OSCE

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From 15 to 21 November 2024, the OSCE actively participated in the 29th session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Breaking new ground: OSCE’s first official COP side event

On 18 November, the OSCE organized its inaugural COP official side event, titled “Advancing a Climate-Resilient, Green, and Just Energy Transition”. This event emphasized the urgent need for global action to address the energy-climate-security nexus and integrate climate resilience into energy policies, enabling countries to meet their climate and clean energy goals securely. The event featured high-level speakers from Kazakhstan, the United States, Germany, Ukraine, Tajikistan and renowned international partners such as Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st century (REN21), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Over 100 participants joined this milestone gathering.

Collaborative efforts: Co-organized side events

The OSCE also co-organized several side events to foster dialogue and action on key climate issues between 19 and 21 November:

• “Strengthening Climate Resilience through cross-border co-operation on landscape fire management and wildfire risk reduction”, held at the Azerbaijan Pavilion, featured speakers from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Sweden and Switzerland.
• “Financing Clean Energy Transitions” organized with Vienna Energy Club members, including SEforAll, IAEA, UNIDO and Austria’s Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, at the SDG7 Global South Pavilion.
• “Uniting for Climate Resilience, Sustainable Development and Security in Mountain Regions”, in partnership with the Special Representative of the President of Kyrgyzstan for the Development of Mountain Regions, highlighted perspectives from Central Asia at the Kyrgyzstan Pavilion.

Expanding impact: OSCE interventions and bilateral engagements

Beyond these events, the OSCE engaged in bilateral meetings and delivered interventions across various thematic areas:

• Energy security, environmental recovery, transboundary water co-operation at the Ukraine Pavilion.
• Climate security and regional co-operation at the Mediterranean and Nordic Pavilions.
• Just energy transition and transboundary water management at the Kazakhstan Pavilion.
• Regional co-operation at the Nordic Pavilion.
• Gender and youth inclusion in energy transition at the SDG7 Global South Pavilion.

Additionally, the OSCE participated in discussions during the Energy/Peace, Relief and Recovery Day on 15 November.

A growing role in global climate discussions

Accredited as a UNFCCC observer organization in 2023, the OSCE continues to champion the intersection of energy, climate change and security, aligning its work with global efforts to address climate-related security risks and promote a just energy transition.

VALLETTA, 25 November 2024 - Marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, OSCE Chair-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta Ian Borg called on participating States to increase efforts and resources to combat all forms of violence experienced by women and girls, including online violence.

While significant strides have been made towards gender equality, gender-based violence continues to affect millions of women and girls. This is particularly true for online violence which has been on the increase with the growth of the internet and social media. Reports on the prevalence of violence against women note that the forms and frequency of violence directed at women and girls online continue to increase.

“Online violence against women and girls is a violation of their fundamental rights,” Chair-in-Office Borg said. “Although often invisible, it leaves a very real and negative impact on women and girls, causing psychological harm, threatening safety, silences them and deepens the digital gender gap.”

He highlighted that ending violence against women and girls remains a top priority for the OSCE. He praised the work the Organization is doing through its Secretariat, field operations and institutions, to combat all forms of violence against women and girls.

“The OSCE is playing a leading role in helping to combat all forms of violence against women and better support survivors. I am grateful to all our dedicated staff for their strong stance against any form of violence against women and girls,” Chair-in-Office Borg said.

The OSCE Secretariat works to combat all forms of violence against women, including online violence.  These efforts include advancing data collection, and increasing capacity-building and raising awareness to help governments and civil society effectively respond to these challenges.

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) also remains at the forefront of efforts to address online violence against women. Its work underscores the broader threat posed by such violence to our democracies, as it discourages women from running for political office and endangers the safety of women human rights defenders. Addressing online violence has also become an integral part of its election observation activities.

Chair-in-Office Borg called for strengthened cooperation between governments, civil society, and the private sector to ensure digital spaces are safe, inclusive, and empowering for women and girls everywhere.

“We must do more. This is our shared responsibility. The time to act is now - to guarantee women and girls their fundamental right to safety,” Chair-in-Office Borg said.

The OSCE’s commitment to combatting violence against women and girls is deeply rooted in the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, as well as key Ministerial Council Decisions (MC.DEC 15/5, 7/14 and 4/18) aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women. MC Dec 4/18 specifically mentions violence committed through digital technologies, noting its silencing of women’s and girls’ voices in the public sphere. It calls for taking action to address violence, abuse, threats, and harassment, including through digital technologies. The OSCE also pledged to take concrete actions to protect women from online violence at the 2021 Paris Generation Equality Forum on Gender-Based Violence, Economic Justice and Rights and Technology and Innovation.

581371 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 22 November 2024, thirteen officers of the Tajik Border Troops, including eleven men and two women, completed a comprehensive three-week Training of Trainers (ToT) course, marking another significant step in the OSCE's commitment to enhancing border security education in Tajikistan.

