OSCE

433358 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Lithuania, Presidential Election, 12 and 26 May 2019: Final Report

Following the presidential election in Lithuania on 12 and 26 May 2019, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has published its final report. The report notes that the election was competitive and offered clear political alternatives, with fundamental freedoms largely respected in the campaign. The media provided extensive coverage, which enabled citizens to make an informed choice. Although some areas of election-related legislation could be improved, the election was effectively administered and enjoyed public confidence.

Key recommendations include:

• Reviewing rules governing media conduct during campaigns to clearly distinguish paid political advertising from other forms of campaign coverage.

• Amending electoral legislation to provide clear criteria for the dismissal of the chairperson and members of the CEC, if necessary.

• Revising the legal framework to remove restrictions on voting rights and candidacy on the basis of mental disability.

• Reviewing restrictions on candidacy based on prior removal from office, residency, and dual and naturalized citizenship.

• Allowing all voters to file complaints and appeals on the electoral process.

• Introducing interim reporting requirements, prior to elections, to enhance transparency.

ODIHR deployed an election observation mission on 30 April 2019 to observe the election. All 57 participating States across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.

433151 Marina Živaljević

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized a two-day study visit to Copenhagen, Denmark for six media professionals from Montenegro. The group met with representatives of the Danish Press Council, the Danish Journalist Union, the Politiken and the Danish Broadcasting Corporation on 24 and 25 September 2019.

The six representatives from Montenegro were: Ranko Vujović, Secretary of the Media Council for Self-Regulation, Aneta Spaić, Member of the Media Council for Self-Regulation, Slavica Jovanović, co-owner of the daily Dan, Borislav Višnjić, editor-in-chief of RTCG News Programme, Paula Petričević, ombudswoman of the daily Vijesti and weekly Monitor, and Mihajlo Jovović, Programmatic Director at the daily newspaper Vijesti.

The main topics of their discussion were the significance of media self-regulation in Denmark and Montenegro, freedom of the media, safety of journalists,  unresolved cases of attacks on journalists, confidentiality of sources and data, and traditional versus digital media.

Daniel Blank, the OSCE Mission Media Programme Manager, said that this visit was an excellent opportunity for the Montenegrin delegation to hear more on media self-regulation practices from the leading institutions in Denmark. “The OSCE Mission recognizes the need for strong and highly professional self-regulation as a precondition for responsible, accurate and precise media. In the world where changes are constant and the flow of information is overwhelming, media should strive to be strong and consistent with the Code of Ethics,” said Blank.

This visit is a continuation of the support of the OSCE Mission to strengthen self-regulatory mechanisms in Montenegro and to promote the concept of self-regulation, in order to contribute to the professional reporting of Montenegrin media outlets and their adherence to professional standards promoted by the Code of Ethics.

NEW YORK CITY, United States of America, 25 September 2019 – The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stéphane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America) met separately and jointly with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan on the margins of the UN General Assembly. The Co-Chairs were joined in their meetings by the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Andrzej Kasprzyk. They also met with OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák, and senior officials of the United Nations.

The Co-Chairs briefed the two Ministers on their activities since the joint meeting in Washington in June, including recent consultations in Paris and Geneva on the humanitarian and security dimensions of the conflict. The Co-Chairs noted the positive effects of the sides’ efforts to minimize violence during the summer period, including the use of the existing direct communication links, and expressed deep regret over the recent fatality. The Co-Chairs and the Ministers continued their discussion of additional measures to reduce tensions and sustain an atmosphere conducive to peace and favorable to substantive talks. Recalling their 9 March statement, the Co-Chairs encouraged the sides to minimize the use of rhetoric that is inflammatory or prejudges the outcome of negotiations.

