osce--2020-07-15--ODIHR will not deploy election observation mission to Belarus due to lack of invitation

WARSAW , 15 July 2020 – The Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) has informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus that the lack of an invitation to observe the upcoming presidential election has precluded ODIHR from observing the ongoing election process .
“ The lack of a timely invitation more than two months after the announcement of the election has prevented ODIHR from observing key aspects of the electoral process , ” ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir said .
“ These include areas we have noted in recent observation reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the formation of election commissions and registration of candidates .
It is clear from the outcomes of these processes that the authorities have not taken any steps to improve their inclusiveness.
” ODIHR has made every effort since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver on its mandate for election observation , and has carried out observation in several countries since travel restrictions were widely lifted .
The lack of a timely invitation in such a challenging situation , the Director underlined , reflects a lack of commitment to co-operate with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitments .
At the same time , Gísladóttir also reiterated her deep concern at reports that prospective candidates had been intimidated and opposition activists arrested .
“ The protection of fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression is a precondition for genuine democratic elections , ” she said .
The ODIHR Director also urged the authorities to take concrete and immediate steps to protect the exercise of fundamental freedoms in Belarus .

WARSAW, 15 July 2020 – The Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus that the lack of an invitation to observe the upcoming presidential election has precluded ODIHR from observing the ongoing election process.
“The lack of a timely invitation more than two months after the announcement of the election has prevented ODIHR from observing key aspects of the electoral process,” ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir said. “These include areas we have noted in recent observation reports as requiring improvement in Belarus, such as the formation of election commissions and registration of candidates. It is clear from the outcomes of these processes that the authorities have not taken any steps to improve their inclusiveness.”
ODIHR has made every effort since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver on its mandate for election observation, and has carried out observation in several countries since travel restrictions were widely lifted. The lack of a timely invitation in such a challenging situation, the Director underlined, reflects a lack of commitment to co-operate with ODIHR election observers as envisaged by OSCE commitments.
At the same time, Gísladóttir also reiterated her deep concern at reports that prospective candidates had been intimidated and opposition activists arrested.
“The protection of fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression is a precondition for genuine democratic elections,” she said.
The ODIHR Director also urged the authorities to take concrete and immediate steps to protect the exercise of fundamental freedoms in Belarus.


osce--2020-07-15--OSCE seminar explores role of suspicious transaction analysis and financial investigation in combati

OSCE seminar explores role of suspicious transaction analysis and financial investigation in combating money laundering and related crimes in Turkmenistan

Sharing advanced experience in the analysis of suspicious transactions reports ( STR ) and further financial investigation is the objective of an OSCE-organized online seminar that opened in Ashgabat on 15 July 2020 .
The two-day event will provide an overview of initial , operational and strategic analysis and financial investigation in efforts to combat money laundering , the financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction .
The seminar brings together representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and its Financial Monitoring Department , law enforcement and supervisory bodies , entities engaged in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other relevant government and non-governmental agencies of Turkmenistan .
International experts will present best practices from OSCE participating States as effective methods and measures for STR analysis and further financial investigation .
They will discuss the usage of relevant databases and typologies , as well as the application of a risk-based approach .
Addressing the seminar participants , Natalya Drozd , Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat , said : “ As strengthening economic security and promoting good governance are high on the OSCE agenda , the Organization is undertaking consistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countering money laundering and other related crimes .
The OSCE Centre initiated a number of projects to provide multifaceted support to the government of Turkmenistan in promoting good governance and developing mechanisms , including in enhancing national legislation and its implementation practices in line with relevant international standards.
” The participants will discuss the activities of reporting entities , supervisory bodies , the private sector and the Financial Investigation Unit and their interaction with the law enforcement bodies in detecting transactions related to efforts to combat money laundering , the financing of terrorism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destruction .
Special emphasis will be put on the advanced methods of financial analysis and investigation and the importance of exchanging analytical and financial data .
“ Efficient analysis and investigation of financial crimes requires co-ordinated actions by different bodies and we expect this seminar to contribute to strengthened inter-agency co-operation in accomplishing this important objective , ” added Drozd .

Sharing advanced experience in the analysis of suspicious transactions reports (STR) and further financial investigation is the objective of an OSCE-organized online seminar that opened in Ashgabat on 15 July 2020. The two-day event will provide an overview of initial, operational and strategic analysis and financial investigation in efforts to combat money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The seminar brings together representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and its Financial Monitoring Department, law enforcement and supervisory bodies, entities engaged in transactions with cash or other property, and other relevant government and non-governmental agencies of Turkmenistan.
International experts will present best practices from OSCE participating States as effective methods and measures for STR analysis and further financial investigation. They will discuss the usage of relevant databases and typologies, as well as the application of a risk-based approach.
Addressing the seminar participants, Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, said: “As strengthening economic security and promoting good governance are high on the OSCE agenda, the Organization is undertaking consistent steps to assist the participating States in countering money laundering and other related crimes. The OSCE Centre initiated a number of projects to provide multifaceted support to the government of Turkmenistan in promoting good governance and developing mechanisms, including in enhancing national legislation and its implementation practices in line with relevant international standards.”
The participants will discuss the activities of reporting entities, supervisory bodies, the private sector and the Financial Investigation Unit and their interaction with the law enforcement bodies in detecting transactions related to efforts to combat money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Special emphasis will be put on the advanced methods of financial analysis and investigation and the importance of exchanging analytical and financial data.
“Efficient analysis and investigation of financial crimes requires co-ordinated actions by different bodies and we expect this seminar to contribute to strengthened inter-agency co-operation in accomplishing this important objective,” added Drozd.


osce--2020-07-14--OSCE Chairperson-in-Office urges immediate return to ceasefire along Armenian-Azerbaijani border

VIENNA/TIRANA , 14 July 2020 – “ I am deeply concerned by the increased violence we have seen along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan , and urge an immediate return to the ceasefire before we see any further loss of life , ” said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office , Albania ’ s Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs , Edi Rama today .
Rama noted that the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office , Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk , have been in close contact with the sides in an effort to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct channel of communication was established by the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders during their meeting in Vienna under the auspices of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs in March 2019 .
Rama expressed his hope that such mechanisms can be utilized to de-escalate this situation .
Acknowledging the human toll of this latest violence , Rama offered condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and expressed his concern for the well-being of those injured on both sides .
“ We must all do what we can to reduce the human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations as soon as possible , ” Rama said , underscoring his support for the Minsk process .