The course took place at the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe and brought together instructors from the Tajik Border Troops Academy and the Tajik Higher Border Institute. The objective was to advance their teaching methodologies and curriculum development skills. Led by two international experts in adult learning pedagogy and military training exercise planning, the course introduced participants to contemporary educational approaches and technologies.

"Your role in shaping the next generation of border security professionals remains as crucial as ever, and now you have even more resources to accomplish this vital mission," said Tatiana Turcan, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, during the graduation ceremony. "The collaboration between instructors from the Border Troops Academy and the Higher Border Institute has been particularly valuable, creating new opportunities for institutional co-operation," concluded Turcan.

A distinctive feature of this training was its focus on innovative educational technologies. This included the application of artificial intelligence for curriculum development and the implementation of remote learning methodologies. Participants explored ways to integrate these modern approaches into their existing courses at both educational institutions.

This training is part of the broader Patrol Field Capacity Building project, currently in its second phase (PFCB2), which is generously supported by France, Germany, and the United States. The project aims to enhance instructional capabilities alongside tactical skills development and technical systems, creating a comprehensive approach to border security education.

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe continues to support Tajikistan's border security efforts through various capacity-building initiatives, contributing to the professionalization of border security forces and the overall stability of Tajikistan, Central Asia, and the wider OSCE Region.

16 Days of Activism 2024 16 Days of Activism against GBV 2024 OSCE Mission to Skopje Engagements

24 November:

OSCE flagship event: “Violence against young women and girls: sexual harassment, stalking and controlling behaviour”  

Time and location: 12:00- 14:30, Laboratorium, Skopje

This event aims to identify and address the practical challenges in preventing and prosecuting violence against young women and girls, focusing on the low rate of charges and prosecutions. Key topics include raising awareness about sexual harassment, stalking, and controlling behaviour as gendered forms of violence and understanding the long-term impact of these crimes on the well-being and development of young women and girls. A video created in collaboration with the Faculty of Dramatic Arts of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje will be screened, followed by a debate with stakeholders. A central component will be the signing of a Declaration of Intent, representing a public commitment to counter violence against young women and girls. The Declaration outlines ten action points with concrete measures the OSCE Mission will support in 2025. Participants invited to sign the Declaration include the President of North Macedonia, the Minister of Education, representatives from local schools, youth organizations, and NGOs working to end violence against women. The President of North Macedonia and the Minister of Education will address the event. Due to medical reasons, the Head of the OSCE Mission will not attend in person but will deliver a video message. The Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission will moderate the keynote session.

25 November:

UN-led kick-off event for 16 Days of Activism against GBV (OSCE-supported event)

Time and location: 19:30-22:30, Museum of City of Skopje:

This multi-platform launch, financially supported by the OSCE Mission, will promote unity in addressing violence against women and girls (VAWG). It features open discussion panels with representatives from UN partner organisations and bilateral donors, government ministries, youth activists, NGOs, and media. The event includes a short documentary screening on GBV and an art exhibition, “Embraced Scars” by Martina Spasovska. The Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission will participate in the panel discussion.

Parliamentary Committee on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men’s public hearing Session on the topic of violence against women and girls

Time and location: 10:00-12:00, Parliament, Skopje

At the Chairperson’s invitation, the Head of Mission will address the Committee via video message, while the Deputy Head of Mission will attend in person.

27 November:

Workshop to discuss an expert analysis supported by the OSCE Mission on “new forms of prevention of human trafficking focused on vulnerable groups, including women recommendations and key concerns.”

Time and location: 10:00-14:30, Hotel Arka, Skopje (closed event)

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by human trafficking due to their vulnerability to gender-based violence. Human traffickers often exploit gender-based inequalities. This workshop will explore strategies for preventing human trafficking, particularly among vulnerable groups, including women. The session will provide the National Antitrafficking Rapporteur with tools to monitor preventive actions and risks. Expert Marija Todorovska will facilitate this workshop.

28-29 November:

Training for Lawyers on Victims’ Rights in Human Trafficking Cases

Time and location: 10:00-16:00, Hotel Arka, Skopje (closed event)

The training aims to enhance lawyers’ capacities to represent victims of human trafficking, with a focus on women and girls trafficked for sexual exploitation and forced labour. The session will address distinctions between migrant smuggling and trafficking, emphasizing the risks faced by displaced women and girls. Facilitators include Maja Koneska (Public Prosecutor) and Olja Ristova (Judge).

3-4 December:

Capacity Building for Social Workers on Combating Human Trafficking and Protecting Victims’ Rights

Time and location: 10:00-16:00, Hotel Arka, Skopje (closed event)

As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen state responses to combating trafficking in human beings, the Mission is working closely with the National Commission for Anti Trafficking and the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth (MSPDY) on specifically targeted interventions in accordance with the Annual Plan for Implementing the National Strategy for Combating Trafficking. A key focus of these efforts is enhancing the capacity of social workers to effectively address and safeguard victims’ rights. This training initiative aims to equip social workers with essential knowledge and skills while facilitating a needs assessment for dedicated multidisciplinary mobile teams to identify vulnerable populations, including trafficking victims. By strengthening the skills and capacities of local social workers, communities will be better positioned to detect and prevent human trafficking at an early stage. The MSPDY, with the Mission’s support, will lead capacity-building sessions for social work professionals engaged in antitrafficking efforts. Given that women and girls are disproportionally affected by sex trafficking and other forms of exploitation, the training will include relevant case studies. The training will be conducted by Mr. Nazif Avdi and Ms. Irena Zdravkova, prominent experts in the area of countering THB.