The Co-Chairs intend to visit the region in the near future.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, the SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• The SMM followed up on a shrapnel injury sustained by a woman in Pikuzy, and on craters and damage due to shelling in Verkhnoshyrokivske.
• Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM saw workers from government-controlled areas working on the foundations of a pedestrian bypass bridge as well as workers both from government-controlled and non-government-controlled areas cutting trees and clearing vegetation.
• The SMM observed anti-tank mines near the Petrivske disengagement area for the first time and recorded ceasefire violations near the Zolote disengagement area.
• The Mission saw 13 weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in a non-government-controlled area of Donetsk region.
• The SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate repairs and the operation of critical civilian infrastructure, including repairs to water pipelines between Zolote-3/Stakhanovets and Popasna, a water pipeline near Kamianka and electricity substation in Betmanove, as well as the drilling of wells near Raivka.
• Restrictions of the Mission’s access continued, including at checkpoints near non-government-controlled Petrivske, Zaichenko and Novoazovsk and at heavy weapons holding areas in government-controlled areas of Donetsk region.

NUR-SULTAN, 25 September 2019 – The fulfillment of international commitments and obligations is a pre-condition for honest dialogue, genuine trust, and stronger partnerships for peace and sustainable development, stated President George Tsereteli (MP, Georgia) in remarks delivered at the Fourth Meeting of Speakers of Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments.

The meeting, hosted by the Parliament of Kazakhstan, was held under the theme “Greater Eurasia: Dialogue. Trust. Partnership” and brought together parliamentary leaders from 65 countries. President Tsereteli was accompanied in Nur-Sultan by OSCE PA Vice-President Pascal Allizard (MP, France).

“Too often the OSCE principles and commitments that united us in the heart of the Cold War have been reneged and trampled: dialogue has eroded, trust has been diluted, it has been more difficult to build long-lasting partnerships. Fundamental disagreements, even regarding what should be undisputable facts, have seriously undermined our ability to find common ground,” said President Tsereteli. “In all conflicts in the OSCE area, we see that unfulfilled agreements and lack of political will only amplify human suffering. We must now step up to take effective international action. This is the OSCE’s calling.”

In his statement, President Tsereteli also highlighted the need to pursue dialogue on controversial issues, including the need to hold elections in line with democratic principles, promoting media freedom and defending journalists, safeguarding the environment and protecting biodiversity, encouraging trade and sustainable economic development, or enhancing effective migration governance.

During the conference, Tsereteli and Allizard met with Mazhilis Chairman Nurlan Nigmatulin and Senate Chairwoman Dariga Nazarbayeva, who serves as the Head of Kazakhstan’s Delegation to the OSCE PA. Tsereteli also exchanged with Kazakhstan’s First President Nursultan Nazarbayev. The conversations underlined Kazakhstan’s long-standing commitment and contributions to international dialogue and to the effectiveness of the OSCE and its Institutions, including through good co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan.

“Kazakhstan continues to play a unique role in the OSCE through its readiness to contribute to conflict resolution, to promote peaceful relations, and to boost economic development. When we address sensitive and critical topics, we all understand there can be no substitute to frank and honest dialogue,” said Tsereteli. “In that respect, it is important to note Kazakhstan’s continued willingness to overcome shortcomings and work together with its international partners in good spirit.”

Tsereteli, who served as the Special Co-ordinator and leader of short-term OSCE observers for the early presidential election of June 2019, also met today with NGO representatives to discuss post-election developments, including concerns related to limitations on freedom of expression, association, and assembly, as well as the state of co-operation between civil society and public authorities.

On the margins of the parliamentary conference, President Tsereteli and Vice-President Allizard held several bilateral meetings with Armenian Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan, Azerbaijani Speaker Ogtay Asadov, Moldovan Speaker Zinaida Greceanii, North Macedonian Speaker Talat Xhaferi, Tajik Speaker Shukurjon Zuhurov, and Uzbek Speaker Nurdinjon Ismoilov. They also exchanged with the Speakers from Austria, Belarus, Cyprus, and Turkey.

Discussions mainly focused on domestic developments and OSCE and OSCE PA activities, including election observation, as well as plans for upcoming OSCE PA meetings and presidential visits.

Vice-President Allizard visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and met with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko. Allizard, who is also the PA’s Special Representative on Mediterranean Affairs, emphasized the need to pursue outreach efforts and promote regional co-operation to counter security challenges in the OSCE area.

