osce--2020-11-26--Book launch and panel discussion organized by Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE

Book launch and panel discussion organized by Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE highlights conciliation as flexible method for settling disputes

Conciliation as a flexible method for the peaceful settlement of disputes was the focus of a webinar held on 13 November 2020 , and the launch of the book , Flexibility in International Dispute Settlement – Conciliation Revisited , which was edited by Christian Tomuschat ( former President of the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE and Member of the Court ’ s current Bureau ) and Marcelo Kohen ( Professor of International Law at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva ) .
The event was organized by the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Graduate Institute in Geneva .
“ The aim of this event is simple : to demonstrate that this Court constitutes a hidden treasure whose advantages should finally be acknowledged , ” said Tomuschat in his opening remarks .
He mentioned conciliation being at the crossroad of judicial tradition and diplomacy .
“ Conciliation does not aim at ensuring legal perfectionism ; it looks rather for a pragmatic solution within a legal framework .
From this perspective , conciliators should embody at the same time the qualities of a judge and a politician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond the legal horizon without , however , yielding to the pressure of the relevant facts.
” The launch of the book , Flexibility in International Dispute Settlement – Conciliation Revisited , which draws on materials from a symposium held in October 2018 in Geneva , was followed by a panel discussion that explored different experiences and possibilities of conciliation in inter-state disputes .
Kohen said that conciliation was still largely unknown even among jurists and he asked about the collective responsibility in the different roles that actors played , be in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of jurisdictional bodies , to fill the knowledge gap .
Speakers of the panel discussion included Emmanuel Decaux , current President of the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE , Professor emeritus , University of Paris II , Panthéon-Assas ; Marc Bossuyt , President emeritus , Constitutional Court of Belgium Professor emeritus , University of Antwerp , Member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination ; Marie Jacobsson , Ambassador , Principal Legal Adviser on International Law , Sweden ’ s Foreign Ministry ; Guido Raimondi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Cassation , Italy , Former President of the European Court of Human Rights ; and Hélène Ruiz Fabri , Director of the Max Planck Institute Luxembourg for International , European and Regulatory Procedural Law .
The Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE , which is based in Geneva , provides a set of mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes between States .
The Court was established by the Convention of Stockholm which entered into force on 5 December 1994 .
To date , 34 States have ratified the Convention @

Conciliation as a flexible method for the peaceful settlement of disputes was the focus of a webinar held on 13 November 2020, and the launch of the book, Flexibility in International Dispute Settlement – Conciliation Revisited, which was edited by Christian Tomuschat (former President of the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE and Member of the Court’s current Bureau) and Marcelo Kohen (Professor of International Law at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva).
The event was organized by the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE, in collaboration with the Graduate Institute in Geneva.
“The aim of this event is simple: to demonstrate that this Court constitutes a hidden treasure whose advantages should finally be acknowledged,” said Tomuschat in his opening remarks.
He mentioned conciliation being at the crossroad of judicial tradition and diplomacy. “Conciliation does not aim at ensuring legal perfectionism; it looks rather for a pragmatic solution within a legal framework. From this perspective, conciliators should embody at the same time the qualities of a judge and a politician, personalities who are able to look beyond the legal horizon without, however, yielding to the pressure of the relevant facts.”
The launch of the book, Flexibility in International Dispute Settlement – Conciliation Revisited, which draws on materials from a symposium held in October 2018 in Geneva, was followed by a panel discussion that explored different experiences and possibilities of conciliation in inter-state disputes.
Kohen said that conciliation was still largely unknown even among jurists and he asked about the collective responsibility in the different roles that actors played, be in the academic and diplomatic world, or as members of jurisdictional bodies, to fill the knowledge gap.
Speakers of the panel discussion included Emmanuel Decaux, current President of the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE, Professor emeritus, University of Paris II, Panthéon-Assas; Marc Bossuyt, President emeritus, Constitutional Court of Belgium Professor emeritus, University of Antwerp, Member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; Marie Jacobsson, Ambassador, Principal Legal Adviser on International Law, Sweden’s Foreign Ministry; Guido Raimondi, President of the Social Chamber, Court of Cassation, Italy, Former President of the European Court of Human Rights; and Hélène Ruiz Fabri, Director of the Max Planck Institute Luxembourg for International, European and Regulatory Procedural Law.
The Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE, which is based in Geneva, provides a set of mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes between States. The Court was established by the Convention of Stockholm which entered into force on 5 December 1994. To date, 34 States have ratified the Convention.


osce--2020-11-26--Spot Report by OSCE Observer Mission: 98th Russian convoy of seven vehicles crossed into Ukraine and

Spot Report by OSCE Observer Mission: 98th Russian convoy of seven vehicles crossed into Ukraine and returned through Donetsk Border Crossing Point

On 26 November at 07:19 ( Moscow time ) , the ninety-eighth [ 1 ] Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point ( BCP ) .
A total of seven vehicles were checked by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers prior to their crossing into Ukraine .
All seven vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation by 17:04 on 26 November .
On 26 November at 07:19 , the Observer Mission observed the arrival of a Russian convoy at the gate of the Donetsk BCP .
The convoy consisted of seven vehicles : one escort car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were civilian and four trucks belonged to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations ( MES ) .
All six cargo trucks bore the inscription “ Humanitarian aid from the Russian Federation ” ( in Russian ) .
At 07:19 , the vehicles entered the customs control area .
Once the convoy arrived , the vehicles were visually checked from the outside by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers .
The truck drivers rolled up/opened the tarpaulins of the trucks and the border guards and customs officials performed a visual observation from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside .
One Russian Federation border guard took photos and another one videoed the convoy crossing .
Three Ukrainian border guards and two customs officers were observed accompanying their Russian counterparts ; they also performed a visual observation of the vehicles from the outside ( without entering the trucks ’ cargo space ) .
By 07:30 , all seven vehicles had left the BCP towards Ukraine .
At 16:53 , the convoy returned and queued in the customs area .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visually checked the returning convoy from the outside .
Ukrainian representatives – three border guards and two customs officers – were present during this check .
The Ukrainian officials also performed visual checks of the trucks from the outside .
Two dogs were present and used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside .
By 17:04 , all seven vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation .
[ 1 ] Based on the Observer Mission ’ s counting , this convoy is considered the ninety-eighth convoy that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donetsk ” or “ Gukovo ” BCPs .
However , so far all these convoys crossed through the “ Donetsk ” BCP .

SUMMARY
On 26 November at 07:19 (Moscow time), the ninety-eighth[1] Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). A total of seven vehicles were checked by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers prior to their crossing into Ukraine. All seven vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation by 17:04 on 26 November.
DETAIL
Leaving the Russian Federation
On 26 November at 07:19, the Observer Mission observed the arrival of a Russian convoy at the gate of the Donetsk BCP. The convoy consisted of seven vehicles: one escort car and six cargo trucks. Two trucks were civilian and four trucks belonged to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES). All six cargo trucks bore the inscription “Humanitarian aid from the Russian Federation” (in Russian). At 07:19, the vehicles entered the customs control area. Once the convoy arrived, the vehicles were visually checked from the outside by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers. The truck drivers rolled up/opened the tarpaulins of the trucks and the border guards and customs officials performed a visual observation from the outside. Two dogs were present and used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside. One Russian Federation border guard took photos and another one videoed the convoy crossing.
Three Ukrainian border guards and two customs officers were observed accompanying their Russian counterparts; they also performed a visual observation of the vehicles from the outside (without entering the trucks’ cargo space). By 07:30, all seven vehicles had left the BCP towards Ukraine.
Returning to the Russian Federation
At 16:53, the convoy returned and queued in the customs area. The Russian Federation border guards and customs officers visually checked the returning convoy from the outside. Ukrainian representatives – three border guards and two customs officers – were present during this check. The Ukrainian officials also performed visual checks of the trucks from the outside. Two dogs were present and used by Russian Federation border guards to check the vehicles from the outside. By 17:04, all seven vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation.
[1] Based on the Observer Mission’s counting, this convoy is considered the ninety-eighth convoy that has crossed into Ukraine through the “Donetsk” or “Gukovo” BCPs. However, so far all these convoys crossed through the “Donetsk” BCP.