10 December:

Workshop on Regional Best Practices for Women Police Network Associations (WPNAs)

Time and location: 9:30-17:30, Hotel Aleksandar Palace, Skopje (closed event)

This workshop will bring together 6 representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and 12 representatives of WPNAs from the OSCE Field Operations in South-Eastern Europe. Participants will share experiences and best practices in support of the MoIA’s efforts to establish a functional and sustainable WPNA tailored to the country’s institutional setting over a 2–3-year period, in line with the Mission’s new mid-term strategy 2025-2027.

11 December:

Presentation of methodology for establishing a Femicide Watch in North Macedonia

Time and location: 11:00-14:00, Hotel Aleksandar Palace, Skopje

This presentation seeks to offer civil society organizations (CSOs) addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and key state stakeholders - such as public prosecutors, judges, police, and social service centers - a detailed overview of the proposed femicide watch methodology. It also aims to gather valuable feedback from both CSOs and state representatives to enhance the methodology. The aim is to establish a sustainable system for tracking femicide data in North Macedonia, and to contribute to the creation of a sustainable tracking model across the region. The Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, the Executive Director of the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, and the Head of the OSCE Mission will address the event.

3rd meeting of the Bitola Task Force with police and Roma community representatives to discuss the issue of prostitution

Time and location: 12:00-15:00, Hotel Millenium Palace, Bitola (closed event)

Two high-profile cases of excessive police force against Roma individuals in Bitola in late 2020 led to tensions between the Roma community and law enforcement. While such tensions were not consistently visible and incidents remained relatively rare, communication between the two groups was limited primarily to sporadic confrontations. An initial fact-finding mission and situation analysis laid the groundwork for the Mission to host the first dialogue event in March 2024, which brought together Roma representatives and police officials and highlighted both the need and willingness to build mutual trust, as well as identifying a range of critical issues for discussion. Following a hiatus during the parliamentary and presidential elections in spring 2024 - along with associated changes in police management - the dialogue process resumed in October with a second event focused on improving access to identification documents. This meeting continues the dialogue and will address the issue of prostitution, focusing on its impact on Roma girls and women.

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On 21 November 2024, Ambassador Antti Karttunen, Head of Office of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan participated in the International scientific and practical conference titled "Global Challenges and Threats in Law Enforcement: Modern Strategies and Solutions" held at the Law Enforcement Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

In his opening remarks, the Head of Office of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan emphasized the vital importance of partnerships, innovative solutions, and a collective commitment to addressing the evolving challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. He also underlined that addressing contemporary security threats requires collaborative efforts and a unified approach.

Ambassador Antti Karttunen reaffirmed the ongoing cooperation with the Law Enforcement Academy, highlighting the comprehensive nature of its engagement across the three dimensions of the OSCE’s security approach:

- Politico-Military Dimension – Strengthening capacities to combat cybercrime and terrorism, areas of critical concern in today’s interconnected world.

- Economic and Environmental Dimension – Tackling corruption and money laundering to safeguard the integrity of public institutions and enhance public trust.

- Human Dimension – Promoting the rule of law, combating online child exploitation, and providing advanced legal training for prosecutors and investigators.

This collaboration underscores the shared understanding that global challenges - such as cybercrime, corruption, and human rights violations - can only be addressed through coordinated action and the development of innovative strategies.

Over the next two days, conference participants will engage in constructive discussions, sharing valuable insights and practical solutions. This event aims to strengthen regional and international networks, fostering collective efforts to build safer, more just societies for future generations.

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Between November 21 and 22 and between November 25 and 26, 2024, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz), in close collaboration with the Law Enforcement Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, is conducting training events on the topic of improving the efficiency of prosecutorial control over the investigation of human-trafficking related crimes.

The aim of the events, held at the Law Enforcement Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, is to strengthen the capacity of the country’s prosecutors to effectively oversee and improve the prosecutorial control of investigations into human-trafficking cases. Two experts from the United Kingdom—former Scotland Yard police officer Bernard Gravett and human rights barrister Isabella Kirwan—are leading the training, sharing their experiences in investigating and prosecuting such crimes.

“Traffickers exploit some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm and trauma,” Andrew Yurkovsky, PCUz Senior Project Officer, said in opening the event. “Their actions violate the most basic principles of human rights and threaten the rule of law and democratic values.”

The training covers key issues related to human trafficking, including definitions, forms of exploitation, modern recruitment methods and control mechanisms. A particular focus will be the links between human trafficking and organized crime, as well as the role of prosecutors in such investigations.

