osce--2020-08-18--Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on info

Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 18 August 2020

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy , Russian Federation .
The Observer Mission ( OM ) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points ( BCPs ) .
The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The OM is currently operating with 19 permanent international staff members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) .
Four selected observers are waiting for their deployment , postponed according to the host country ` s recommendation .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities .
The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review , in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship .
Following the host country recommendations , the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between shifts at the border checkpoints and are adhering to social distancing .
Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities , the OM is faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities .
After the reopening of the host country ` s airspace on 1 August , the OM has started with planned leaves in a careful manner .
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows : • Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage .
• Families ( often including elderly persons and/or children ) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9,937 to 10,888 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 1 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation , with an average net flow of 396 per day for both BCPs .
The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP .
Responding to the COVID-19 situation , the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March .
Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine .
In addition , reportedly , due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19 , starting from 10 April , the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June .
During the reporting period , the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was two , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persons crossed into the Russian Federation while two of the observed crossed into Ukraine .
These individuals crossed the border on foot .
The OTs continued to report on families , sometimes with elderly persons and/or children , crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage , or travelling in heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , four families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another six families were observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when four families were observed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another four families crossed into Ukraine .
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs ( 360 compared to 363 observed during the previous week ) .
There were 194 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 166 bound for Ukraine .
Among the bus connections observed by the OTs , the following “ irregular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` Luhansk-Simferopol were noted .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a significant increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 1,033 compared to 865 during the previous reporting week ) ; 509 at the Gukovo BCP and 524 at the Donetsk BCP , 566 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 467 crossed into Ukraine .
Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , on a daily basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Russian Federation , Lithuania , Belarus , Ukraine , and trucks with “ LPR ” plates .
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions .
During the reporting week , the number of tanker trucks did not change , and it remained 61 similar to the previous week .
These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs .
The trucks had the words “ Propane ” and “ Flammable ” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian .
The majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane .
All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials , which could include an X-ray check .
Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP , the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks .
During the reporting period , the X-ray vehicle at the Donetsk BCP was not operating due to the ongoing ground construction activities and no X-ray checks were observed .
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both directions at both BCPs .
The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation .
Compared to the previous week , the number of cargo minivans decreased from 163 to 142 vehicles , 64 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 78 into Ukraine .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the OTs assessed that 12 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 13 trains were travelling to Ukraine ( more details are provided in the sections “ trends and figures at a glance ” below ) .
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directions on a daily basis .
The OTs also observed cars with licence plates registered in Poland and Georgia .
During the reporting week , the OTs at both BCPs noticed helicopters flying along the border on two separate occasions : On 12 August at 10:10 , the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a helicopter type Mi8 flying from the south-east in a north-easterly direction .
The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT .
The OT was unable to notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The same day at 10:27 , the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a helicopter type Mi8/Mi17 flying from the north-east in a north-westerly direction at an altitude of approximately 200m .
The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT .
During the reporting week , the OTs observed ambulances on four separate occasions : On 12 August at 22:20 , the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates with two individuals on board entering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the main building .
The vehicle had the inscription `` Urgent Medical Help '' ( in Russian ) on the side .
At 22:43 , the ambulance drove back to the Russian Federation .
On 13 August at 08:27 , the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with `` LPR '' plates and two individuals on board entering the BCP from Ukraine .
After undergoing border control procedures , the vehicle crossed into the Russian Federation at 08:49 .
The same day at 13:50 , the OT at the Donetsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” plates and two individuals on board entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking at the customs control area .
The vehicle underwent border control procedures and left for Ukraine at 13:55 .
On 15 August at 14:18 , the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed an ambulance with a driver on board entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building .
The vehicle drove back towards the Russian Federation at 14:28 .
The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a group of 16 brand-new type vehicles with no licence plates , accompanied by a car with `` LPR '' plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking at the customs control area .
Out of 16 vehicles , there were eight passenger minivans painted in yellow with the sign `` Children '' ( in Russian ) displayed on the sides , six white cargo minivans ( all minivans were type `` Ford '' ) and one public utility vehicle type `` Kamaz '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vehicles left for Ukraine at 17:45 .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 14 July to 18 August 2020 , please see the attachment here .
[ 1 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 2 ] Cargo minivans : light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t ; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to driving licence C1 ) .

SUMMARY
Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 19 permanent international staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). Four selected observers are waiting for their deployment, postponed according to the host country`s recommendation. The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.
Update on COVID-19 measures
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between shifts at the border checkpoints and are adhering to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities. After the reopening of the host country`s airspace on 1 August, the OM has started with planned leaves in a careful manner.
OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS
Persons crossing the border
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:
Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage. Persons in military-style outfits. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.
The average number of entries/exits increased from 9,937 to 10,888 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 396 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.
Responding to the COVID-19 situation, the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March. Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border (which entered into force on 19 March), are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June.
Persons in military-style outfits
During the reporting period, the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was two, compared to two last week. No persons crossed into the Russian Federation while two of the observed crossed into Ukraine. These individuals crossed the border on foot.
Families with a significant amount of luggage
The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, four families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another six families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when four families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while another four families crossed into Ukraine.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (360 compared to 363 observed during the previous week). There were 194 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 166 bound for Ukraine.
Among the bus connections observed by the OTs, the following “irregular” routes or destinations: "Luhansk-Sevastopol" and "Luhansk-Simferopol were noted.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed a significant increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (1,033 compared to 865 during the previous reporting week); 509 at the Gukovo BCP and 524 at the Donetsk BCP, 566 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 467 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, and trucks with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks did not change, and it remained 61 similar to the previous week. These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane. All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.
During the reporting period, the X-ray vehicle at the Donetsk BCP was not operating due to the ongoing ground construction activities and no X-ray checks were observed.
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans decreased from 163 to 142 vehicles, 64 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 78 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 25 occasions; the OTs assessed that 12 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 13 trains were travelling to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.
Other observations
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis. The OTs also observed cars with licence plates registered in Poland and Georgia.
During the reporting week, the OTs at both BCPs noticed helicopters flying along the border on two separate occasions:
On 12 August at 10:10, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a helicopter type Mi8 flying from the south-east in a north-easterly direction. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT. The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position.
The same day at 10:27, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a helicopter type Mi8/Mi17 flying from the north-east in a north-westerly direction at an altitude of approximately 200m. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT.
During the reporting week, the OTs observed ambulances on four separate occasions:
On 12 August at 22:20, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates with two individuals on board entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building. The vehicle had the inscription "Urgent Medical Help" (in Russian) on the side. At 22:43, the ambulance drove back to the Russian Federation.
On 13 August at 08:27, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with "LPR" plates and two individuals on board entering the BCP from Ukraine. After undergoing border control procedures, the vehicle crossed into the Russian Federation at 08:49.
The same day at 13:50, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with “LPR” plates and two individuals on board entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking at the customs control area. The vehicle underwent border control procedures and left for Ukraine at 13:55.
On 15 August at 14:18, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed an ambulance with a driver on board entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building. The vehicle drove back towards the Russian Federation at 14:28. The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position.
On 14 August at 13:05, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a group of 16 brand-new type vehicles with no licence plates, accompanied by a car with "LPR" plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking at the customs control area. Out of 16 vehicles, there were eight passenger minivans painted in yellow with the sign "Children" (in Russian) displayed on the sides, six white cargo minivans (all minivans were type "Ford") and one public utility vehicle type "Kamaz". After undergoing customs control procedures, all the vehicles left for Ukraine at 17:45.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 14 July to 18 August 2020, please see the attachment here.
[1]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[2] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).