osce--2020-11-26--Importance of social re-use of assets recovered from organized crime and corruption focus of OSCE wo

Importance of social re-use of assets recovered from organized crime and corruption focus of OSCE workshop in Albania

The importance of the social re-use of assets recovered from organized crime and corruption as a public good , and the potential lever it creates to reduce crime and corruption was the focus of an online workshop the OSCE held for participants from Albania on 24 November 2020 .
The event brought together law enforcement practitioners and representatives of the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets , local and international civil society organizations and academia .
This event was the first in a series of national workshops organized as part of an extra-budgetary project to strengthen the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe through improved regional co-operation in asset seizure , confiscation , management and re-use .
The OSCE Secretariat ’ s Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities are jointly implementing the project .
Opening the workshop , Vincenzo del Monaco , Head of OSCE Presence in Albania , said : “ I am convinced that a regional perspective and approach is paramount when tackling the multi-faceted subject of today ’ s exercise .
The OSCE , for its own nature , is in an ideal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and experiences among key actors.
” Over the course of the workshop , participants explored the opportunities and challenges in the current social re-use system in the country , relevant provisions in the legislative framework , the models used in other countries , and potential measures to address existing gaps .
The United States Ambassador to Albania , Yuri Kim , said : “ When countries are successful at identifying and seizing illicitly-obtained assets , it not only targets criminals where it hurts the most — their dirty money making – but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be responsibly repurposed to advance social good and demonstrate to the public that fighting organized crime is a responsibility shared by all , because it affects all of us.
” Luigi Soreca , the European Union ’ s Ambassador to Albania , said : “ The fight against organized crime and corruption is a key priority for Albania on its path towards European integration .
We are proud to have helped Albania in establishing the first social enterprises that make use of confiscated assets , an unprecedented undertaking not only in Albania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We see it as an important victory of civil society against organized crime , sending the clear message that what is stolen can and should be given back to society.
” Albania ’ s Deputy Interior Minister , Besfort Lamallari , outlining recent reforms and enhanced inter-agency co-operation , added : “ Criminal asset recovery , including social re-use serves as the perfect example of turning the tables , by giving back to the society and affected crime victims what has been taken away from them by criminals .
In the fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and law enforcement agencies are in the forefront , but citizens , both individually and collectively , have and can play an indispensable role .
The symbolic message of social re-use of confiscated criminal assets is clear enough to anyone misled by or prone to wrong calculations or perceptions of easy money , with little or no risks .
Crime does n't pay ! ''
The project is financially supported by the United States Department of State , Italy , Germany and the United Kingdom .

The importance of the social re-use of assets recovered from organized crime and corruption as a public good, and the potential lever it creates to reduce crime and corruption was the focus of an online workshop the OSCE held for participants from Albania on 24 November 2020. The event brought together law enforcement practitioners and representatives of the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets, local and international civil society organizations and academia.
This event was the first in a series of national workshops organized as part of an extra-budgetary project to strengthen the fight against transnational organized crime in South-East Europe through improved regional co-operation in asset seizure, confiscation, management and re-use. The OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities are jointly implementing the project.
Opening the workshop, Vincenzo del Monaco, Head of OSCE Presence in Albania, said: “I am convinced that a regional perspective and approach is paramount when tackling the multi-faceted subject of today’s exercise. The OSCE, for its own nature, is in an ideal position to facilitate this exchange of views and experiences among key actors.”
Over the course of the workshop, participants explored the opportunities and challenges in the current social re-use system in the country, relevant provisions in the legislative framework, the models used in other countries, and potential measures to address existing gaps.
The United States Ambassador to Albania, Yuri Kim, said: “When countries are successful at identifying and seizing illicitly-obtained assets, it not only targets criminals where it hurts the most — their dirty money making – but it also discourages criminal activity. Those assets can be responsibly repurposed to advance social good and demonstrate to the public that fighting organized crime is a responsibility shared by all, because it affects all of us.”
Luigi Soreca, the European Union’s Ambassador to Albania, said: “The fight against organized crime and corruption is a key priority for Albania on its path towards European integration. We are proud to have helped Albania in establishing the first social enterprises that make use of confiscated assets, an unprecedented undertaking not only in Albania but in the region as well. We see it as an important victory of civil society against organized crime, sending the clear message that what is stolen can and should be given back to society.”
Albania’s Deputy Interior Minister, Besfort Lamallari, outlining recent reforms and enhanced inter-agency co-operation, added: “Criminal asset recovery, including social re-use serves as the perfect example of turning the tables, by giving back to the society and affected crime victims what has been taken away from them by criminals. In the fight against organized crime and corruption, the government and law enforcement agencies are in the forefront, but citizens, both individually and collectively, have and can play an indispensable role. The symbolic message of social re-use of confiscated criminal assets is clear enough to anyone misled by or prone to wrong calculations or perceptions of easy money, with little or no risks. Crime doesn't pay!"
The project is financially supported by the United States Department of State, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.


osce--2020-11-26--OSCE and UNECE hold consultations on the operationalization of Euro-Asian transport corridors

Enhancing economic connectivity perspectives and the operationalization of Euro-Asian inland transport links ( EATL ) were the focus of virtual consultations held by the OSCE and the UN Economic Commission for Europe ( UNECE ) on 26 November 2020 .
The event brought together over 140 delegates from more than 30 countries across the Euro-Asian region engaged in transport corridor management .
Representatives of Ministries of transport , trade , customs and border management authorities , infrastructure managers , operators and private sector practitioners managing freight flows , independent corridor management experts , researchers , and academia also attended .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Euro-Asian Transport Links project Phase III Report ” , participants discussed the challenges and available solutions for making inland Euro-Asian transport operational and commercially more attractive .
Participants shared information on existing inter-governmental and public-private sector stakeholder co-ordination mechanisms in the region and discussed options for expanding and strengthening them .
Vuk Žugić , Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities , emphasized the significance of the “ Euro-Asian Transport Links project ” for the economic connectivity and social stability of the region .
“ For its operationalization , not only technical know-how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required , ” said Žugić .
Žugić said that the OSCE remains committed to facilitate meaningful and inclusive dialogue , especially in improving the co-ordination and effectiveness of national and international efforts in addressing the remaining challenges for more effective Euro-Asian inland transport connectivity .
“ The Euro-Asian Transport Links corridors can play an instrumental role in improving the conditions for trade , leading ultimately to socioeconomic development and strengthening peace , security and stability in the region , ” he said .
Yuwei Li , UNECE Director of the Sustainable Transport Division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Project , launched in 2002 , has contributed significantly towards making Euro-Asian inland transport a reality.
” Among others , the project has led to the identification of nine rail and nine road links , 17 water transport links , 52 inland river ports and 70 maritime ports .
Over 300 infrastructure investment projects with a total cost of US $ 215 billion have been identified for prioritization .
“ While significant progress has been made in recent years , more action is needed to make the Euro-Asian inland transport networks truly operational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This event is part of a series of events co-organized by the UNECE Sustainable Transport Division , in the framework of EATL , and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities .
The OSCE has been providing political and practical support to the UNECE ’ s Euro-Asian Transport Links project since 2006 .

