osce--2020-09-08--OSCE and UNODC deliver online train-the-trainer course to enhance Uzbekistan’s capacities to investi

OSCE and UNODC deliver online train-the-trainer course to enhance Uzbekistan’s capacities to investigate terrorist financing

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime ( UNODC ) and the OSCE ’ s Transnational Threats Department , in co-operation with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan , organized an online train-the-trainer course aimed at strengthening Uzbekistan ’ s capacity to investigate terrorist financing .
The event was held on 7 and 8 September 2020 .
Participants were senior experts and practitioners from Uzbekistan ’ s Department for Combating Economic Crimes at the General Prosecutor 's Office , the Academy of the General Prosecutor 's Office , the Ministry of Internal Affairs , the General Prosecutor 's Office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a multi-annual training programme , the train-the-trainer course follows previous courses delivered by the OSCE and the UNODC in 2019 , in Vienna and Tashkent that focused on applying the latest tools and strengthening analytical skills to effectively disrupt terrorist networks .
The training programme on countering terrorist financing aims to increase Uzbekistan ’ s capacity to detect and combat terrorist financing and strengthen compliance with international standards in this area .
In particular , UN Security Council Resolution 2462 ( 2019 ) , the Financial Action Task Force on Money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , UN norms and OSCE commitments to promote human rights-based approaches in countering terrorist financing .
Participants worked on real-life scenario-based exercises .
The course emphasized the key role of inter-agency and international co-operation and of multi-stakeholder approaches in countering terrorist financing .

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, organized an online train-the-trainer course aimed at strengthening Uzbekistan’s capacity to investigate terrorist financing. The event was held on 7 and 8 September 2020.
Participants were senior experts and practitioners from Uzbekistan’s Department for Combating Economic Crimes at the General Prosecutor's Office, the Academy of the General Prosecutor's Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the General Prosecutor's Office, and the State Security Service.
Forming part of a multi-annual training programme, the train-the-trainer course follows previous courses delivered by the OSCE and the UNODC in 2019, in Vienna and Tashkent that focused on applying the latest tools and strengthening analytical skills to effectively disrupt terrorist networks.
The training programme on countering terrorist financing aims to increase Uzbekistan’s capacity to detect and combat terrorist financing and strengthen compliance with international standards in this area. In particular, UN Security Council Resolution 2462 (2019), the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF)’s standards, UN norms and OSCE commitments to promote human rights-based approaches in countering terrorist financing. Participants worked on real-life scenario-based exercises.
The course emphasized the key role of inter-agency and international co-operation and of multi-stakeholder approaches in countering terrorist financing.


osce--2020-09-08--OSCE Mission to Montenegro supports journalism department with technical equipment

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro delivered 21 laptops and three professional cameras to the Faculty of Political Sciences ’ Journalism Department on 8 September 2020 , in Podgorica .
The delivery is part of the Mission ’ s activities aimed at strengthening the practical and hands-on teaching of journalism at the University of Montenegro .
“ The technical equipment will further contribute to developing of students ’ practical skill set , and will prepare them to maintain high journalism standards in producing media content under changing and challenging circumstances , ” said Maryse Daviet , Head of the OSCE Mission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this approach coincides with the Mission ’ s efforts to strengthen the capacities of media-related institutions in delivering practical training courses aligned to the needs of the fast growth of information technologies and the emergence of converged newsrooms.
” She added that “ digitally proficient and skilled journalists , upholding the highest ethical journalism standards , contribute to a well-informed society.
” The Mission supports programmes to enhance journalists ’ ability to use modern technical equipment , which is especially important in the new working environment as a result of the current pandemic @

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro delivered 21 laptops and three professional cameras to the Faculty of Political Sciences’ Journalism Department on 8 September 2020, in Podgorica. The delivery is part of the Mission’s activities aimed at strengthening the practical and hands-on teaching of journalism at the University of Montenegro.
“The technical equipment will further contribute to developing of students’ practical skill set, and will prepare them to maintain high journalism standards in producing media content under changing and challenging circumstances,” said Maryse Daviet, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro.
Daviet noted that “this approach coincides with the Mission’s efforts to strengthen the capacities of media-related institutions in delivering practical training courses aligned to the needs of the fast growth of information technologies and the emergence of converged newsrooms.”She added that “digitally proficient and skilled journalists, upholding the highest ethical journalism standards, contribute to a well-informed society.”
The Mission supports programmes to enhance journalists’ ability to use modern technical equipment, which is especially important in the new working environment as a result of the current pandemic.


osce--2020-09-08--OSCE Mission to Montenegro organizes virtual workshop for country’s gender focal points

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights ’ Department for Gender Equality organized a @ @ @ @ @ Focal Points ’ network on monitoring , evaluation and report writing , from 2 to @ @ @ @ @ from 11 municipalities actively took part in the exercise that provided them tools to apply @ @ @ @ @ reporting responsibilities .
The training aimed at aligning the monitoring and evaluation process of local @ @ @ @ @ needs at the national level , especially in terms of results , goals and impact @ @ @ @ @ for consistent and high-quality status and progress reports .
These reports will reflect the goals @ @ @ @ @ implementation of local action plans for achieving gender equality and the level of their harmonization @ @ @ @ @ in this area .

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights’ Department for Gender Equality organized a virtual workshop for municipal Gender Focal Points’ network on monitoring, evaluation and report writing, from 2 to 4 September 2020.
Participants from 11 municipalities actively took part in the exercise that provided them tools to apply their skills and knowledge in reporting responsibilities.
The training aimed at aligning the monitoring and evaluation process of local action plans with the reporting needs at the national level, especially in terms of results, goals and impact. Trainers offered a model for consistent and high-quality status and progress reports. These reports will reflect the goals and objectives achieved during the implementation of local action plans for achieving gender equality and the level of their harmonization with the national action plans in this area.


osce--2020-09-07--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 213/2020 issued on 7 September 2020

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osce--2020-09-07--OSCE organizes online seminar on conflict-sensitive reporting

Some 20 representatives of the media , academia , international organizations , journalists and bloggers took part in an OSCE-supported @ @ @ @ @ .
The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan organized the event on 7 September 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ safety when reporting in a conflict area and were provided with the necessary tools @ @ @ @ @ ensure informed reporting .
They also learned about the cycles that conflicting parties go through @ @ @ @ @ enhancing the professionalism of reporting on conflict-related issues by learning how journalists and bloggers should @ @ @ @ @ becoming involved in a conflict to better report on the situation .
Participants had an @ @ @ @ @ acquired skill in a practical situation using an interactive approach .
The event is part @ @ @ @ @ s activities aimed at promoting media development and freedom of expression in line with OSCE @ @ @ @

Some 20 representatives of the media, academia, international organizations, journalists and bloggers took part in an OSCE-supported online seminar on conflict-sensitive reporting. The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan organized the event on 7 September 2020.
Participants were familiarized on journalists’ safety when reporting in a conflict area and were provided with the necessary tools needed for conflict analysis to ensure informed reporting. They also learned about the cycles that conflicting parties go through. Participants explored ways of enhancing the professionalism of reporting on conflict-related issues by learning how journalists and bloggers should behave in order to avoid becoming involved in a conflict to better report on the situation. Participants had an opportunity to apply their newly acquired skill in a practical situation using an interactive approach.
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--2020-09-07--OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan supports training webinar on prosecution for money laundering an

OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan supports training webinar on prosecution for money laundering and best practices in forensic investigation