osce--2020-08-18--OSCE Mission to Skopje announces 11 winners of small grants to support civil society and citizens du

OSCE Mission to Skopje announces 11 winners of small grants to support civil society and citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic

SKOPJE , 18 August 2020- The OSCE Mission to Skopje announced today the list of the civil society organizations that received small grants under the Mission ’ s COVID Fund initiative , designed to support local organizations in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable and underserved communities during the COVID-19 crisis .
The organizations that received funding are : • The National Network to End Violence against Women and Domestic Violence will provide support and legal advice to survivors of domestic violence .
• The Association for Research , Analysis and Development Zelena Lupa will provide prisoners with health-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Council for Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency ( SPPMD ) will develop a publication for primary school teachers on the safety of children in the digital world .
• The Lastovica Association will develop an eLearning Center for children and young adults with disabilities .
• The Association of Special Educators and Rehabilitators ( ASER ) will develop an E-Platform to support children with disabilities and their families during the pandemic .
• The Association for Research , Communications and Development PUBLIC will produce an online version of their street magazine “ Face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Democratic Initiatives will engage mediators trained by three health experts to help people in smaller and rural communities , as well as with people with disabilities , to address their health needs .
• The Sumnal Association for Development of the Roma Community will provide the Roma community with information about how to access basic educational and health services and continue educating pupils through its Early Childhood Development Centres .
• The Healthy Options Project Skopje will work to improve the mental health and quality of life of children and young people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery of humanitarian packages .
• The Youth Alliance Krushevo will develop a digital space for sharing information , connecting and educating youth so they can cope with the social and economic challenges during the pandemic .
• The Association for Media Literacy Planet-M will organize its annual youth film festival via a digital platform suitable for real time streaming of films and other videos of informal educational content .
The Mission will provide a total of EUR 153,346 to fund these projects .
“ I congratulate the winners and thank all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeffrey Goldstein , Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje .
“ We received over 100 impressively high-quality applications , which demonstrates the strength of the country 's civil society .
It was an extremely challenging and rigorous selection process .
”

SKOPJE, 18 August 2020- The OSCE Mission to Skopje announced today the list of the civil society organizations that received small grants under the Mission’s COVID Fund initiative, designed to support local organizations in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable and underserved communities during the COVID-19 crisis.
The organizations that received funding are:
The National Network to End Violence against Women and Domestic Violence will provide support and legal advice to survivors of domestic violence.
The Association for Research, Analysis and Development Zelena Lupa will provide prisoners with health-related information and personal protective equipment.
The Council for Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (SPPMD) will develop a publication for primary school teachers on the safety of children in the digital world.
The Lastovica Association will develop an eLearning Center for children and young adults with disabilities.
The Association of Special Educators and Rehabilitators (ASER) will develop an E-Platform to support children with disabilities and their families during the pandemic.
The Association for Research, Communications and Development PUBLIC will produce an online version of their street magazine “Face to face”.
The Association for Democratic Initiatives will engage mediators trained by three health experts to help people in smaller and rural communities, as well as with people with disabilities, to address their health needs.
The Sumnal Association for Development of the Roma Community will provide the Roma community with information about how to access basic educational and health services and continue educating pupils through its Early Childhood Development Centres.
The Healthy Options Project Skopje will work to improve the mental health and quality of life of children and young people who use drugs, through counselling and delivery of humanitarian packages.
The Youth Alliance Krushevo will develop a digital space for sharing information, connecting and educating youth so they can cope with the social and economic challenges during the pandemic.
The Association for Media Literacy Planet-M will organize its annual youth film festival via a digital platform suitable for real time streaming of films and other videos of informal educational content.
The Mission will provide a total of EUR 153,346 to fund these projects.
“I congratulate the winners and thank all of the organizations that applied,” said Jeffrey Goldstein, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje. “We received over 100 impressively high-quality applications, which demonstrates the strength of the country's civil society. It was an extremely challenging and rigorous selection process.”


osce--2020-08-18--OSCE supports development of 2020-2030 Tajikistan’s Penal Reform Strategy Implementation Plan

A six-day OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe-supported meeting of the working group to examine and discuss key issues for the development of the 2020-2030 Penal Reform Strategy ’ s Implementation Plan for Tajikistan concluded on 16 August 2020 in Varzob , Tajikistan .
Organized by the Main Prison Department under the Justice Ministry , with support of the OSCE and Prison Reform International , the meeting gathered 19 members of the working group .
Participants discussed various issues related to the management of violent extremist prisoners .
They talked about ways to prevent radicalization into violence of prisoners in closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and developing alternative sentencing and probation institution .
Participants also focused on strengthening safety and security measures in closed facilities and on developing a comprehensive prison rehabilitation programme .
The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe promotes the implementation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners ( “ the Nelson Mandela Rules ” ) in full compliance with international human rights norms and standards .
“ Our focus also includes the right to freedom of movement , freedom of expression and privacy , gender equality and the principle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Head of the Human Dimension Department of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe .
Boibalazoda Rustam , first Deputy Head of the Main Prison Department under the Justice Ministry said : `` This reform strategy , adopted by the Government of Tajikistan , is very important and special attention is given to its implementation .
We express our gratitude and thank our partners , including the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe , for supporting the meeting of the expert working group to develop the implementation plan . ''
In 2016 , the OSCE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an expert working group to develop the Penal Reform Strategy and organized several public discussions .
In 2020 , the Government approved the Penal Reform Strategy and considered recommendations provided by the expert working group .
International and national experts , state bodies and civil society representatives , with the support of the OSCE , will continue to work on the implementation plan .

