osce--2020-12-17--OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan supports the first forum on the role of women parliamentaria

OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan supports the first forum on the role of women parliamentarians in the development of Uzbekistan

The First Forum on the Role of Women Parliamentarians in the Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan took place on 14 December in Tashkent .
The event was organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan ( PCUz ) in partnership with the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan , the Gender Equality Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan and UN Agencies such as UNDP and UNFPA .
Members of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Republic of Uzbekistan , deputies of local Kengashes ( councils ) , members of the Youth Parliament of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government agencies and public organizations , representatives of international organizations and the media attended the forum .
The aim was to create a platform for effective co-operation between women ’ s parliaments and deputy groups at the national and regional levels on issues of expanding women ’ s participation in political life .
The forum was opened by Tanzila Narbaeva , Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan .
In her opening speech , she stressed : “ The full participation of women in solving political and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress , democratic development and stability in society .
As the results of last year ’ s efforts , 48 women-deputies were elected to the lower chamber of parliament , which is 32 % of the total number of deputies .
For the first time in the history of Uzbekistan , the number of women in the national parliament has reached the level established by the UN recommendations .
The parliament of our country rose to 37th place among 190 parliaments of the world in terms of the number of women ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Head of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan stressed that in order to respond to “ the immense challenges that we are facing today , leadership must have a woman ’ s face now more than ever , especially in the decision-making positions.
” He said : “ My office and the OSCE institutions stand ready to provide as much support as needed for Uzbekistan in its efforts to pursue a National Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality in the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2020–2030.
” Forum participants expressed their views on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , determined its general goals and objectives , strategy and directions of action .
At the end of the Forum , participants opinions and proposals were summarized , and recommendations were developed .

The First Forum on the Role of Women Parliamentarians in the Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan took place on 14 December in Tashkent. The event was organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) in partnership with the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Gender Equality Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan and UN Agencies such as UNDP and UNFPA.
Members of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Republic of Uzbekistan, deputies of local Kengashes (councils), members of the Youth Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan, officials of government agencies and public organizations, representatives of international organizations and the media attended the forum.
The aim was to create a platform for effective co-operation between women’s parliaments and deputy groups at the national and regional levels on issues of expanding women’s participation in political life.
The forum was opened by Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In her opening speech, she stressed: “The full participation of women in solving political and socio-economic problems is a prerequisite for economic progress, democratic development and stability in society. As the results of last year’s efforts, 48 women-deputies were elected to the lower chamber of parliament, which is 32% of the total number of deputies. For the first time in the history of Uzbekistan, the number of women in the national parliament has reached the level established by the UN recommendations. The parliament of our country rose to 37th place among 190 parliaments of the world in terms of the number of women”.
In his opening speech, John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan stressed that in order to respond to “the immense challenges that we are facing today, leadership must have a woman’s face now more than ever, especially in the decision-making positions.” He said: “My office and the OSCE institutions stand ready to provide as much support as needed for Uzbekistan in its efforts to pursue a National Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality in the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2020–2030.”
Forum participants expressed their views on the creation of a women's parliamentary association, determined its general goals and objectives, strategy and directions of action.
At the end of the Forum, participants opinions and proposals were summarized, and recommendations were developed.


osce--2020-12-17--OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan delivered training course on medico-legal documentation of t

OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan delivered training course on medico-legal documentation of torture and the Istanbul Protocol