VIENNA/TIRANA, 14 July 2020 – “I am deeply concerned by the increased violence we have seen along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and urge an immediate return to the ceasefire before we see any further loss of life,” said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Albania’s Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Edi Rama today.
Rama noted that the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, have been in close contact with the sides in an effort to bring stability back to the situation. A direct channel of communication was established by the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders during their meeting in Vienna under the auspices of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs in March 2019. Rama expressed his hope that such mechanisms can be utilized to de-escalate this situation.
Acknowledging the human toll of this latest violence, Rama offered condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and expressed his concern for the well-being of those injured on both sides. “We must all do what we can to reduce the human impact of the conflict and resume substantive negotiations as soon as possible,” Rama said, underscoring his support for the Minsk process.


osce--2020-07-14--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 166/2020 issued on 14 July 2020

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osce--2020-07-14--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 14 July 2020

KAMENSK-SHAKHTINSKIY , Russian Federation .
The Observer Mission ( OM ) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points ( BCPs ) .
The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The OM is currently operating with 19 permanent international staff members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna .
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with measures set by the host country authorities .
The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review , in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship .
Following the host country recommendations , the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between shifts at the border checkpoints and are adhering to social distancing .
Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities , the OM is faced with certain difficulties , but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 7,164 to 8,055 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 1 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation , with an average net flow of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 seven last week .
All eight crossed into the Russian Federation .
These individuals crossed the border on foot .
The OTs continued to report on families , sometimes with elderly persons and/or children , crossing the border at both BCPs with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , four families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another eight families were observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing to the Russian Federation , while another six families crossed into Ukraine .
Regular local and long-distance bus connections between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation were restored from 25 June .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed an increase in the overall number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BCPs ( 215 compared to 162 observed during the previous week ) .
There were 116 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 99 bound for Ukraine .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 996 compared to 1,090 during the previous reporting week ) ; 593 at the Gukovo BCP and 403 at the Donetsk BCP , 620 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 376 crossed into Ukraine .
Most of the trucks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , on a daily basis , the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation , Latvia , Lithuania , Belarus , Ukraine , and trucks with “ LPR ” plates .
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions .
During the reporting week , the number of tanker trucks increased from 50 to 63 .
These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs .
The trucks had the words “ Propane ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Compared to the previous week , the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP very slightly decreased from 157 to 156 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 142 trucks ( 91 per cent ) were bound for Ukraine : the remaining 14 trucks ( 9 per cent ) crossed into the Russian Federation .
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans [ 2 ] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs .
The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation .
Compared to the previous week , the number of cargo minivans slightly increased from 152 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Federation and another 88 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 17 occasions ; the OTs assessed that eight trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining nine 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 Lithuania and Georgia .
During the reporting week , the OTs at both BCPs noticed helicopters flying along the border on three separate occasions : On 9 July at 13:31 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helicopter with a red star on the side , flying from north to west , turning in an easterly direction at an altitude of less than 900 m. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT .
On the same day at 13:46 , the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a helicopter type Mi-8 flying from the north to a north-easterly direction at an altitude of approximately 100-200m .
The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On 10 July at 10:20 , the OT at Donetsk BCP observed a green helicopter with a red star on the side flying from north to west , turning in an easterly direction .
The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT .
During the reporting week , the OTs observed ambulances at both BCPs on two separate occasions : On 10 July at 20:10 , the OT at Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation license plates with two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a paramedic ) entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building .
At 20:25 the ambulance drove back towards the Russian Federation with the same crew on board .
On 11 July at 16:34 , the OT at Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates with a driver and two paramedics on board entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building .
At 16:43 the ambulance drove back towards the Russian Federation .
The OT was unable to notice any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 9 June to 14 July 2020 , please see the attachment here .
[ 1 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 2 ] Cargo minivans : light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t ; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg ( small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving @ @ @ @

SUMMARY
KAMENSK-SHAKHTINSKIY, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 19 permanent international staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.
Update on COVID-19 measures
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between shifts at the border checkpoints and are adhering to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities.
OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS
Persons crossing the border
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:
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 7,164 to 8,055 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 467 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 seven last week. All eight crossed into the Russian Federation. These individuals crossed the border on foot.
Families with a significant amount of luggage
The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, four families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while another eight families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while another six families crossed into Ukraine.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation were restored from 25 June. During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (215 compared to 162 observed during the previous week). There were 116 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 99 bound for Ukraine.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (996 compared to 1,090 during the previous reporting week); 593 at the Gukovo BCP and 403 at the Donetsk BCP, 620 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 376 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, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, and trucks with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks increased from 50 to 63. 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.
Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP very slightly decreased from 157 to 156. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 142 trucks (91 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 14 trucks (9 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans slightly increased from 152 to 159 vehicles; 71 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 88 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 17 occasions; the OTs assessed that eight trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining nine 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 Lithuania and Georgia.
During the reporting week, the OTs at both BCPs noticed helicopters flying along the border on three separate occasions:
On 9 July at 13:31, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed a green helicopter with a red star on the side, flying from north to west, turning in an easterly direction at an altitude of less than 900 m. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT.
On the same day at 13:46, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a helicopter type Mi-8 flying from the north to a north-easterly direction at an altitude of approximately 100-200m. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT.
On 10 July at 10:20, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed a green helicopter with a red star on the side flying from north to west, turning in an easterly direction. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT.
During the reporting week, the OTs observed ambulances at both BCPs on two separate occasions:
On 10 July at 20:10, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation license plates with two persons on board (a driver and a paramedic) entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building. At 20:25 the ambulance drove back towards the Russian Federation with the same crew on board.
On 11 July at 16:34, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates with a driver and two paramedics on board entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building. At 16:43 the ambulance drove back towards 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 9 June to 14 July 2020, please see the attachment here.
[1]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[2] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).


osce--2020-07-14--Election observers to North Macedonia’s early parliamentary elections to hold press conference on Th

Election observers to North Macedonia’s early parliamentary elections to hold press conference on Thursday

SKOPJE , 14 July 2020 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) @ @ @ @ @ to present their preliminary conclusions following the early parliamentary elections in North Macedonia .
• @ @ @ @ @ international observer team sent by ODIHR to the early parliamentary elections in North Macedonia • @ @ @ @ @ attended in person or via Zoom ( details below ) • You can also follow @ @ @ @ @ No registration is necessary if you are attending the press conference in person , but @ @ @ @ @ be taken • To take part via Zoom , please register with Katya Andrusz , @ @ @ @ @ odihr.pl and Egor Tilpunov , media analyst , egor.tilpunov @ odihr.mk by 11:00 on 16 @ @

SKOPJE, 14 July 2020 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold a press conference to present their preliminary conclusions following the early parliamentary elections in North Macedonia.
What:
A press conference of the international observer team sent by ODIHR to the early parliamentary elections in North Macedonia
The press conference can be attended in person or via Zoom (details below)
You can also follow the livestream on www.facebook.com/osce.odihr
Who:
Laima Andrikienė, Head of the ODIHR special election assessment mission
Daria Paprocka, Deputy Head of the ODIHR special election assessment mission
When:
15:00 on 16 July 2020
Where:
Skopje Marriott Hotel, Ballroom, 2nd floor, Plostad Makedonija 7, Skopje
Registration:


osce--2020-07-13--New OSCE PA report offers comprehensive recommendations stemming from series of Parliamentary Web Di

New OSCE PA report offers comprehensive recommendations stemming from series of Parliamentary Web Dialogues on COVID-19