Fifty prosecutors from regional prosecutor’s offices will discuss best practices in victim protection and trauma-informed interviewing techniques. In addition, the training will address the identification of trafficking indicators, stereotypes, challenges in recognizing victims, and the preparation of material—including video evidence—for court proceedings.

581125 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

Representatives of more than 30 international election observation organizations from around the world, which have committed to upholding the highest methodological standards and ethical practices, concluded a three-day meeting today in Gdansk, Poland, hosted by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

“Coming towards the end of a year which has not only had a record-breaking number of elections but which has seen the emergence of critical threats to electoral processes, we have been able to reflect on the crucial role of observers in protecting and supporting the democratic process,” said Meaghan Fitzgerald, head of ODIHR’s Elections Department. “Gathering in the city of Gdansk, which had such a historic role in bringing about democratic change to Poland, was both inspiring and a reminder to all of us that democracy can’t be taken for granted.”

Former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Lech Wałęsa opened the event, which took place in the BHP Hall of the former Gdansk shipyard – the very same room from which he once led the transformational Solidarity trade union movement. He reminded participants of the dangers of populism and that the path to democracy is not a one-way street.

The 85 participants represent organizations that have signed the Declaration of Principles (DoP) for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct, which set out the principles and conditions for credible election observation. They meet annually to discuss its implementation and emerging issues. Topics for discussion this year included new challenges faced by election management bodies, how observers can better communicate their findings, ensure observers’ safety in a climate of increasing polarization, include persons with disabilities in observation missions, and the impact of AI on observation.

Next year, the UN will host the annual DoP meeting in New York. “2025 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Declaration of Principles”, said Simon-Pierre Nanitelamio, Deputy Director of the United Nations Electoral Assistance Division (UNEAD).“ This will provide not only an opportunity to reflect on the challenges ahead, but also to take stock of the achievements of this unique community of practice that has emerged over the past two decades.”

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From 18 to 21 November 2024, the OSCE Presence in Albania organized a series of joint training sessions aimed at strengthening the capacity of prosecutors, police officers and environmental inspectors in tackling environmental crimes. The training, attended by 52 participants from Shkodra, Lezha, Kukës, Berat, Korça and Elbasan, focused on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting environmental offenses.

The training sessions built upon two key preparatory assessments: a Baseline Assessment on the inspection and investigation of environmental contraventions, and a Training Needs Assessment. These sessions incorporated case studies, simulations, and group exercises, all designed to enhance multi-agency co-operation in addressing environmental issues.

Led by two international experts and one national trainer, the participants gained practical insights into handling environmental challenges through effective investigation techniques and regional best practices. The training included real-world case studies, offering a closer look at both resolved and ongoing environmental issues to improve governance and operational effectiveness.

Throughout the sessions, participants highlighted the need for stronger inter-institutional co-operation and improvements to Albania’s Criminal Code regarding environmental crimes. Elvana Cicolli, an administrative judge, emphasized that close co-operation between prosecutors, police, and specialized agencies is essential for successfully addressing complex environmental cases.

All participants stressed that they often face challenges in identifying administrative cases versus criminal cases, which often make the implementation difficult in the conviction of the cases.

“These training sessions serve as an important platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among all stakeholders involved in combating environmental crimes in Albania,” said Elton Qendro, National Programme Officer and Project Manager at the OSCE Presence in Albania.

The OSCE Presence has been actively promoting inter-institutional co-operation to address environmental contraventions and crimes through efforts that bring together environmental inspectors, law enforcement, and prosecution offices. The goal is to foster a culture of collaboration, enhance joint expertise, and improve proactive engagement in preventing and prosecuting environmental crimes.

This training initiative is part of the “Enhancing environmental governance and security in Albania” project, which is implemented by the OSCE Presence and funded by Norway, France and Italy.

VIENNA, 22 November 2024 – The Maltese Chairpersonship of the OSCE, in collaboration with the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) and the 3CL Foundation, organised the Conference on Media Freedom in the OSCE region on 22 November 2024. The event addressed the multiple challenges facing free and independent media in the current digital landscape and their implications for democracy and security.

The assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017 underscored the grave risks journalists face and the persistent attempts to silence them. For Malta, this tragedy brought home the urgent need to confront these threats and strengthen safeguards for media freedom. Honouring Daphne’s memory and recognizing the lessons learned from this loss, Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship has made the safety of journalists a central priority, ensuring this continues to be addressed by the OSCE.

“Our experience has taught us that active, open, and honest collaboration with international stakeholders is essential for fostering meaningful change,” said Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary of Malta’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The expertise and guidance of the Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media have been invaluable in aligning our ongoing reforms with international standards,” he added.

Ambassador Natasha Meli Daudey, Malta’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE and Chair of the Permanent Council, highlighted the growing global challenges to independent journalism in her opening remarks. “Globally, the space for free and independent journalism and access to public interest information is shrinking, with wars and armed conflict further exacerbating these challenges as we have seen in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine”.