An OSCE-supported half-day training webinar on prosecution for money laundering and best practices in forensic investigation concluded on 7 September @ @ @ @ @ OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan , in partnership with the Committee of Financial Monitoring under @ @ @ @ @ Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General ’ s Office/Regional Hub organized the event .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s law enforcement agencies attended the webinar , which focussed on best global practices @ @ @ @ @ as well as international co-operation in financial investigation .
An international expert from Israel covered @ @ @ @ @ for money laundering and interdepartmental co-operation - in particular , among prosecutors , representatives of @ @ @ @ @ the law enforcement agencies .
Particular attention was paid to Israel ’ s practices related @ @ @ @ @ 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 prosecution for money laundering and best practices in forensic investigation concluded on 7 September 2020 in Nur-Sultan.
The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, in partnership with the Committee of Financial Monitoring under the Finance Ministry and the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office/Regional Hub organized the event.
Some 20 representatives of Kazakhstan’s law enforcement agencies attended the webinar, which focussed on best global practices related to financial crime investigation as well as international co-operation in financial investigation.
An international expert from Israel covered topics such as criminal prosecution for money laundering and interdepartmental co-operation - in particular, among prosecutors, representatives of the Financial Intelligence Units and the law enforcement agencies. Particular attention was paid to Israel’s practices related to forensic investigation and criminal 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--2020-09-07--Preventing and combating corruption through innovation, transparency and digitalization focus of 202

Preventing and combating corruption through innovation, transparency and digitalization focus of 2020 OSCE Forum in Prague

VIENNA/PRAGUE , 7 September 2020 – Preventing and combating corruption through innovation , increased transparency and digitalization while promoting security , stability and economic growth in the OSCE region will be the focus of the first ever “ blended ” Concluding Meeting of the 28th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum , which opens on Thursday , 10 September 2020 , in Prague .
During the two-day event , senior government officials and experts from academia , NGOs , international organizations and the private sector of the 57 OSCE participating States will discuss the role of digital technologies , good governance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and combating corruption .
Particular attention will be given also to the efforts to counter this phenomenon in the field of environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources .
The objective of the Forum is to identify needs and priorities and to stimulate the political will of participating States .
The idea is to share best practices and provide a platform for dialogue for international actors , business and academic community , as well as civil society .
Tomáš Petříček , Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic , Gent Cakaj , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Albania and Tuula Yrjölä , Officer in Charge/Secretary General and Director of OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre will open the Forum .
Marina Sereni , Deputy Minister , Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy , Keith Krach , Under Secretary for Economic Growth , Energy and the Environment , U.S Department of State , Jean-Luc Lemahieu , Director of Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs ( UNODC ) , and Professor Paola Severino , Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Corruption will give keynote speeches .
Media wishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , 10 September , from 09:30 to 11:00 , can register by sending an email to press @ osce.org by Wednesday , 9 September , 16:00 .
Once registered , a Zoom link will be provided .

VIENNA/PRAGUE, 7 September 2020 – Preventing and combating corruption through innovation, increased transparency and digitalization while promoting security, stability and economic growth in the OSCE region will be the focus of the first ever “blended” Concluding Meeting of the 28th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum, which opens on Thursday, 10 September 2020, in Prague.
During the two-day event, senior government officials and experts from academia, NGOs, international organizations and the private sector of the 57 OSCE participating States will discuss the role of digital technologies, good governance and the rule of law in preventing and combating corruption. Particular attention will be given also to the efforts to counter this phenomenon in the field of environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources.
The objective of the Forum is to identify needs and priorities and to stimulate the political will of participating States. The idea is to share best practices and provide a platform for dialogue for international actors, business and academic community, as well as civil society.
Tomáš Petříček, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic, Gent Cakaj, Acting Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania and Tuula Yrjölä, Officer in Charge/Secretary General and Director of OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre will open the Forum.
Marina Sereni, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Keith Krach, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, U.S Department of State, Jean-Luc Lemahieu, Director of Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (UNODC), and Professor Paola Severino, Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Corruption will give keynote speeches.
Media wishing to follow the opening virtually, on Thursday, 10 September, from 09:30 to 11:00, can register by sending an email to press@osce.org by Wednesday, 9 September, 16:00. Once registered, a Zoom link will be provided.
Follow the Forum via @OSCE Twitter, #EEFOSCE.


osce--2020-09-05--ODIHR opens limited election observation mission in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK , 7 September 2020 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) today opened a limited election observation mission ( LEOM ) for the 4 October parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan , following an invitation from the national authorities .
The mission is led by Thomas Boserup and consists of a core team of 12 experts based in Bishkek and 18 long-term observers , who will be deployed throughout the country from 11 September .
The mission will assess whether the elections are held in line with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with national legislation .
Observers will closely monitor fundamental aspects of the elections such as voter registration , campaign activities , the work of the election administration and relevant government bodies , election-related legislation and its implementation , and the resolution of election-related disputes .
As part of the observation , the mission will also monitor media coverage of the campaign .
Meetings with numerous representatives of state authorities , political parties , civil society , the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation .
Due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the related travel restrictions , ODIHR is not able to deploy short-term observers ahead of the 4 October elections as originally planned .
The format of the observation activity has therefore been adjusted to a LEOM , which will include long-term observers based around the country .
While mission members will visit a limited number of polling stations on election day , there will not be any systematic observation of voting , counting or tabulation of results .
An interim report will be published to update the public and media during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the elections , ODIHR ’ s preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference .
A final report summing up the observation and making recommendations for improvements will be published approximately two months after the end of the election process .
NB The ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission and the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek operate separately and independently under their own mandates .
For further information , please visit https : //www.osce.org/odihr/elections/kyrgyzstan or contact Claudia Aranda , Media Analyst , at claudia.aranda @ odihr.kg or +996 770 804 @ @

BISHKEK, 7 September 2020 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened a limited election observation mission (LEOM) for the 4 October parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, following an invitation from the national authorities.
The mission is led by Thomas Boserup and consists of a core team of 12 experts based in Bishkek and 18 long-term observers, who will be deployed throughout the country from 11 September.
The mission will assess whether the elections are held in line with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. Observers will closely monitor fundamental aspects of the elections such as voter registration, campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant government bodies, election-related legislation and its implementation, and the resolution of election-related disputes. As part of the observation, the mission will also monitor media coverage of the campaign.
Meetings with numerous representatives of state authorities, political parties, civil society, the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation.
Due to the health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the related travel restrictions, ODIHR is not able to deploy short-term observers ahead of the 4 October elections as originally planned. The format of the observation activity has therefore been adjusted to a LEOM, which will include long-term observers based around the country. While mission members will visit a limited number of polling stations on election day, there will not be any systematic observation of voting, counting or tabulation of results.
An interim report will be published to update the public and media during the course of the observation. The day after the elections, ODIHR’s preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference. A final report summing up the observation and making recommendations for improvements will be published approximately two months after the end of the election process.
NB The ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission and the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek operate separately and independently under their own mandates.
For further information, please visit https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/kyrgyzstan or contact Claudia Aranda, Media Analyst, at claudia.aranda@odihr.kg or +996 770 804 051,
or
Lauren Baranowska, ODIHR, at: lauren.baranowska@odihr.pl or +48 695 916 998


osce--2020-09-05--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 212/2020 issued on 5 September 2020


osce--2020-09-04--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 211/2020 issued on 4 September 2020


osce--2020-09-04--OSCE provides resources to improve police-community relations in Tajikistan

