OSCE

SUMMARY

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO) and one first responder[1]. The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna. In the framework of its vehicle replacement process with the OSCE SMM, on 14 September three new vehicles were delivered to the Mission’s Office in Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy.

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. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country 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.

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 increased from 9,544 to 10,017 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[2].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 74 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 has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March. 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, 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.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was eight, compared to ten last week. Six persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another two crossed into Ukraine. These individuals crossed the border on foot.

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, two families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another three families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when six families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while another two families crossed 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 (328 compared to 353 observed during the previous week). There were 167 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 161 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. Among the bus connections observed by the OT, the following irregular route of destination was noted: Luhansk – Sevastopol.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (957 compared to 842 during the previous reporting week); 498 at the Gukovo BCP and 459 at the Donetsk BCP, 537 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 420 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 the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine and trucks with “LPR” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (45 compared to 54 during the previous reporting 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 the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.

During the reporting period, the X-ray vehicle at the Donetsk BCP was not operating due to the ongoing construction activities; consequently, no X-ray checks were observed by the OTs.

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 an increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (161 compared to 128 observed during the previous week); 78 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 83 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 24  occasions; the OTs assessed that 12 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 12 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. The OTs also observed cars with licence plates registered in Georgia.

On 8 September at 15:05, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a group of 17 brand-new ambulance vehicles type UAZ, with no licence plates, entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and queuing at the customs control area. All vehicles underwent customs control procedures and left for Ukraine at 17:20.

On 9 September at 20:28, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a police minivan with Russian Federation licence plates and two police officers inside, entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking next to the main building. At 20:35, the police vehicle drove back to the Russian Federation.

On 14 September at 13:31, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates, entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking next to the main building. The OT noticed three individuals on board – the driver and two medical personnel. At 13:56, the ambulance drove back to the Russian Federation. The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 11 August to 15 September 2020, please see the attachment here

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

[2]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

[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 which correspond to driving licence C1).

WARSAW, 15 September 2020 – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to put democracies to their biggest test in decades, people are increasingly appreciating the vital importance of participating in societies where their voices and concerns are heard, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on today’s International Day of Democracy.

Citizens across the OSCE region are calling for access to democratic participation: through genuine elections and access to the decision-making process, through respect for their rights and freedoms, and through their government’s accordance with the rule of law, which includes the checks and balances on which all true democracies are based.

The emergency measures put in place by many countries in response to the pandemic have had a significant impact on parliaments, courts and elections, as well as the ability of civil society organizations to play their essential role as watchdogs of democracy.

While national leaders need to take responsibility for a transparent response to the pandemic that builds more effective, accountable and inclusive democracies, parliaments and political parties need to be innovative in finding ways to engage citizens and in particular young people, to bridge the gap between decision-makers and the general public. Digital technology has already started to enhance the work of national parliaments across the OSCE region, allowing them to make laws effectively and monitor government action, while continuing to safeguard political pluralism. 

At the same time, governments need to take urgent steps to combat the inequalities and discrimination that have intensified during the pandemic.

The negative impact of COVID-19 on women can be seen both from the surge of violence against women across the OSCE region and in the rise in unemployment that has hit female workers particularly hard. Scapegoating and ill-treatment of minorities has increased the need for targeted action to counter hatred in which all officials, from high-ranking politicians through to law enforcement officers, play their role in building tolerant societies. The development of policies and legislation must therefore respect the diversity in all our societies, based on public consultation. A transparent and accountable law-making process supports anti-corruption efforts, reinforces good governance, and provides access to justice for all, in line with a key UN Sustainable Development Goal.

In its recent report on states of emergency and other responses to the pandemic taken by countries across the OSCE region, ODIHR acknowledged the challenges of protecting the health and safety of the population while ensuring that democratic institutions can continue working. As well as including good practices across the region, the report contains recommendations to help countries as they face a resurgent virus at the same time as the need to ensure that all democratic checks and balances are restored.

Communication and Media Relations Section OSCE Guidebook Intelligence-Led Policing

Around 30 law enforcement officials from Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia will participate on 15 and 16 September 2020 in an online module on Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP) organized by the OSCE with the support of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL).