The Conference emphasized the need to create a media and information space that fosters public debate and informed decision-making, where journalists can work free from attacks, harassment, and online hate. It also highlighted the importance of regulating online platforms effectively, while upholding the rule of law and judicial independence. Recognizing that a vibrant democracy relies on critical thinking and an informed citizenry, young people were invited to share their perspectives on shaping a healthier online information space.

Building on the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on safety of journalists, the first session examined the risks faced by journalists both online and offline. Discussions underlined strengthening safety measures, with particular attention to women journalists and those reporting in war-zones, while addressing impunity for crimes committed against media professionals and strategies for creating a safer environment for the media.

The second session focused on fostering a healthy online information environment. It explored initiatives to counter disinformation, empower informed citizens, and improve access to public interest information. Reflecting the Maltese OSCE Chairpersonship’s commitment to engaging youth, the third session brought together young participants, students and practitioners, to discuss the future of media. Insights from a half-day workshop held the previous day, highlighted innovative strategies to build resilience in the face of evolving digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and generative AI.   

Building on the outcomes of relevant meetings held throughout the year, including the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference and the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting, the Conference served as a call to action to protect journalists, ensure an enabling environment for the media and promote a healthier online information space – core priorities of the Maltese OSCE Chairpersonship.

For the full programme and more information about the Conference, please click here. 

For more information on the OSCE Commitments on Freedom of the Media, Freedom of Expression, Free Flow of Information, click here.

581107 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

Over 100 criminal justice experts and representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well as from international organizations met in Astana from 20 to 21 November 2024 for the Ninth Expert Forum on Criminal Justice for Central Asia, organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan.

“All OSCE states have committed to building effective criminal justice systems based on the rule of law,” said ODIHR Director’s Alternate and First Deputy Director Tea Jaliashvili. “Through fair and effective criminal justice systems, countries improve human rights protection and increase security both at home and across the entire region.”

Organized in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Legal Policy and Research Center (LPRC), and Dignity Kazakhstan, and supported by the OSCE Programme Offices in Astana, Bishkek and Dushanbe, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat and the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, the event enabled an in-depth assessment of new developments in the criminal justice system.

Participants focused on recent trends and ongoing reforms, changes to criminal procedure in Central Asia, and their impact specifically on the right to a fair trial and on criminal justice systems overall. Topics along the entire criminal justice chain were discussed, from arrest, through investigation and interrogation and the digitalization process in the area of criminal justice, to court proceedings and alternatives to imprisonment. 

While there have been a number of positive developments in the field of criminal justice in Central Asia in recent years, restrictions on fundamental rights have undermined reform efforts. The lack of guarantees to ensure the independence of judiciary and fair trial right remains among the main challenges to the effective functioning of criminal justice systems in the region.

The Forum has been organized by ODIHR since 2008, and takes place every two years. The last forum took place in Tashkent in 2021.

581386 Communication and Media Relations Section

Forensic document experts from the Main Forensic Centre of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine exchanged best practices and enhanced co-operation on passport security and forensic document examination during a study visit to Dublin, Ireland, from 18 to 22 November. The study visit for five forensic experts, including three women and two men, was organized by the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department, in close co-operation with the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the OSCE and the An Garda Síochána. The visit focused on passport security, including passport design considerations to mitigate forgery risks, digitalization of travel documents, and exchanging good practices and trends in forensic document examinations for criminal proceedings.

The five-day visit started with the delegation’s participation in the two-day International Passport Expert Group Meeting, organized by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, from 18 to 19 November. The International Passport Expert Group Meeting is an annual meeting intended to share good practices, discuss threats and opportunities, and to enhance close co-operation with peer organizations for long-term mutual benefit. During the two-day meeting, attendees exchanged up-to-date practices, heard presentations on passport design and ways to co-operate with external companies to design secure documents, digitalization of consular services, and updates on trends in travel document security from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).

Upon conclusion of the Passport Group Meeting, the delegation visited Dublin Airport and had the opportunity to meet with the Department of Justice’s Border Management Unit/Immigration Service Delivery Unit. The group exchanged valuable insights on detecting forged documents at international airports and improving workflow processes between first-line document inspectors and forensic document examiners.

Additionally, the Ukrainian representatives visited the Passport Office in Balbriggan to build on the good practices discussed at the Passport Expert Group Meeting. During this visit, they gained insights into the unit’s work in document verification and facial recognition.

The visit concluded with an introductory meeting at the Department of Foreign Affairs to discuss possible opportunities to enhance co-operation on passport reform and travel document security.

The study visit was part of ongoing efforts to provide capacity-building support and key leader engagement opportunities for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine as part of an ongoing project supporting the OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation in reducing the illegal crossing of borders by using a fake or stolen identity. This project is generously funded by the United States.

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Twelve officials from the National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine  attended a basic training on investigations involving crypto-assets from 20 to 22 November. The three-day online training session provided an opportunity for participants to improve their knowledge about crypto-asset investigations. Organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), the training introduced participants to essential concepts of blockchain technology alongside practical tools and strategies for investigating criminal activities involving crypto-assets.