Ceremonies to inaugurate offices for Public Councils , devoted to promoting community policing , and to open a third Model Police station took place on 31 August in Dushanbe and on 1 September 2020 in the district of Varzob , respectively .
Providing resources for improving community policing is part of joint efforts by the OSCE Programme Office ( POiD ) in Dushanbe and Tajikistan ’ s Ministry of Internal Affairs ( MIA ) .
Valeriu Chiveri , Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe , and Lieutenant-General Nazarzoda Sharif , Head of the MIA Directorate took part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Councils .
The office premises are fully refurbished and equipped with furniture and modern technology .
They will provide a place for territorial police inspectors , members of the Public Council and the community to meet and address public concerns .
At the opening ceremony , Lieutenant-General Nazarzoda noted that the opening of these offices would help the Public Council more proactively reach out to citizens .
During the ceremony on 1 September in the village of Safed-dara in the Varzob district , Head of POiD Chiveri , Deputy Interior Minister Major-General Ibrohimzoda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Varzob district , inaugurated a third Model Police station , adding to the two stations in Tajikistan .
The Model Police station , composed of three offices and a conference hall , provides the possibility for members of local community and territorial police inspectors to meet and discuss joint measures to ensure public order in their community .
“ We hope that the established Model Police station will help to build a close relationship with the local population in order to create accountability and trust between the police and civil society , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MIA and the OSCE jointly implement measures to promote community policing , gain public support and build co-operation between the police and the citizens of Tajikistan .

Ceremonies to inaugurate offices for Public Councils, devoted to promoting community policing, and to open a third Model Police station took place on 31 August in Dushanbe and on 1 September 2020 in the district of Varzob, respectively.
Providing resources for improving community policing is part of joint efforts by the OSCE Programme Office (POiD) in Dushanbe and Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).
Valeriu Chiveri, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, and Lieutenant-General Nazarzoda Sharif, Head of the MIA Directorate took part in the inauguration of the offices for Public Councils. The office premises are fully refurbished and equipped with furniture and modern technology. They will provide a place for territorial police inspectors, members of the Public Council and the community to meet and address public concerns. At the opening ceremony, Lieutenant-General Nazarzoda noted that the opening of these offices would help the Public Council more proactively reach out to citizens.
During the ceremony on 1 September in the village of Safed-dara in the Varzob district, Head of POiD Chiveri, Deputy Interior Minister Major-General Ibrohimzoda Nozim and Sheralizoda Muhammadullo, Chairperson of the Varzob district, inaugurated a third Model Police station, adding to the two stations in Tajikistan.
The Model Police station, composed of three offices and a conference hall, provides the possibility for members of local community and territorial police inspectors to meet and discuss joint measures to ensure public order in their community.
“We hope that the established Model Police station will help to build a close relationship with the local population in order to create accountability and trust between the police and civil society,” said Major-General Ibrohimzoda.
The Tajik MIA and the OSCE jointly implement measures to promote community policing, gain public support and build co-operation between the police and the citizens of Tajikistan.


osce--2020-09-04--Statement of the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions

GENEVA , 4 September 2020 - We , the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions ( GID ) , reiterate our call for co-operation and dialogue , especially across conflict lines , during this global pandemic .
The GID format remains a crucial venue to address both security and humanitarian concerns , particularly for conflict-affected populations .
We welcome the participants ’ regular consultations with us during the pandemic , as well as the resumption of the regular meetings of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism ( IPRM ) in Ergneti .
We encourage the resumption of the Gali IPRM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we are concerned that crossing points remain closed .
While the pandemic situation requires due caution , some crossing points , such as the one at Odzisi , have been closed for over a year , predating COVID-19 .
Restrictions on freedom of movement complicate medical treatment , transportation , and communication , as well as access to livelihoods .
We expect all sides to increase their efforts to build trust and confidence and work constructively with the Co-Chairs , as well as with international humanitarian and human rights organizations .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda items during the next GID round on 6-7 October 2020 in Geneva .

GENEVA, 4 September 2020 - We, the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (GID), reiterate our call for co-operation and dialogue, especially across conflict lines, during this global pandemic.
The GID format remains a crucial venue to address both security and humanitarian concerns, particularly for conflict-affected populations. We welcome the participants’ regular consultations with us during the pandemic, as well as the resumption of the regular meetings of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Ergneti. We encourage the resumption of the Gali IPRM.
However, at the same time, we are concerned that crossing points remain closed. While the pandemic situation requires due caution, some crossing points, such as the one at Odzisi, have been closed for over a year, predating COVID-19. Restrictions on freedom of movement complicate medical treatment, transportation, and communication, as well as access to livelihoods.
We expect all sides to increase their efforts to build trust and confidence and work constructively with the Co-Chairs, as well as with international humanitarian and human rights organizations.
We look forward to making progress on core agenda items during the next GID round on 6-7 October 2020 in Geneva.


osce--2020-09-03--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 210/2020 issued on 3 September 2020


osce--2020-09-03--OSCE official praises Finland’s reforms to counter human trafficking and encourages further efforts

OSCE official praises Finland’s reforms to counter human trafficking and encourages further efforts on victim identification and prosecution

VIENNA , 3 September 2020 – The OSCE Special Representative for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings , Valiant Richey , wrapped up a series of two-day online consultations with high-level officials of Finland today .
He concluded that the Finnish Government is demonstrating strong political initiative to combat trafficking but needs to increase its efforts to counter impunity and identify victims , particularly children and those exploited online .
The Special Representative held meetings with a number of Finnish officials , including the Ministers of Justice , Interior and Foreign Affairs , as well as with the Prosecutor General , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trafficking and the Deputy National Police Commissioner .
The meetings focused on the government ’ s ongoing efforts to prevent and tackle trafficking in human beings and implement solutions to some new and persistent challenges .
Thanking Special Representative Valiant Richey for the meeting , Minister of Justice Anna-Maja Henriksson said : “ It was extremely valuable to hear the OSCE ’ s views on preventing human trafficking in various countries and to discuss how to best work together against it .
The Finnish government is very dedicated to working against human trafficking.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ best driver for change , and recent efforts in Finland demonstrate strong commitment to achieving results ” , said Special Representative Richey .
He noted that the recent reform that enables agencies to join forces with the police to identify victims of trafficking is “ a positive step towards more expansive , victim-centred anti-trafficking policies ” .
He also commended collaboration between police and labor inspectors and the planned creation of a specialized unit on investigating human trafficking cases .
However , Richey said that Finland still faces significant challenges when it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of prosecutions remain quite low in Finland , especially in comparison to the increasing number of identified victims , ” Special Representative Richey said ; adding that this can create a perception of impunity for traffickers and deny victims the justice they deserve .
The meetings also covered trends in the OSCE region and in Finland , such as the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable communities susceptible to trafficking , the rise of online exploitation , and the need for a more comprehensive criminal justice response , especially to trafficking for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should focus on what victims need , not what we need from victims , ” said Richey , calling for robust victim assistance coupled with investigation strategies focused on gathering corroborating evidence without relying exclusively on victim testimony .
He noted that promising prosecution approaches in the OSCE region emphasized the use of technology , financial investigations and special investigative techniques to support successful cases and seize traffickers ’ assets .
The meetings laid the foundation for an in-person visit to Finland later this year to support the work of a newly established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Co-ordinator in developing a national action plan and other anti-trafficking policies .
The OSCE Special Representative regularly conducts official visits to support OSCE participating States in their efforts to counter human trafficking , as well as to share knowledge and collect best practices to fight this heinous crime .
While current travel restrictions make on-sight visits more challenging , the Office of the OSCE Special Representative continues to engage and provide tailored support to participating States through online formats .