Enhancing economic connectivity perspectives and the operationalization of Euro-Asian inland transport links (EATL) were the focus of virtual consultations held by the OSCE and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) on 26 November 2020.
The event brought together over 140 delegates from more than 30 countries across the Euro-Asian region engaged in transport corridor management. Representatives of Ministries of transport, trade, customs and border management authorities, infrastructure managers, operators and private sector practitioners managing freight flows, independent corridor management experts, researchers, and academia also attended.
Based on the findings of the “Euro-Asian Transport Links project Phase III Report”, participants discussed the challenges and available solutions for making inland Euro-Asian transport operational and commercially more attractive. Participants shared information on existing inter-governmental and public-private sector stakeholder co-ordination mechanisms in the region and discussed options for expanding and strengthening them.
Vuk Žugić, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, emphasized the significance of the “Euro-Asian Transport Links project” for the economic connectivity and social stability of the region. “For its operationalization, not only technical know-how but also political will and co-operation is required,” said Žugić.
Žugić said that the OSCE remains committed to facilitate meaningful and inclusive dialogue, especially in improving the co-ordination and effectiveness of national and international efforts in addressing the remaining challenges for more effective Euro-Asian inland transport connectivity. “The Euro-Asian Transport Links corridors can play an instrumental role in improving the conditions for trade, leading ultimately to socioeconomic development and strengthening peace, security and stability in the region,” he said.
Yuwei Li, UNECE Director of the Sustainable Transport Division: “The UNECE`s EATL Project, launched in 2002, has contributed significantly towards making Euro-Asian inland transport a reality.”
Among others, the project has led to the identification of nine rail and nine road links, 17 water transport links, 52 inland river ports and 70 maritime ports. Over 300 infrastructure investment projects with a total cost of US$215 billion have been identified for prioritization. “ While significant progress has been made in recent years, more action is needed to make the Euro-Asian inland transport networks truly operational and economically thriving,” said Li.
This event is part of a series of events co-organized by the UNECE Sustainable Transport Division, in the framework of EATL, and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. The OSCE has been providing political and practical support to the UNECE’s Euro-Asian Transport Links project since 2006.


osce--2020-11-26--OSCE seminar promotes co-operation between Ombudsperson and government institutions in Turkmenistan

Enhancing co-operation on human rights promotion and protection was the focus of an OSCE-organized online seminar that took place on 25 and 26 November 2020 .
Experts from Serbia , United Kingdom and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights provided an overview of models of national human rights institutions ( NHRI ) and shared experiences of co-operation between NHRI and government structures .
“ The institute of the Ombudsperson is one of the most important national human rights institutions in charge of promoting fundamental human rights and freedoms , ” said Natalya Drozd , Head of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensuring human rights and fundamental freedoms is a key component of the OSCE ’ s concept of comprehensive security , the Organization is attaching particular importance to the creation and strengthening of these institutions.
” The seminar also addressed the legal basis for the establishment of the Business Ombudsman and operating models , role and functions of this institution .
Participants discussed challenges and objectives of the Ombudsperson during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized the importance of the NHRI and its co-operation with government bodies in time of public emergency .
“ Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Centre ’ s co-operation with the Office of the Ombudsperson of Turkmenistan launched in the first year of the existence of the Office and we believe that seminars addressing various aspects of NHRI ’ s activities contribute to the strengthening of the Ombudsperson ’ s Office and enhancing its co-operation with government institutions , ” added Drozd .
The two-day event brought together representatives from the Ombudsperson ’ s Office , the Institute of State , Law and Democracy , the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population , Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education , the Mejlis ( parliament ) , the Bar Association , the Ministry of the Interior , the Supreme Court and other law-enforcement bodies and relevant agencies .

Enhancing co-operation on human rights promotion and protection was the focus of an OSCE-organized online seminar that took place on 25 and 26 November 2020.
Experts from Serbia, United Kingdom and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights provided an overview of models of national human rights institutions (NHRI) and shared experiences of co-operation between NHRI and government structures.
“The institute of the Ombudsperson is one of the most important national human rights institutions in charge of promoting fundamental human rights and freedoms,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.
“As ensuring human rights and fundamental freedoms is a key component of the OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security, the Organization is attaching particular importance to the creation and strengthening of these institutions.”
The seminar also addressed the legal basis for the establishment of the Business Ombudsman and operating models, role and functions of this institution. Participants discussed challenges and objectives of the Ombudsperson during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized the importance of the NHRI and its co-operation with government bodies in time of public emergency.
“Today’s seminar marks successful continuation of the Centre’s co-operation with the Office of the Ombudsperson of Turkmenistan launched in the first year of the existence of the Office and we believe that seminars addressing various aspects of NHRI’s activities contribute to the strengthening of the Ombudsperson’s Office and enhancing its co-operation with government institutions,” added Drozd.
The two-day event brought together representatives from the Ombudsperson’s Office, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, Ministry of Education, the Mejlis (parliament), the Bar Association, the Ministry of the Interior, the Supreme Court and other law-enforcement bodies and relevant agencies.


osce--2020-11-26--We must reinvigorate the OSCE in these challenging times, Parliamentary Assembly President Tsereteli

We must reinvigorate the OSCE in these challenging times, Parliamentary Assembly President Tsereteli says at Permanent Council

COPENHAGEN , 26 November 2020 – One week before the Ministerial Council , the OSCE ’ s central decision-making body , OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli addressed ambassadors at today ’ s Permanent Council meeting in Vienna .
Noting that it has now been 30 years since governments came together to adopt the Charter of Paris for a New Europe and promote relations founded on respect and co-operation , he stressed that the OSCE must reach its potential to help build a safer and more stable future .
“ While an increasing number of transnational and global threats are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common security , we must empower the organization with the resources and political support it urgently needs to address old and new challenges , ” Tsereteli said .
He regretted that the OSCE area remains plagued by confrontation and division and that the limited political-level engagement in the organization has led to a leadership vacuum in the executive structures .
“ As we scan all around the OSCE region , despite the good work that the organization has done on the ground , in particular in the field presences , but also in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several participating States have largely failed to live up to this pledge , ” he said .
The outbreak of war over Nagorno-Karabakh has been a painful reminder of the urgency in resolving protracted conflicts , he said , noting that it is now crucial that the sides commit to allowing the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees and reaching a long-term and comprehensive settlement .
“ As the ceasefire continues to hold , I truly hope it will offer an opportunity for serious negotiations that might finally lead to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He noted that it is important to also keep attention focused on other conflicts in the OSCE region .
“ In Ukraine and in Georgia , ” he said , “ we need to see a continuation of serious negotiations , including of discussions at the highest level to facilitate peaceful breakthroughs that can alleviate the suffering of civilians trapped in the conflict zones.
” Tsereteli called the situation in Georgia “ unacceptable , ” noting that failure to implement the August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement , continued military occupation , intensified borderization , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to endanger the health and lives of populations affected by the conflict .
He also reiterated calls to fully restore Ukraine ’ s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders .
The President discussed post-election events in Belarus , noting that the PA has expressed concern over the excessive use of force .
“ I am deeply troubled at the intensifying violence , with reports of several deaths , despite the overwhelmingly peaceful nature of the demonstrations in the past 100 days , ” Tsereteli said .
Tsereteli informed the ambassadors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s series of Parliamentary Web Dialogues this year , as well as its efforts to resume election observation activities after a hiatus in the spring and summer due to the pandemic .
With observers deployed to Montenegro at the end of August , and more recently to Georgia and the United States , he noted that the PA also plans to observe upcoming elections in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan .
“ The readiness of our parliamentarians to actively take part in these missions is yet another reminder of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their human rights commitments , ” he said .
Looking ahead to the Ministerial Council next week , Tsereteli pointed out that given the multiplicity of challenges the OSCE has been entrusted with , it is urgent that foreign ministers come together and provide decisive leadership to fully enable the organization to accomplish its mission .
In the question and answer session of the President ’ s remarks , ambassadors expressed appreciation for the Assembly ’ s work in a number of areas , including the attention it pays to people in conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to build dialogue within Belarus between the government and the opposition .
The PA ’ s role as a platform for mutual respectful and constructive dialogue on pressing issues facing the OSCE was noted , as well as its role in promoting adherence to international commitments .
For President Tsereteli ’ s full remarks to the Permanent Council , please click here .