The training session covered key topics such as the basics of blockchain technology, the taxonomy of crypto-assets, and the specific methods used for investigating blockchain transactions. Participants learned how to use both commercial and publicly available blockchain analytics tools to follow the flow of crypto-assets, tracing potentially illicit activity. The sessions also included interactive tracing exercises with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), which allowed attendees to practice identifying transaction patterns and suspicious activities on the blockchain in real time.

The training session is part of the OSCE's broader efforts to support participating States in mitigating the risks associated with virtual assets, particularly regarding money laundering and other financial crimes. Practical exercises and real-world case studies were a major focus of the event, providing participants with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

“Criminal activity on blockchain networks is on the rise. While cash remains the most common tool for illicit transactions, cryptocurrency offers a unique advantage: the ability to facilitate borderless, instantaneous transfers globally,” said Maksym Mishalov Dragunov, Assistant Project Officer at OCEEA and one of the trainers of the session. “This underscores the urgent need to raise awareness and enhance the capacity of OSCE participating States to investigate and trace these unlawful activities.”

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

Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

The 3rd In-Person International Training Board Meeting concluded successfully in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in partnership with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, the meeting aimed to enhance co-operation and knowledge-sharing between Central Asia and international partners within the framework of the Integrated Co-operation on Explosive Hazards project.

Key stakeholders from Central Asia, the donor community, international organizations, and expert institutions gathered to review past progress, set future priorities, and strengthen regional co-operation in addressing explosive hazards. Hosted by the Government of Turkmenistan, the meeting took place from 19 to 21 November 2024.

Building on the momentum of previous meetings, participants engaged in in-depth discussions to identify lessons learned, assess emerging threats, prioritize training needs, explore innovative training methods, and strengthen regional collaboration.

A key focus was the importance of international and regional co-operation. The OSCE-supported Regional Explosive Hazards Training Centre was highlighted as a critical platform for training and capacity building, and plans were discussed to further enhance its capabilities.

By strengthening regional co-operation and sharing best practices, the meeting contributed to a safer and more secure Central Asia. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the challenges posed by explosive hazards and building a more resilient region.

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From 19 to 21 November 2024, the OSCE Presence in Albania, in co-operation with the General Directorate of Prisons, organized a training-of-trainers seminar for 35 senior prison staff. The focus was on the Nelson Mandela Rules, the revised UN standards for the treatment of prisoners, which aim to protect the rights of people in detention, including protection from torture and ill-treatment.

The Nelson Mandela Rules are regarded as a crucial international framework for prison management, named in honour of Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison fighting for human rights. The training, based on a new manual developed by the OSCE/ODIHR and Penal Reform International, provided participants with the knowledge and practical tools needed to implement these rules in their day-to-day work.

“In line with OSCE commitments, all persons deprived of liberty must be treated with respect for their human dignity, according to international standards. Treatment of offenders by the judicial authorities is a decisive test for any society,” said Head of OSCE Presence, Ambassador Michel Tarran, opening the event. 

“The real purpose of prisons is not to punish, but to rehabilitate and reintegrate individuals into society, giving them a second chance to live with dignity and responsibility. I thank the OSCE Ambassador and all the staff for their commitment and support in this project. Your contribution is a clear example of commitment to improving life and building a fairer and more integrated society,” Klevis Qose, General Director of Prisons, said.

The training covered a range of topics, from understanding the core principles of the Nelson Mandela Rules to practical exercises aimed at improving skills like communication, empathy, and tolerance in the prison environment. The training also emphasized how a human rights approach to prison management can benefit not only prisoners but also staff, the institution, and society at large.

This training is part of the OSCE Presence’s continuous support for prison reform in Albania and its active involvement in promoting the rights of people in detention. It builds capacity for the Training Centre of prisons and ensures that the knowledge gained will be passed on to other staff.

The Presence’s contribution to the penitentiary system over the years include: support to establishment of the Probation Service; legislative and policy support; work on preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism; support to the Special Regime in high security prisons; and the establishment of a Master’s Programme in Criminology at Tirana University.

581074 Communication and Media Relations Section

From 12 to 15 November, the second module of the OSCE training course on “Combatting Illicit Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), Ammunition and Explosives for Border and Customs Services” took place at the Advanced Training Faculty under the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

The training provided 18 customs officials from the operational branches and headquarters and the border checkpoints of the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan with an in-depth understanding of their roles in identifying sources and proliferation of illicit SALW as well as in combating illicit trafficking of SALW, ammunition and explosives in the field. The officers also gained insights into international legal frameworks, national regulations and effective post-seizure procedures, and enhanced their risk management expertise.

“The accumulation and uncontrolled spread of SALW, ammunition and explosives in the neighboring country presents an increased risk of their illicit trafficking to Central Asia. This training contributes to Uzbekistan’s efforts to prevent illicit cross-border movement of goods including SALW, ammunition and explosives,” said Mirazam Khamraev, Director of the Customs Training Institute under the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan.