VIENNA, 3 September 2020 – The OSCE Special Representative for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Valiant Richey, wrapped up a series of two-day online consultations with high-level officials of Finland today. He concluded that the Finnish Government is demonstrating strong political initiative to combat trafficking but needs to increase its efforts to counter impunity and identify victims, particularly children and those exploited online.
The Special Representative held meetings with a number of Finnish officials, including the Ministers of Justice, Interior and Foreign Affairs, as well as with the Prosecutor General, the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman and National Rapporteur on Trafficking and the Deputy National Police Commissioner. The meetings focused on the government’s ongoing efforts to prevent and tackle trafficking in human beings and implement solutions to some new and persistent challenges.
Thanking Special Representative Valiant Richey for the meeting, Minister of Justice Anna-Maja Henriksson said: “It was extremely valuable to hear the OSCE’s views on preventing human trafficking in various countries and to discuss how to best work together against it. The Finnish government is very dedicated to working against human trafficking.”
“High-level political engagement is the best driver for change, and recent efforts in Finland demonstrate strong commitment to achieving results”, said Special Representative Richey. He noted that the recent reform that enables agencies to join forces with the police to identify victims of trafficking is “a positive step towards more expansive, victim-centred anti-trafficking policies”. He also commended collaboration between police and labor inspectors and the planned creation of a specialized unit on investigating human trafficking cases.
However, Richey said that Finland still faces significant challenges when it comes to countering human trafficking. “The number of prosecutions remain quite low in Finland, especially in comparison to the increasing number of identified victims,” Special Representative Richey said; adding that this can create a perception of impunity for traffickers and deny victims the justice they deserve.
The meetings also covered trends in the OSCE region and in Finland, such as the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable communities susceptible to trafficking, the rise of online exploitation, and the need for a more comprehensive criminal justice response, especially to trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
“We should focus on what victims need, not what we need from victims,” said Richey, calling for robust victim assistance coupled with investigation strategies focused on gathering corroborating evidence without relying exclusively on victim testimony. He noted that promising prosecution approaches in the OSCE region emphasized the use of technology, financial investigations and special investigative techniques to support successful cases and seize traffickers’ assets.
The meetings laid the foundation for an in-person visit to Finland later this year to support the work of a newly established Working Group under the leadership of the National Co-ordinator in developing a national action plan and other anti-trafficking policies.
The OSCE Special Representative regularly conducts official visits to support OSCE participating States in their efforts to counter human trafficking, as well as to share knowledge and collect best practices to fight this heinous crime. While current travel restrictions make on-sight visits more challenging, the Office of the OSCE Special Representative continues to engage and provide tailored support to participating States through online formats.


osce--2020-09-03--First Model OSCE organized in Uzbekistan

Twenty-five participants from Uzbekistan participated in a Model OSCE conference from 2 to 4 September 2020 .
Participants were graduates or current students from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy ( UWED ) in Tashkent .
The online event , the first of its kind in Uzbekistan , was co-organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan ( PCUz ) and UWED .
During the event , participants had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge about OSCE structures , develop their negotiation and drafting skills of international documents , and understand the work undertaken by the OSCE in Uzbekistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were also acquainted with the 1975 Helsinki Final Act , the OSCE ’ s landmark document that set the foundation for European peace , guaranteed by a co-operative multilateral system based on shared values and commitments .
The Model OSCE in Uzbekistan coincided with the 45th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act .
“ The Model OSCE is a simulation activity in which students must recreate the OSCE ’ s Permanent Council in a crisis situation , ” explained John MacGregor , OSCE Project Co-ordinator .
“ Each student is assigned a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country to resolve the crisis .
By the end of the exercise , the students must develop a joint action plan on how to settle the crisis and avoid the escalation of the conflict ” .
“ I have often said that one of the greatest resources of Uzbekistan is its cohort of well-educated young people , ” continued MacGregor .
Gulnoza Ismailova , Vice Rector on Science and Innovations at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy , said : “ The first Model OSCE in Uzbekistan presented an opportunity for young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to become familiar with the work of the OSCE and the dynamics of international organizations.
” The event is part of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan ’ s activities aimed at involving young people in promoting peace and security and protecting the rights of youth .

Twenty-five participants from Uzbekistan participated in a Model OSCE conference from 2 to 4 September 2020. Participants were graduates or current students from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) in Tashkent.
The online event, the first of its kind in Uzbekistan, was co-organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) and UWED.
During the event, participants had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge about OSCE structures, develop their negotiation and drafting skills of international documents, and understand the work undertaken by the OSCE in Uzbekistan in its three programmatic dimensions. They were also acquainted with the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, the OSCE’s landmark document that set the foundation for European peace, guaranteed by a co-operative multilateral system based on shared values and commitments. The Model OSCE in Uzbekistan coincided with the 45th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act.
“The Model OSCE is a simulation activity in which students must recreate the OSCE’s Permanent Council in a crisis situation,” explained John MacGregor, OSCE Project Co-ordinator. “Each student is assigned a country and must negotiate on behalf of her/his country to resolve the crisis. By the end of the exercise, the students must develop a joint action plan on how to settle the crisis and avoid the escalation of the conflict”. “I have often said that one of the greatest resources of Uzbekistan is its cohort of well-educated young people,” continued MacGregor.
Gulnoza Ismailova, Vice Rector on Science and Innovations at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, said: “The first Model OSCE in Uzbekistan presented an opportunity for young people to understand how international diplomacy works and to become familiar with the work of the OSCE and the dynamics of international organizations.”
The event is part of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan’s activities aimed at involving young people in promoting peace and security and protecting the rights of youth.


osce--2020-09-03--OSCE Presence launches transparency project for public procurement system in Albania

The OSCE Presence in Albania launched a project aimed at strengthening the capacities and increasing transparency and accountability of the public procurement system in Albania , on 1 September 2020 .
Through this project , and with the support of the Permanent Delegation of Italy to the OSCE , the Presence will conduct research to identify risks and prevent corruption in public procurement .
It will provide recommendations to improve the policy framework and capacity development , as well as promote data transparency and data monitoring among civil society actors .
The Presence has contracted the Berlin-based Hertie School of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anti-Corruption and State-Building and the Albanian Institute of Science to initiate a comprehensive risk assessment in public procurement in selected public sectors .
They will also develop a visual mapping to identify gaps and provide recommendations to mitigate risks through improvements in both policy framework and operational management .
In addition , the Presence will develop a roadmap for the establishment of a professional training programme for public procurement officials to increase their capacities and improve efficiency , planning and monitoring procedures .
Throughout the project , the Presence will work closely with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Procurement Commission , the Albanian Public School of Administration , and the Department of Public Administration .
The project adds to the Presence ’ s efforts to support Albania ’ s government in the fight against corruption .

The OSCE Presence in Albania launched a project aimed at strengthening the capacities and increasing transparency and accountability of the public procurement system in Albania, on 1 September 2020.
Through this project, and with the support of the Permanent Delegation of Italy to the OSCE, the Presence will conduct research to identify risks and prevent corruption in public procurement. It will provide recommendations to improve the policy framework and capacity development, as well as promote data transparency and data monitoring among civil society actors.
The Presence has contracted the Berlin-based Hertie School of Governance’s European Research Centre for Anti-Corruption and State-Building and the Albanian Institute of Science to initiate a comprehensive risk assessment in public procurement in selected public sectors. They will also develop a visual mapping to identify gaps and provide recommendations to mitigate risks through improvements in both policy framework and operational management.
In addition, the Presence will develop a roadmap for the establishment of a professional training programme for public procurement officials to increase their capacities and improve efficiency, planning and monitoring procedures.
Throughout the project, the Presence will work closely with the Albanian Public Procurement Agency, the Public Procurement Commission, the Albanian Public School of Administration, and the Department of Public Administration.
The project adds to the Presence’s efforts to support Albania’s government in the fight against corruption.


osce--2020-09-03--OSCE supports online discussion on access to information in Kazakhstan

Some 35 participants from government bodies , academia , civil society and media-related NGOs participated in an online discussion on @ @ @ @ @ .
The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan and the NGO Legal Media Centre jointly organized @ @ @ @ @ 2 September .
The Legal Media Centre provided participants with an overview of the national @ @ @ @ @ , different categories of information classification , protection of the right for access to information @ @ @ @ @ issues .
A national expert presented the legal analysis of the legislative acts regulating the @ @ @ @ @ restricted information ) .
Participants also discussed issues of information accessibility regarding budget expenses , @ @ @ @ @ official information held by different government agencies , and participation of civil society in the @ @ @ @ @ to information .
The event is part of the Programme Office ’ s activities aimed @ @ @ @ @ freedom of expression in line with OSCE principles and commitments .