COPENHAGEN, 26 November 2020 – One week before the Ministerial Council, the OSCE’s central decision-making body, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli addressed ambassadors at today’s Permanent Council meeting in Vienna. Noting that it has now been 30 years since governments came together to adopt the Charter of Paris for a New Europe and promote relations founded on respect and co-operation, he stressed that the OSCE must reach its potential to help build a safer and more stable future.
“While an increasing number of transnational and global threats are confronting the OSCE community and threatening our common security, we must empower the organization with the resources and political support it urgently needs to address old and new challenges,” Tsereteli said.
He regretted that the OSCE area remains plagued by confrontation and division and that the limited political-level engagement in the organization has led to a leadership vacuum in the executive structures.
“As we scan all around the OSCE region, despite the good work that the organization has done on the ground, in particular in the field presences, but also in the politico-military dimension, it seems that several participating States have largely failed to live up to this pledge,” he said.
The outbreak of war over Nagorno-Karabakh has been a painful reminder of the urgency in resolving protracted conflicts, he said, noting that it is now crucial that the sides commit to allowing the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees and reaching a long-term and comprehensive settlement. “As the ceasefire continues to hold, I truly hope it will offer an opportunity for serious negotiations that might finally lead to a long-lasting peace,” he said.
He noted that it is important to also keep attention focused on other conflicts in the OSCE region. “In Ukraine and in Georgia,” he said, “we need to see a continuation of serious negotiations, including of discussions at the highest level to facilitate peaceful breakthroughs that can alleviate the suffering of civilians trapped in the conflict zones.”
Tsereteli called the situation in Georgia “unacceptable,” noting that failure to implement the August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, continued military occupation, intensified borderization, and the division of local communities continues to endanger the health and lives of populations affected by the conflict.
He also reiterated calls to fully restore Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
The President discussed post-election events in Belarus, noting that the PA has expressed concern over the excessive use of force. “I am deeply troubled at the intensifying violence, with reports of several deaths, despite the overwhelmingly peaceful nature of the demonstrations in the past 100 days,” Tsereteli said.
Tsereteli informed the ambassadors of the outcomes of the PA’s series of Parliamentary Web Dialogues this year, as well as its efforts to resume election observation activities after a hiatus in the spring and summer due to the pandemic. With observers deployed to Montenegro at the end of August, and more recently to Georgia and the United States, he noted that the PA also plans to observe upcoming elections in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
“The readiness of our parliamentarians to actively take part in these missions is yet another reminder of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s dedication to help governments live up to their human rights commitments,” he said.
Looking ahead to the Ministerial Council next week, Tsereteli pointed out that given the multiplicity of challenges the OSCE has been entrusted with, it is urgent that foreign ministers come together and provide decisive leadership to fully enable the organization to accomplish its mission.
In the question and answer session of the President’s remarks, ambassadors expressed appreciation for the Assembly’s work in a number of areas, including the attention it pays to people in conflict zones, gender issues, and its efforts to build dialogue within Belarus between the government and the opposition. The PA’s role as a platform for mutual respectful and constructive dialogue on pressing issues facing the OSCE was noted, as well as its role in promoting adherence to international commitments.
For President Tsereteli’s full remarks to the Permanent Council, please click here.


osce--2020-11-26--Promoting co-operation and media diversity through journalist exchange programme, focus of Cyprus Me

Promoting co-operation and media diversity through journalist exchange programme, focus of Cyprus Media Dialogue event

VIENNA/NICOSIA , 26 November 2020 — Under the auspices of the Cyprus Media Dialogue project , the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media ( RFoM ) organized an online event today to conclude the second exchange opportunity for journalists from the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities .
The project , closely developed with the Cyprus Journalists ’ Union , the Basin-Sen/Press Workers ’ Union and the Turkish Cypriot Journalists ’ Union , aims to encourage co-operation between media outlets and journalists , and to advance accountable , quality journalism .
Today ’ s online event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions and the 15 selected journalists who took part in the exchange programme , to highlight its usefulness and discuss lessons learned .
Tasked with preparing articles , photo stories , audio/video reports , or commentaries on a local topic of their choice , Greek Cypriot journalists worked in a Turkish Cypriot media outlet , and Turkish Cypriot journalists worked in a Greek Cypriot media outlet during the exchange in 2019 .
The results of the exchange can be viewed in an online news exhibition .
“ Co-operation is paramount to enable a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free flow of information , ” said Jürgen Heissel , Director of the Office of the OSCE RFoM .
“ The activities under this project contribute to this cause by providing media content about the life of both communities to the Cypriot public .
Whilst enhancing the understanding of everyday life across the island , the exchange opportunity also enables professional networking and the sharing of best practices from the newsroom.
” He added : “ The Office of the OSCE RFoM remains committed to continuing the fruitful co-operation that has been established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ island ’ s journalist unions.
” More information about the Cyprus Media Dialogue project can be found here : https : //www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/cyprus-dialogue .

VIENNA/NICOSIA, 26 November 2020 — Under the auspices of the Cyprus Media Dialogue project, the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) organized an online event today to conclude the second exchange opportunity for journalists from the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities.
The project, closely developed with the Cyprus Journalists’ Union, the Basin-Sen/Press Workers’ Union and the Turkish Cypriot Journalists’ Union, aims to encourage co-operation between media outlets and journalists, and to advance accountable, quality journalism.
Today’s online event gathered representatives from all three Cypriot journalist unions and the 15 selected journalists who took part in the exchange programme, to highlight its usefulness and discuss lessons learned.
Tasked with preparing articles, photo stories, audio/video reports, or commentaries on a local topic of their choice, Greek Cypriot journalists worked in a Turkish Cypriot media outlet, and Turkish Cypriot journalists worked in a Greek Cypriot media outlet during the exchange in 2019. The results of the exchange can be viewed in an online news exhibition.
“Co-operation is paramount to enable a diverse media environment and to ensure the free flow of information,” said Jürgen Heissel, Director of the Office of the OSCE RFoM. “The activities under this project contribute to this cause by providing media content about the life of both communities to the Cypriot public. Whilst enhancing the understanding of everyday life across the island, the exchange opportunity also enables professional networking and the sharing of best practices from the newsroom.”
He added: “The Office of the OSCE RFoM remains committed to continuing the fruitful co-operation that has been established and to implementing joint activities with the island’s journalist unions.”
More information about the Cyprus Media Dialogue project can be found here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/cyprus-dialogue.


osce--2020-11-26--OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan supports conference on preventing gender-based violence against

OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan supports conference on preventing gender-based violence against women and strengthening women's access to justice

An OSCE-supported international online conference entitled “ Preventing Gender-based Violence against Women and Strengthening Women 's Access to Justice ” to mark the global campaign on 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence concluded on 26 November 2020 .
The event was jointly organized by the National Commission for Women , Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan ( National Commission ) , the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan , the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights , UN Women , the United Nations Population Fund , and Ne Molchi ( Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some 80 members of the National Commission , representatives of the central state bodies , international organizations , employees of the regional Commissions for Women , Family and Demographic Policy , and heads of Crisis Centers took part in the event .
Key speakers led discussions on the best international practices in preventing domestic violence , issues related to the interagency response to domestic violence , activities of the crisis centers and effectiveness of the measures to prevent and combat violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ Fighting violence is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Domestic violence has negative consequences on society and country ’ s development .
All measures taken by Kazakhstan are aimed at creating zero tolerance for violence against women and children , said Lazzat Ramazanova , Chairperson of the National Commission in her opening remarks .
“ In Kazakhstan , more than 500 applications are received every day by the police on family and domestic conflicts that is why protection and support from the state , international foundations , and non-governmental organizations should reach every family .
It is necessary to carry out comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of violence and with aggressors .
The only way to stop violence is to unite efforts and combat it together , ” stated Dina Smailova , human rights activist and one of the leaders of the Ne Molchi International Movement .
In its efforts to tackle and mitigate gender-based violence , in 2020 the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan built capacity of Crisis Centers in eight regions of Kazakhstan by providing additional premises and hiring experts to provide comprehensive assistance to individuals subjected to domestic violence .
The conference is a part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to assist the host country and civil society in preventing and combating domestic violence and in raising public awarness on the issue .