COPENHAGEN , 13 July 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic , as an unprecedented global crisis that impacts all dimensions of security , has underlined the urgency of addressing long-standing challenges facing the OSCE area , including resolving conflicts , promoting environmental sustainability , managing migration , and ensuring democratic resiliency and social cohesion , a new OSCE Parliamentary Assembly report concludes .
“ OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 : Reflections , policy contributions and recommendations presented by OSCE PA President George Tsereteli ” is the product of eight Parliamentary Web Dialogues from March-June 2020 dealing with subjects relating to the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OSCE area , economic and environmental impacts , human rights and democratic governance , counter-terrorism , gender issues and more .
It features the observations of dozens of experts and parliamentarians who contributed to the events , pointing out that governmental and parliamentary actions during this period will have long-term consequences for public trust in institutions .
In presenting the report today , OSCE PA President George Tsereteli ( Georgia ) noted that during the COVID-19 crisis , parliamentarians have played an essential role as a link between citizens and their governments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ actions , promoting good governance and preventing corruption , and by enhancing dialogue on the international level .
“ Faced with the need to provide a global response to this global crisis , the OSCE PA has encouraged close co-ordination with parliaments at the national and the international levels to promote democratic , effective , and coherent public policy responses , and to address our citizens ’ concerns , ” writes Tsereteli in an introduction to the report .
“ In the post-COVID era , we are invited to make the full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular oversight.
” • The COVID-19 crisis and its indirect effects can have a heavy impact on conflict-affected populations already enduring precarious conditions : the closure of crossing points or entry-exit checkpoints , reduced access to healthcare and economic difficulties place a heavy burden on vulnerable populations .
• With governments preoccupied with COVID-19 challenges , issues of ongoing conflicts are slipping from international agenda and lockdown measures introduced by countries have slowed down international conflict mediation efforts and peace negotiations .
• The pandemic is pushing both advanced and emerging economies into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of millions of citizens .
The worst affected economies seem to be those that are most integrated into the global supply chains .
• The links between air pollution , which disproportionately affects low-income and minority communities , and increased health risks associated with COVID-19 are clear .
The severe health implications brought on by inadequate environmental protection should lead to legislative initiatives to safeguard public health through direct public support towards green projects , green finance and higher carbon pricing .
• Restrictions put in place on fundamental freedoms and economic activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , consistent with legal obligations , and non-discriminatory .
Legislative bodies should continue their functioning to the highest degree possible .
• Electoral processes may need some adaptation of procedures in order to proceed safely during a pandemic .
Proceeding with elections immediately may stress untried procedures and result in limited and unfair opportunities for campaigning and/or for voting .
• The pandemic has revealed many alarming systemic inequalities resulting from marginalization , discrimination , racism , and xenophobia , with serious shortcomings in policies .
• Some minority communities have been disproportionately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has been used to justify harsher measures against migrants and refugees .
Women also appear to be disproportionately affected by the pandemic .
• The pandemic highlights the exceptional exposure of refugees , asylum seekers and migrants across the OSCE region , in particular women and children , adding to their vulnerabilities due to poor living conditions , and limited access to health and hygiene services .
• While the long-term impact on terrorism is yet to be fully comprehended , the uncertainty caused by the pandemic is likely to trigger dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OSCE region .
• An enormous amount of false and misleading information related to the COVID-19 pandemic , including misleading healthcare information , conspiracy theories , fake claims about vaccines , bogus cures , and medicines have resulted in the spread of panic , confusion , and distrust .
The report recommends that combating disinformation must be a common effort of OSCE participating States ’ competent authorities , civil society , social media platforms , and international organizations .
Governments should also monitor trends and share assessments on how extremist groups are exploiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional , and international policy and legislative strategies in this domain .
Comprehensive responses to the effects of the health crisis require the collection and analysis of data disaggregated by gender , race , indigeneity , sexuality , age , disability , socioeconomic status and migratory status , according to the report .
Refugee and migrant communities must be an integral part of any public health response and COVID-19 prevention measures should not stigmatize these communities .
Parliamentary oversight and transparent legislative procedures are particularly important under the current circumstances , the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in shaping both immediate responses as well as longer-term solutions , and parliamentarians have a unique role and ability to bring a human rights perspective into their work and legislation .
The pandemic should also provide momentum for developing and implementing green economic recovery plans throughout the OSCE region , as well as balanced fiscal , monetary , and financial market measures to mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis .
“ The COVID-19 pandemic is much more than a health emergency : it impacts on the security of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the core of the OSCE ’ s focus , ” OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella writes in an introduction to the report .
To address the crisis effectively , “ we need to maintain unity among international actors , avoiding duplication of efforts and investing in each other ’ s added values to prove that only effective multilateralism will bring about concrete solutions to the current crisis.
” The 35-page report is available here .
For more on the OSCE PA ’ s response to COVID-19 , including all videos of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related op-eds and media interviews , please click here .

COPENHAGEN, 13 July 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic, as an unprecedented global crisis that impacts all dimensions of security, has underlined the urgency of addressing long-standing challenges facing the OSCE area, including resolving conflicts, promoting environmental sustainability, managing migration, and ensuring democratic resiliency and social cohesion, a new OSCE Parliamentary Assembly report concludes.
“OSCE PA vs. COVID-19: Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations presented by OSCE PA President George Tsereteli” is the product of eight Parliamentary Web Dialogues from March-June 2020 dealing with subjects relating to the pandemic’s effects on conflicts in the OSCE area, economic and environmental impacts, human rights and democratic governance, counter-terrorism, gender issues and more. It features the observations of dozens of experts and parliamentarians who contributed to the events, pointing out that governmental and parliamentary actions during this period will have long-term consequences for public trust in institutions.
In presenting the report today, OSCE PA President George Tsereteli (Georgia) noted that during the COVID-19 crisis, parliamentarians have played an essential role as a link between citizens and their governments, as well as providing oversight of governments’ actions, promoting good governance and preventing corruption, and by enhancing dialogue on the international level.
“Faced with the need to provide a global response to this global crisis, the OSCE PA has encouraged close co-ordination with parliaments at the national and the international levels to promote democratic, effective, and coherent public policy responses, and to address our citizens’ concerns,” writes Tsereteli in an introduction to the report. “In the post-COVID era, we are invited to make the full use of our parliamentary prerogatives, in particular oversight.”
Among the report’s key findings:
The COVID-19 crisis and its indirect effects can have a heavy impact on conflict-affected populations already enduring precarious conditions: the closure of crossing points or entry-exit checkpoints, reduced access to healthcare and economic difficulties place a heavy burden on vulnerable populations.
With governments preoccupied with COVID-19 challenges, issues of ongoing conflicts are slipping from international agenda and lockdown measures introduced by countries have slowed down international conflict mediation efforts and peace negotiations.
The pandemic is pushing both advanced and emerging economies into a recession, severely impacting the lives of millions of citizens. The worst affected economies seem to be those that are most integrated into the global supply chains.
The links between air pollution, which disproportionately affects low-income and minority communities, and increased health risks associated with COVID-19 are clear. The severe health implications brought on by inadequate environmental protection should lead to legislative initiatives to safeguard public health through direct public support towards green projects, green finance and higher carbon pricing.
Restrictions put in place on fundamental freedoms and economic activity must be limited in duration, proportionate, consistent with legal obligations, and non-discriminatory. Legislative bodies should continue their functioning to the highest degree possible.
Electoral processes may need some adaptation of procedures in order to proceed safely during a pandemic. Proceeding with elections immediately may stress untried procedures and result in limited and unfair opportunities for campaigning and/or for voting.
The pandemic has revealed many alarming systemic inequalities resulting from marginalization, discrimination, racism, and xenophobia, with serious shortcomings in policies.
Some minority communities have been disproportionately targeted by the police, and the pandemic has been used to justify harsher measures against migrants and refugees. Women also appear to be disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
The pandemic highlights the exceptional exposure of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants across the OSCE region, in particular women and children, adding to their vulnerabilities due to poor living conditions, and limited access to health and hygiene services.
While the long-term impact on terrorism is yet to be fully comprehended, the uncertainty caused by the pandemic is likely to trigger dangerous dynamics and fuel violent extremism throughout the OSCE region.
An enormous amount of false and misleading information related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including misleading healthcare information, conspiracy theories, fake claims about vaccines, bogus cures, and medicines have resulted in the spread of panic, confusion, and distrust.
The report recommends that combating disinformation must be a common effort of OSCE participating States’ competent authorities, civil society, social media platforms, and international organizations. Governments should also monitor trends and share assessments on how extremist groups are exploiting COVID-19, and thus consolidate national, regional, and international policy and legislative strategies in this domain.
Comprehensive responses to the effects of the health crisis require the collection and analysis of data disaggregated by gender, race, indigeneity, sexuality, age, disability, socioeconomic status and migratory status, according to the report. Refugee and migrant communities must be an integral part of any public health response and COVID-19 prevention measures should not stigmatize these communities.
Parliamentary oversight and transparent legislative procedures are particularly important under the current circumstances, the report concludes. Parliaments should play an important role in shaping both immediate responses as well as longer-term solutions, and parliamentarians have a unique role and ability to bring a human rights perspective into their work and legislation.
The pandemic should also provide momentum for developing and implementing green economic recovery plans throughout the OSCE region, as well as balanced fiscal, monetary, and financial market measures to mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is much more than a health emergency: it impacts on the security of our societies and citizens, which are at the core of the OSCE’s focus,” OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella writes in an introduction to the report. To address the crisis effectively, “we need to maintain unity among international actors, avoiding duplication of efforts and investing in each other’s added values to prove that only effective multilateralism will bring about concrete solutions to the current crisis.”
The 35-page report is available here.
For more on the OSCE PA’s response to COVID-19, including all videos of the Parliamentary Web Dialogues, as well as related op-eds and media interviews, please click here.


