20, 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, in collaboration with the Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA), held a training seminar in Astana focused on strengthening risk management within the gambling and lottery sectors. This initiative is a part of a multi-year co-operation effort aimed at enhancing Kazakhstan’s capacity to counter money laundering and terrorist financing.

Gambling is legal in Kazakhstan within designated locations, such as casinos. Legal gambling operators contribute significantly to the state budget through taxes and job creation. However, a parallel shadow industry of illegal gambling also exists, posing a substantial threat to the economy and the well-being of those involved in illegal activities.

According to Bureau of National Statistics, the turnover of bookmaker offices alone reached an estimated 1 trillion tenge (approx. 2 bln. EUR) in 2023. The Ministry of Interior reports that approximately 400,000 individuals regularly patronize these establishments. The growth of illegal gambling activities, including betting shops, online casinos, underground casinos, and illegal gambling machines, continues to impact social well-being and contribute to gambling addiction, known as ludomania. To address this issue, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has approved the “Comprehensive plan to combat illegal gambling and ludomania in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2024-2026”.

The seminar saw the participation of 25 attendees, including seven women and 18 men, comprising FMA officers, legal gambling operators, and representatives from commercial banks. They engaged in sessions designed to improve their skills in regulating the gambling industry and curbing illegal activities. 

Expert-led sessions covered topics such as AML/CFT risks and mitigation strategies, verification of payment card authenticity, international best practices in gambling regulation, and combating fraud and fake accounts. Practical case studies of gambling regulation in major foreign jurisdictions were also presented to help identify applicable tools for the local context. This seminar aimed to enhance the ability of agency representatives and bankers to manage gambling-related risks and enforce regulations, thereby supporting the integrity of Kazakhstan's financial system.

Madina Akhmetbayeva, a senior officer of the FMA, commented on the seminar’s outcomes: “The workshop has proven to be highly effective in equipping participants with the essential skills and knowledge to combat illegal gambling activities. Our collaborative efforts in this seminar underscore the critical importance of ongoing training and adaptation in our fight against financial crimes”. She added, “The outcome of this seminar highlights our commitment to improving the regulatory environment and ensures that Kazakhstan remains at the forefront of global standards in gambling regulation. We are confident that the insights gained here will drive significant progress in our efforts to curb illicit activities”.

This seminar represents a step towards addressing these challenges and demonstrates the commitment of the Office and its partners to fostering a more controlled and transparent regulation of gambling activities in the host country. By continuing to build on such initiatives, Kazakhstan aims to advance in combating money laundering and securing its financial systems against illicit activities. The OSCE Programme Office in Astana remains dedicated to supporting these efforts through collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

574631 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized a five-day training course for lawyers, psychologists from the OSCE-supported Women’s Resource Centres (WRCs), and government representatives on preventing domestic violence and protecting its victims. The course took place from 12 to 16 August 2024, and welcomed 53 participants, 35 of whom were female. The course covered a wide range of topics, including relevant laws, administrative offenses, appeals, and various codes related to domestic violence.

The training for lawyers focused on familiarizing participants with the laws of Tajikistan related to domestic violence, administrative offenses, appeals, and responsibilities for the education and upbringing of children. Additionally, the training provided insights into various codes, such as the Cultural Code and Housing Code of Tajikistan. For psychologists, the training included lessons on working with difficult teenagers, providing psychological assistance, family consultations, art therapy, and the use of psychological tests and coaching methods. Participants also learned about using the Socratic dialogue and conducting individual exercises for success and failure.

Talifa Ibodova, a chief specialist of the "Department for Women and Family Affairs" in Dushanbe, shared her positive experience and emphasized the value of the course in improving her work and understanding of psychological conditions. She expressed satisfaction with the training course, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing her understanding of domestic violence prevention and victim support.

Muqaddas Shodibaeva, Deputy Head of the Haydar Usmonov's community in Bobojon Ghafurov district, expressed her intention to use the knowledge gained from the course to improve her interactions with the local community. She appreciated the enthusiasm of the trainers and the opportunity to learn about changes and additions to laws that will be valuable in her future work.

The Programme Office supports domestic violence victims in the regions through a network of 13 OSCE-established WRCs, in partnership with local authorities. The ongoing project "Supporting and Strengthening the Women’s Resource Centres in Tajikistan" is funded by Norway, the United States of America, Finland, the European Union, Andorra, and Germany.

574616 Communication and Media Relations Section

The OSCE enhanced the knowledge and practical skills of 20 criminal analysis officers from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS) by providing a training on the use of specialized analytical software in investigating criminal threats. The event took place from 13 to 15 August in Kyiv.

Criminal analysis is crucial to effectively fight organized crime, including the trafficking of firearms and explosives, drug smuggling and human trafficking. As part of their work, SBGS analysts find hidden links between individual suspects and groups, detecting suspicious processes, collecting evidences and unveiling the ‘modus operandi’ of criminals.

The training course is the final stage of a comprehensive initiative that also included the provision of relevant software solution and hardware, as well as their deployment, integration and testing.

“Be it fight against illicit trafficking in weapons or other forms of organized crime, the role of criminal analysts is equally high. By implementing this project activity, the OSCE contributes not only to the SBGS’s law enforcement capabilities, but to the safety and security of people in Ukraine and in the region. Today it is important as never before,” noted Andrii Treus, Head of the SBGS Department for criminal analysis.

These activities are part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “In Support of Strengthening Capacities of Ukrainian Authorities in Preventing and Combating Illicit Trafficking in Weapons, Ammunition and Explosives in All Its Aspects”, funded by the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Slovakia.