The purpose of this eLearning activity, found on CEPOL’s Learning Management System, LEEd, is to raise awareness about this modern and proactive policing model and present its practical implementation in several key areas to country police officers and law enforcement representatives from Central and Eastern Europe.

Participants will be introduced to the main principles of the OSCE Guidebook on ILP, which is available in ten languages (Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Croatian, English, Macedonian, Serbian, Russian, Spanish and French) and is actively used by law enforcement agencies and authorities as well as other international organizations both within and outside the OSCE area.

Over the course of the training, law enforcement experts from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation such as Israel, Austria, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Estonia will present best practices in the field of ILP.

The OSCE developed this online module to help law enforcement work together to share data, so that the crucial information is not missed. Experience has shown that traditional methods of policing have become more challenging in this digital age. ILP is a modern law enforcement model that aims to change this. Harnessing data and information from a wide range of open and official sources to identify links, trends and patterns can help law enforcement prevent serious incidents or provide long-term insight on threats faced by the public.

The scope of ILP goes beyond its use in serious and organized crime, and can be applied to all areas of policing, from burglary or theft to addressing extreme vandalism or ensuring public safety at major events.

The OSCE and CEPOL concluded a Working Arrangement in 2017 to strengthen co-operation between the two entities, to mutually support each other in terms of training for law enforcement agencies and their capacity-building.

463611 OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

An OSCE-organized online seminar “The use of innovative technologies as a key to rational water management” opened on 15 September 2020 in Ashgabat.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the two-day event to facilitate the exchange of best practices of OSCE participating States in the area of integration and implementation of the innovative technologies for the rational distribution and management of water resources. The discussions will focus on climate change mitigation and the promotion of green values.

The event brings together officials from Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, State Committee of Water Economy and other relevant institutions. Representatives of the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and public organizations dealing with environmental issues are also attending.

The seminar addresses the importance of innovative technologies in rational water management and the benefits of nature-based solutions for agriculture water management. International experts will elaborate on developing the integrated water resources management (IWRM) focusing on international perspective and advanced experience.

“The innovative technological developments, which offer new broad opportunities for rational and sustainable water management, are crucial to the development of efficient national systems of water use and enhancement of legal and financial framework for international co-operation in the area of water management and water diplomacy,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

Participants will discuss scientific and technological education as a step to a holistic approach in water management and exchanged views on the importance of water for life and food.

“Our seminar was tailored based on the recommendations and outcomes of the regional seminar on sustainable water management organized by the Centre in November 2019. We look forward to new ideas to strengthen regional co-operation and to design efficient approaches to addressing water issues jointly that will result from today’s event,” said Drozd.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Between the evenings of 11 and 12 September, the SMM recorded no ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and 12 in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded seven ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and one in Luhansk region.
• Between the evenings of 12 and 13 September, the Mission recorded no ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and seven in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. During evening hours, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle spotted people inside the latter two areas.
• The SMM spotted a new trench and a trench extension in Donetsk region, assessed as belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as a new trench in Luhansk region and new trenches and upgrades to an existing position in Donetsk region, assessed as belonging to the armed formations.
• The Mission facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable repairs to and the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The SMM visited five border crossing points in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including at an entry-exit checkpoint and corresponding checkpoint of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The Mission monitored a peaceful gathering in Lviv.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at border crossing points outside government control near Izvaryne and Voznesenivka (formerly Chervonopartyzansk) in Luhansk region and at checkpoints of the armed formations near Staromykhailivka and Novoazovsk in Donetsk region.*

VIENNA, 14 September 2020 – Parliamentarians play a crucial role in promoting international co-operation and championing a whole-of-society approach in countering and preventing terrorism including during the pandemic, Austrian parliamentarian Reinhold Lopatka said at the 2020 OSCE-wide Counter-Terrorism Conference in Vienna today.

Lopatka, who serves as Chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism, addressed the event following a meeting on the margins with Amb. Igli Hasani, representing the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship.

Not only has COVID-19 greatly affected our everyday lives, Lopatka said in his address, it has shifted attention from threats such as violent extremism and terrorism.