A six-day OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe-supported meeting of the working group to examine and discuss key issues for the development of the 2020-2030 Penal Reform Strategy’s Implementation Plan for Tajikistan concluded on 16 August 2020 in Varzob, Tajikistan.
Organized by the Main Prison Department under the Justice Ministry, with support of the OSCE and Prison Reform International, the meeting gathered 19 members of the working group.
Participants discussed various issues related to the management of violent extremist prisoners. They talked about ways to prevent radicalization into violence of prisoners in closed facilities, reducing the prison population, and developing alternative sentencing and probation institution. Participants also focused on strengthening safety and security measures in closed facilities and on developing a comprehensive prison rehabilitation programme.
The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe promotes the implementation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (“the Nelson Mandela Rules”) in full compliance with international human rights norms and standards.
“Our focus also includes the right to freedom of movement, freedom of expression and privacy, gender equality and the principle of non-discrimination,” said Robert Heuer, Head of the Human Dimension Department of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe.
Boibalazoda Rustam, first Deputy Head of the Main Prison Department under the Justice Ministry said: "This reform strategy, adopted by the Government of Tajikistan, is very important and special attention is given to its implementation. We express our gratitude and thank our partners, including the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, for supporting the meeting of the expert working group to develop the implementation plan."
In 2016, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe provided support to an expert working group to develop the Penal Reform Strategy and organized several public discussions. In 2020, the Government approved the Penal Reform Strategy and considered recommendations provided by the expert working group.
International and national experts, state bodies and civil society representatives, with the support of the OSCE, will continue to work on the implementation plan.


osce--2020-08-17--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 195/2020 issued on 17 August 2020

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osce--2020-08-17--OSCE Chairmanship offers to visit Belarus

VIENNA / TIRANA , 17 August 2020 - The OSCE Chairmanship continues to follow the situation in Belarus very closely , it said in a statement today .
“ We reiterate our concerns about the conduct of the Presidential election on 9 August 2020 , which could not be observed by the OSCE ’ s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights , and the disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters , widespread detentions and alleged torture and mistreatment by the security forces .
An open and constructive dialogue is needed to find a way forward in Belarus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to engage with all stakeholders .
A formal offer has therefore been submitted to the government of Belarus for a visit by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office , Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania , Edi Rama , and the incoming OSCE Chairperson-in-Office , Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden , Ann Linde - to meet with the government and representatives of the opposition .
The OSCE Chairmanship reiterates the urgent need for full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments , including the promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sovereignty and territorial integrity .
”

VIENNA / TIRANA, 17 August 2020 - The OSCE Chairmanship continues to follow the situation in Belarus very closely, it said in a statement today.
“We reiterate our concerns about the conduct of the Presidential election on 9 August 2020, which could not be observed by the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and the disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters, widespread detentions and alleged torture and mistreatment by the security forces.
An open and constructive dialogue is needed to find a way forward in Belarus.
The OSCE stands ready to support this and to engage with all stakeholders.
A formal offer has therefore been submitted to the government of Belarus for a visit by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Edi Rama, and the incoming OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ann Linde - to meet with the government and representatives of the opposition.
The OSCE Chairmanship reiterates the urgent need for full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments, including the promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.”


osce--2020-08-15--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 194/2020 issued on 15 August 2020


osce--2020-08-14--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 193/2020 issued on 14 August 2020


osce--2020-08-14--Legal risks faced by journalists and bloggers while doing their job focus of an OSCE online seminar

An OSCE-supported online seminar on the legal risks in the work of journalists and bloggers was organized by the OSCE @ @ @ @ @ 13 August 2020 .
The event focused on media legislation .
Discussions on court cases @ @ @ @ @ honour and dignity , the right to own a photographic image , and children ’ @ @ @ @ @ The seminar aimed to enhance media professionals ’ knowledge of media legislation in Kazakhstan and @ @ @ @ @ journalists and bloggers daily activities .
Some 55 representatives from the media community , academia @ @ @ @ @ attended the event .
Through practical exercises , participants learned how to professionally interact with @ @ @ @ @ , including the general public , with regards to obtaining and sharing information , as @ @ @ @ @ legal risks in their profession by analyzing relevant judicial precedents .
The event is part @ @ @ @ @ s activities aimed at promoting media development and freedom of expression in line with OSCE @ @ @ @

An OSCE-supported online seminar on the legal risks in the work of journalists and bloggers was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan on 13 August 2020.
The event focused on media legislation. Discussions on court cases relating to the protection of honour and dignity, the right to own a photographic image, and children’s rights were held. The seminar aimed to enhance media professionals’ knowledge of media legislation in Kazakhstan and facilitate its effective implementation in journalists and bloggers daily activities.
Some 55 representatives from the media community, academia, civil society and lawyers attended the event. Through practical exercises, participants learned how to professionally interact with state authorities and other stakeholders, including the general public, with regards to obtaining and sharing information, as well as how to avoid legal risks in their profession by analyzing relevant judicial precedents.
The event is part of the Programme Office’s activities aimed at promoting media development and freedom of expression in line with OSCE principles and commitments.


osce--2020-08-13--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 192/2020 issued on 13 August 2020


osce--2020-08-13--Belarus must uphold international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms in wake of disputed e

Belarus must uphold international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms in wake of disputed election, OSCE PA President says

COPENHAGEN , 13 August 2020 – Disturbed by reports of excessive force following Sunday ’ s presidential election in Belarus , including the use of rubber bullets , water cannons , stun grenades and mass arrests , OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli called today for authorities in Minsk to halt the repressive tactics and fully uphold international human rights standards .
He also stressed that protests should be nonviolent .
Recalling Belarus ’ s international commitments , Tsereteli stressed that repression and persecution of opponents are not acceptable and against the principles of the OSCE .
What is needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated , pointing out that the post-election events could be an indicator that something is fundamentally wrong and that deep-rooted structural reforms may be needed .
“ As a participating State of the OSCE , Belarus has freely agreed to certain commitments in the human dimension – including the right to peaceful assembly , freedom of expression , freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention , and the right to effective remedies .
I call on the authorities to ensure that these rights and freedoms are respected , and that those arbitrarily detained in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said President Tsereteli .
The PA President pointed to reports of ill-treatment during detention as a cause for grave concern , as well as assaults on members of the media and the authorities ’ decision to shut down the country ’ s internet and block social media sites .
“ Physically assaulting journalists , blocking access to information and mistreating detainees are serious violations of international obligations , ” Tsereteli said .
“ I ’ m deeply concerned by reports of the loss of life , including an individual who reportedly died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elections are based on trust and although the OSCE PA was not able to observe Sunday ’ s vote due to COVID-19 , we have followed the situation closely .
We have raised concerns over the detention of political activists in the lead-up to the election , as well as Belarus ’ s failure to extend a timely invitation to observe .
With the results of the recent election in dispute , the government must offer concrete steps that can create a basis for rebuilding trust .
Ideally , these steps should create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government and the opposition in and outside parliament possible.
” Tsereteli noted that together with OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella , he held an online meeting with the leadership of the OSCE PA ’ s Belarusian Delegation on 26 June , which focused on , among other issues , the 9 August presidential election .
“ Belarus is an important member of the Parliamentary Assembly , ” Tsereteli said , pointing out that it hosted the Annual Session three years ago .
“ At the 2017 Annual Session in Minsk we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I look forward to continuing that discussion and implementation with our partners.
” The leaders of the OSCE PA ’ s human rights committee – Chair Kyriakos Hadjiyianni ( Cyprus ) , Vice-Chair Michael Link ( Germany ) , and Rapporteur Kari Henriksen ( Norway ) – have also been following the situation and remain actively engaged , the President stressed .