An OSCE-supported international online conference entitled “Preventing Gender-based Violence against Women and Strengthening Women's Access to Justice” to mark the global campaign on 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence concluded on 26 November 2020.
The event was jointly organized by the National Commission for Women, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (National Commission), the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund, and Ne Molchi (Don’t Stay Silent) Public Fund. Some 80 members of the National Commission, representatives of the central state bodies, international organizations, employees of the regional Commissions for Women, Family and Demographic Policy, and heads of Crisis Centers took part in the event.
Key speakers led discussions on the best international practices in preventing domestic violence, issues related to the interagency response to domestic violence, activities of the crisis centers and effectiveness of the measures to prevent and combat violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Fighting violence is one of the priorities of our government. Domestic violence has negative consequences on society and country’s development. All measures taken by Kazakhstan are aimed at creating zero tolerance for violence against women and children, said Lazzat Ramazanova, Chairperson of the National Commission in her opening remarks.
“In Kazakhstan, more than 500 applications are received every day by the police on family and domestic conflicts that is why protection and support from the state, international foundations, and non-governmental organizations should reach every family. It is necessary to carry out comprehensive, systematic work, both with survivors of violence and with aggressors. The only way to stop violence is to unite efforts and combat it together,” stated Dina Smailova, human rights activist and one of the leaders of the Ne Molchi International Movement.
In its efforts to tackle and mitigate gender-based violence, in 2020 the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan built capacity of Crisis Centers in eight regions of Kazakhstan by providing additional premises and hiring experts to provide comprehensive assistance to individuals subjected to domestic violence.
The conference is a part of the Programme Office’s multi-year effort to assist the host country and civil society in preventing and combating domestic violence and in raising public awarness on the issue.


osce--2020-11-25--Press Statement of Special Representative Grau after the regular Meeting of Trilateral Contact Group

Press Statement of Special Representative Grau after the regular Meeting of Trilateral Contact Group on 25 November 2020

KYIV , 25 November 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) , Ambassador Heidi Grau , made the following statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups held through video conferencing : “ According to the assessments of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission , the ceasefire continues to be generally respected .
However , two civilians have been recently wounded as a consequence of shelling in the conflict zone .
This was the first such occurrence since 27 July 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their utmost to respect the ceasefire .
These issues were in the focus of the Security Working Group 's discussion on the overall situation in the conflict zone .
In addition , the functioning of measures to strengthen the ceasefire and the coordination mechanism for responding to its violations were considered .
Owing to divergent views , the Political Working Group was unable to advance in developing a draft action plan in full compliance with the Minsk Agreements .
Progress on this issue requires constructiveness and willingness to compromise .
The Humanitarian Working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation of the entry-exit crossing points ( EECPs ) on the line of contact near Zolote and Shchastia of the Luhansk region .
The deliberations also concerned the issues of search for missing persons , as well as mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees .
On the eve of the New Year and Christmas celebrations , progress in this respect could be a significant humanitarian gesture .
The Economic Working Group focused on water supplies across the contact line in Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
Environmental issues were also discussed , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other services for Ukrainian citizens residing in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine .
”

KYIV, 25 November 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Heidi Grau, made the following statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups held through video conferencing:
“According to the assessments of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, the ceasefire continues to be generally respected.
However, two civilians have been recently wounded as a consequence of shelling in the conflict zone. This was the first such occurrence since 27 July 2020.
I urge the sides to do their utmost to respect the ceasefire.
These issues were in the focus of the Security Working Group's discussion on the overall situation in the conflict zone. In addition, the functioning of measures to strengthen the ceasefire and the coordination mechanism for responding to its violations were considered.
Owing to divergent views, the Political Working Group was unable to advance in developing a draft action plan in full compliance with the Minsk Agreements. Progress on this issue requires constructiveness and willingness to compromise.
The Humanitarian Working Group discussed the conditions for the future operation of the entry-exit crossing points (EECPs) on the line of contact near Zolote and Shchastia of the Luhansk region.
The deliberations also concerned the issues of search for missing persons, as well as mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees. On the eve of the New Year and Christmas celebrations, progress in this respect could be a significant humanitarian gesture.
The Economic Working Group focused on water supplies across the contact line in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Environmental issues were also discussed, as well as pension payments and social and other services for Ukrainian citizens residing in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.”


osce--2020-11-26--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 281/2020 issued on 25 November 2020

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osce--2020-11-25--Time to rethink current energy production and consumption patterns, urge participants of Third Vienn

Time to rethink current energy production and consumption patterns, urge participants of Third Vienna Energy Strategy Dialogue

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an immediate reduction in energy demand and carbon emissions and has curbed investments across the sector with uncertain consequences for the energy transition , state participants of the Third Vienna Energy Strategy Dialogue titled “ Implications of the global energy transition ” held virtually on 24 November 2020 from Vienna .
The OSCE , the World Energy Council Austria , Ernst & Young and the Federation of Austrian Industries hosted the event which focused on the socio-economic implications of the global energy transition , and geopolitical and security challenges in the new energy landscape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the energy sector brought together more than 100 high-level participants from politics , industry , science and civil society to share experiences and ideas on safe , affordable and environmentally responsible energy systems .
“ The pandemic is giving governments and companies around the world the unique opportunity to rethink our current energy production and consumption patterns , and to design a more inclusive and sustainable energy future , ” said Vuk Žugić , Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities .
Participants noted that energy consumers and producers across the OSCE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranging from depressed demand for hydrocarbons and new power consumption patterns from a public confined at home , to a hastened digitalization across sectors and affordability issues arising from the sudden economic decline .
“ The tremendous challenges we have been facing can only be addressed collectively , ” said Žugić .
“ The OSCE thus remains committed to facilitating the dialogue and transnational co-operation needed to ensure that energy security is safeguarded , now and in the coming years.
” Dr. Michael Strugl , President of WEC Austria , elaborated that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to a demand disruption in the energy sector .
Geopolitical tensions make energy security of countries relying on energy imports uncertain.
” During the first panel , keynote speakers Dr Angela Wilkinson ( WEC ) , Dr. Ayed S. Al-Qahtani ( OPEC ) and Prof. Nebojsa Nakicenovic ( IIASA ) shared their insights on the socio-economic implications of the global energy transition .
Amongst other , the speakers addressed topics such as demand disruption and the future of oil and gas in a pandemic-stricken world ; access and affordability during the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the post-COVID energy sector .
Mr. Brent Wanner ( IEA ) , Mr. Gottfried Tonweber ( EY ) and Dr. Jonathan Koomey delivered a keynote speech each during the second panel , which addressed the geopolitical and security challenges in the new energy landscape .
Key topics addressed were energy security and network resilience in the age of decarbonization and digitalization ; the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on global energy geopolitics ; and the role of information technology in leading the energy transition .