“The pandemic seems to have provided a fertile ground for terrorist groups to boost their online propaganda, call for new attacks, increase recruitment operations, stigmatize minorities, and above all, disseminate false and discriminatory information,” Lopatka said.

He highlighted the timely Parliamentary Web Dialogues the PA has organized in recent months to promote policy exchanges and ensure that counter-terrorism efforts remain high on governments’ agendas during this period.

Among the key OSCE PA findings, Lopatka underlined that with more people spending time online during the pandemic, it is essential to address cybersecurity issues as a matter of priority. It is also urgent to address the negative narratives and disinformation directed towards particular groups, he said.

Another area of priority is to focus on economic difficulties and social unrest, and redirect attention towards the most vulnerable layers of our societies, as well as those who might be more prone to radicalization in the current pandemic context, Lopatka said.

“International co-operation in addressing terrorism is and must remain vital,” concluded Lopatka. “I am confident that there is simply no other way to effectively tackle this threat which, one way or another, affects all our countries.”

The OSCE-wide conference is taking place in Vienna from 14-15 September under the theme, “Effective Partnerships against Terrorism and Violent Extremism and Radicalization that Lead to Terrorism.” It brings together high-level representatives and practitioners from governments, international organizations, the public and private sector, and civil society to explore ways to strengthen partnerships in the fight against terrorism.

In Lopatka’s meeting with Ambassador Hasani, the sides reiterated the focus on strengthening effective partnerships against terrorism and exploring opportunities to further enhance co-operation. Lopatka stressed that parliamentarians have a key role in countering terrorism by developing legislation and mobilizing resources, ensuring oversight of governments and security bodies, and promoting dialogue between governments, local communities and civil society.

463539 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe started a four-week training course for 20 staff members of Tajikistan’s Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence (CoESCD) on 14 September.

Participants will be able to improve skills required for addressing various emergencies. They will work on how to prepare for conducting sustainable field operations in challenging conditions typical for the Committee's area of operations. Representatives of the CoESCD and the OSCE will deliver theoretical and practical sessions, which will include map reading and orientation, basic alpinism and pathfinding, and search and rescue operations. The course will also include human rights and gender-related aspects of conducting rescue operations.

This is the first in a series of training courses within the 18-month EU-funded project organized to strengthen the capacity of the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence.

“Today’s training is the first action implemented through a new type of programme, which allows us to invest simultaneously in both security and sustainable development. The project will bring together security providers and civilian actors, from both sides of the Tajik-Afghan border, and equip them to better prevent and effectively manage different types of crisis,” noted Petra Gašparova, Chargé d’affaires of the European Union in Tajikistan.

The aim of the project “Stabilization of Tajikistan’s southern border region with Afghanistan” is to address various threats and risks related to natural disasters, which Tajikistan frequently faces along its southern border. The project is implemented by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe.

“The project will further strengthen the co-operation, built over the last years, between the OSCE and the CoESCD. In addition, it also demonstrates good co-operation between the OSCE and EU to enhance capacity of the host country in addressing relevant challenges,” said Valeriu Chiveri, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. He noted that the project will enable CoESCD officials, representing different regions of the country, to improve their skills and strengthen the capacity of the Committee to respond effectively to natural disasters and other crises, thus contributing to the overall security of Tajikistan.

Capacity-building through training courses is one part of this EU-funded project. The project will also assist in conducting renovation and construction work of the Committee’s training centre in Karatag in order to host training courses on a regular basis. Other project activities include providing specialized equipment for first responders.

The EU has promoted security and effective border management in Tajikistan since 2003, notably through the regional Border Management Central Asia Programme (BOMCA) and the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP). Through the EU’s Foreign Policy Instrument contributing to Peace and Stability, the EU helps building critical infrastructure in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, helps stabilizing the border regions, promoting cross-border dialogue for tolerance and peace, supports actions aiming at preventing violent extremism or fighting disinformation.

PARIS, 14 September 2020 – The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America) held intensive consultations in Paris on September 14. Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office (PRCiO) Andrzej Kasprzyk also participated in the meetings. 