“Border guards and customs officers are the first ones to screen persons and goods entering a country. This training course was designed to familiarize the participants with the risks related to arms transfers from Afghanistan through practical exercises. It also aimed to improve their knowledge in the identification and documentation of SALW and conventional ammunition and their markings in illicit trafficking,” shared Albina Yakubova, Project Officer of Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department (TNTD).

“I hope this training achieved its long-term objectives aimed at increasing the capacities of the first and second line customs officers to prevent and respond to transnational threats related to the trafficking of SALW, ammunition and explosives and strengthening the co-operation in this area”, concluded Antti Karttunen, Head of OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

The course was organized by TNTD and the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre in collaboration with experts from the Small Arms Survey, INTERPOL and the German Bundeswehr Verification Centre. It was conducted as part of the extrabudgetary project “Strengthening the Resilience of Uzbekistan to Address Cross-border Challenges Emanating from Afghanistan”, funded by Sweden, the Federal Republic of Germany and the United States of America.

581032 For Media inquires

On 4 October 2024, in a significant step toward reforming the judicial system, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana (Office) and the Court Administration of Kazakhstan convened a roundtable discussion on the draft Strategy for the development of court administration for 2025-2029. This landmark event, following the 9th Congress of Judges, marked the culmination of months of progressively collaborative work aimed at enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and public trust in Kazakhstan’s judicial system, in line with host country reform priorities.

The roundtable brought together state institutions, judges, lawyers, civil society representatives, and key international and national experts to review the draft strategy, which was presented by Nail Akhmetzakirov, Head of Court Administration. Participants provided essential feedback on incorporating international best practices, with particular emphasis on ensuring judicial independence and upholding the rule of law. The finalised version will aim at modernizing court administration and fostering public confidence in the judicial system.

The draft strategy has been informed by a series of consultations and activities. The support of the Court Administration baseline analysis in 2022 laid the groundwork for subsequent discussions, including an international roundtable titled “Court Administration for Independent Justice” held in June 2023. This event gathered 100 participants from Argentina, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Great Britain, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Uzbekistan to share experiences and good practices on judicial efficiency, new technologies, access to justice, and modernizing court administration. The conclusions and recommendations from this roundtable were distilled into a compendium of recommendations, serving as a foundation for Kazakhstan’s Court Administration draft strategy.

Building on this progress, further sessions in 2024, led by a group of international and national OSCE – supported consultants, focused on strategic planning, human resources policy, and key performance indicator (KPI) alignment. These efforts supported the relevant working group of Kazakhstan’s Court Administration in finalising the draft strategy. This series of initiatives signals a transformative period for Kazakhstan’s judiciary, setting the stage for an increasingly transparent, efficient, and citizen-centred justice system.

All mentioned activities were organized under the extrabudgetary project of the Office “Improving the effectiveness of the justice system in Kazakhstan” with the support of the governments of the United States of America, Poland, and Norway.

OSCE Centre in Ashgabat

On November 19, 2024, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, in partnership with the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre/Forum for Security Co-operation Support Unit (CPC/FSC SU), facilitated a roundtable discussion with representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of National Security, the State Customs Service, and the State Frontier Service. This meeting aimed to enhance the understanding of Turkmenistan's national authorities regarding the comprehensive agenda of the FSC, as well as to introduce the available online E-Learning tools designed to support a deeper understanding of the FSC area of work.

The discussion primarily centered on the OSCE's assistance mechanism for Small Arms and Light Weapons and Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition (SALW/SCA), as well as the ongoing projects in the Central Asia region. Nora Vanaga, the CPC/FSC SU Project Support Officer, provided valuable insights during her briefing, highlighting the growing momentum since 2021, where participating states in the region have shown increasing commitment to collaborating on SALW/SCA matters.

A notable area of cooperation involves capacity building for conventional ammunition propellant chemical testing, which Austria is contributing as an in-kind support for the Central Asia region. Mr. Werner Kernmaier, the Head of International Weapon and Ammunition Logistics at the Austrian Armed Forces Logistics School, offered his expertise and practical approaches to assist country in this field. This presentation captured the interest of the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan, reflecting a willingness to explore collaboration in this important area.

In closing, Mr. William Leaf, the Conflict Prevention and Confidence and Security Building Political Officer at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, expressed appreciation for the active participation of Turkmen authorities and the rich discussions that took place during the event. He conveyed optimism that these dialogues would pave the way for meaningful and practical initiatives in the near future.

580939 Communication and Media Relations Section

From 12 to 14 November, prosecutors and investigators of the Asset Recovery Committee of Kazakhstan (ARC) participated in an event on open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques and tools to counter illicit financial activity associated to corruption and organized crime. Participants learned, among others, how publicly available data can be leveraged to trace the ownership and location of assets and how this evidence can be used in subsequent criminal proceedings. 