“While the OSCE PA collectively represents one billion voices, we must lend an attentive ear to the billion more views expressed in our immediate neighbourhood,” said Allizard. “Events in the Middle and the Far East have considerable influence on developments in the OSCE region in general, and in the Mediterranean basin in particular. We need to better understand these to guarantee greater success in our joint efforts to enhance security.”

Later this week, President Tsereteli will be in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to address an international seminar on parliamentary oversight and meet with the Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament. Tsereteli and Vice-President Allizard will report on their visit during the OSCE PA’s upcoming Autumn Meeting to be held in Marrakech, Morocco, on 4-6 October 2019.

For the President's full remarks in Nur-Sultan, please click here.

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

Experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final report and recommendations of the observation mission to the 2019 presidential election in North Macedonia during a visit to Skopje from 16 to 19 September 2019.

The ODIHR experts met with representatives of the State Election Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other government ministries and agencies, as well as representatives of civil society organizations and the international community.

In these meetings, ODIHR reiterated that the elections were generally well-administered, but that the legislative framework still requires substantial review and revision, and urged the government and other stakeholders to take steps to implement a previously initiated reform. ODIHR drew attention to its priority recommendations, such as addressing gaps in the regulation of presidential candidates in the electoral law, updating and harmonizing population data across institutions to ensure a more accurate voter list, and refining rules related to media coverage of the campaign and election dispute resolution. 

“The week’s meetings were constructive and provided ODIHR and national stakeholders the opportunity to directly discuss the report’s findings and recommendations,” said Corien Jonker, Head of ODIHR’s Election Observation Mission to the presidential election. “We look forward to the next steps that the authorities will take to follow up on the recommendations and to identify ways ODIHR can offer assistance.”

The authorities discussed ODIHR’s potential engagement in providing legal and technical expertise to assist in implementing these recommendations, including a review of draft amendments to the electoral code, continued participation in a working group on electoral reforms and technical assistance in upgrading voter registration processes. All OSCE participating States have committed to promptly following up on ODIHR electoral assessments and recommendations.

433208 Alen Umer from the Local Youth Council of Shuto Orizari, North Macedonia, addresses event participants. Warsaw, 25 September 2019. Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

The challenges and opportunities related to the participation of Roma and Sinti youth in public and political life, as well as their civic engagement to defend and promote the human rights of the entire community, were the main topics of an event held on 25 September 2019 in Warsaw. The event was organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) within the framework of ODIHR’s annual human rights conference, the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting.

The event provided space for an open discussion between representatives of participating States and Roma and Sinti activists on ways to enhance the participation of Roma and Sinti youth and their capacity as human rights defenders.

“During this event we learned about the challenges Roma and Sinti youth face across the OSCE area and shared our experiences in engaging Roma youth at the local level,” said Alen Umer from the Local Youth Council of Shuto Orizari, North Macedonia. “Upscaling such practices and engaging with relevant authorities is essential for the effective participation of Roma and Sinti youth in the policy processes that concern them.”

The  active participation of Roma and Sinti youth is key to ensuring their involvement and empowerment in line with the OSCE’s broader capacity building mandate under the 2003 Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area.

432938 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Hate crime continues to threaten the security of individuals and entire societies, as evidenced by 2018 data from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) that was presented on 25 September 2019 in Warsaw. The presentation took place during ODIHR’s annual human rights conference, the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting.

“Victims of bias crimes need to see official recognition of the crime as a hate crime. Their needs differ based on how they were attacked, by whom, and on what grounds. But in these differences, all hate crime victims are also similar – being attacked simply for who they are,” said Cristina Finch, Head of ODIHR’s Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department.

Participants were able to learn from those who work most closely with victims during a discussion with representatives of three civil society organizations providing support to victims of hate crime. They spoke about how victims often lack trust in the authorities and instead seek assistance from NGOs, raising questions about victims’ access to justice, protection and support.