Some 35 participants from government bodies, academia, civil society and media-related NGOs participated in an online discussion on access to information in Kazakhstan. The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan and the NGO Legal Media Centre jointly organized the event, held on 2 September.
The Legal Media Centre provided participants with an overview of the national legislation on access to information, different categories of information classification, protection of the right for access to information and transparency, and accountability issues. A national expert presented the legal analysis of the legislative acts regulating the information for official use (restricted information). Participants also discussed issues of information accessibility regarding budget expenses, procedures governing the release of official information held by different government agencies, and participation of civil society in the legislative process regulating the access to information.
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--2020-09-03--Press Statement of Special Representative Grau after the regular Meeting of Trilateral Contact Group

Press Statement of Special Representative Grau after the regular Meeting of Trilateral Contact Group on 2 September 2020

KYIV , 2 September 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) , Ambassador Heidi Grau , made the following statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups held through video conferencing : “ I am pleased to note that the `` Measures to strengthen the ceasefire '' that took effect on July 27 , 2020 , continue overall to be effective .
I encourage the sides to keep making all necessary efforts to keep a sustainable and comprehensive ceasefire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaceful settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine .
In addition to discussing the ceasefire commitments , the Security Working Group reached a common understanding upon the draft `` Framework Decision on Mine Action '' as well as the new areas for demining and disengagement of forces and hardware , as requested by the Normandy Four leaders at their meeting in Paris in December last year .
However , due to the ongoing discussion on the conformity of Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine № 795-IX `` On the appointment of regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minsk Agreements , the TCG did not come today to final decisions .
This discussion also hindered progress in other Working Groups .
The Humanitarian Working Group discussed the mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees .
In addition to this topic , participants looked into the progress of preparations for the simultaneous opening of additional entry-exit crossing points in Zolote and Shchastya in the Luhansk region .
The Economic Working Group focused on current issues of water supplies in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Working Group , like at the previous meeting two weeks ago , was mainly devoted to the Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine № 795-IX , what again did not allow to address the issues on the agenda , aimed at the implementation of the Minsk Agreements ” .

KYIV, 2 September 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Heidi Grau, made the following statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups held through video conferencing:
“I am pleased to note that the "Measures to strengthen the ceasefire" that took effect on July 27, 2020, continue overall to be effective. I encourage the sides to keep making all necessary efforts to keep a sustainable and comprehensive ceasefire, which is an indispensable prerequisite for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
In addition to discussing the ceasefire commitments, the Security Working Group reached a common understanding upon the draft "Framework Decision on Mine Action" as well as the new areas for demining and disengagement of forces and hardware, as requested by the Normandy Four leaders at their meeting in Paris in December last year.
However, due to the ongoing discussion on the conformity of Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine № 795-IX "On the appointment of regular local elections in 2020" with the Minsk Agreements, the TCG did not come today to final decisions. This discussion also hindered progress in other Working Groups.
The Humanitarian Working Group discussed the mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees. In addition to this topic, participants looked into the progress of preparations for the simultaneous opening of additional entry-exit crossing points in Zolote and Shchastya in the Luhansk region.
The Economic Working Group focused on current issues of water supplies in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, as well as environmental matters.
Discussions in the Political Working Group, like at the previous meeting two weeks ago, was mainly devoted to the Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine № 795-IX, what again did not allow to address the issues on the agenda, aimed at the implementation of the Minsk Agreements”.


osce--2020-09-16--Spot Report 39/2020: SMM camera near government-controlled Berezove disconnected from its power supp

Spot Report 39/2020: SMM camera near government-controlled Berezove disconnected from its power supply

At 10:20 on 15 September , during a scheduled maintenance of its camera system located near Berezove ( government-controlled , @ @ @ @ @ , the SMM saw that the power cable located in the meter box that provided @ @ @ @ @ disconnected and that the system was operating on a backup power supply .
The Mission @ @ @ @ @ did not have any damage and was operational but two power wires had been unscrewed @ @ @ @ @ The Mission reconnected the power supply and re-sealed the meter box .
The power meter @ @ @ @ @ is located about 200m south-west of a checkpoint of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Berezove @ @ @ @ @ is located about 1.7km north-east of Berezove and about 1.7km south-west of another checkpoint of @ @ @ @ @ The camera system consists of both daylight and thermal cameras , covering the areas south-east @ @ @ @ @ and can register ceasefire violations and other relevant observations on both sides of the contact @ @

At 10:20 on 15 September, during a scheduled maintenance of its camera system located near Berezove (government-controlled, 31km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM saw that the power cable located in the meter box that provided the camera with electricity was disconnected and that the system was operating on a backup power supply.
The Mission saw that the camera system did not have any damage and was operational but two power wires had been unscrewed from the main fuse. The Mission reconnected the power supply and re-sealed the meter box.
The power meter box of the camera system is located about 200m south-west of a checkpoint of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Berezove, while the camera system is located about 1.7km north-east of Berezove and about 1.7km south-west of another checkpoint of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The camera system consists of both daylight and thermal cameras, covering the areas south-east and north-east from its location and can register ceasefire violations and other relevant observations on both sides of the contact line.


osce--2020-09-16--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 221/2020 issued on 16 September 2020


osce--2020-09-16--OSCE Mission presents Judge Korner’s report on war crimes processing at state level in Bosnia and He

OSCE Mission presents Judge Korner’s report on war crimes processing at state level in Bosnia and Herzegovina

SARAJEVO , 16 September 2020 – The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina ( BiH ) presented today in Sarajevo the report by Judge Joanna Korner on war crimes processing at the state level in Bosnia and Herzegovina .
The report examines the implementation of the recommendations provided in Judge Korner ’ s earlier 2016 report and presents a number of new recommendations aimed to further support judicial institutions in improving the processing of war crimes .
Kathleen Kavalec , Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH , highlighted that although by the end of 2019 , the BiH judiciary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of war crimes cases , having completed over 570 proceedings involving more than 870 defendants , the current report clearly shows that there continues to be significant room for improvement in the functioning of the BiH Prosecutor ’ s Office .
“ As the Mission has stated before , to reduce the backlog , there is an urgent need to ensure that less complex cases are transferred to the entity level without further delay .
Only this would allow the BiH Prosecutor ’ s Office to focus its resources , in a timely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving the highest level perpetrators , ” stated Kavalec .
Matt Field , British Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina said : “ 25 years since the end of the war , there are still over 600 unresolved cases involving over 4,500 suspects .
With the passage of time , these cases are getting steadily harder to solve .
Progress is slowing .
In the meantime , victims and their families wait for justice .
I ’ m confident that Judge Korner ’ s practical recommendations will enable legal professionals to do their job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the completion of its war crimes cases.
” Judge Korner stated : “ As may be seen from the report , the analysis which I carried out mandates the taking of urgent remedial action in many areas , in order for there to be the slightest prospect of achieving the 2023 deadline for the completion of war crimes cases .
The most pressing of those actions is the adoption of the revised National War Crimes Processing Strategy.
” This report was produced within the project Strengthening Rule of Law by Improving War Crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government of the United Kingdom , originated as a follow-up to the findings and recommendations in the first report by Judge Korner from 2016 .