osce--2020-07-13--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 165/2020 issued on 13 July 2020


osce--2020-07-13--Press Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group

MOSCOW / PARIS / WASHINGTON D.C. , 13 July 2020 - The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group ( Igor Popov of the Russian Federation , Stéphane Visconti of France , and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America )  , released the following statement today : According to reports from the Ministries of Defence of Armenia and Azerbaijan , as well as other sources , on 12-13 July there was a serious breach of the ceasefire on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border , resulting in casualties .
Artillery of various calibers reportedly was used by both forces .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chairperson-in-office ( PRCIO ) Andrzej Kasprzyk regret the loss of life and offer their condolences to the families of those who were killed and injured .
The Co-Chairs and PRCiO have been in direct contact with Armenian and Azerbaijani officials since the beginning of the incident .
The sides have accused each other of initiating the fighting .
The Minsk Group Co‑Chairs condemn the recent ceasefire violations and call upon the sides to take all necessary measures to prevent any further escalation , including by use of the existing direct communication channels between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call on the sides to resume substantive negotiations as soon as possible and emphasize the importance of returning OSCE monitors to the region as soon as circumstances allow .

MOSCOW / PARIS / WASHINGTON D.C., 13 July 2020 - The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stéphane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America), released the following statement today:
According to reports from the Ministries of Defence of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as other sources, on 12-13 July there was a serious breach of the ceasefire on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, resulting in casualties. Artillery of various calibers reportedly was used by both forces.
The Co-Chairs and Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-office (PRCIO) Andrzej Kasprzyk regret the loss of life and offer their condolences to the families of those who were killed and injured. The Co-Chairs and PRCiO have been in direct contact with Armenian and Azerbaijani officials since the beginning of the incident.
The sides have accused each other of initiating the fighting. The Minsk Group Co‑Chairs condemn the recent ceasefire violations and call upon the sides to take all necessary measures to prevent any further escalation, including by use of the existing direct communication channels between them.
The Minsk Group Co-Chairs also call on the sides to resume substantive negotiations as soon as possible and emphasize the importance of returning OSCE monitors to the region as soon as circumstances allow.


osce--2020-07-13--Competitive and well-organized Polish presidential run-off marred by confrontation, media bias and m

Competitive and well-organized Polish presidential run-off marred by confrontation, media bias and misuse of resources, international observers say

WARSAW , 13 July 2020 – While both candidates in Poland ’ s presidential run-off were able to campaign freely , hostility as well as biased coverage by the public broadcaster tarnished the election , international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) said in a statement today .
“ The political polarization as well as the lack of impartiality in the public media coverage detracted from a well-run election , ” said Thomas Boserup , head of ODIHR ’ s Special Election Assessment Mission .
“ Following a campaign that was lacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to emphasize that democracies are based on respect for diversity and the rights of all , not just the majority.
” All levels of the election administration continued their work in a professional manner , despite the ongoing challenges of holding the vote during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Both candidates and the authorities encouraged voters to turn out in high numbers to cast their ballots in the second round .
In the limited number of polling stations visited by the ODIHR observers , the voting and counting process was smooth and well organized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the campaign ahead of yesterday ’ s run-off was even more confrontational than for the first round .
Clashes between demonstrators supporting both candidates became violent on occasion .
Negative campaigning and mutual vilification abounded , while reports of threats against politicians and journalists were of serious concern .
As in the first round , the incumbent ’ s campaign and coverage by the public broadcaster were marked by homophobic , xenophobic and anti-Semitic rhetoric .
The regulations governing campaign activities by public officials are insufficient , blurring the boundary between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-ranking officials including the prime minister gave the current president an undue advantage .
As complaints to the Supreme Court concerning the results of the election can only be made after the second round , there was no effective legal redress for offences that may have had an impact on the outcome of the first round of the presidential election , at odds with the commitments made by all countries of the OSCE region .
ODIHR ’ s Special Election Assessment Mission ( SEAM ) to Poland took up its work on 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues identified by ODIHR ’ s needs assessment mission in order to assess the extent to which the presidential election was held in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections , as well as with national legislation .
For further information , please contact :

WARSAW, 13 July 2020 – While both candidates in Poland’s presidential run-off were able to campaign freely, hostility as well as biased coverage by the public broadcaster tarnished the election, international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.
“The political polarization as well as the lack of impartiality in the public media coverage detracted from a well-run election,” said Thomas Boserup, head of ODIHR’s Special Election Assessment Mission. “Following a campaign that was lacking in dialogue, it is especially important to emphasize that democracies are based on respect for diversity and the rights of all, not just the majority.”
All levels of the election administration continued their work in a professional manner, despite the ongoing challenges of holding the vote during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both candidates and the authorities encouraged voters to turn out in high numbers to cast their ballots in the second round. In the limited number of polling stations visited by the ODIHR observers, the voting and counting process was smooth and well organized and sanitary measures were strictly enforced.
However, the campaign ahead of yesterday’s run-off was even more confrontational than for the first round. Clashes between demonstrators supporting both candidates became violent on occasion. Negative campaigning and mutual vilification abounded, while reports of threats against politicians and journalists were of serious concern. As in the first round, the incumbent’s campaign and coverage by the public broadcaster were marked by homophobic, xenophobic and anti-Semitic rhetoric.
The regulations governing campaign activities by public officials are insufficient, blurring the boundary between state and party. Election campaigning by high-ranking officials including the prime minister gave the current president an undue advantage.
As complaints to the Supreme Court concerning the results of the election can only be made after the second round, there was no effective legal redress for offences that may have had an impact on the outcome of the first round of the presidential election, at odds with the commitments made by all countries of the OSCE region.
ODIHR’s Special Election Assessment Mission (SEAM) to Poland took up its work on 16 June. The SEAM has focused on issues identified by ODIHR’s needs assessment mission in order to assess the extent to which the presidential election was held in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation.
For further information, please contact:
Katya Andrusz, ODIHR: +48 609 522 266 or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl


osce--2020-07-18--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 170/2020 issued on 18 July 2020


osce--2020-07-17--OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Edi Rama takes action to ensure operational continuity ahead of imminent