Following an assessment of support for victims of hate crime across the region, ODIHR has concluded that OSCE participating States need to do more to build victim support structures to bridge the state-civil society divide. Police and other officials have to be able to understand the needs of hate crime victims and refer them to a suitable service, which often comes from civil society.

For this to happen, the event introduced the Enhancing Stakeholders’ Awareness and Resources for Hate Crime Victim Support (EStAR) project. It will start on 1 January 2020 and will be run by ODIHR and the Association of Counseling Centers for Victims of Right-wing, Racist and Anti-Semitic Violence in Germany (VBRG) – a coalition of 14 organizations providing support to hate crime victims. The EStAR project, funded by the EU Commission and the German government, will develop tools for states to build integrative hate crime victim support systems over a two-year period.

ODIHR’s finalized 2018 hate crime data will be published on 16 November 2019.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous 24 hours, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM saw workers from government-controlled areas working on pillars for the pedestrian bypass bridge as well as workers from non-government-controlled areas clearing vegetation and conducting demining activities.
• The SMM observed new trenches inside and close to the Zolote disengagement area; it also saw anti-tank mines and new trenches near the Petrivske disengagement area.
• The SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate repairs and the operations of critical civilian infrastructure, including repairs to power lines in Spartak and the drilling of wells near Raivka.
• Restrictions of the Mission’s access continued, including at checkpoints near non-government-controlled Verkhnoshyrokivske, Shevchenko, and Petrivske.

432692 Anna Vorobeva OSCE Mission to Moldova

The Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova Claus Neukirch paid a working visit to the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia on 24 September 2019. The Head of Mission met with Bashkan of Gagauzia Irina Vlah and the Speaker of the People's Assembly Vladimir Kissa. 

“Gagauzia has always been high on the agenda of the OSCE. A well-functioning Gagauz autonomy sends an important positive signal to the Transdniestrian settlement process,” Neukirch said. “We look forward to the resumption of the political dialogue between the Moldovan Parliament and the People’s Assembly. This dialogue should result in fully affirming Gagauzia’s special status as outlined in the 1994 law and in streamlining respective legislative acts,” Neukirch concluded. 

During his visit, the Head of Mission made a tour of the Fujikura Automotive factory, which is located in the Free Economic Zone. In Kongaz, he visited a kindergarten where the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) piloted a bilingual education programme in the Gagauz and Romanian languages for children attending Russian language pre-schools. 

“Gagauzia is an important part of Moldova because of its economic activity and linguistic diversity,” said Neukirch. “It represents Moldova’s complex ethnic make-up, which needs to be embraced with respect and tolerance.” 

From 2014 to 2017, the HCNM has been facilitating bilingual education in the state language and Gagauz at pre-school institutions in Gagauzia and has funded programmes for teaching civil servants the state language nationwide. In recent years, the OSCE Mission and the HCNM, support the Moldovan Government’s efforts to take over the responsibility of promoting bilingual education through implementing an action plan for the National Strategy on the Consolidation of Interethnic Relations. 

This report is for the media and the general public.

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 staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.

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 12,276 to 11,520 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 319 per day for both BCPs.

The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.

Persons in military-style outfits

During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs was nine this week compared to 19 last week: two of them crossed into the Russian Federation, and seven into Ukraine (56 per cent of this category’s crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP). They continued to cross the border individually or in groups. Most individuals crossed on foot, however, some made use of private vehicles, buses or minivans, making it more difficult for the observer teams (OTs) to observe their movement across the border, especially since some of the private vehicles had tinted windows, and buses and minivans had drawn curtains.

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 and one was observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when twelve families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation and seven to 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. In addition to regular bus connections, the OTs continued to observe bus connections on irregular routes. Often the buses did not state their route; instead they had a sign on the windshield stating “irregular”.

During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (511 compared to 532 observed during the previous week). There were 267 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 244 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 and “LPR” plates.

Among the bus connections observed by the OTs, the following “irregular” route was noted: Luhansk-Sevastopol.