COPENHAGEN, 13 August 2020 – Disturbed by reports of excessive force following Sunday’s presidential election in Belarus, including the use of rubber bullets, water cannons, stun grenades and mass arrests, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli called today for authorities in Minsk to halt the repressive tactics and fully uphold international human rights standards. He also stressed that protests should be nonviolent.
Recalling Belarus’s international commitments, Tsereteli stressed that repression and persecution of opponents are not acceptable and against the principles of the OSCE. What is needed now is de-escalation and dialogue, he stated, pointing out that the post-election events could be an indicator that something is fundamentally wrong and that deep-rooted structural reforms may be needed.
“As a participating State of the OSCE, Belarus has freely agreed to certain commitments in the human dimension – including the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention, and the right to effective remedies. I call on the authorities to ensure that these rights and freedoms are respected, and that those arbitrarily detained in recent days are released without delay,” said President Tsereteli.
The PA President pointed to reports of ill-treatment during detention as a cause for grave concern, as well as assaults on members of the media and the authorities’ decision to shut down the country’s internet and block social media sites. “Physically assaulting journalists, blocking access to information and mistreating detainees are serious violations of international obligations,” Tsereteli said. “I’m deeply concerned by reports of the loss of life, including an individual who reportedly died in custody.”
He continued: “Elections are based on trust and although the OSCE PA was not able to observe Sunday’s vote due to COVID-19, we have followed the situation closely. We have raised concerns over the detention of political activists in the lead-up to the election, as well as Belarus’s failure to extend a timely invitation to observe. With the results of the recent election in dispute, the government must offer concrete steps that can create a basis for rebuilding trust. Ideally, these steps should create the necessary conditions to make dialogue between the government and the opposition in and outside parliament possible.”
Tsereteli noted that together with OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella, he held an online meeting with the leadership of the OSCE PA’s Belarusian Delegation on 26 June, which focused on, among other issues, the 9 August presidential election. “Belarus is an important member of the Parliamentary Assembly,” Tsereteli said, pointing out that it hosted the Annual Session three years ago. “At the 2017 Annual Session in Minsk we debated how to consolidate democracy in Belarus and I look forward to continuing that discussion and implementation with our partners.”
The leaders of the OSCE PA’s human rights committee – Chair Kyriakos Hadjiyianni (Cyprus), Vice-Chair Michael Link (Germany), and Rapporteur Kari Henriksen (Norway) – have also been following the situation and remain actively engaged, the President stressed.


osce--2020-08-13--The rights of young people focus of the Samarkand Human Rights Forum

A two-day online high-level event focusing on the rights of young people , the Samarkand Forum on Human Rights , was held on 12 and 13 August 2020 .
The meeting , supported by the OSCE Project Co-Ordinator in Uzbekistan , was attended by representatives of the OSCE Secretariat , the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights , the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and other OSCE field operations .
The event was co-organized with the Government of Uzbekistan represented by the National Human Rights Centre of Uzbekistan , the UN Country Team and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung .
The Samarkand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Asian Forum which took place in 2018 in Samarkand .
Over 1000 participants from around the world attended the Forum , which was devoted to the rights of youth .
The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan , Shavkat Mirziyoyev , proposed to develop an international convention on the rights of youth , during the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in 2017 that gave momentum for the topic .
The Forum was an inclusive event with the participation of high-level officials from international organizations , representatives of national partners such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Youth Union of Uzbekistan from different regions and national human rights institutions .
During the event , participants covered issues related to the development of international standards for youth rights , the linkage between youth rights and sustainable development goals , human rights education for the youth , as well as the role of youth in peace and security .
The draft document of the Convention on the Rights of the Youth was also discussed .
The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan , John MacGregor , noted that since 2017 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambitious reform agenda , fully consistent with OSCE commitments across all three dimensions of security .
He said that within this perspective of comprehensive security , considerable attention has been paid to youth and human rights .
“ Given the OSCE ’ s role as a co-organizer of the first Samarkand Asian Human Rights Forum two years ago , along with the related major international initiatives put forward by Uzbekistan , we , at the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan , are delighted to strongly support this very special Samarkand Human Rights Forum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UN-75 framework ” .
The next Forum is planned to be held in 2022 .

A two-day online high-level event focusing on the rights of young people, the Samarkand Forum on Human Rights, was held on 12 and 13 August 2020. The meeting, supported by the OSCE Project Co-Ordinator in Uzbekistan, was attended by representatives of the OSCE Secretariat, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and other OSCE field operations. The event was co-organized with the Government of Uzbekistan represented by the National Human Rights Centre of Uzbekistan, the UN Country Team and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. The Samarkand Forum on Human Rights is the continuation of the Asian Forum which took place in 2018 in Samarkand.
Over 1000 participants from around the world attended the Forum, which was devoted to the rights of youth. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, proposed to develop an international convention on the rights of youth, during the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in 2017 that gave momentum for the topic. The Forum was an inclusive event with the participation of high-level officials from international organizations, representatives of national partners such as the newly-established Youth Parliament of Uzbekistan, the Youth Union of Uzbekistan from different regions and national human rights institutions.
During the event, participants covered issues related to the development of international standards for youth rights, the linkage between youth rights and sustainable development goals, human rights education for the youth, as well as the role of youth in peace and security. The draft document of the Convention on the Rights of the Youth was also discussed.
The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, John MacGregor, noted that since 2017, the Government of Uzbekistan has pursued a very ambitious reform agenda, fully consistent with OSCE commitments across all three dimensions of security. He said that within this perspective of comprehensive security, considerable attention has been paid to youth and human rights. “Given the OSCE’s role as a co-organizer of the first Samarkand Asian Human Rights Forum two years ago, along with the related major international initiatives put forward by Uzbekistan, we, at the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, are delighted to strongly support this very special Samarkand Human Rights Forum with its focus on Youth Rights within the UN-75 framework”.
The next Forum is planned to be held in 2022.


osce--2020-08-12--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 191/2020 issued on 12 August 2020


osce--2020-08-12--Youth engagement essential for sustainable development and human rights, OSCE PA President says in o

Youth engagement essential for sustainable development and human rights , OSCE PA President says in online forum COPENHAGEN , 12 August 2020 – To address challenges such as armed conflicts , climate change , widespread poverty and inequality , it is necessary to actively include youth , as well as women and minorities , in decision-making mechanisms , OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli ( Georgia ) said Wednesday at the Samarkand Human Rights Web Forum .
Speaking at the opening session , President Tsereteli said that young people ’ s interests must be addressed comprehensively and that it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the youth in policy-making .
“ The economic and social impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have disrupted nearly all aspects of life for all segments of society , ” Tsereteli said .
“ But young people now have to bear much greater risks when it comes to their education , their employment , their disposable income , and livelihood .
In a very short period of time , this crisis has demonstrated a potential to exacerbate inequalities between generations and to alienate the youngest segment of our populations .
We must remain vigilant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the theme “ Youth 2020 : Global Solidarity , Sustainable Development and Human Rights , ” is part of the UN75 initiative to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations , and serves as a follow-up to the Asian Human Rights Forum held in Samarkand on 22-23 November 2018 , which was attended by Tsereteli .
Co-organized by the OSCE , the National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan , the Foreign Ministry , the UN Country Team in Uzbekistan , and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung , the two-day event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international standards for the rights of young people , youth participation in advancing the UN ’ s Sustainable Development Goals , human rights education for youth , and young people ’ s roles in peace and security .
In his remarks , Tsereteli noted that while young people are underrepresented in most national parliaments , and consequently also within the OSCE PA , the Assembly has worked to build youth political dialogue , capacity-building , and the sharing of best practices .
“ Earlier this year , we established a network of young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of the OSCE PA ’ s tools and resources to help these young leaders reach their full potential , ” Tsereteli pointed out .
The network referred to by the PA President was the result of a two-day seminar in early February held in Washington by the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe ( Helsinki Commission ) , chaired by Alcee L. Hastings .
The Samarkand Human Rights Forum includes remarks by Shavkat Mirziyoyev , President of Uzbekistan ; UN Secretary General António Guterres ; United Nations High Commissioner for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Audrey Azoulay ; and Martin Chungong , Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union ; as well as representatives of other international organizations and OSCE institutions .
The event will continue through Thursday and is expected to close with the adoption of the Samarkand Resolution on Youth Rights .
For President Tsreteli 's full remarks , please click here .
( PDF )