The Co-Chairs reviewed the situation in the region with particular focus on new developments following the mid-July violent escalation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. The Co-Chairs carefully considered and assessed the private and public messages and concerns of the sides. The Co-Chairs were briefed by the PRCiO on the security situation on the ground and welcomed his concrete preparations for the resumption of monitoring activities.

The Co-Chairs spoke separately by phone with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and invited the ministers to meet individually with the Co-Chairs in person in the coming weeks to further clarify their respective positions, with the aim of resuming serious substantive negotiations without preconditions.

The Co-Chairs remain actively and fully engaged in facilitating negotiations for a peaceful and comprehensive settlement in accordance with their OSCE mandate.  

Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan

The OSCE-supported annual Central Asian Leadership Programme began on 14 September 2020 in Almaty.

The five-day online youth leadership programme was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan in partnership with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), the European Union, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Bank.

Some 45 young environmental leaders and decision-makers from the government, academic and civil society organizations of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan participated in the event. Discussions focused on understanding trends to avert climate change and to address environmental challenges. This year the programme was organized as an input to the “Year of Volunteers in Kazakhstan” and covered topics such as integrated water resource management, role of communities in addressing environmental challenges, regional co-operation and disaster risk reduction in the context of sustainable development and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Central Asian Leadership Programme is in its eleventh consecutive year. It is part of the Office’s long-standing efforts to strengthen the network of young environmental leaders in the Central Asian region and beyond and to promote regional dialogue and co-operation in environmental security and sustainable development.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded seven ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and one in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded five ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and none in Luhansk region.
• The Mission followed up on reports of four people injured on four separate occasions due to explosion of objects, all in non-government-controlled areas Luhansk region.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as aimed at an SMM mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flying in areas south-east of Hranitne, Donetsk region.*
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. During evening hours, an SMM long-range UAV spotted people inside the latter two areas.
• The SMM saw for the first time one trench extension in Donetsk region, assessed belonging to Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as two trench extensions in Luhansk region, assessed as belonging to the armed formations.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable repairs to and the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission visited a border crossing point and monitored areas close to the border with the Russian Federation in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at an entry-exit checkpoint in Luhansk region.
• The SMM monitored  public gatherings in Kyiv and Kharkiv related to a recent Trilateral Contact Group decision.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at the checkpoint of the armed formations near Olenivka, Donetsk region.*

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded five ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and none in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, it recorded no ceasefire violations in either Donetsk or Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. During evening hours, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spotted people inside the disengagement area near Petrivske.
• The SMM lost spatial control of its mini-UAV, due to signal interference, while flying over areas near Shumy, Donetsk region.
• The Mission saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in government-controlled areas of Donetsk region and in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including in training areas.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable repairs to and the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at the entry-exit checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and the corresponding checkpoint of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM monitored a peaceful gathering in Kyiv.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted.*

SUMMARY

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons slightly decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week. The ninety-sixth Russian convoy crossed into Ukraine and returned through the Donetsk BCP.

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The newly selected observes could finally arrive after 28 August based on the host country’s approval. 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. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between shifts at the border checkpoints and 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. After the reopening of the host country’s airspace on 1 August, the OM has started with planned leaves in a careful manner.

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 slightly decreased from 11,321 to 11,216 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine, with an average net flow of 166 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 has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March. 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, 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.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was four, compared to one last week. Three persons crossed into the Russian Federation while one crossed into Ukraine. These individuals crossed the border on foot.

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, 11 families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another four families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when 11 families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while another seven families crossed 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 slight decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (316 compared to 340 observed during the previous week). There were 151 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 165 bound for Ukraine.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (884 compared to 938 during the previous reporting week); 438 at the Gukovo BCP and 446 at the Donetsk BCP, 460 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 424 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 the Russian Federation, Belarus, Ukraine, and trucks with “LPR” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks did not change, and it remained 60 similar to 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 the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.

During the reporting period, the X-ray vehicle at the Donetsk BCP was not operating due to the ongoing ground construction activities and no X-ray checks were observed.