Trucks

During the reporting period, the OTs observed 920 trucks (compared to 935 during the previous reporting week) crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs (421 at the Gukovo BCP and 499 at the Donetsk BCP); 453 of these trucks crossed to the Russian Federation and 467 crossed to Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in Belarus and the Russian Federation and also with “LPR” plates. During the reporting period, trucks with licence plates from Lithuania and “DPR” plates were also observed.

The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks increased to 52 (compared to 50 during the previous reporting period). These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane.

All trucks underwent systematic inspection by Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.

Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP decreased from 114 to 86; 61 trucks (71 per cent) were bound for Ukraine, the remaining 25 trucks (29 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.

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 frequently saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans increased from 133 to 152 vehicles; 76 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 76 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 17 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and 7 to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine was regularly informed about the trains bound for Ukraine.

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 from Belarus, Georgia and Lithuania; cars with “DPR” plates were also observed.

On 17 September at 10:50, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a military helicopter type Mi-17 flying from the north of the BCP which then turned in an easterly direction. During the entire time the aircraft flew over the territory of the Russian Federation at an altitude of around 50-100 metres.

On 20 September at 12:02, the OT observed at the Donetsk BCP a Russian police minivan entering the BCP from the Russian Federation, and parking in the checking area. Two policemen left the vehicle towards the main building and returned with two civilians. At 12:19, the minivan left the BCP for the Russian Federation with the two policemen and the two civilians on-board.

Convoy

On 19 September at 06:11 (Moscow time), the eighty-fourth[3] Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk BCP. A total of ten vehicles were checked by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers prior to their crossing into Ukraine. All ten vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation by 13:52 on 19 September.

For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 20 August to 24 September 2019, 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 eighty-fourth convoy that has crossed into Ukraine through the “Donetsk” or “Gukovo” BCPs. However, so far all these convoys crossed through the “Donetsk” BCP.

SDGs SDGs:  16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

Summary

• Compared with the previous reporting period, between the evenings of 20 and 21 September, the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and no ceasefire violations in Luhansk region.
• Between the evenings of 21 and 22 September, the Mission recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more ceasefire violations in Luhansk region, compared with the previous 24 hours.
• Small-arms fire was assessed as directed at an SMM mini unmanned aerial vehicle near Bohdanivka.
• Inside the Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement area, the SMM saw workers clearing vegetation, working on pillars for the pedestrian bypass bridge, welding parts of the metal bridge structure, laying asphalt on the bridge, and cutting and welding roadside steel fencing cables.
• The SMM observed anti-tank mines near the Zolote and Petrivske disengagement areas.
• The Mission saw weapons in violation of withdrawal lines in non-government-controlled areas, including at the former Luhansk international airport.
• The SMM monitored adherence to the ceasefire to facilitate the operation of essential civilian infrastructure and the drilling of wells near Raivka.
• Restrictions of the Mission’s access continued, including at checkpoints near non-government-controlled Verkhnoshyrokivske, Zaichenko, and Petrivske.

432578 Christie Edwards, Deputy Head of ODIHR’s Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department, addresses event participants. Warsaw, 24 September 2019. Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Educational tools that help effectively prevent and address anti-Semitism, intolerance against Muslims and other forms of discrimination were presented and discussed at an event held on 24 September 2019 in Warsaw. The event was organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) during the annual OSCE human rights conference, the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting.

The participants highlighted the role educational systems play in building students’ resilience to prejudice and discrimination and in fostering an inclusive climate in schools. However, they stressed that practical tools need to be put in place for teachers and school managers to be able to respond effectively to intolerance and discrimination.

The event showcased ODIHR’s efforts to create hands-on educational materials to address such phenomena in schools.

“Beyond a supportive educational policy framework to address anti-Semitism, intolerance against Muslims and other forms of intolerance and discrimination, teachers and school managers themselves also need training and support,” said Christie Edwards, Deputy Head of ODIHR’s Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department. “To this end, ODIHR is developing concrete tools to help them adequately frame and teach about these topics and be able to respond when challenges emerge in classrooms.”