SARAJEVO, 16 September 2020 – The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) presented today in Sarajevo the report by Judge Joanna Korner on war crimes processing at the state level in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The report examines the implementation of the recommendations provided in Judge Korner’s earlier 2016 report and presents a number of new recommendations aimed to further support judicial institutions in improving the processing of war crimes.
Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, highlighted that although by the end of 2019, the BiH judiciary had made progress in tackling the backlog of war crimes cases, having completed over 570 proceedings involving more than 870 defendants, the current report clearly shows that there continues to be significant room for improvement in the functioning of the BiH Prosecutor’s Office.
“As the Mission has stated before, to reduce the backlog, there is an urgent need to ensure that less complex cases are transferred to the entity level without further delay. Only this would allow the BiH Prosecutor’s Office to focus its resources, in a timely manner, on the most complex cases involving the highest level perpetrators,” stated Kavalec.
Matt Field, British Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina said: “25 years since the end of the war, there are still over 600 unresolved cases involving over 4,500 suspects. With the passage of time, these cases are getting steadily harder to solve. Progress is slowing. In the meantime, victims and their families wait for justice. I’m confident that Judge Korner’s practical recommendations will enable legal professionals to do their job better, and contribute to BiH finalizing the completion of its war crimes cases.”
Judge Korner stated: “As may be seen from the report, the analysis which I carried out mandates the taking of urgent remedial action in many areas, in order for there to be the slightest prospect of achieving the 2023 deadline for the completion of war crimes cases. The most pressing of those actions is the adoption of the revised National War Crimes Processing Strategy.”
This report was produced within the project Strengthening Rule of Law by Improving War Crimes Processing in Bosnia and Herzegovina financed by the Government of the United Kingdom, originated as a follow-up to the findings and recommendations in the first report by Judge Korner from 2016.


osce--2020-09-16--OSCE supports workshop on strengthening capacity of government agencies in COVID-19 response by prom

OSCE supports workshop on strengthening capacity of government agencies in COVID-19 response by promoting women’s participation

An OSCE-supported 6-day intensive workshop on the “ Activities of state bodies during state of emergencies and emergency situations : interaction and problems .
The role of women employees during emergencies '' , concluded today , 16 September , in Issyk-Kul , Kyrgyzstan .
The Kyrgyz Association of Women in the Security Sector , Law Enforcement and Rule of Law ( KAWSS ) , supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek , organized the workshop .
The workshop brought together participants from the Kyrgyzstan ’ s General Staff of the Armed Forces , Ministry of Health , Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Education and Science , State Border Service and State Defence Committee .
During the months of April and May , due to the state of emergency declared because of the COVID-19 pandemic , Kyrgyzstan introduced lock-down measures .
With the possible emergence of a second wave , it was important to analyse the lessons learnt from the past months and to develop recommendations for the future .
Participants shared experiences , discussed the effectiveness of interagency co-ordination efforts during emergencies , developed recommendations for improving interagency co-operation during emergencies and analysed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those activities .
Aidarkul Kaana , Chairperson of KAWSS , said that : “ Women make up the majority of health and social workers who continue to work at the forefront of the COVID-19 response .
Consequently , in any emergency situation or in a state of emergency , participation of women-professionals in co-ordination groups will facilitate a quick and effective recovery .
”

An OSCE-supported 6-day intensive workshop on the “Activities of state bodies during state of emergencies and emergency situations: interaction and problems. The role of women employees during emergencies", concluded today, 16 September, in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan.
The Kyrgyz Association of Women in the Security Sector, Law Enforcement and Rule of Law (KAWSS), supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, organized the workshop.
The workshop brought together participants from the Kyrgyzstan’s General Staff of the Armed Forces, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Education and Science, State Border Service and State Defence Committee.
During the months of April and May, due to the state of emergency declared because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kyrgyzstan introduced lock-down measures. With the possible emergence of a second wave, it was important to analyse the lessons learnt from the past months and to develop recommendations for the future.
Participants shared experiences, discussed the effectiveness of interagency co-ordination efforts during emergencies, developed recommendations for improving interagency co-operation during emergencies and analysed the role of women in the provision of those activities.
Aidarkul Kaana, Chairperson of KAWSS, said that: “Women make up the majority of health and social workers who continue to work at the forefront of the COVID-19 response. Consequently, in any emergency situation or in a state of emergency, participation of women-professionals in co-ordination groups will facilitate a quick and effective recovery.”


osce--2020-09-15--Partnerships between governments, civil society and private sector crucial to counter-terrorism effo

Partnerships between governments, civil society and private sector crucial to counter-terrorism efforts, concludes OSCE-wide Conference

VIENNA , 15 September 2020 – We need to strengthen partnerships between governments , civil society and the private sector in efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization that leads to terrorism ( VERLT ) , participants of the 2020 OSCE Chairmanship Counter-Terrorism Conference concluded at the end of the two-day meeting in Vienna today .
This year ’ s annual OSCE-wide Counter-Terrorism Conference , organized by Albania ’ s 2020 OSCE Chairmanship with the support of the Action against Terrorism Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department , brought together more than 500 participants from across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from governments , state agencies , the United Nations ( UN ) and other international organizations , representatives from the public and private sector , and civil society , including women ’ s rights organizations , and academia joined two days of dialogue and mutual learning .
Together they shared their good practices and lessons learned and explored ways to strengthen effective partnerships in the fight against terrorism .
In his opening address on the first day of the conference , Albania ’ s Acting Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and terrorism is a bigger team effort : “ Advancing public-private partnership , international co-operation and solidarity is key.
” “ Community , religious and civil society partners are better plugged in at a grassroots level than we are , ” said Cakaj .
“ We must recognize that the private sector has capabilities and resources , be they technological or physical , that can amplify our efforts and deliver our strategies .
That academia and think tanks have additional expertise and insight to spot trends .
As governments , our fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such effective partnerships.
” “ Terrorism will never win , ” he added .
“ Our governments and societies will never yield in the face of such attacks .
Instead , it just strengthens our resolve to prevent and counter this hateful phenomenon.
” Also speaking on the first day , Vladimir Voronkov , UN Under-Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism , noted : “ Defeating terrorism will not be possible through government or international organizations efforts alone .
We need an inclusive whole-of-society approach .
Public-private partnerships , particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address the misuse of information and communication technologies by terrorists.
” He was followed by UN Special Rapporteur on the Protection of Human Rights while Countering Terrorism , Fionnuala Ní Aoláin , who , in a keynote address said : “ We must look beyond the symptoms of terrorism ” .
Stressing the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism , she said it is crucial “ to ensure that all of our efforts are firmly rooted in human rights-based approaches and mutual trust ” .
In her closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officer-in-Charge/Secretary General , Director of Conflict Prevention Centre summarized the Conference ’ s key outcomes , noting that “ Only through co-operation and co-ordination at all levels – nationally , regionally and internationally – can we address the multifaceted threat of terrorism and violent extremism in an effective and human-rights compliant manner.
” Over the course of the two days , the conference explored international and regional co-operation on counter-terrorism matters ; multi-agency co-ordination at the national level to address terrorism and violent extremism ; and the importance and added value of effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in preventing and countering violent extremism .
Seven side events organized by OSCE participating States , the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( OSCE/ODIHR ) , and partner organizations such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime ( UNODC ) , and civil society organizations from different regions across the OSCE area were held .
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic , the conference was organized in a blended format , with participants and speakers attending in person as well as online .