Youth engagement essential for sustainable development and human rights, OSCE PA President says in online forum
COPENHAGEN, 12 August 2020 – To address challenges such as armed conflicts, climate change, widespread poverty and inequality, it is necessary to actively include youth, as well as women and minorities, in decision-making mechanisms, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli (Georgia) said Wednesday at the Samarkand Human Rights Web Forum.
Speaking at the opening session, President Tsereteli said that young people’s interests must be addressed comprehensively and that it is up to the older generations to engage the youth in policy-making.
“The economic and social impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have disrupted nearly all aspects of life for all segments of society,” Tsereteli said. “But young people now have to bear much greater risks when it comes to their education, their employment, their disposable income, and livelihood. In a very short period of time, this crisis has demonstrated a potential to exacerbate inequalities between generations and to alienate the youngest segment of our populations. We must remain vigilant about this.”
The forum, held under the theme “Youth 2020: Global Solidarity, Sustainable Development and Human Rights,” is part of the UN75 initiative to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, and serves as a follow-up to the Asian Human Rights Forum held in Samarkand on 22-23 November 2018, which was attended by Tsereteli.
Co-organized by the OSCE, the National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Foreign Ministry, the UN Country Team in Uzbekistan, and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, the two-day event is exploring topics including the development of international standards for the rights of young people, youth participation in advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, human rights education for youth, and young people’s roles in peace and security.
In his remarks, Tsereteli noted that while young people are underrepresented in most national parliaments, and consequently also within the OSCE PA, the Assembly has worked to build youth political dialogue, capacity-building, and the sharing of best practices. “Earlier this year, we established a network of young parliamentarians, which is meant to provide all of the OSCE PA’s tools and resources to help these young leaders reach their full potential,” Tsereteli pointed out.
The network referred to by the PA President was the result of a two-day seminar in early February held in Washington by the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission), chaired by Alcee L. Hastings.
The Samarkand Human Rights Forum includes remarks by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan; UN Secretary General António Guterres; United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet; UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay; and Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; as well as representatives of other international organizations and OSCE institutions.
The event will continue through Thursday and is expected to close with the adoption of the Samarkand Resolution on Youth Rights.
Watch the web forum on YouTube.
For President Tsreteli's full remarks, please click here. (PDF)


osce--2020-08-20--Press Statement of Special Representative Grau after the regular Meeting of the Trilateral Contact G

Press Statement of Special Representative Grau after the regular Meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on 19 August 2020

KYIV , 20 August 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) , Ambassador Heidi Grau , made the following statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups held through video conferencing : “ The participants of today ’ s TCG meeting unanimously noted that the `` Measures to strengthen the ceasefire '' agreed upon by them four weeks ago , have been working successfully .
Since the entry into force of the “ Measures ” on 27 July 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the lowest level ever recorded by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission .
The security situation in the conflict zone has improved significantly , which in turn has had a positive impact on the civilians ’ daily life .
This proves once again that concrete results can be achieved provided there is political will .
I encourage the sides to continue making all necessary efforts to keep a sustainable and comprehensive ceasefire .
In addition to this topic , participants of the meeting of the Security Working Group were engaged in developing an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to agreement upon twenty demining areas , including areas near the entry-exit crossing points .
I call on the participants of the TCG meeting to sign and implement this agreement without further conditions .
Let us not forget that this is a matter of human lives .
The Economic Working Group discussed current issues of water supplies in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine , as well as environmental matters , focusing on the environmental condition of coal mines on both sides of the line of contact .
The discussions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees .
All those responsible shall demonstrate goodwill to reach an early agreement on this issue .
In addition , participants discussed in a constructive spirit the technical possibility of delivering humanitarian cargo in the Luhansk region across the line of contact .
The discussion of the Political Working Group was mainly devoted to the Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine No .
795-IX `` On the appointment of regular local elections in 2020 '' .
I regret that , for this reason , participants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agenda , aimed at the implementation of the Minsk Agreements ” .

KYIV, 20 August 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Heidi Grau, made the following statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups held through video conferencing:
“The participants of today’s TCG meeting unanimously noted that the "Measures to strengthen the ceasefire" agreed upon by them four weeks ago, have been working successfully.
Since the entry into force of the “Measures” on 27 July 2020, the numbers of ceasefire violations have dropped to the lowest level ever recorded by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission.
The security situation in the conflict zone has improved significantly, which in turn has had a positive impact on the civilians’ daily life.
This proves once again that concrete results can be achieved provided there is political will.
I encourage the sides to continue making all necessary efforts to keep a sustainable and comprehensive ceasefire.
In addition to this topic, participants of the meeting of the Security Working Group were engaged in developing an updated demining plan. They came close to agreement upon twenty demining areas, including areas near the entry-exit crossing points. I call on the participants of the TCG meeting to sign and implement this agreement without further conditions. Let us not forget that this is a matter of human lives.
The Economic Working Group discussed current issues of water supplies in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, as well as environmental matters, focusing on the environmental condition of coal mines on both sides of the line of contact.
The discussions of the Humanitarian Working Group focused on the mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees. All those responsible shall demonstrate goodwill to reach an early agreement on this issue.
In addition, participants discussed in a constructive spirit the technical possibility of delivering humanitarian cargo in the Luhansk region across the line of contact.
The discussion of the Political Working Group was mainly devoted to the Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine No. 795-IX "On the appointment of regular local elections in 2020". I regret that, for this reason, participants were unable to discuss the issues on the agenda, aimed at the implementation of the Minsk Agreements”.


osce--2020-08-19--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 197/2020 issued on 19 August 2020


osce--2020-08-19--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine refutes incorrect media speculation

KYIV , 19 August 2020 – The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission ( SMM ) to Ukraine refutes recent media reports falsely alleging that an SMM monitoring officer has tested positive for COVID-19 .
The monitoring officer in question , in line with SMM medical protocols related to movement across the contact line , did in fact undergo 14-day self-isolation and take a PCR test immediately prior to crossing the contact line , which gave a negative result .
He also underwent an additional rapid test on the 14th day of his crossing of the line of contact , which again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his stay in non-government-controlled areas , on precautionary medical grounds , he was relocated to a government-controlled area , where he underwent another PCR test on 13 August ; the result is negative .
The SMM applies rigorous preventative measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 .
The Mission will continue to adhere to all measures in place both to protect its own staff and to minimize risk to the local population .
It expects that those in control will apply similarly rigorous preventative measures to protect people , including SMM monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not controlled by the Government .
SMM measures to contain the virus are not taken in a vacuum , and must be complemented by efforts at a wider societal level .