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Edi Rama takes action to ensure operational continuity ahead of imminent vacancies of Secretary General and Heads of Institutions roles

TIRANA / VIENNA , 17 July 2020 – In a letter to the OSCE ’ s 57 participating States today , Albania ’ s OSCE Chairmanship announced that the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Edi Rama has taken prompt action to ensure the Organization ’ s operational continuity in light of the imminent vacancies of the OSCE Secretary General and the Heads of Institutions roles .
“ The Chairmanship notes with regret that consensus on the reappointments of the Secretary General ; and the Heads of Institutions could not be reached , ” read the letter signed by Ambassador Igli Hasani , Chairperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Representative of Albania to the OSCE .
The three-year terms of the incumbents in these positions expire on 18 July .
“ In light of this development , I wish to inform you that , as a necessary remedial response , the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office , Albanian Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Edi Rama , under his overall responsibility for executive action and co-ordination of current OSCE business , has exceptionally authorized Ambassador Tuula Yrjölä , Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and Deputy Head of the OSCE Secretariat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Secretary General of the OSCE , effective from 19 July 2020 until the appointment of the Secretary General of the OSCE , ” wrote Ambassador Hasani in the letter .
This is “ with the view to ensuring uninterrupted management of the human , financial , and material resources of the OSCE in the implementation of its mandated activities , ” he added .
Ambassador Hasani also informed that the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office “ expressed his full support to the most senior officials of the three Institutions in the following manner ” : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role as the First Deputy Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) , in ensuring uninterrupted implementation of ODIHR ’ s mandate in the interim period until the appointment of the Director of ODIHR ” ; To Christophe Kamp , in his role as the Director of the Office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities ( HCNM ) , “ in ensuring continuity ” of the Office ’ s “ routine functions ” in the interim period until the appointment of the HCNM ; To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Director of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media ( RFOM ) , “ in ensuring continuity of the routine functions of the Office ” in the interim period until the appointment of the RFOM .
“ In such challenging times , including operating in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic , the Chairmanship is committed to providing political direction and co-ordination to the aforementioned officials as may be appropriate , ” Ambassador Hasani concluded in the letter .

TIRANA / VIENNA, 17 July 2020 – In a letter to the OSCE’s 57 participating States today, Albania’s OSCE Chairmanship announced that the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Edi Rama has taken prompt action to ensure the Organization’s operational continuity in light of the imminent vacancies of the OSCE Secretary General and the Heads of Institutions roles.
“The Chairmanship notes with regret that consensus on the reappointments of the Secretary General; and the Heads of Institutions could not be reached,” read the letter signed by Ambassador Igli Hasani, Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council and Permanent Representative of Albania to the OSCE. The three-year terms of the incumbents in these positions expire on 18 July.
“In light of this development, I wish to inform you that, as a necessary remedial response, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Albanian Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Edi Rama, under his overall responsibility for executive action and co-ordination of current OSCE business, has exceptionally authorized Ambassador Tuula Yrjölä, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and Deputy Head of the OSCE Secretariat, to exercise the essential functions of the Secretary General of the OSCE, effective from 19 July 2020 until the appointment of the Secretary General of the OSCE,” wrote Ambassador Hasani in the letter. This is “with the view to ensuring uninterrupted management of the human, financial, and material resources of the OSCE in the implementation of its mandated activities,” he added.
Ambassador Hasani also informed that the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office “expressed his full support to the most senior officials of the three Institutions in the following manner”:
To Katarzyna Gardapkhadze, “in her role as the First Deputy Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in ensuring uninterrupted implementation of ODIHR’s mandate in the interim period until the appointment of the Director of ODIHR”;
To Christophe Kamp, in his role as the Director of the Office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM), “in ensuring continuity” of the Office’s “routine functions” in the interim period until the appointment of the HCNM;
To Jürgen Heissel, in his role as the Director of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFOM), “in ensuring continuity of the routine functions of the Office” in the interim period until the appointment of the RFOM.
“In such challenging times, including operating in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chairmanship is committed to providing political direction and co-ordination to the aforementioned officials as may be appropriate,” Ambassador Hasani concluded in the letter.


osce--2020-07-17--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 169/2020 issued on 17 July 2020


osce--2020-07-17--OSCE Project Co-Ordinator in Uzbekistan co-organizes online conference on judicial and penitentiary

OSCE Project Co-Ordinator in Uzbekistan co-organizes online conference on judicial and penitentiary systems to mark Nelson Mandela International Day

The OSCE Project Co-Ordinator in Uzbekistan held an online conference on national and international experiences in liberalizing judicial and penitentiary systems on 17 July 2020 , to mark Nelson Mandela International Day .
The event was jointly organized with the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Oliy Majlis ( parliament ) of the Republic of Uzbekistan ( Ombudsperson ) , the national movement Yuksalish , the UN Country Team and the regional office of NGO Prison Reform International in Central Asia ( PRI ) .
The event was attended by Ombudspersons of the Central Asian republics , national and international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and members of Senate of the Oliy Majlis , representatives of the authorities , civil society , international organizations based in the country , as well as the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights .
“ As part of their commitment to treating individuals in detention with humanity and respecting their inherent dignity , OSCE participating States have committed to observing the internationally recognized standards relating to the administration of justice and the human rights of detainees .
Those standards include the Mandela Rules , ” said John McGregor , OSCE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome speech .
He added that the OSCE has been working with the Ombudsperson institution and many other partners to advance OSCE commitments related to the national Action Strategy reforms that will bring about real change in the administration of true justice and the penitentiary system .
The OSCE Project Co-Ordinator in Uzbekistan is currently implementing an extra-budgetary Project on the “ Support to the Establishment of a National Preventive Mechanism in Uzbekistan ” , with the support from the Governments of Norway and Italy .