The new materials, part of which were developed within ODIHR’s project Turning Words into Action to Address Anti-Semitism, include four educational videos to support lesson plans on countering prejudice, discrimination and anti-Semitism and promoting knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust, as well as forthcoming teacher and school management curricula and teaching aids on how to address anti-Semitism, all applicable to diverse country contexts.  

The materials presented also include specific curricula and teaching materials for students to address hostility, intolerance and discrimination against Muslims, soon to be piloted in Ireland.

Panellists came from teacher training institutions, civil society and religious centres. Speakers from the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Muslim Cultural Centre in Warsaw also delivered presentations. Participants in the ODIHR-organized Youth Activist Forum, taking place in Warsaw this week, were among the attendees.

VIENNA, 23 September 2019 - Law enforcement authorities and agencies should embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their work to increase their efficiency and effectiveness, and to keep up with technological innovations, said opening speakers at the 2019 OSCE Annual Police Experts Meeting in Vienna today. This technology must be used in strict compliance with human rights and fundamental freedoms, they added.

The meeting, this year entitled Artificial Intelligence and law enforcement – an ally or adversary?, brings together some 130 law enforcement experts and other criminal justice practitioners, representatives of OSCE delegations, regional and international organizations, technical specialists, and researchers, as well as civil society representatives from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation.

Over the course of two days, discussions will focus on how AI impacts the work and structure of police services and what challenges and opportunities the future could bring.

Opening the meeting on behalf of Slovakia’s 2019 OSCE Chair, General Jana Maškarová, First Vice-President of Slovakia’s Police Force, said: “As the title of this year’s meeting indicates, we will devote our attention to the issue of artificial intelligence and try to answer the elementary question: Is artificial intelligence our ally or our adversary. When is it our ally and when does it become our adversary? For a long time we have been aware that modern technologies are not only used by us – police officers – in detecting and investigating crimes, but especially by our adversaries – in order to facilitate their illegal activity.”

It was noted that although AI in the work of law enforcement is relatively new, it is commonly agreed that AI techniques have considerable potential. Some AI-based tools have already been tested and are used by police services worldwide. These include video and image analysis software, facial recognition systems, biometric identification, drones and robots, and predictive analysis tools to forecast future crime.

Addressing the meeting participants through a video message, OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger said: “Many have already started to positively apply AI in their work. Just think about AI-enabled algorithms that automatically recognize missing persons or stolen cars. Or advanced crime forecasting tools, such as predictive policing. However, criminal organizations are also quick to adopt new technologies. We have seen it in the past, and AI will be no exception.”

He added that irresponsible or unethical uses of AI can pose unforeseen risks to liberties and privacy rights. Therefore, the correct balance between effective policing and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms must always be an essential element in both the discussions on AI and its use.

The first session will introduce the concept of AI and the use of AI-related technologies in the work of law enforcement authorities and agencies. Participants will later explore how AI technologies can be misused for committing crime in the future, including cybercrime or human trafficking. The final session will be dedicated to key legal, ethical, human rights and gender-related concerns linked to the application of AI-based technologies in the work of law enforcement authorities and agencies.

The main findings and outcome of the meeting will be compiled in a report, which will serve as a basis for further discussions on AI at the national, regional and international level, and as guidance for the OSCE when developing and providing capacity building and technical assistance to the participating States and Partners for Co-operation.

432887 Communication and Media Relations Section

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger and UN Under-Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office (UNOCT) Vladimir Voronkov signed a Biennial Action Plan for 2019-2021 in New York on 23 September 2019 to strengthen their co-operation in addressing key challenges and supporting international efforts related to preventing and countering terrorism.

In line with their priorities and mandates, the UNOCT and the OSCE Secretariat agreed to work together on providing relevant technical assistance through projects and activities with a particular focus on the countries of Central Asia and South-Eastern Europe. They also agreed to co-operate in assisting the national authorities, upon the request of a state.

The assistance will focus on preventing violent extremism, countering the financing of terrorism, border security and management, Countering Terrorist Travel and enhancing the use of Advance Passenger Information (API)/Passenger Name Record (PNR), countering the use of the internet for terrorist purposes, and enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure.