KYIV, 19 August 2020 – The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine refutes recent media reports falsely alleging that an SMM monitoring officer has tested positive for COVID-19.
The monitoring officer in question, in line with SMM medical protocols related to movement across the contact line, did in fact undergo 14-day self-isolation and take a PCR test immediately prior to crossing the contact line, which gave a negative result. He also underwent an additional rapid test on the 14th day of his crossing of the line of contact, which again proved negative. On the 18th day of his stay in non-government-controlled areas, on precautionary medical grounds, he was relocated to a government-controlled area, where he underwent another PCR test on 13 August; the result is negative.
The SMM applies rigorous preventative measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. The Mission will continue to adhere to all measures in place both to protect its own staff and to minimize risk to the local population. It expects that those in control will apply similarly rigorous preventative measures to protect people, including SMM monitoring officers, living and working in areas not controlled by the Government. SMM measures to contain the virus are not taken in a vacuum, and must be complemented by efforts at a wider societal level.


osce--2020-08-19--OSCE/ODIHR alarmed by increasing threats to human rights in Belarus following presidential election

WARSAW , 19 August 2020 – Following the large-scale arrests of peaceful protestors in Belarus together with disturbing reports of violent physical abuse , the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) calls for the immediate release of all those who have been unlawfully detained and a prompt and impartial investigation into alleged human rights abuses .
ODIHR is greatly alarmed by the arbitrary arrests and allegations of torture and other forms of ill-treatment at the hands of the Belarusian authorities , with detainees held incommunicado and denied access to medical treatment and legal advice .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sexual and gender-based violence , including threats of rape , and emphasizes that the prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment is absolute .
ODIHR calls on the authorities to immediately cease all practices that amount to torture .
Any perpetrators of human rights violations must be brought to justice and victims provided with appropriate redress .
At the same time , ODIHR deeply regrets the lack of effective response to the credible reports of widespread irregularities and maladministration during the presidential election on 9 August .
The authorities of Belarus are urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of impartiality of the election administration at all levels , which previous ODIHR election observations have found to be under government control .
Any instance of malpractice should be thoroughly investigated , and effective remedy for all violations must be ensured .
To prevent future misconduct in this area , ODIHR reiterates a longstanding recommendation to Belarus to reform the appointment procedures of all election commissions , with the aim of increasing their independence , impartiality and effectiveness .
While reminding Belarus of the need to come in line with its human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for dialogue .
Like all countries of the OSCE region , Belarus has committed to upholding the right to freedom of peaceful assembly , as well as ensuring the safety of human rights defenders and journalists and their ability to work without police interference .
ODIHR is closely watching the unfolding events in Belarus from all the areas covered by its mandate .
With its decades of experience and expertise in observing elections and monitoring human rights in countries throughout the OSCE , ODIHR looks forward to playing a role in strengthening democracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit of everyone living there .

WARSAW, 19 August 2020 – Following the large-scale arrests of peaceful protestors in Belarus together with disturbing reports of violent physical abuse, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) calls for the immediate release of all those who have been unlawfully detained and a prompt and impartial investigation into alleged human rights abuses.
ODIHR is greatly alarmed by the arbitrary arrests and allegations of torture and other forms of ill-treatment at the hands of the Belarusian authorities, with detainees held incommunicado and denied access to medical treatment and legal advice. ODIHR is particularly concerned over reported instances of sexual and gender-based violence, including threats of rape, and emphasizes that the prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment is absolute. ODIHR calls on the authorities to immediately cease all practices that amount to torture. Any perpetrators of human rights violations must be brought to justice and victims provided with appropriate redress.
At the same time, ODIHR deeply regrets the lack of effective response to the credible reports of widespread irregularities and maladministration during the presidential election on 9 August. The authorities of Belarus are urged to take immediate steps to address the lack of impartiality of the election administration at all levels, which previous ODIHR election observations have found to be under government control. Any instance of malpractice should be thoroughly investigated, and effective remedy for all violations must be ensured. To prevent future misconduct in this area, ODIHR reiterates a longstanding recommendation to Belarus to reform the appointment procedures of all election commissions, with the aim of increasing their independence, impartiality and effectiveness.
While reminding Belarus of the need to come in line with its human rights commitments, ODIHR reiterates the need for dialogue. Like all countries of the OSCE region, Belarus has committed to upholding the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, as well as ensuring the safety of human rights defenders and journalists and their ability to work without police interference.
ODIHR is closely watching the unfolding events in Belarus from all the areas covered by its mandate. With its decades of experience and expertise in observing elections and monitoring human rights in countries throughout the OSCE, ODIHR looks forward to playing a role in strengthening democracy and human rights in Belarus for the benefit of everyone living there.


osce--2020-08-19--OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to deploy observers to parliamentary elections in Montenegro

COPENHAGEN , 19 August 2020 – In the first OSCE PA election observation activity since the coronavirus outbreak last spring , a limited number of OSCE parliamentarians will deploy to Montenegro for the 30 August parliamentary elections .
OSCE PA Vice-President Margareta Cederfelt ( Sweden ) has been nominated to be the Special Co-ordinator of the Special Limited Election Observation Mission ( SLEOM ) , which will include some 12 observers .
The PA observers will work closely with the Limited Election Observation Mission deployed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights .
“ The 30 August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s democratic development and its international aspirations , but also as a marker for Europe ’ s gradual reopening from the coronavirus lockdown , ” Cederfelt said .
“ As observers , we look forward to seeing how Montenegro is working to ensure the conduct of elections in line with OSCE commitments while protecting public health.
” She added that the presence of international observers is a sign of solidarity with the people of Montenegro .
OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella noted the challenging circumstances of organizing the SLEOM within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mandatory quarantine requirements in some countries .
“ As our first election observation activity since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world , the OSCE PA International Secretariat is taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our members and others , ” Montella said .
“ As the OSCE PA begins the process of resuming our normal activities , we will pay very close attention to relevant developments and will make adjustments as needed.
” The SLEOM will be limited to observation in Podgorica and is expected to include a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessed on their compliance with democratic commitments laid out in the OSCE Copenhagen Document .
It will be the eighth time the OSCE PA has observed an election in Montenegro .
Previous statements on Montenegrin elections are available here .