The OSCE Project Co-Ordinator in Uzbekistan held an online conference on national and international experiences in liberalizing judicial and penitentiary systems on 17 July 2020, to mark Nelson Mandela International Day. The event was jointly organized with the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Ombudsperson), the national movement Yuksalish, the UN Country Team and the regional office of NGO Prison Reform International in Central Asia (PRI).
The event was attended by Ombudspersons of the Central Asian republics, national and international experts, deputies of the Legislative Chamber and members of Senate of the Oliy Majlis, representatives of the authorities, civil society, international organizations based in the country, as well as the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.
“As part of their commitment to treating individuals in detention with humanity and respecting their inherent dignity, OSCE participating States have committed to observing the internationally recognized standards relating to the administration of justice and the human rights of detainees. Those standards include the Mandela Rules,” said John McGregor, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, in his welcome speech. He added that the OSCE has been working with the Ombudsperson institution and many other partners to advance OSCE commitments related to the national Action Strategy reforms that will bring about real change in the administration of true justice and the penitentiary system.
The OSCE Project Co-Ordinator in Uzbekistan is currently implementing an extra-budgetary Project on the “Support to the Establishment of a National Preventive Mechanism in Uzbekistan”, with the support from the Governments of Norway and Italy.


osce--2020-07-17--OSCE and UN Office on Drugs and Crime sign 2020-2022 joint action plan

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ( UNODC ) Ghada Fathi Waly signed a plan of joint action for the period 2020-2022 today at UNODC in Vienna .
The OSCE-UNODC Joint Action Plan 2020-2022 reflects the two organizations ’ contributions to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , and allows for more streamlined co-operation in nine subject areas .
These areas include combating transnational organized crime and corruption , preventing and countering violent extremism leading to terrorism , combating trafficking in human beings , illicit drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform , and border security and management .
The action plan also envisages joint and concrete actions in newly identified strategic areas , such as advancing gender equality , crime prevention and youth engagement .
The signing of the Joint Action Plan was proceeded by a meeting , where representatives of the UNODC and OSCE discussed and highlighted the distinct benefits and added value of closer co-operation between the two organizations .
Official collaboration between the OSCE and UNODC on the basis of joint action plans was first established in 2011 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its kind .
Within the framework of each organization ’ s mandate , the plans allow for greater co-ordination and the implementation of joint programmes and activities .
This includes co-ordination and co-operation through the exchange of best practices , the organization of joint workshops , joint technical assistance and sharing resources .

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Ghada Fathi Waly signed a plan of joint action for the period 2020-2022 today at UNODC in Vienna.
The OSCE-UNODC Joint Action Plan 2020-2022 reflects the two organizations’ contributions to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and allows for more streamlined co-operation in nine subject areas.
These areas include combating transnational organized crime and corruption, preventing and countering violent extremism leading to terrorism, combating trafficking in human beings, illicit drugs and cybercrime, security sector governance and reform, and border security and management. The action plan also envisages joint and concrete actions in newly identified strategic areas, such as advancing gender equality, crime prevention and youth engagement.
The signing of the Joint Action Plan was proceeded by a meeting, where representatives of the UNODC and OSCE discussed and highlighted the distinct benefits and added value of closer co-operation between the two organizations.
Official collaboration between the OSCE and UNODC on the basis of joint action plans was first established in 2011, and the current plan is the fifth of its kind.
Within the framework of each organization’s mandate, the plans allow for greater co-ordination and the implementation of joint programmes and activities. This includes co-ordination and co-operation through the exchange of best practices, the organization of joint workshops, joint technical assistance and sharing resources.


osce--2020-07-17--Impact of emergency measures on human rights and democracy key focus of new OSCE/ODIHR report

WARSAW , 17 July 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic has been a formative experience for all humanity and a health emergency of global proportions , presenting a huge challenge to national leaders , health systems , and citizens .
The findings of a new report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) shows that it has also been a test to our democracies and the respect for human rights to which countries across the OSCE committed many years ago .
“ This unprecedented stress test has demonstrated how robust democratic institutions can deal successfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also seen cases where countries have used the pandemic as a pretext to roll back democratic standards , erode fundamental freedoms and human rights and curtail the rule of law , ” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir .
“ It ’ s particularly worrying that the pandemic is having such a disproportionate affect on groups who were already vulnerable .
National leaders need to do all they can to ensure that their situation does not deteriorate further as we all try to exit this period of crisis.
”  It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect their populations from the COVID-19 pandemic , and that this often demanded extraordinary measures .
States across the OSCE region limited movement and assembly and right to liberty , which in turn had a significant impact on the functioning of parliaments , courts and the conduct of elections , as well as the ability of national human rights institutions and civil society to play their essential role as advocates and watchdogs .
However , as ODIHR has noted in a series of statements and publications in recent months , a state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aim , and only remain in place for as long as absolutely necessary .
There is no situation in which it can be necessary , legitimate or proportionate to dismantle the separation of powers that lies at the core of any democracy , and countries now need to restore democratic safeguards and guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms .
At the same time , the disruptive changes to our lives have had a bigger impact on some people more than others .
The pandemic has not only affected people at risk of becoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have lost their jobs , been isolated from friends and families , trapped with abusive partners , or become victims of hate crime as prejudices tipped over into discrimination or violence .
To enable a far-reaching analysis of the impact of the emergency measures and offer recommendations to improve the situation , ODIHR began early on to collect and collate information gathered from across the 57 countries of the OSCE region .
Today ’ s report aims to help states learn lessons from the current pandemic in order to strengthen their institutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future .
The OSCE commitments give ODIHR a special responsibility to serve as a clearing house for information on states of emergency and other aspects relevant to the COVID-19 response .
The Moscow Document ( 1991 ) stipulates that OSCE countries notify ODIHR when a state of emergency is declared , as well as any temporary limitations to countries ’ international human rights obligations .
Today ’ s report is based on this information , as well as research undertaken by ODIHR experts covering all areas of the Office ’ s mandate .

WARSAW, 17 July 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic has been a formative experience for all humanity and a health emergency of global proportions, presenting a huge challenge to national leaders, health systems, and citizens. The findings of a new report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) shows that it has also been a test to our democracies and the respect for human rights to which countries across the OSCE committed many years ago.
“This unprecedented stress test has demonstrated how robust democratic institutions can deal successfully with crisis situations. Sadly, we have also seen cases where countries have used the pandemic as a pretext to roll back democratic standards, erode fundamental freedoms and human rights and curtail the rule of law,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “It’s particularly worrying that the pandemic is having such a disproportionate affect on groups who were already vulnerable. National leaders need to do all they can to ensure that their situation does not deteriorate further as we all try to exit this period of crisis.”
It is clear that governments needed to act swiftly to protect their populations from the COVID-19 pandemic, and that this often demanded extraordinary measures. States across the OSCE region limited movement and assembly and right to liberty, which in turn had a significant impact on the functioning of parliaments, courts and the conduct of elections, as well as the ability of national human rights institutions and civil society to play their essential role as advocates and watchdogs.
However, as ODIHR has noted in a series of statements and publications in recent months, a state of emergency must be proportionate to its aim, and only remain in place for as long as absolutely necessary. There is no situation in which it can be necessary, legitimate or proportionate to dismantle the separation of powers that lies at the core of any democracy, and countries now need to restore democratic safeguards and guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms.
At the same time, the disruptive changes to our lives have had a bigger impact on some people more than others. The pandemic has not only affected people at risk of becoming seriously ill, but also the millions who have lost their jobs, been isolated from friends and families, trapped with abusive partners, or become victims of hate crime as prejudices tipped over into discrimination or violence.
To enable a far-reaching analysis of the impact of the emergency measures and offer recommendations to improve the situation, ODIHR began early on to collect and collate information gathered from across the 57 countries of the OSCE region. Today’s report aims to help states learn lessons from the current pandemic in order to strengthen their institutions ahead of the many challenges of the future.
The OSCE commitments give ODIHR a special responsibility to serve as a clearing house for information on states of emergency and other aspects relevant to the COVID-19 response. The Moscow Document (1991) stipulates that OSCE countries notify ODIHR when a state of emergency is declared, as well as any temporary limitations to countries’ international human rights obligations. Today’s report is based on this information, as well as research undertaken by ODIHR experts covering all areas of the Office’s mandate.