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an immediate reduction in energy demand and carbon emissions and has curbed investments across the sector with uncertain consequences for the energy transition, state participants of the Third Vienna Energy Strategy Dialogue titled “Implications of the global energy transition” held virtually on 24 November 2020 from Vienna.
The OSCE, the World Energy Council Austria, Ernst & Young and the Federation of Austrian Industries hosted the event which focused on the socio-economic implications of the global energy transition, and geopolitical and security challenges in the new energy landscape.
The leading international forum for stakeholders of the energy sector brought together more than 100 high-level participants from politics, industry, science and civil society to share experiences and ideas on safe, affordable and environmentally responsible energy systems.
“The pandemic is giving governments and companies around the world the unique opportunity to rethink our current energy production and consumption patterns, and to design a more inclusive and sustainable energy future,” said Vuk Žugić, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.
Participants noted that energy consumers and producers across the OSCE region are adapting to major changes, ranging from depressed demand for hydrocarbons and new power consumption patterns from a public confined at home, to a hastened digitalization across sectors and affordability issues arising from the sudden economic decline.
“The tremendous challenges we have been facing can only be addressed collectively,” said Žugić. “The OSCE thus remains committed to facilitating the dialogue and transnational co-operation needed to ensure that energy security is safeguarded, now and in the coming years.”
Dr. Michael Strugl, President of WEC Austria, elaborated that “the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to a demand disruption in the energy sector. Geopolitical tensions make energy security of countries relying on energy imports uncertain.”
During the first panel, keynote speakers Dr Angela Wilkinson (WEC), Dr. Ayed S. Al-Qahtani (OPEC) and Prof. Nebojsa Nakicenovic (IIASA) shared their insights on the socio-economic implications of the global energy transition. Amongst other, the speakers addressed topics such as demand disruption and the future of oil and gas in a pandemic-stricken world; access and affordability during the economic crisis; and low-carbon stimulus spending in the post-COVID energy sector.
Mr. Brent Wanner (IEA), Mr. Gottfried Tonweber (EY) and Dr. Jonathan Koomey delivered a keynote speech each during the second panel, which addressed the geopolitical and security challenges in the new energy landscape. Key topics addressed were energy security and network resilience in the age of decarbonization and digitalization; the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on global energy geopolitics; and the role of information technology in leading the energy transition.


osce--2020-11-25--OSCE leaders join the 16 Days of Activism campaign with an appeal to states to help end gender-based

OSCE leaders join the 16 Days of Activism campaign with an appeal to states to help end gender-based violence

TIRANA / VIENNA / WARSAW , 25 November 2020 - On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women , and the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence , OSCE leaders called on participating States to increase their efforts and resources to combat violence against women and girls , particularly in times of crises .
They urged to treat gender-based violence as a priority , because it increases during conflict and other crises , including the current COVID-19 pandemic .
They noted that the ongoing health crisis has led to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women and girls , especially domestic violence .
Chairperson of the Permanent Council Ambassador Igli Hasani noted that women ’ s empowerment alone is no guarantee in effectively combating gender-based violence and violence against women .
Ambassador Hasani emphasized the crucial need to also involve men and boys in efforts to eliminate this phenomenon .
Hasani praised the work the OSCE is doing in this regard , but called for more concerted efforts between governments , civil society , women´s organizations , youth representatives and the private sector to effect positive change in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against women .
OSCE leaders stressed that more needs to be done to respond with targeted and effective actions to all forms of gender-based violence and to ensure that women and girls are guaranteed their most fundamental right to safety .
OSCE Officer in Charge/Secretary General Tuula Yrjölä warned that the COVID-19 pandemic is reversing the hard-won progress on advancing gender equality .
“ Participating States should increase efforts and take additional measures to implement the strong commitments on preventing and combating violence against women , to protect and support women in conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yrjölä said .
The OSCE-led survey on gender-based violence in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe shows that conflict and crisis exacerbate enduring patterns of violence against women , thereby impeding progress towards comprehensive security for all .
According to the survey published last year , conflict-related violence has lifetime consequences on women affected by it .
Overall , 81 % of women in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe , who faced gender-based violence in conflict , suffered from a long-term psychological effects .
The devastating effect of violence against women also has a lasting impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survivors from contributing their skills and knowledge to their full potential .
“ This year of lockdowns and quarantines has seen an increase in violence against women , as their exposure to abuse at the hands of an intimate partner or family member has risen and their ability to get the support they need has diminished , ” said Katarzyna Gardapkhadze , ODIHR ’ s First Deputy Director .
“ While support services for victims are vital , our main aim should be prevention .
We need to provide support to victims , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards preventing violence against women before it happens , and in that we all have a key role to play – both women and men .
”

TIRANA / VIENNA / WARSAW, 25 November 2020 - On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, OSCE leaders called on participating States to increase their efforts and resources to combat violence against women and girls, particularly in times of crises.
They urged to treat gender-based violence as a priority, because it increases during conflict and other crises, including the current COVID-19 pandemic. They noted that the ongoing health crisis has led to a rise in all types of violence against women and girls, especially domestic violence.
Chairperson of the Permanent Council Ambassador Igli Hasani noted that women’s empowerment alone is no guarantee in effectively combating gender-based violence and violence against women. Ambassador Hasani emphasized the crucial need to also involve men and boys in efforts to eliminate this phenomenon. Hasani praised the work the OSCE is doing in this regard, but called for more concerted efforts between governments, civil society, women´s organizations, youth representatives and the private sector to effect positive change in community attitudes and practices related to violence against women.
OSCE leaders stressed that more needs to be done to respond with targeted and effective actions to all forms of gender-based violence and to ensure that women and girls are guaranteed their most fundamental right to safety.
OSCE Officer in Charge/Secretary General Tuula Yrjölä warned that the COVID-19 pandemic is reversing the hard-won progress on advancing gender equality. “Participating States should increase efforts and take additional measures to implement the strong commitments on preventing and combating violence against women, to protect and support women in conflict settings and other crisis situations,” Yrjölä said.
The OSCE-led survey on gender-based violence in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe shows that conflict and crisis exacerbate enduring patterns of violence against women, thereby impeding progress towards comprehensive security for all.
According to the survey published last year, conflict-related violence has lifetime consequences on women affected by it. Overall, 81% of women in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, who faced gender-based violence in conflict, suffered from a long-term psychological effects.
The devastating effect of violence against women also has a lasting impact on wider society as it can prevent survivors from contributing their skills and knowledge to their full potential.
“This year of lockdowns and quarantines has seen an increase in violence against women, as their exposure to abuse at the hands of an intimate partner or family member has risen and their ability to get the support they need has diminished,” said Katarzyna Gardapkhadze, ODIHR’s First Deputy Director. “While support services for victims are vital, our main aim should be prevention. We need to provide support to victims, but above all we need to work towards preventing violence against women before it happens, and in that we all have a key role to play – both women and men.”


osce--2020-11-25--OSCE and UN Office on Drugs and Crime deliver online train-the-trainer course to enhance Bosnia and

OSCE and UN Office on Drugs and Crime deliver online train-the-trainer course to enhance Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capacities to counter terrorist financing

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department ’ s Action against Terrorism Unit , in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime ( UNODC ) organized an online train-the-trainer course from 23 to 25 November 2020 , with the aim of strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina ’ s ( BiH ) capacities in countering the financing of terrorism .
Senior experts and practitioners from the Ministry of Security of BiH , the Prosecutor ’ s Office of BiH , the State Investigation and Protection Agency , the Ministry of Interior of the Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interior of Republika Srpska took part in the course .
Together with the OSCE lead trainers , participants co-produced scenario-based exercises , adapting the OSCE-UNODC training courses on countering terrorist financing to the needs of BiH .
Participants also learned how to facilitate presentations and discussions with representatives from multiple agencies at the upcoming training courses .
As part of a sustainable training programme delivered by the OSCE and the UNODC , the senior experts participating in the train-the-trainer courses , jointly with the OSCE and UNODC lead trainers , will go on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in BiH in the coming years .
The multi-year training programme on countering terrorist financing aims to increase the country ’ s capacity to detect and combat terrorist financing and strengthen compliance with international standards in this area .
These international standards are embedded in relevant international conventions , UN Security Council Resolutions , UN norms , OSCE commitments that promote human rights-based approaches in countering terrorist financing , the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering ( FATF ) and interpretive notes .
The train-the-trainer course emphasized the key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of multi-stakeholder approaches in countering terrorist financing .