VIENNA, 15 September 2020 – We need to strengthen partnerships between governments, civil society and the private sector in efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization that leads to terrorism (VERLT), participants of the 2020 OSCE Chairmanship Counter-Terrorism Conference concluded at the end of the two-day meeting in Vienna today.
This year’s annual OSCE-wide Counter-Terrorism Conference, organized by Albania’s 2020 OSCE Chairmanship with the support of the Action against Terrorism Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, brought together more than 500 participants from across the OSCE area.
High-level representatives and experts from governments, state agencies, the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations, representatives from the public and private sector, and civil society, including women’s rights organizations, and academia joined two days of dialogue and mutual learning. Together they shared their good practices and lessons learned and explored ways to strengthen effective partnerships in the fight against terrorism.
In his opening address on the first day of the conference, Albania’s Acting Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj said that preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism is a bigger team effort: “Advancing public-private partnership, international co-operation and solidarity is key.”
“Community, religious and civil society partners are better plugged in at a grassroots level than we are,” said Cakaj. “We must recognize that the private sector has capabilities and resources, be they technological or physical, that can amplify our efforts and deliver our strategies. That academia and think tanks have additional expertise and insight to spot trends. As governments, our fight against terrorism will be that much stronger with such effective partnerships.”
“Terrorism will never win,” he added. “Our governments and societies will never yield in the face of such attacks. Instead, it just strengthens our resolve to prevent and counter this hateful phenomenon.”
Also speaking on the first day, Vladimir Voronkov, UN Under-Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, noted: “Defeating terrorism will not be possible through government or international organizations efforts alone. We need an inclusive whole-of-society approach. Public-private partnerships, particularly with technology companies, are essential to address the misuse of information and communication technologies by terrorists.”
He was followed by UN Special Rapporteur on the Protection of Human Rights while Countering Terrorism, Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, who, in a keynote address said: “We must look beyond the symptoms of terrorism”. Stressing the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism, she said it is crucial “to ensure that all of our efforts are firmly rooted in human rights-based approaches and mutual trust”.
In her closing remarks today, Tuula Yrjölä, OSCE Officer-in-Charge/Secretary General, Director of Conflict Prevention Centre summarized the Conference’s key outcomes, noting that “Only through co-operation and co-ordination at all levels – nationally, regionally and internationally – can we address the multifaceted threat of terrorism and violent extremism in an effective and human-rights compliant manner.”
Over the course of the two days, the conference explored international and regional co-operation on counter-terrorism matters; multi-agency co-ordination at the national level to address terrorism and violent extremism; and the importance and added value of effective partnerships with a broad spectrum of stakeholders in preventing and countering violent extremism.
Seven side events organized by OSCE participating States, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), and partner organizations such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and civil society organizations from different regions across the OSCE area were held.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was organized in a blended format, with participants and speakers attending in person as well as online.


osce--2020-09-15--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 220/2020 issued on 15 September 2020


osce--2020-09-15--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 15 September 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 22 permanent international Mission members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) and one first responder [ 1 ] .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna .
In the framework of its vehicle replacement process with the OSCE SMM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were delivered to the Mission ’ s Office in Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy .
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities .
The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review , in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship .
Following the host country recommendations , the observers are adhering to social distancing .
Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain difficulties , but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities .
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 .
The average number of entries/exits increased from 9,544 to 10,017 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation , with an average net flow of 74 per day for both BCPs .
The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP .
Responding to the COVID-19 situation , the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March .
Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border ( which entered into force on 19 March ) , are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 eight , compared to ten last week .
Six persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another two crossed into Ukraine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The OTs continued to report on families , sometimes with elderly persons and/or children , crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage , or travelling in heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , two families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another three families were observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when six families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation , while another two families crossed into Ukraine .
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs ( 328 compared to 353 observed during the previous week ) .
There were 167 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 161 bound for Ukraine .
On some occasions , the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses , while some buses did not display their route at all .
The majority of long-distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region .
Among the bus connections observed by the OT , the following irregular route of destination was noted : Luhansk – Sevastopol .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 957 compared to 842 during the previous reporting week ) ; 498 at the Gukovo BCP and 459 at the Donetsk BCP , 537 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , on a daily basis , the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation , Belarus , Lithuania , Poland , Ukraine and trucks with “ LPR ” plates .
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 45 compared to 54 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period , the X-ray vehicle at the Donetsk BCP was not operating due to the ongoing construction activities ; consequently , no X-ray checks were observed by the OTs .
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans [ 3 ] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs .
The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed an increase in the overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both BCPs ( 161 compared to 128 observed during the previous week ) ; 78 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 83 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 24 occasions ; the OTs assessed that 12 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 12 trains were travelling to Ukraine ( more details are provided in the sections “ trends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
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 8 September at 15:05 , the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type UAZ , with no licence plates , entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and queuing at the customs control area .
All vehicles underwent customs control procedures and left for Ukraine at 17:20 .
On 9 September at 20:28 , the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a police minivan with Russian Federation licence plates and two police officers inside , entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking next to the main building .
At 20:35 , the police vehicle drove back to the Russian Federation .
On 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates , entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking next to the main building .
The OT noticed three individuals on board – the driver and two medical personnel .
At 13:56 , the ambulance drove back to the Russian Federation .
The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 11 August to 15 September 2020 , please see the attachment here [ 1 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members deployed for a short period of time .
[ 2 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 3 ] Cargo minivans : light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t ; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg ( small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1 ) .

SUMMARY
Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO) and one first responder[1]. The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna. In the framework of its vehicle replacement process with the OSCE SMM, on 14 September three new vehicles were delivered to the Mission’s Office in Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy.
Update on COVID-19 measures
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are adhering to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities.
OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS
Persons crossing the border
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:
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 9,544 to 10,017 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[2].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 74 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.
Responding to the COVID-19 situation, the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March. Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border (which entered into force on 19 March), are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June.
Persons in military-style outfits
During the reporting period, the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was eight, compared to ten last week. Six persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another two crossed into Ukraine. These individuals crossed the border on foot.
Families with a significant amount of luggage
The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, two families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another three families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when six families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while another two families crossed into Ukraine.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (328 compared to 353 observed during the previous week). There were 167 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 161 bound for Ukraine.
On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region. Among the bus connections observed by the OT, the following irregular route of destination was noted: Luhansk – Sevastopol.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (957 compared to 842 during the previous reporting week); 498 at the Gukovo BCP and 459 at the Donetsk BCP, 537 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 420 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine and trucks with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (45 compared to 54 during the previous reporting week). These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane. All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.
During the reporting period, the X-ray vehicle at the Donetsk BCP was not operating due to the ongoing construction activities; consequently, no X-ray checks were observed by the OTs.
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[3] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (161 compared to 128 observed during the previous week); 78 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 83 into Ukraine.
Trains
The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 24 occasions; the OTs assessed that 12 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 12 trains were travelling to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.
Other observations
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis. The OTs also observed cars with licence plates registered in Georgia.
On 8 September at 15:05, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a group of 17 brand-new ambulance vehicles type UAZ, with no licence plates, entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and queuing at the customs control area. All vehicles underwent customs control procedures and left for Ukraine at 17:20.
On 9 September at 20:28, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a police minivan with Russian Federation licence plates and two police officers inside, entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking next to the main building. At 20:35, the police vehicle drove back to the Russian Federation.
On 14 September at 13:31, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates, entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking next to the main building. The OT noticed three individuals on board – the driver and two medical personnel. At 13:56, the ambulance drove back to the Russian Federation. The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 11 August to 15 September 2020, please see the attachment here
[1] First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time.
[2]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[3] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).