osce--2020-07-14--Azerbaijan early parliamentary elections 2020: ODIHR observation mission final report

A restrictive legal and political landscape meant that voters in the early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan were not provided with meaningful choice despite a high number of candidates .
Although the Central Election Commission made efforts to act transparently , significant procedural violations during counting and tabulation raised concerns regarding the honesty of the results .
These are some of the main conclusions from the final report on the Azerbaijan elections from 9 February 2020 , as published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) .
This document offers 31 recommendations to improve the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also meant to support efforts of aligning with OSCE commitments as well as other international obligations and standards for democratic elections .
• guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms , eliminating gaps and addressing previous recommendations from ODIHR and the Venice Commission as well as rulings of the European Court of Human Rights • ensuring the freedom of assembly , with a focus on simple notification procedure and accessibility of venues • revising media laws to ensure full freedom of expression and equal access to information for journalists , including by shielding them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrity of the electoral process , in particular by preventing ballot box stuffing , implementing safeguard procedures such as inking and securing the ballot boxes , and maintaining the secrecy of the vote • ensuring that the election campaign is conducted in an atmosphere free from intimidation and fear of retribution • setting precise and exhaustive grounds for blocking websites and granting this power exclusively to the judiciary • revising the composition of election commissions in order to enhance their impartiality • investigating irregularities during the vote count and prosecuting perpetrators ODIHR deployed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 to observe the early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan .
All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR ’ s election assessments and recommendations .

A restrictive legal and political landscape meant that voters in the early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan were not provided with meaningful choice despite a high number of candidates. Although the Central Election Commission made efforts to act transparently, significant procedural violations during counting and tabulation raised concerns regarding the honesty of the results. These are some of the main conclusions from the final report on the Azerbaijan elections from 9 February 2020, as published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
This document offers 31 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections in Azerbaijan. They are also meant to support efforts of aligning with OSCE commitments as well as other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.
Recommendations
Key recommendations include:
guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms, eliminating gaps and addressing previous recommendations from ODIHR and the Venice Commission as well as rulings of the European Court of Human Rights
ensuring the freedom of assembly, with a focus on simple notification procedure and accessibility of venues
revising media laws to ensure full freedom of expression and equal access to information for journalists, including by shielding them from pressure or intimidation
upholding the integrity of the electoral process, in particular by preventing ballot box stuffing, implementing safeguard procedures such as inking and securing the ballot boxes, and maintaining the secrecy of the vote
ensuring that the election campaign is conducted in an atmosphere free from intimidation and fear of retribution
setting precise and exhaustive grounds for blocking websites and granting this power exclusively to the judiciary
revising the composition of election commissions in order to enhance their impartiality
investigating irregularities during the vote count and prosecuting perpetrators
ODIHR deployed an Election Observation Mission on 7 January 2020 to observe the early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.


osce--2020-07-16--OSCE PA President Tsereteli urges de-escalation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, return to substantiv

OSCE PA President Tsereteli urges de-escalation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, return to substantive negotiations

COPENHAGEN , 16 July 2020 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli has closely followed the situation along the border of Azerbaijan and Armenia and has been in contact this week with the countries ’ OSCE PA delegations and relevant international actors .
Today , he urged both sides to urgently de-escalate and to engage in “ substantive negotiations.
” Following a conversation with Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk , the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office on the conflict dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference , President Tsereteli expressed deep concern over recent armed clashes , with casualties inflicted on both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appreciation for the update on developments on the ground offered by Ambassador Kasprzyk , President Tsereteli noted that these incidents constitute the gravest ceasefire violations since 2016 .
“ This week ’ s armed clashes are a serious escalation of the conflict and could threaten the peace negotiations that have taken place under the auspices of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group , ” President Tsereteli said .
“ I encourage the sides to make use of all tools of de-escalation , including existing direct communication channels as well as informal channels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The President expressed the PA ’ s full support for the Minsk Process , including the work of the Co-Chairs and the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office , and recalled UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres ’ s recent call for a global ceasefire in light of the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ As I stated in April following the OSCE PA Bureau ’ s endorsement of the global ceasefire call , the last thing we need during this period is armed conflict to complicate efforts to contain the pandemic , ” said Tsereteli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia heating up .
This is creating a much more severe condition for ordinary people , who too often are the ones who suffer most in war.
” He noted that both border areas where clashes have taken place are home to several settlements , increasing the risk of civilian casualties .
The President urged the return of monitors , as the pandemic conditions permit .
“ Strengthening monitoring capabilities is important in order to establish facts and prevent incidents , ” Tsereteli said .
The President has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Armenian delegations to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and on Monday tweeted that he is deeply concerned over the ceasefire breach , urging immediate de-escalation and resumption of negotiations .
OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella stressed the role of parliamentarians in confidence building and conflict resolution .
“ The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will continue to create opportunities , within its mandate , to lend its contribution towards fostering result oriented inter-parliamentary dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia , ” Montella said .
“ It is important that parliaments , through their national delegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a complementary platform while also working towards preparing the population for peace.
” The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 57 countries spanning Europe , Central Asia and North America .
The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy , monitors elections , and strengthens international co-operation to uphold commitments on political , security , economic , environmental and human rights issues .

COPENHAGEN, 16 July 2020 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli has closely followed the situation along the border of Azerbaijan and Armenia and has been in contact this week with the countries’ OSCE PA delegations and relevant international actors. Today, he urged both sides to urgently de-escalate and to engage in “substantive negotiations.”
Following a conversation with Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office on the conflict dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference, President Tsereteli expressed deep concern over recent armed clashes, with casualties inflicted on both sides and heavy weapons used. Expressing appreciation for the update on developments on the ground offered by Ambassador Kasprzyk, President Tsereteli noted that these incidents constitute the gravest ceasefire violations since 2016.
“This week’s armed clashes are a serious escalation of the conflict and could threaten the peace negotiations that have taken place under the auspices of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group,” President Tsereteli said. “I encourage the sides to make use of all tools of de-escalation, including existing direct communication channels as well as informal channels of communication offered by the OSCE PA.”
The President expressed the PA’s full support for the Minsk Process, including the work of the Co-Chairs and the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office, and recalled UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’s recent call for a global ceasefire in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As I stated in April following the OSCE PA Bureau’s endorsement of the global ceasefire call, the last thing we need during this period is armed conflict to complicate efforts to contain the pandemic,” said Tsereteli. “Now, unfortunately we see this conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia heating up. This is creating a much more severe condition for ordinary people, who too often are the ones who suffer most in war.”
He noted that both border areas where clashes have taken place are home to several settlements, increasing the risk of civilian casualties. The President urged the return of monitors, as the pandemic conditions permit. “Strengthening monitoring capabilities is important in order to establish facts and prevent incidents,” Tsereteli said.
The President has exchanged correspondence this week with the Azerbaijani and Armenian delegations to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and on Monday tweeted that he is deeply concerned over the ceasefire breach, urging immediate de-escalation and resumption of negotiations.
OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella stressed the role of parliamentarians in confidence building and conflict resolution. “The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will continue to create opportunities, within its mandate, to lend its contribution towards fostering result oriented inter-parliamentary dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” Montella said. “It is important that parliaments, through their national delegations, continue to use the Assembly as a complementary platform while also working towards preparing the population for peace.”
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 57 countries spanning Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international co-operation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.