Minivans

The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] 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. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans did not change, and it remained 137 similar to the previous week; 58 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 79 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 42 occasions; the OTs assessed that 21 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining same number 21 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. The OTs also observed cars with licence plates registered in Belarus, Georgia, Lithuania and Portugal.

On 25 August at 10:32, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation side and driving behind the BCP’s main building. The OT noticed the driver and one medic on board. At 11:05, the same ambulance returned to the Russian Federation. 

During the reporting week the OTs at both BCPs observed police vehicles on two separate occasions;

On 30 August at 15:06, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a police vehicle with Russian Federation licence plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and driving behind the BCP’s main building. Besides the driver, the OT observed two persons inside the vehicle – one dressed in police uniform and one in civilian clothes. At 15:32, the police vehicle returned to the Russian Federation with one man in police uniform and two civilians on board.

The same day at 14:40, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a police vehicle entering the BCP from the Russian Federation side and parking close to the BCP’s main building. At 15:20, the vehicle returned to the Russian Federation. The OT was not able to notice any other details from its position.

On 31 August at 16:24, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a group of 16 brand-new ambulance vehicles type “UAZ” with no licence plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation side and parking in the customs control area. After undergoing customs control procedures, all the vehicles left for Ukraine at 20:20.

Convoy

On 27 August at 06:23, the ninety-sixth[3] Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). A total of six vehicles were checked by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers prior to their crossing into Ukraine. All six vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation by 11:19 on the same day. (See OM Spot Report of 27 August 2020: https://www.osce.org/observer-mission-at-russian-checkpoints-gukovo-and-donetsk/461833).

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 28 July to 1 September 2020, please see the attachment here.

[1]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

[2] 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 which correspond to driving licence C1).                   

[3] Based on the Observer Mission’s counting, this convoy is considered the ninety-six convoy that has crossed into Ukraine through the “Donetsk” or “Gukovo” BCPs. However, so far all these convoys crossed through the “Donetsk” BCP.

VIENNA, 11 September 2020 – OSCE 2020 Albania’s Chairmanship, in co-operation with the OSCE Secretariat’s Action against Terrorism Unit, Transnational Threats Department, will host an OSCE-wide counter-terrorism conference on “Effective partnership against terrorism and violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism” on 14 and 15 September 2020 in Vienna and virtually.

The opening session with the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Edi Rama will take place at 14:30 on Monday and can be followed live via osce.org/live.  

The discussion will focus on:

• Fostering continued international and regional co-operation on counter terrorism matters;
• Supporting multi-agency co-ordination at the national level to address terrorism and violent extremism and to encourage all OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation to mainstream partnerships in their national strategies and actions plans;
• The importance and added value of effective partnerships with a broad spectrum of civil society and the private sector in preventing and countering violent extremism.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Edi Rama; UN Under-Secretary-General, Office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov; Minister of State for Security, UK Home Office, Rt Hon James Brokenshire and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Marina Sereni will open the conference.

The conference will offer five sessions on different approaches to strengthening co-operation among government agencies, with international partners, as well as engaging the business community and civil society.

The OSCE participating States, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), partner organizations such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as well as civil society organizations from different regions across the OSCE will host seven side events.

Media representatives are invited to follow the opening on Monday, 14 September, from 14:30 to 15:30 on https://www.osce.org/live.  

VIENNA/WARSAW, 11 September 2020 – OSCE participating States today unanimously decided that the OSCE’s annual Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) will exceptionally not take place in 2020, due to the unique, unprecedented and unpredictable circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The consensus decision, taken by the OSCE Permanent Council, does not establish any precedent for the organization of the HDIM in the future.

The Albanian OSCE Chair and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) confirmed that they are subsequently preparing a series of new online events to be held in the coming months. The events will aim to maintain focus on topical issues related to human rights, democracy and the rule of law, which are critical for strengthening security throughout the OSCE region.

“We are committed to continue bringing together and promoting a frank dialogue between states and civil society, and these events will be open to both,” the Chair and ODIHR said.