This event was designed to help strengthen the skills of staff from the Asset Recovery Committee, a relatively new agency, in using investigative tools and techniques. The event was also an opportunity for the ARC to share its expertise with the OSCE and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as well as to strengthen asset recovery efforts in the OSCE region.

In their welcoming remarks, the Rector of the Law Enforcement Academy of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Kazakhstan and the Deputy Chairman of the ARC emphasized the significance of such exchanges in strengthening Kazakhstan’s asset recovery efforts and fostering regional co-operation.

The activity, which took place at the Law Enforcement Academy of the Prosecutor General’s Office, was implemented with support from the OSCE’s regional project “Strengthening Asset Recovery Efforts in the OSCE region”, implemented by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and the Transnational Threats Department. This project is funded by Austria, Germany, Italy and the United States of America. It drew from related experiences in the Western Balkans, and was conducted in partnership with the UNODC.

580933 Communication and Media Relations Section

From 18 to 20 November 2024, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department (TNTD), in collaboration with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, delivered a three-day national table-top exercise in Sarajevo, which focused on preventing and countering the use of the internet for terrorist purposes.

Over 50 participants from various governmental agencies, civil society, media outlets and international organizations took part in the exercise, which fostered interactive, scenario-based exchanges, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of online terrorism threats while exploring practical, human rights-centered solutions.

The scenarios were designed  to explore concrete recommendations to combat online activities of violent extremist and terrorist groups that align with Bosnia and Herzegovina's national security objectives.

“Violent extremists and terrorist groups increasingly exploit communication technologies to mobilize resources, recruit, radicalize and incite attacks through the internet and social media. The potential use of information and communication technologies for terrorist attacks targeting critical infrastructure must not be underestimated," emphasized Ivana Veselčič, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina in her welcoming remarks.

The exercise was facilitated by both local and international experts, including representatives from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, and Europol.

“We gather at a pivotal moment. Over the last years, we have been witnessing how digital technologies are being misused and exploited to spread violent extremist ideologies, recruit vulnerable individuals and co-ordinate harmful activities across borders”, Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina said.

Participants learned from global good practices for combating the challenges posed by terrorists' misuse of the internet, with attention to respect for the right to privacy and freedoms related to expression, association, peaceful assembly, religion or belief, as well as gender sensitivity.

Minister-Counsellor Jarosław Mikuś from the Embassy of Poland in Bosnia and Herzegovina emphasized: “A whole-of-society approach is vital to counter terrorist exploitation of the internet, involving governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals in strategies that uphold human rights and freedoms”.

“It is crucial to combat online violent extremism without infringing on human rights and fundamental freedoms. Balancing security and liberty is essential to uphold our values while effectively addressing terrorism,” emphasized Colonel Heiko Hutter, Military Adviser from the Permanent Mission of Germany to the OSCE in his welcoming remarks.

The event was conducted as part of the TNTD’s extra-budgetary project “Series of National Table-Top Exercises in South-Eastern Europe on Preventing and Countering the Use of the Internet for Terrorist Purposes”, with financial contributions from Germany and Poland.

580927 Communication and Media Relations Section

Border officers from Albania State Police participated in a study visit to Milan, Italy from 13 to 15 November 2024. The study visit was organized by the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department, in close co-operation with the Permanent Mission of Italy to the OSCE and Polizia di Frontiera – Aeroporto Malpensa, for three officers, including one woman and two men. The visit focused on document checks and border control operations at airports, including how first and second-line document officers can effectively cooperate to stop criminals attempting to travel on forged documents.

In 2023, Tirana International Airport serviced a record 7,257,634 passengers – a 40% increase from 2022. Meanwhile, across the Adriatic Sea, Milan Malpensa Airport experienced a 22.15% increase in passengers from 2022, with 26,076,589 passengers flying in and out of the airport in 2023. As Tirana’s airport traffic continues to increase, the study visit provided an opportunity for the Albania delegation to learn from their Italian counterparts on managing increased passenger flows in their airports.

During the visit, the Albanian officers were provided with an overview of first-line passport checks and organization of operations at the airport, and an overview of second-line activities, including reporting and chain of evidence considerations for forged document criminal cases, technical equipment used, and Polizia di Frontiera’s current international co-operation initiatives with international organizations including the OSCE and Frontex. The officers were also briefed on the processes and procedures of work for the Polizia di Frontiera – Aeroporto Malpensa Forgery Desk and Border Operations.

On the second day of the visit, the participants learned more about managing irregular migration and deploying risk analysis strategies for flights arriving from countries of high risk or high irregular migration. Participants were then guided through flight checks at the gate as well as second line checks.

The visit concluded with an instructional component on drafting alerts when border police detect a forged document and need to share the information with external partners and strategies on training methodologies and developing training schedules for Albania State Police to incorporate these good practices learned on the study visit.

This study visit concludes the training cycle with the Albania State Police. The participants on this study visit had previously completed the OSCE Training of Trainers course in June 2024.

These study and training activities are part of an ongoing project supporting OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation in reducing the illegal crossing of borders by using a fake or stolen identity. This project is generously funded by the United States.