“Reinforcing our collaboration by launching and implementing joint activities will benefit our stakeholders,” said Greminger.

“The Action Plan will galvanise UNOCT-OSCE cooperation into a practical action-oriented stage,” said Voronkov.

The UNOCT and the OSCE Secretariat also agreed to ensure co-ordination in conducting joint projects to support the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, as well OSCE principles and commitments.

The Biennial Action Plan was developed following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations in October 2018.

On the agenda: economic connectivity of the Mediterranean region, climate change and environmental migration, African regional co-operation, combating religious intolerance

COPENHAGEN, 23 September 2019 – More than 200 parliamentarians from some 50 countries are expected to gather in Marrakech, Morocco, for the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s 18th Autumn Meeting on 4-6 October. Consisting of a Parliamentary Conference, Mediterranean Forum and a meeting of the Standing Committee, the annual Autumn Meeting is an opportunity for OSCE PA members to debate pressing security-related topics and to follow up on outcomes from the summer’s Annual Session.

The Parliamentary Conference will focus on the theme “Promoting Security Across the Euro-Mediterranean Region: The Role of the OSCE and its Partners.” The Mediterranean Forum will address “North-South Co-operation Models and Economic Connectivity of the Mediterranean Region in a Globalized World.”

Expected speakers at the event include:

• George Tsereteli, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
• Saad Eddine El Othmani, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco
• Hakim Benchamach, President of the House of Councilors of the Kingdom of Morocco
• Habib El Malki, President of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Morocco

Also speaking will be representatives of the African Parliamentary Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the Pan-African Parliament, the International Organization for Migration, the OSCE Office of Economic and Environmental Activities, and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims, as well as academic and religious leaders.

In thematic sessions, keynote speakers and assembled parliamentarians from across the OSCE area will explore topics such as “The OSCE and the African Regional Co-operation for Innovation and the Exchange of Good Practices” and “The Euro-Mediterranean Region and the Challenges Posed by Climate Change: Economic Development and Environmental Migration.” Session three will cover the topic “Combating Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.”

It is the first time that Morocco is hosting a meeting of the OSCE PA and the first time for the PA to hold a statutory meeting in an OSCE Partner for Co-operation.

Journalists interested in covering the Autumn Meeting should register by the end of this week. For more information, please click here. 

432002 Elisabeth Duban, independent expert and contributor to the ODIHR guide "Preventing and Addressing Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Places of Deprivation of Liberty", speaking at the launch event, as Graziella Pavone, ODIHR Human Rights Officer, listens. Warsaw, 23 September 2019. Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Understanding the root causes of, and dynamics involved in, sexual and gender-based violence in the context of detention in order to improve protection strategies was the focus of an event held on 23 September 2019 in Warsaw on the margins of the OSCE’s annual human rights conference, the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM).

The launch of Preventing and Addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Places of Deprivation of Liberty: Standards, Approaches and Examples from the OSCE region, organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), was attended by 60 representatives of OSCE participating States, civil society and organizations working on criminal justice issues. Experts from Just Detention International and Penal Reform International joined ODIHR specialists for the opening discussions.  

“People who have been deprived of their liberty are some of the least visible in the world, and their experiences extend far beyond the prison walls”, said Graziella Pavone, Human Rights, Gender and Security Officer at ODIHR. “Sexual violence in detention is taboo, but it is also a persistent problem in the OSCE region, reflecting both a general acceptance of violence as collateral damage of incarceration, and the failure to protect human rights in detention facilities. This publication aims to shed light on this form of violence and inspire action to end it.”

The publication will subsequently be used to provide policy advice and tailored training to prison authorities and policymakers across the OSCE.

431546 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 20 September 2019, 15 Tajik and ten Afghan border officials successfully completed a four-week training course on field operational capacities in Dushanbe. It was conducted in the framework of the project Patrol Field Capacity Building of the Tajik Border Troops through Promotion of Regional Co-operation.