osce--2020-07-16--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 168/2020 issued on 16 July 2020


osce--2020-07-16--Sweden’s 2021 OSCE Chair to focus on Organization’s fundamental tasks, Deputy Foreign Minister Rober

Sweden’s 2021 OSCE Chair to focus on Organization’s fundamental tasks, Deputy Foreign Minister Robert Rydberg tells Permanent Council

VIENNA / STOCKHOLM , 16 July 2020 – With the current pandemic putting a severe strain on societies all over the world , Sweden will take on the OSCE Chair in truly challenging times .
This calls for a focus on the very fundamentals of the OSCE : the European security order , the comprehensive concept of security and continued efforts to resolve conflicts in the OSCE region , said Sweden ’ s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Robert Rydberg today , as he addressed the Permanent Council on the incoming Chair ’ s priority areas .
Recalling the Helsinki @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ the European security order – territorial integrity , refraining from the threat or use of force and upholding the right of each country to choose its own foreign and security arrangement – constitutes a core security policy interest for my own country .
It is in the interest of the whole OSCE region.
” He said that Sweden ’ s primary focus as Chair “ will have to be to go back to basics ” and the fundamental tasks of the OSCE , reminding participating States that it is high time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid down in the Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter of 1990 .
Turning to the conflicts in the OSCE area , Rydberg said that efforts to resolve these will be at the very top of the incoming Chair ’ s agenda .
On the protracted conflicts in the OSCE area , he said that Sweden would support the efforts to bring these conflicts closer to a resolution .
Rydberg expressed deep concern about the increased violence and the loss of life along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ambassador Kasprzyk in their efforts to de-escalate the situation , ” he said .
Rydberg also specifically mentioned the crisis in and around Ukraine and noted that it remains one of the most blatant and recent challenges to the European security order .
“ As Chair we will continue to build on the dedicated efforts of our predecessors in finding a sustainable political solution to the conflict , in line with OSCE principles and commitments .
This must be in full respect of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders , ” Rydberg stated .
Rydberg emphasized the uniqueness of OSCE ’ s comprehensive and multi-dimensional concept of security and the strength of an approach in which political and economic security , human rights and democracy are intertwined .
He pointed to efforts and initiatives in the first dimension , not least by the Albanian Chair , to further the agenda for women , peace and security and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 as imperative and something Sweden will build on .
“ The inclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the successful prevention and mitigation of conflicts , as well as for consolidating peace when hostilities have ended , ” Rydberg said .
The second dimension – the economic and environmental dimension – remains a key component of the OSCE comprehensive approach to security , he said .
With women often lacking access to social protection and the security that follows from equal participation in economic life , Sweden aims to dedicate resources and efforts to promoting gender equality .
Rydberg said that democratic values , respect for human rights and fundamental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being challenged and eroded throughout the OSCE region .
The current pandemic has accelerated the risk of democratic backsliding in participating States .
Against that backdrop , the human dimension of OSCE ’ s comprehensive security concept is imperative for our common security and it will be at the very core of Sweden ’ s OSCE Chair .
“ The right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media will be key priorities in the human dimension during 2021 , as will strengthening democratic processes , increasing civic space and promoting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He underlined the tireless efforts of OSCE ’ s autonomous institutions : “ Their work is vital in assisting participating States to uphold OSCE commitments and principles , and to prevent conflicts through supporting democracy and free media and protecting national minorities.
” Concluding his address , he reminded the participating States of the OSCE ’ s vital role in addressing the evolving security challenges of today : “ In an era where our security is challenged through increasingly complex threats , it is through dialogue , inclusion and respect for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make a real difference .
The OSCE can make a difference .
As Chair , we will try to do our part .
And we will count on the support of all of you.
” Rydberg addressed the Permanent Council remotely from Stockholm on behalf of Sweden ’ s Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde .
Sweden will take over the OSCE Chair from Albania on 1 January 2021 with Linde serving as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office .

VIENNA / STOCKHOLM, 16 July 2020 – With the current pandemic putting a severe strain on societies all over the world, Sweden will take on the OSCE Chair in truly challenging times. This calls for a focus on the very fundamentals of the OSCE: the European security order, the comprehensive concept of security and continued efforts to resolve conflicts in the OSCE region, said Sweden’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Robert Rydberg today, as he addressed the Permanent Council on the incoming Chair’s priority areas.
Recalling the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, Rydberg said that “the European security order – territorial integrity, refraining from the threat or use of force and upholding the right of each country to choose its own foreign and security arrangement – constitutes a core security policy interest for my own country. It is in the interest of the whole OSCE region.”
He said that Sweden’s primary focus as Chair “will have to be to go back to basics” and the fundamental tasks of the OSCE, reminding participating States that it is high time to live up to the common commitments laid down in the Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter of 1990.
Turning to the conflicts in the OSCE area, Rydberg said that efforts to resolve these will be at the very top of the incoming Chair’s agenda. On the protracted conflicts in the OSCE area, he said that Sweden would support the efforts to bring these conflicts closer to a resolution.
Rydberg expressed deep concern about the increased violence and the loss of life along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“We support the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ambassador Kasprzyk in their efforts to de-escalate the situation,” he said.
Rydberg also specifically mentioned the crisis in and around Ukraine and noted that it remains one of the most blatant and recent challenges to the European security order.
“As Chair we will continue to build on the dedicated efforts of our predecessors in finding a sustainable political solution to the conflict, in line with OSCE principles and commitments. This must be in full respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” Rydberg stated.
Rydberg emphasized the uniqueness of OSCE’s comprehensive and multi-dimensional concept of security and the strength of an approach in which political and economic security, human rights and democracy are intertwined. He pointed to efforts and initiatives in the first dimension, not least by the Albanian Chair, to further the agenda for women, peace and security and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 as imperative and something Sweden will build on.
“The inclusion and meaningful participation of women are vital for the successful prevention and mitigation of conflicts, as well as for consolidating peace when hostilities have ended,” Rydberg said.
The second dimension – the economic and environmental dimension – remains a key component of the OSCE comprehensive approach to security, he said. With women often lacking access to social protection and the security that follows from equal participation in economic life, Sweden aims to dedicate resources and efforts to promoting gender equality.
Rydberg said that democratic values, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law are being challenged and eroded throughout the OSCE region. The current pandemic has accelerated the risk of democratic backsliding in participating States. Against that backdrop, the human dimension of OSCE’s comprehensive security concept is imperative for our common security and it will be at the very core of Sweden’s OSCE Chair.
“The right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media will be key priorities in the human dimension during 2021, as will strengthening democratic processes, increasing civic space and promoting human rights and democracy,” Rydberg said.
He underlined the tireless efforts of OSCE’s autonomous institutions: “Their work is vital in assisting participating States to uphold OSCE commitments and principles, and to prevent conflicts through supporting democracy and free media and protecting national minorities.”
Concluding his address, he reminded the participating States of the OSCE’s vital role in addressing the evolving security challenges of today: “In an era where our security is challenged through increasingly complex threats, it is through dialogue, inclusion and respect for agreed principles that we have a chance to make a real difference. The OSCE can make a difference. As Chair, we will try to do our part. And we will count on the support of all of you.”
Rydberg addressed the Permanent Council remotely from Stockholm on behalf of Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde. Sweden will take over the OSCE Chair from Albania on 1 January 2021 with Linde serving as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.