COPENHAGEN, 19 August 2020 – In the first OSCE PA election observation activity since the coronavirus outbreak last spring, a limited number of OSCE parliamentarians will deploy to Montenegro for the 30 August parliamentary elections. OSCE PA Vice-President Margareta Cederfelt (Sweden) has been nominated to be the Special Co-ordinator of the Special Limited Election Observation Mission (SLEOM), which will include some 12 observers. The PA observers will work closely with the Limited Election Observation Mission deployed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.
“The 30 August elections are important not only for Montenegro’s democratic development and its international aspirations, but also as a marker for Europe’s gradual reopening from the coronavirus lockdown,” Cederfelt said. “As observers, we look forward to seeing how Montenegro is working to ensure the conduct of elections in line with OSCE commitments while protecting public health.”
She added that the presence of international observers is a sign of solidarity with the people of Montenegro.
OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella noted the challenging circumstances of organizing the SLEOM within the context of health concerns, travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine requirements in some countries.
“As our first election observation activity since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, the OSCE PA International Secretariat is taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our members and others,” Montella said. “As the OSCE PA begins the process of resuming our normal activities, we will pay very close attention to relevant developments and will make adjustments as needed.”
The SLEOM will be limited to observation in Podgorica and is expected to include a number of Bureau members. The elections will be assessed on their compliance with democratic commitments laid out in the OSCE Copenhagen Document. It will be the eighth time the OSCE PA has observed an election in Montenegro. Previous statements on Montenegrin elections are available here.


osce--2020-08-19--OSCE supports online training seminar on filling out and using Pollutant Release Transfer Register i

OSCE supports online training seminar on filling out and using Pollutant Release Transfer Register in Kazakhstan

An OSCE-supported online training seminar on the filling out and use of the Protocol on the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register ( PRTR ) for some 45 private and civil sector representatives in the Karaganda region took place on 18 August 2020 .
The event is the first in a series of four seminars organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan in partnership with the Karaganda Regional Ecological Museum Public Fund ( Ecomuzey ) .
Three more events will be conducted by the end of this year.The event focused on existing national legislation , obligations under the PRTR Protocol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring system in Kazakhstan .
Speakers from Ecomuzey and Kazakhstan ’ s Ministry of Ecology , Geology and Natural Resources familiarized business sector representatives with the procedural aspects of submitting emissions data to the government ’ s authorized body .
Participants also learned about the methodology for calculating pollutants and entering it into the government-developed online reporting portal .
The PRTR Protocol to the Aarhus Convention was adopted in 2003 in Kyiv and is a legally binding instrument that requires parties to establish publicly accessible registers containing information on the release and transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acceded to the UNECE Protocol on PRTR to the Convention on Access to Information , Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters ( Aarhus Convention ) , becoming the thirty-seventh Party to the Protocol .
Kazakhstan is the first country in Central Asia to accede to the Protocol .
The training seminar is part of the Programme Office ’ s long-standing efforts to promote international standards of the Aarhus Convention in Kazakhstan .

An OSCE-supported online training seminar on the filling out and use of the Protocol on the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) for some 45 private and civil sector representatives in the Karaganda region took place on 18 August 2020.
The event is the first in a series of four seminars organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan in partnership with the Karaganda Regional Ecological Museum Public Fund (Ecomuzey). Three more events will be conducted by the end of this year.The event focused on existing national legislation, obligations under the PRTR Protocol and the practical aspects of launching pollutants monitoring system in Kazakhstan.
Speakers from Ecomuzey and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources familiarized business sector representatives with the procedural aspects of submitting emissions data to the government’s authorized body. Participants also learned about the methodology for calculating pollutants and entering it into the government-developed online reporting portal.
The PRTR Protocol to the Aarhus Convention was adopted in 2003 in Kyiv and is a legally binding instrument that requires parties to establish publicly accessible registers containing information on the release and transfer of pollutants. In 2019, Kazakhstan acceded to the UNECE Protocol on PRTR to the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention), becoming the thirty-seventh Party to the Protocol. Kazakhstan is the first country in Central Asia to accede to the Protocol.
The training seminar is part of the Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to promote international standards of the Aarhus Convention in Kazakhstan.


osce--2020-08-27--OSCE supports training webinar on the role of financial intelligence units in investigating suspicio

OSCE supports training webinar on the role of financial intelligence units in investigating suspicious transactions

An OSCE-supported half-day training webinar on the role of the Financial Intelligence Unit ( FIU ) in investigating suspicious transactions @ @ @ @ @ August 2020 .
The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan organized the online event in partnership @ @ @ @ @ Monitoring under the Finance Ministry and the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General ’ @ @ @ @ @ Threats .
Some 20 representatives of Kazakhstan ’ s law enforcement agencies attended the event @ @ @ @ @ of the FIU in identifying illegal transactions , exchanging data with foreign counterparts and in @ @ @ @ @ An international expert from Slovenia covered topics such as the authority of local law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ domestically , the channels of data exchange among foreign FIUs and information gathering related to @ @ @ @ @ confiscation .
The training webinar is part of the Programme Office ’ s multi-year efforts @ @ @ @ @ focussing on anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism in Kazakhstan .

An OSCE-supported half-day training webinar on the role of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in investigating suspicious transactions concluded in Nur-Sultan on 27 August 2020.
The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan organized the online event in partnership with the Committee on Financial Monitoring under the Finance Ministry and the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s office/Hub to Counter Global Threats.
Some 20 representatives of Kazakhstan’s law enforcement agencies attended the event. They discussed the role of the FIU in identifying illegal transactions, exchanging data with foreign counterparts and in identifying beneficial ownership information. An international expert from Slovenia covered topics such as the authority of local law enforcement agencies to suspend/delay suspicious transactions domestically, the channels of data exchange among foreign FIUs and information gathering related to assets that are subject to confiscation.
The training webinar is part of the Programme Office’s multi-year efforts to promote good governance by focussing on anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism in Kazakhstan.


osce--2020-08-27--OSCE Project Co-ordinator offers online training to election commissioners in preparation for local

OSCE Project Co-ordinator offers online training to election commissioners in preparation for local vote

As Ukraine prepares for local elections scheduled for 25 October this year , the OSCE Project Co-ordinator started to upload materials on the online system Vyborkom to provide training opportunities for people administering electoral process at various levels .
The process of forming territorial election commissions for villages and city rayons was completed on 25 August 2020 , and the precinct commissions will form by 9 October .
Nearly half a million commission members will assume responsibility for organizing elections in line with Ukrainian legislation and international standards of free and fair vote .
The Vyborkom web resource will provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , videos and infographics , templates and samples of electoral documents , and replies to frequently asked questions .
Currently , the system already provides up-to-date learning materials covering the main principles for elections , planning and organization of election commission ’ s work , and relevant resources .
Vyborkom ’ s team of experts is continuously issuing new materials , which in the end will cover all aspects of work of territorial and precinct election commissions for the upcoming elections .
These materials include procedures for registration of candidates , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of election results .
The Vyborkom resource is being supported under the project “ Strengthening the Cybersecurity and Transparency of Electoral Processes in Ukraine ” , implemented by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in partnership with the Central Election Commission , and with financial support from the US Mission to the OSCE , the Permanent Mission of Slovakia to the OSCE , the Government of Germany , and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway .

As Ukraine prepares for local elections scheduled for 25 October this year, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator started to upload materials on the online system Vyborkom to provide training opportunities for people administering electoral process at various levels.
The process of forming territorial election commissions for villages and city rayons was completed on 25 August 2020, and the precinct commissions will form by 9 October. Nearly half a million commission members will assume responsibility for organizing elections in line with Ukrainian legislation and international standards of free and fair vote.
The Vyborkom web resource will provide the commissioners with written instructions and clarifications, videos and infographics, templates and samples of electoral documents, and replies to frequently asked questions. Currently, the system already provides up-to-date learning materials covering the main principles for elections, planning and organization of election commission’s work, and relevant resources.
Vyborkom’s team of experts is continuously issuing new materials, which in the end will cover all aspects of work of territorial and precinct election commissions for the upcoming elections. These materials include procedures for registration of candidates, as well as voting, counting, and tabulation of election results.
The Vyborkom resource is being supported under the project “Strengthening the Cybersecurity and Transparency of Electoral Processes in Ukraine”, implemented by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in partnership with the Central Election Commission, and with financial support from the US Mission to the OSCE, the Permanent Mission of Slovakia to the OSCE, the Government of Germany, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.


osce--2020-08-26--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 203/2020 issued on 26 August 2020


osce--2020-08-26--OSCE Chair Edi Rama to address special Permanent Council meeting on situation in Belarus this Friday

VIENNA , 26 August 2020 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office , Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania @ @ @ @ @ address a special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on the situation in Belarus , @ @ @ @ @ 10:00 , at the Hofburg , Vienna .
Chairperson Rama and the incoming Chair/Foreign Affairs @ @ @ @ @ Linde , offered a visit to the Government of Belarus to support an open and @ @ @ @ @ .
Media representatives are invited to follow the address of the Chairperson-in-Office live on https @ @ @ @ @ , on Friday , 28 August .

VIENNA, 26 August 2020 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Edi Rama, will address a special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on the situation in Belarus, on 28 August, at 10:00, at the Hofburg, Vienna.
Chairperson Rama and the incoming Chair/Foreign Affairs Minister of Sweden, Ann Linde, offered a visit to the Government of Belarus to support an open and constructive dialogue in the country.
Media representatives are invited to follow the address of the Chairperson-in-Office live on https://www.osce.org/live, from 10:00, on Friday, 28 August.


osce--2020-08-26--Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on info

Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 25 August 2020

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy , Russian Federation .
The Observer Mission ( OM ) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points ( BCPs ) .
The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The OM is currently operating with 19 permanent international Mission members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) .
The deployment of newly selected observes was approved by the host country ; their arrival is planned from 28 August .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities .
The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review , in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship .
Following the host country recommendations , the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between shifts at the border checkpoints and are adhering to social distancing .
Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities , the OM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities .
After the reopening of the host country ` s airspace on 1 August , the OM has started with planned leaves in a careful manner .
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows : • Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage .
• Families ( often including elderly persons and/or children ) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased from 10,888 to 11,321 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 1 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation , with an average net flow of 248 per day for both BCPs .
The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP .
Responding to the COVID-19 situation , the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March .
Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 March ) , are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine .
In addition , reportedly , due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19 , starting from 10 April , the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June .
During the reporting period , the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No persons crossed into the Russian Federation while one of the observed crossed into Ukraine .
This individual crossed the border on foot .
The OTs continued to report on families , sometimes with elderly persons and/or children , crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage , or travelling in heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , 11 families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another seven families were observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when four families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while another six families crossed into Ukraine .
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs ( 340 compared to 360 observed during the previous week ) .
There were 174 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 166 bound for Ukraine .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a decrease in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border at both BCPs ( 938 compared to 1,033 during the previous reporting week ) ; 462 at the Gukovo BCP and 476 at the Donetsk BCP , 503 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 435 crossed into Ukraine .
Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , on a daily basis , the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation , Lithuania , Belarus , Ukraine , and trucks with “ LPR ” plates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ trucks crossing the border in both directions .
During the reporting week , the number of tanker trucks just slightly decreased from 61 to 60 .
These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs .
The trucks had the words “ Propane ” and “ Flammable ” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian .
The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs , indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane .
All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP , the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks .
During the reporting period , the X-ray vehicle at the Donetsk BCP was not operating due to the ongoing ground construction activities and no X-ray checks were observed .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federation .
Compared to the previous week , the number of cargo minivans decreased from 142 to 137 vehicles , 63 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 74 into Ukraine .
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 38 occasions ; the OTs assessed that 20 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 18 trains were travelling to Ukraine ( more details are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures at a glance ” below ) .
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP .
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates .
A significant number of vehicles with “ LPR ” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis .
The OTs also observed cars with licence plates registered in Georgia .
On 20 August at 06:53 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation side and parking in the customs control area .
The OT noticed the driver and one medical personnel on board .
At 07:17 , the ambulance drove back to the Russian Federation .
On 21 August at 09:50 , the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a helicopter type Mi8 flying from the north-west in a north-easterly direction .
The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the period from 21 July to 25 August 2020 , please see the attachment here .
[ 1 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 2 ] Cargo minivans : light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t ; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg ( small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1 ) .

SUMMARY
Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 19 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The deployment of newly selected observes was approved by the host country; their arrival is planned from 28 August. The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.
Update on COVID-19 measures
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between shifts at the border checkpoints and are adhering to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities. After the reopening of the host country`s airspace on 1 August, the OM has started with planned leaves in a careful manner.
OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS
Persons crossing the border
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:
Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage. Persons in military-style outfits. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.
The average number of entries/exits increased from 10,888 to 11,321 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 248 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.
Responding to the COVID-19 situation, the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March. Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border (which entered into force on 19 March), are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June.
Persons in military-style outfits
During the reporting period, the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was one, compared to two last week. No persons crossed into the Russian Federation while one of the observed crossed into Ukraine. This individual crossed the border on foot.
Families with a significant amount of luggage
The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, 11 families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another seven families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when four families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while another six families crossed into Ukraine.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (340 compared to 360 observed during the previous week). There were 174 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 166 bound for Ukraine.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (938 compared to 1,033 during the previous reporting week); 462 at the Gukovo BCP and 476 at the Donetsk BCP, 503 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 435 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, and trucks with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks just slightly decreased from 61 to 60. These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane. All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.
During the reporting period, the X-ray vehicle at the Donetsk BCP was not operating due to the ongoing ground construction activities and no X-ray checks were observed.
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans decreased from 142 to 137 vehicles, 63 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 74 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 38 occasions; the OTs assessed that 20 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 18 trains were travelling to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.
Other observations
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis. The OTs also observed cars with licence plates registered in Georgia.
On 20 August at 06:53, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation side and parking in the customs control area. The OT noticed the driver and one medical personnel on board. At 07:17, the ambulance drove back to the Russian Federation.
On 21 August at 09:50, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a helicopter type Mi8 flying from the north-west in a north-easterly direction. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 21 July to 25 August 2020, please see the attachment here.
[1]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[2] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).


osce--2020-08-25--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 202/2020 issued on 25 August 2020