The training covered topics on map reading, mountaineering, and provision of first aid in the field. The participants also enhanced their knowledge on planning and conducting border patrolling with the use of topographical maps, satellite imagery, developing patrol planning and management techniques and mountaineering. Five instructors from the Tajik Border Troops, having already completed the OSCE relevant training courses, conducted the sessions.

The course also featured sessions on gender mainstreaming and human rights provided by human dimension experts from the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, as well as demining awareness lessons delivered by experts from the Office’s Demining Unit.

The graduation ceremony was opened by the Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, Valeriu Chiveri, who congratulated the border officers on the successful completion of the course. He also thanked the international community and the Tajik border troops for the support and co-operation in border protection activities: “The OSCE will continue its support to the Tajik Border Troops through delivery of tactical trainings in the four Regional Training Centres across the country situated close to the border areas.”

Colonel Sharifov Zafar, Head of the International Department of the Tajik Border Troops, stressed that: “The OSCE training course on sustained field operational capacities with the aim of enhancing the capacities of Tajik and Afghan border staff in detection and interdiction of illegal cross-border movements provides an opportunity for officers of both countries to find mutual understanding in the protection of state borders.”

Colonel Muhammad Mustafo Nuristani, Military Attaché from Afghan Embassy in Dushanbe, said: “Afghan security and defense forces are on the front line against international terrorism. I believe that safe borders can play an important role in preventing or reducing the threats which are caused by terrorism.”

This is the seventh training course since the project started in 2018. The previous six training courses were conducted in regional border troops training centers in Khatlon, Sugd and GBAO regions. The overall number of trained border officials is 174: 164 Tajik and ten Afghan border officers.

432008 Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan SDGs SDGs:  12 - Responsible consumption and production 13 - Climate action

The OSCE-supported tenth annual Central Asian Leadership Programme (CALP) took place from 15 to 22 September 2019 in Almaty. Some 70 young environmental leaders, CALP alumni from the Central Asian countries and Afghanistan, representatives from the government and international organizations participated in the event.

The seven-day 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 European Union, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), USAID, the World Bank and the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).

The programme focused on promoting leadership as a tool for innovation and change for sustainable development as well as strengthening the role and voice of young professionals in regional co-operation.

The curricula covered topics on transboundary water co-operation, integrated water resources management, climate change challenges and its impact on the Central Asian region, integrated solid waste management, climatically resistant agricultural technologies and water diplomacy.

The event, in its tenth consecutive year, is part of the Office’s long-standing efforts to strengthen the network of young environmental leaders in the Central Asia region and beyond and to promote regional dialogue and co-operation in environmental security and sustainable development.

431957 Communication and Media Relations Section

The Regional Anti-corruption Platform (ACP) for Internal Control Departments of border and law enforcement agencies of the OSCE participating States of South-Eastern Europe, Ukraine, and Moldova was launched on 19 and 20 September 2019 in Vienna.

Organized and hosted by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, the two-day event focused on building the community of the Regional Anti-corruption Platform and developing the roadmap for the Platform’s future activities.     

The event brought together more than 40 participants of the newly appointed members of the Anti-Corruption Platform from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine. Representatives from the OSCE field operations in the region were present as well as regional and international organizations engaged in preventing and countering cross-border corruption.

Ermelinda Meksi, Deputy Co-ordinator/Head of Economic Activities, Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, opened the event stating: “The OSCE has been involved in supporting participating States in their efforts to strengthen the governance of the security sector. We believe that the establishment of an interactive regional platform on which anti-corruption cross-border practices are shared, will be a useful and practical tool to further strengthen the implementation of effective anti-corruption policies and measures at the national and regional level.”

Norwegian film director Magnus Skatvold presented a pre-screening of his award-winning documentary, Blue Code of Silence. The documentary explores the controversial legacy of the late police officer Robert Leuci, who was instrumental in exposing endemic corruption within the New York Police Department, and the criminal justice system in the 1970s.

This event is part of an extra-budgetary project made possible by the financial contribution of the Government of the United States of America.