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department’s Action against Terrorism Unit, in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organized an online train-the-trainer course from 23 to 25 November 2020, with the aim of strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) capacities in countering the financing of terrorism.
Senior experts and practitioners from the Ministry of Security of BiH, the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH, the State Investigation and Protection Agency, the Ministry of Interior of the Federation of BiH, and the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska took part in the course.
Together with the OSCE lead trainers, participants co-produced scenario-based exercises, adapting the OSCE-UNODC training courses on countering terrorist financing to the needs of BiH. Participants also learned how to facilitate presentations and discussions with representatives from multiple agencies at the upcoming training courses.
As part of a sustainable training programme delivered by the OSCE and the UNODC, the senior experts participating in the train-the-trainer courses, jointly with the OSCE and UNODC lead trainers, will go on to train further experts from relevant authorities in BiH in the coming years.
The multi-year training programme on countering terrorist financing aims to increase the country’s capacity to detect and combat terrorist financing and strengthen compliance with international standards in this area. These international standards are embedded in relevant international conventions, UN Security Council Resolutions, UN norms, OSCE commitments that promote human rights-based approaches in countering terrorist financing, the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) and interpretive notes.
The train-the-trainer course emphasized the key role of inter-agency and international co-operation and of multi-stakeholder approaches in countering terrorist financing.


osce--2020-11-25--OSCE Mission to Montenegro joins “16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence” worldwide campa

OSCE Mission to Montenegro joins “16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence” worldwide campaign

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro has joined the worldwide campaign “ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence ” , that runs annually from 25 November , the International Day against Violence against Women , to 10 December , International Human Rights Day .
To mark the 16 days of activism , the Mission , in partnership with the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro , produced three TV spots for national TV stations and social networks .
The objective of the campaign is to illustrate the unequal distribution of power , underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dependence and the consequences of violence against women .
Tea Dakić , psychiatry specialist in the Clinical Centre of Montenegro , Maja Raičević , executive director of the NGO Centre for Women ’ s Rights and Fana Delija , executive director of the NGO Centre for Roma Initiatives appear in the videos , as women in the fight for zero tolerance against gender-based violence .
This year ’ s Mission campaign relies on the OSCE-led Survey on the Well-being and Safety of Women , conducted in 2018 in South-Eastern and Eastern Europe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of violence women experience in their childhood and throughout the course of their lives .
In Montenegro , it included a representative survey of 1,227 women aged 18 to 74 .
Joining the global campaign , the OSCE Mission to Montenegro shows its commitment to promote gender equality and to stand with its partner , the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights , to contribute to a society of zero tolerance towards gender-based violence .

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro has joined the worldwide campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence”, that runs annually from 25 November, the International Day against Violence against Women, to 10 December, International Human Rights Day.
To mark the 16 days of activism, the Mission, in partnership with the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro, produced three TV spots for national TV stations and social networks.
The objective of the campaign is to illustrate the unequal distribution of power, underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions, limited access to resources, financial dependence and the consequences of violence against women.
Tea Dakić, psychiatry specialist in the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, Maja Raičević, executive director of the NGO Centre for Women’s Rights and Fana Delija, executive director of the NGO Centre for Roma Initiatives appear in the videos, as women in the fight for zero tolerance against gender-based violence.
This year’s Mission campaign relies on the OSCE-led Survey on the Well-being and Safety of Women, conducted in 2018 in South-Eastern and Eastern Europe, that provides comparable data on different forms of violence women experience in their childhood and throughout the course of their lives. In Montenegro, it included a representative survey of 1,227 women aged 18 to 74.
Joining the global campaign, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro shows its commitment to promote gender equality and to stand with its partner, the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights, to contribute to a society of zero tolerance towards gender-based violence.
Equal in society - Tea Dakić, a psychiatry specialist https://bit.ly/360xSFU
Equal in society - Maja Raičević, executive director of the NGO Centre for Women’s Rights https://bit.ly/2NqaKKz
Equal in society - Fana Delija, executive director of the NGO Centre for Roma Initiatives https://bit.ly/3o3Q6ML


osce--2020-11-25--OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan supports training seminar on anti-money laundering and combating

OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan supports training seminar on anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing in Kazakhstan

An OSCE-supported three-day seminar on the preparations for the expected second round of the Eurasian group ’ s ( EAG ) mutual evaluation of Kazakhstan ’ s compliance to the Financial Action Task Force ’ s ( FATF ) standards on anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing ( AML/CFT ) efforts concluded on 25 November 2020 in Almaty .
Some 35 representatives from the Agency for Financial Market Regulation and Development , the Financial Monitoring Committee and the National Bank attended the event , which was held in a hybrid format .
International experts from the Russian Federation , Uzbekistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on ways to demonstrate a country ’ s technical compliance with the FATF Recommendations and the effectiveness of the AML/CFT system .
They also elaborated on the best practices in the AML/CFT national risk assessment , improvement of interagency co-operation and building an effective partnership with the private sector on AML/CFT .
The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan organized the event in co-operation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime , the Agency for Financial Market Regulation and Development and the Financial Monitoring Committee as part of the Office ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advance the host country ’ s AML/CFT system in compliance with FATF standards .

An OSCE-supported three-day seminar on the preparations for the expected second round of the Eurasian group’s (EAG) mutual evaluation of Kazakhstan’s compliance to the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) standards on anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing (AML/CFT) efforts concluded on 25 November 2020 in Almaty.
Some 35 representatives from the Agency for Financial Market Regulation and Development, the Financial Monitoring Committee and the National Bank attended the event, which was held in a hybrid format.
International experts from the Russian Federation, Uzbekistan, Belarus and Ukraine shared their expertise on ways to demonstrate a country’s technical compliance with the FATF Recommendations and the effectiveness of the AML/CFT system. They also elaborated on the best practices in the AML/CFT national risk assessment, improvement of interagency co-operation and building an effective partnership with the private sector on AML/CFT.
The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan organized the event in co-operation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Agency for Financial Market Regulation and Development and the Financial Monitoring Committee as part of the Office’s multi-year efforts to promote good governance and advance the host country’s AML/CFT system in compliance with FATF standards.


osce--2020-11-25--OSCE joins national campaign for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence 2020: Listen.

OSCE joins national campaign for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence 2020: Listen. Believe. Support.

On the occasion of the Annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence , the OSCE Presence in Albania joins the host country ’ s awareness-raising campaign modelled after the UN worldwide campaign .
This year ’ s theme for the campaign is “ Listen .
Believe .
Support.
” “ It is an imperative not to ignore or minimize violence against women .
Violence must not be covered up and kept behind closed doors .
Gender-based violence , compromises the whole of Albania ’ s economic and social fabric .
We need a strong response to support all institutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort , including the security , social services , and policy-making dimension , ” noted Vincenzo Del Monaco , Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania .
“ Without renewed efforts to reduce and eliminate gender gaps , violence against women is set to persist and to be accepted as an inevitable fact of life .
That should never be the case.
” Selenica Municipal Councillor Aleksandra Arshiaj , one of the seventeen women councillors participating to the Presence ’ s Women Municipal Excellence Programme ( WoMEP ) , said : “ Violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We should listen and be present for women who have suffered from violence .
We need to proactively prevent violence and support women at the local and the national level.
” The messages conveyed by Del Monaco and Arshiaj focus on the urgent need for the Albanian society to become aware and address the impact of violence against women , as presented by the 2019 OSCE-led survey on Violence Against Women .
The OSCE Presence reinforces its commitment to join forces with national institutions , law enforcement agencies , civil society organizations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these perceptions and to strengthen the capacities of the host country to tackle gender based violence in all domains .
“ As the OSCE in Albania we will Listen – Believe and Support women , always , during , but also after the 16 Days Campaign , ” Del Monaco concluded .