The Human Dimension Implementation Meeting is Europe’s largest annual human rights conference, and a unique international platform for dialogue at the core of the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security, bringing together national authorities, civil society, international organizations, and academia on equal footing.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded no ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In the previous reporting period, it recorded one ceasefire violation in Donetsk region and none in Luhansk region.  
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. During evening and night hours, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle spotted people inside the latter two areas.
• The Mission spotted a recent trench extension near Starohnativka, Donetsk region.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable repairs to and the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at the entry-exit checkpoint and the corresponding checkpoint of the armed formations in Luhansk region.
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a border crossing point outside government control near Dovzhanske, Luhansk region.*

PRAGUE, 10 September 2020 – “Corruption shrinks tax revenue, distorts markets, hampers trade and investment and deepens inequalities. Every time illegal private gain wins out against the public good, it weakens our social fabric. Our objective is nothing short of zero tolerance for corruption,” said Albania’s Acting Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Gent Cakaj, while opening the 2020 OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum today in Prague.

The two-day Forum focuses on preventing and combating corruption through innovation, increased transparency and digitalization in the OSCE region. It gathered senior government officials and experts from academia, NGOs, international organizations and the private sector of the 57 OSCE participating States.

“Vast sums of money that should be spent on vital public services – education, health care, social services and all-important infrastructure – end up in the pockets of the corrupt,” said Cakaj. “As we face the economic fall-out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is our moral duty to re-double our efforts to prevent and combat corruption in order to guarantee the effective and efficient utilization of public funds in tackling this unprecedented crisis.”

Throughout 2020, the OSCE addressed corruption in parallel with good governance: the other side of the corruption coin.

Tuula Yrjölä, OSCE Officer in Charge/Secretary General, Director of Conflict Prevention Centre, said that the impact of technology on security, economic and environmental issues, is a discussion worth promoting across the OSCE’s comprehensive agenda. “We can only benefit from being proactive in addressing challenges and opportunities related to this area. Leveraging the power of innovation can be a great resource for enhancing security, stability and prosperity for us all.”

Tomáš Petříček, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic, said that corruption affects to a greater or lesser extent all the OSCE participating States, including his own. “We must prevent and combat corruption in a comprehensive way and ensure involvement of civil society and the private sector. It is necessary to strengthen the OSCE tools and commitments at the Ministerial Council in December in Tirana, in order to be able to fight this scourge more effectively.”

Marina Sereni, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Keith Krach, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, U.S Department of State, Jean-Luc Lemahieu, Director of Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (UNODC), and Professor Paola Severino, Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Corruption gave keynote speeches.

In conclusion, Cakaj said that without good governance there can be no sustainable victories in the fight against corruption. “We need good governance to achieve our shared 2030 sustainable development goals in relation to economic growth, environmental protection, transparency and the prevention of corruption,” he said.   

The fight against corruption is one of Albania’s 2020 OSCE Chairmanship key priorities.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• The SMM recorded one ceasefire violation in Donetsk region and none in Luhansk region. In the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded no ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and 50 in Luhansk region.
• The Mission continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske. During evening and night hours, an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle spotted people inside the latter two areas.
• The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to localised ceasefires to enable repairs to and the operation of critical civilian infrastructure.
• The Mission continued following up on the situation of civilians amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including at an entry-exit checkpoint in Luhansk region.  
• The SMM’s freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including near non-government-controlled Korsun, Donetsk region and at a border crossing point outside government control near Leonove, Luhansk region.*

VIENNA, 9 September 2020 – Only a real dialogue will help promote politico-military co-operation and regain lost confidence and rebuild trust, said Germany’s Deputy Foreign Minister Niels Annen as he opened Germany’s Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) today.

Addressing representatives of the OSCE participating States from Berlin via video teleconference, Annen said: “The noticeable erosion of the European security order through a series of conflicts - I say this not least with a view to the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the conflict in eastern Ukraine - have a direct impact on the work of the FSC. Trust is the most important asset in the OSCE - but it is disappearing day by day.”

Recalling the 45th anniversary of the OSCE’s landmark document, the Helsinki Final Act marked last month, Deputy Minister Annen noted: “45 years ago in Helsinki we were brought together by the shared knowledge that co-operation is better than confrontation. That co-operation means more security for us all.”