osce--2020-09-15--COVID-19 brings home the critical importance of democracy in an era of challenges, ODIHR says

WARSAW , 15 September 2020 – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to put democracies to their biggest test in decades , people are increasingly appreciating the vital importance of participating in societies where their voices and concerns are heard , said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) on today ’ s International Day of Democracy .
Citizens across the OSCE region are calling for access to democratic participation : through genuine elections and access to the decision-making process , through respect for their rights and freedoms , and through their government ’ s accordance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes the checks and balances on which all true democracies are based .
The emergency measures put in place by many countries in response to the pandemic have had a significant impact on parliaments , courts and elections , as well as the ability of civil society organizations to play their essential role as watchdogs of democracy .
While national leaders need to take responsibility for a transparent response to the pandemic that builds more effective , accountable and inclusive democracies , parliaments and political parties need to be innovative in finding ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , to bridge the gap between decision-makers and the general public .
Digital technology has already started to enhance the work of national parliaments across the OSCE region , allowing them to make laws effectively and monitor government action , while continuing to safeguard political pluralism .
At the same time , governments need to take urgent steps to combat the inequalities and discrimination that have intensified during the pandemic .
The negative impact of COVID-19 on women can be seen both from the surge of violence against women across the OSCE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has hit female workers particularly hard .
Scapegoating and ill-treatment of minorities has increased the need for targeted action to counter hatred in which all officials , from high-ranking politicians through to law enforcement officers , play their role in building tolerant societies .
The development of policies and legislation must therefore respect the diversity in all our societies , based on public consultation .
A transparent and accountable law-making process supports anti-corruption efforts , reinforces good governance , and provides access to justice for all , in line with a key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent report on states of emergency and other responses to the pandemic taken by countries across the OSCE region , ODIHR acknowledged the challenges of protecting the health and safety of the population while ensuring that democratic institutions can continue working .
As well as including good practices across the region , the report contains recommendations to help countries as they face a resurgent virus at the same time as the need to ensure that all democratic checks and balances are restored .

WARSAW, 15 September 2020 – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to put democracies to their biggest test in decades, people are increasingly appreciating the vital importance of participating in societies where their voices and concerns are heard, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on today’s International Day of Democracy.
Citizens across the OSCE region are calling for access to democratic participation: through genuine elections and access to the decision-making process, through respect for their rights and freedoms, and through their government’s accordance with the rule of law, which includes the checks and balances on which all true democracies are based.
The emergency measures put in place by many countries in response to the pandemic have had a significant impact on parliaments, courts and elections, as well as the ability of civil society organizations to play their essential role as watchdogs of democracy.
While national leaders need to take responsibility for a transparent response to the pandemic that builds more effective, accountable and inclusive democracies, parliaments and political parties need to be innovative in finding ways to engage citizens and in particular young people, to bridge the gap between decision-makers and the general public. Digital technology has already started to enhance the work of national parliaments across the OSCE region, allowing them to make laws effectively and monitor government action, while continuing to safeguard political pluralism.
At the same time, governments need to take urgent steps to combat the inequalities and discrimination that have intensified during the pandemic.
The negative impact of COVID-19 on women can be seen both from the surge of violence against women across the OSCE region and in the rise in unemployment that has hit female workers particularly hard. Scapegoating and ill-treatment of minorities has increased the need for targeted action to counter hatred in which all officials, from high-ranking politicians through to law enforcement officers, play their role in building tolerant societies. The development of policies and legislation must therefore respect the diversity in all our societies, based on public consultation. A transparent and accountable law-making process supports anti-corruption efforts, reinforces good governance, and provides access to justice for all, in line with a key UN Sustainable Development Goal.
In its recent report on states of emergency and other responses to the pandemic taken by countries across the OSCE region, ODIHR acknowledged the challenges of protecting the health and safety of the population while ensuring that democratic institutions can continue working. As well as including good practices across the region, the report contains recommendations to help countries as they face a resurgent virus at the same time as the need to ensure that all democratic checks and balances are restored.


osce--2020-09-15--EU Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) uses OSCE online module to raise awareness about Inte

EU Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) uses OSCE online module to raise awareness about Intelligence-Led Policing among officers from Central and Eastern Europe

Around 30 law enforcement officials from Bulgaria , Croatia , the Czech Republic , Hungary , Poland , Romania , Slovakia , and Slovenia will participate on 15 and 16 September 2020 in an online module on Intelligence-Led Policing ( ILP ) organized by the OSCE with the support of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training ( CEPOL ) .
The purpose of this eLearning activity , found on CEPOL ’ s Learning Management System , LEEd , is to raise awareness about this modern and proactive policing model and present its practical implementation in several key areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives from Central and Eastern Europe .
Participants will be introduced to the main principles of the OSCE Guidebook on ILP , which is available in ten languages ( Albanian , Arabic , Bosnian , Croatian , English , Macedonian , Serbian , Russian , Spanish and French ) and is actively used by law enforcement agencies and authorities as well as other international organizations both within and outside the OSCE area .
Over the course of the training , law enforcement experts from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom and Estonia will present best practices in the field of ILP .
The OSCE developed this online module to help law enforcement work together to share data , so that the crucial information is not missed .
Experience has shown that traditional methods of policing have become more challenging in this digital age .
ILP is a modern law enforcement model that aims to change this .
Harnessing data and information from a wide range of open and official sources to identify links , trends and patterns can help law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on threats faced by the public .
The scope of ILP goes beyond its use in serious and organized crime , and can be applied to all areas of policing , from burglary or theft to addressing extreme vandalism or ensuring public safety at major events .
The OSCE and CEPOL concluded a Working Arrangement in 2017 to strengthen co-operation between the two entities , to mutually support each other in terms of training for law enforcement agencies and their capacity-building .

Around 30 law enforcement officials from Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia will participate on 15 and 16 September 2020 in an online module on Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP) organized by the OSCE with the support of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL).
The purpose of this eLearning activity, found on CEPOL’s Learning Management System, LEEd, is to raise awareness about this modern and proactive policing model and present its practical implementation in several key areas to country police officers and law enforcement representatives from Central and Eastern Europe.
Participants will be introduced to the main principles of the OSCE Guidebook on ILP, which is available in ten languages (Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Croatian, English, Macedonian, Serbian, Russian, Spanish and French) and is actively used by law enforcement agencies and authorities as well as other international organizations both within and outside the OSCE area.
Over the course of the training, law enforcement experts from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation such as Israel, Austria, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Estonia will present best practices in the field of ILP.
The OSCE developed this online module to help law enforcement work together to share data, so that the crucial information is not missed. Experience has shown that traditional methods of policing have become more challenging in this digital age. ILP is a modern law enforcement model that aims to change this. Harnessing data and information from a wide range of open and official sources to identify links, trends and patterns can help law enforcement prevent serious incidents or provide long-term insight on threats faced by the public.
The scope of ILP goes beyond its use in serious and organized crime, and can be applied to all areas of policing, from burglary or theft to addressing extreme vandalism or ensuring public safety at major events.
The OSCE and CEPOL concluded a Working Arrangement in 2017 to strengthen co-operation between the two entities, to mutually support each other in terms of training for law enforcement agencies and their capacity-building.