On the occasion of the Annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the OSCE Presence in Albania joins the host country’s awareness-raising campaign modelled after the UN worldwide campaign. This year’s theme for the campaign is “Listen. Believe. Support.”
“It is an imperative not to ignore or minimize violence against women. Violence must not be covered up and kept behind closed doors. Gender-based violence, compromises the whole of Albania’s economic and social fabric. We need a strong response to support all institutions and civil society organizations in an across-the-board effort, including the security, social services, and policy-making dimension,” noted Vincenzo Del Monaco, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania. “Without renewed efforts to reduce and eliminate gender gaps, violence against women is set to persist and to be accepted as an inevitable fact of life. That should never be the case.”
Selenica Municipal Councillor Aleksandra Arshiaj, one of the seventeen women councillors participating to the Presence’s Women Municipal Excellence Programme (WoMEP), said: “Violence against women is never the solution. We should listen and be present for women who have suffered from violence. We need to proactively prevent violence and support women at the local and the national level.”
The messages conveyed by Del Monaco and Arshiaj focus on the urgent need for the Albanian society to become aware and address the impact of violence against women, as presented by the 2019 OSCE-led survey on Violence Against Women.
The OSCE Presence reinforces its commitment to join forces with national institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations and international development partners to work to change these perceptions and to strengthen the capacities of the host country to tackle gender based violence in all domains. “As the OSCE in Albania we will Listen – Believe and Support women, always, during, but also after the 16 Days Campaign,” Del Monaco concluded.


osce--2020-11-24--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 280/2020 issued on 24 November 2020


osce--2020-11-24--OSCE online seminar addresses international standards in penitentiary system in Turkmenistan

Enhancing prison health care systems was the focus of an OSCE-organized online seminar that took place on 23 and 24 November 2020 .
The two-day seminar was delivered by experts from the United Kingdom , the Swedish Prison and Probation Service and international organizations , including Penal Reform International and the World Health Organization , as well as the Human Rights department of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights .
The online event brought together representatives of the Mejlis ( parliament ) of Turkmenistan , the Ombudsperson ’ s office , the Institute of State , Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ashgabat , Prosecutor General ’ s office , Ministries of Interior and Adalat ( Justice ) , the Supreme Court and other law-enforcement bodies .
Experts presented international framework for the protection of prisoners and elaborated for standards related to prison management and prison staff as well as contacts with the outside world .
“ As part of their professional duty , prison staff take responsibility for the prisoners ’ health and safety and regular training and capacity-building are crucial for enhancing understanding of prisoners ’ rights and special needs , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OSCE Centre in Ashgabat .
“ The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized this seminar to facilitate the exchange of best practices in promoting prisoners ’ rights and enhancing the penitentiary system and it is our belief that the event will contribute to the Centre ’ s co-operation with the host Government in this important area launched ten years ago.
” The seminar highlighted health care provisions , challenges , and examples of good models of prison health care systems .
Special attention was paid to COVID-19 response in a prison health care system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light of protecting the safety of prisoners and staff .

Enhancing prison health care systems was the focus of an OSCE-organized online seminar that took place on 23 and 24 November 2020.
The two-day seminar was delivered by experts from the United Kingdom, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service and international organizations, including Penal Reform International and the World Health Organization, as well as the Human Rights department of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.
The online event brought together representatives of the Mejlis (parliament) of Turkmenistan, the Ombudsperson’s office, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy, and the BAR Association of Ashgabat, Prosecutor General’s office, Ministries of Interior and Adalat (Justice), the Supreme Court and other law-enforcement bodies.
Experts presented international framework for the protection of prisoners and elaborated for standards related to prison management and prison staff as well as contacts with the outside world.
“As part of their professional duty, prison staff take responsibility for the prisoners’ health and safety and regular training and capacity-building are crucial for enhancing understanding of prisoners’ rights and special needs,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.
“The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized this seminar to facilitate the exchange of best practices in promoting prisoners’ rights and enhancing the penitentiary system and it is our belief that the event will contribute to the Centre’s co-operation with the host Government in this important area launched ten years ago.”
The seminar highlighted health care provisions, challenges, and examples of good models of prison health care systems. Special attention was paid to COVID-19 response in a prison health care system, and incident prevention and response in light of protecting the safety of prisoners and staff.


osce--2020-11-24--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 24 November 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 decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) and one first responder [ 1 ] .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna .
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities .
The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review , in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship .
Following the host country recommendations , the observers are adhering to social distancing .
Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities , the OM is faced with certain difficulties , but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 decreased from 7,400 to 7,298 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 2 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation , with an average net flow of 12 per day for both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 13 , compared to 14 last week .
Five persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another eight persons crossed into Ukraine .
These individuals crossed the border on foot .
The OTs continued to report on families , sometimes with elderly persons and/or children , crossing the border at both BCPs with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelling in heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , five families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and one family was observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when seven families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and another seven families crossing into Ukraine .
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of buses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 263 compared to 277 observed during the previous week ) .
There were 132 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 131 bound for Ukraine .
On some occasions , the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses , while some buses did not display their route at all .
The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossing the border at both BCPs ( 794 compared to 830 during the previous reporting week ) ; 414 at the Gukovo BCP and 380 at the Donetsk BCP , 401 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 393 crossed into Ukraine .
Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , on a daily basis , the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation , Belarus , Lithuania and trucks with “ LPR ” plates .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossing the border in both directions .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed just a slight decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 39 compared to 40 during the previous reporting week ) .
These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs .
The trucks had the words “ Propane ” and “ Flammable ” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian .
The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs , indicating that they were transporting propane or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 decreased from 140 to 117 .
The total number of 117 trucks scanned ( 100 per cent ) were bound for Ukraine .
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans [ 3 ] crossing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BCPs .
The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs ( 150 compared to 188 observed during the previous week ) ; 83 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 67 into Ukraine .
The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reporting week , the OTs heard trains on 13 occasions ; the OTs assessed that six trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining seven trains were travelling to Ukraine ( more details are provided in the sections “ trends and figures at a glance ” below ) .
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP .
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ LPR ” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis .
The OTs also observed vehicles with Georgian and Lithuanian licence plates .
On 23 November at 14:40 , the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a white minivan with `` LPR '' plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking at the customs control area .
The van had an inscription `` Ritual Services '' ( in Russian ) on the side .
Besides the driver , the OT observed two passengers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control procedures , the vehicle left for Ukraine at 15:15 .
The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 20 October to 24 November 2020 , please see the attachment here .
[ 1 ] First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time .
[ 2 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 3 ] Cargo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t ; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg ( small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1 ) .

SUMMARY
Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO) and one first responder[1]. The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.
Update on COVID-19 measures
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are adhering to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities.
OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS
Persons crossing the border
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:
Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage. Persons in military-style outfits. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.
The average number of entries/exits decreased from 7,400 to 7,298 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[2].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 12 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 13, compared to 14 last week. Five persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another eight persons crossed into Ukraine. These individuals crossed the border on foot.
Families with a significant amount of luggage
The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, five families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and one family was observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when seven families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and another seven families crossing into Ukraine.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (263 compared to 277 observed during the previous week). There were 132 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 131 bound for Ukraine.
On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (794 compared to 830 during the previous reporting week); 414 at the Gukovo BCP and 380 at the Donetsk BCP, 401 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 393 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania and trucks with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the OTs observed just a slight decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (39 compared to 40 during the previous reporting week). These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane. All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.
Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP decreased from 140 to 117. The total number of 117 trucks scanned (100 per cent) were bound for Ukraine.
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[3] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (150 compared to 188 observed during the previous week); 83 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 67 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 13 occasions; the OTs assessed that six trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining seven 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 vehicles with Georgian and Lithuanian licence plates.
On 23 November at 14:40, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a white minivan with "LPR" plates entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking at the customs control area. The van had an inscription "Ritual Services" (in Russian) on the side. Besides the driver, the OT observed two passengers in the front compartment. After undergoing border control procedures, the vehicle left for Ukraine at 15:15. The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 20 October to 24 November 2020, please see the attachment here.
[1] First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time.
[2] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[3] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).