Referring to the German FSC Chair’s work programme he said that topics for security dialogues will include small arms and light weapons (SALW), UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, the modernization of the Vienna Document and new technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The first security dialogue will be devoted to the fight against illegal use of small arms and light weapons, said Deputy Foreign Minister Annen recalling that the OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year.

“With its normative specifications for the handling of illegal small arms and light weapons and stocks of conventional ammunition, the OSCE is doing real pioneering work”, he said reminding that the illegal use of small arms kills nearly a million people and injures an even greater number worldwide each year.

The security dialogue on new technologies and their military applications will focus on discussions about new threat perceptions generated by them.

Making the link between the current state of the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and how it is being put into practice at the national level in the OSCE participating States will be another important topic for Germany’s FSC Chair, as the resolution marks its 20th year anniversary.

Deputy Foreign Minister Annen also noted the importance of continuing the Structured Dialogue saying that for a number of countries, including Germany, a revitalization of arms control and confidence-building measures is a particular focus.

“In the context of the Structured Dialogue, we spoke in ten meetings about measures for more transparency, risk reduction and prevention of military incidents, about threat perceptions, stability and its politico-military requirements. We want to continue this dialogue. We appeal to all participating States to understand the Structured Dialogue as a valuable and unique forum for exchange,” he concluded.

The Chairmanship of the Forum for Security Co-operation rotates three times a year. It takes the lead in setting the agenda for each meeting of the Forum and brings attention to issues concerning the implementation of commitments adopted by the Forum.

KYIV, 9 September  2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Heidi Grau, made the following statement to the press after the extraordinary meeting of the TCG ‎held through video conferencing:

“Today's extraordinary meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group was devoted to security issues and compliance with the ceasefire in the conflict zone, in particular, to discussing the situation in the area of Shumy, of which the participants of the meeting have diverging assessments.

The participants of the TCG meeting agreed that a visit of the discussed area would be useful. The visit is scheduled for 10 September 2020.

I urge the sides to continue doing all it takes to ensure an effective and sustainable ceasefire, first and foremost in the interest of the civilian population.”

SUMMARY

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.

OPERATIONAL REMARKS

The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO) and one first responder[1]. The newly selected border observers have finally arrived to the Mission between 28 August and 3 September, in line with the host country’s approval. 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. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between shifts at the border checkpoints and 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.

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 11,216 to 9,544 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[2].

During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 478 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 has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March. 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, 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.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was ten, compared to four last week. Eight persons crossed into the Russian Federation while two crossed into Ukraine. These individuals crossed the border on foot.

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, six families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another two families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when 11 families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while another four families crossed 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 an increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (353 compared to 316 observed during the previous week). There were 177 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 176 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. Among the bus connections observed by the OTs, the following “irregular” routes or destinations were noted: Luhansk-Kyiv-Moscow, Luhansk-Sevastopol and Luhansk-Yalta.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (842 compared to 884 during the previous reporting week); 439 at the Gukovo BCP and 403 at the Donetsk BCP, 469 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 373 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 the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania, Armenia Ukraine, and trucks with “LPR” plates.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (54 compared to 60 during the previous reporting 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 the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.

During the reporting period, the X-ray vehicle at the Donetsk BCP was not operating due to the ongoing ground construction activities and no X-ray checks were observed.

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 slight decrease in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (128 compared to 137 observed during the previous week); 73 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 55 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 35 occasions; the OTs assessed that 14 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 21 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. The OTs also observed cars with licence plates registered in Belarus, Georgia, and Lithuania

On 6 September at 13:40, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a police van with Russian Federation licence plates entering the BCP area from the Russian Federation. The vehicle drove behind the main building without stopping. At 13:45, the same van left the BCP to the Russian Federation with only the driver on board.

On 7 September at 09:06, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed a green helicopter type Mi-17 flying from the north-east in a north-westerly direction. The helicopter remained inside the Russian Federation airspace during the entire time it was visible to the OT.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 4 August to 8 September 2020, please see the attachment here

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

[2]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

[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 which correspond to driving licence C1).