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan ( PCUz ) conducted a training course on “ Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel , Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in accordance with the Istanbul Protocol ” .
The event was held from 14 to 16 December 2020 .
The training course was organized together with the National Human Rights Centre and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights ' Regional Office for Central Asia .
During the event , international experts from the Danish Institute Against Torture ( DIGNITY ) provided information on the investigation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the investigation under the Istanbul Protocol , the co-operation of experts in the investigation of torture , the physical and psychological evidence of torture .
Medical personnel of penitentiary institutions of the Main Directorate for Execution of Sentence of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and representatives of the National Human Rights Centre participated in the training course .
Through the course , they advanced their knowledge in areas such as state ’ s obligation to investigate , document and prosecute torture , the implications of the principle of do-no-harm and values of inter-disciplinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fundamental principles and application of the Istanbul Protocol .
The event also included a presentation of the Uzbek language translation of the Istanbul Protocol .
Professor Akmal Saidov , Director of the National Human Rights Centre noted : “ The promotion , protection and observance of human rights in Uzbekistan is one of the priorities of the state policy , and the Istanbul Protocol provides a brief description of the minimum standards that states must adhere to , to ensure effective investigation and documentation of torture.
” Richard Wheeler , Senior Project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ During 2017-2020 , serious work was undertaken by Uzbekistan to identify and eliminate shortcomings in torture prevention , affecting the level of protection of human rights and freedoms .
The OSCE PCUz most certainly commend Uzbekistan ’ s efforts in prioritizing urgent action against torture and ill-treatment.
” The training course is part of the OSCE PCUz project “ Promoting the Sustainable Development of the National Human Rights System in Uzbekistan ” .

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) conducted a training course on “Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in accordance with the Istanbul Protocol”. The event was held from 14 to 16 December 2020.
The training course was organized together with the National Human Rights Centre and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights' Regional Office for Central Asia.
During the event, international experts from the Danish Institute Against Torture (DIGNITY) provided information on the investigation and documentation of torture, international standards for the investigation under the Istanbul Protocol, the co-operation of experts in the investigation of torture, the physical and psychological evidence of torture.
Medical personnel of penitentiary institutions of the Main Directorate for Execution of Sentence of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and representatives of the National Human Rights Centre participated in the training course. Through the course, they advanced their knowledge in areas such as state’s obligation to investigate, document and prosecute torture, the implications of the principle of do-no-harm and values of inter-disciplinary collaboration in the documentation of torture, and fundamental principles and application of the Istanbul Protocol. The event also included a presentation of the Uzbek language translation of the Istanbul Protocol.
Professor Akmal Saidov, Director of the National Human Rights Centre noted: “The promotion, protection and observance of human rights in Uzbekistan is one of the priorities of the state policy, and the Istanbul Protocol provides a brief description of the minimum standards that states must adhere to, to ensure effective investigation and documentation of torture.”
Richard Wheeler, Senior Project Officer at the OSCE PCUz said: “During 2017-2020, serious work was undertaken by Uzbekistan to identify and eliminate shortcomings in torture prevention, affecting the level of protection of human rights and freedoms. The OSCE PCUz most certainly commend Uzbekistan’s efforts in prioritizing urgent action against torture and ill-treatment.”
The training course is part of the OSCE PCUz project “Promoting the Sustainable Development of the National Human Rights System in Uzbekistan”.


osce--2020-12-17--OSCE Project Co-ordinator promotes legal protection of private property rights in Uzbekistan

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan ( PCUz ) held an online seminar on the outcomes of studying a number of international conventions of the Hague Conference on Private International Law ( HCCH ) on 14 December 2020 .
The event was organized in co-operation with the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan , the non-governmental organization “ Legal Problems Research Center ” , and the Hague Conference on Private International Law .
Over 50 participants , including high-level state officials , representatives of HCCH and OSCE experts , attended the online meeting .
The main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major research findings from the study of selected international HCCH conventions and prospects of accession to the conventions .
The research was conducted by two groups of national experts invited by the PCUz .
Experts who participated in the seminar put forward evidence-based recommendations and proposals that promote private international law development in Uzbekistan .
“ This event is particularly significant for mainstreaming the legal framework in order to ensure the protection of property rights and integrate international best practice , ” said John MacGregor , OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprehensive reforms and improvement of investment climate in Uzbekistan .
”

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) held an online seminar on the outcomes of studying a number of international conventions of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) on 14 December 2020. The event was organized in co-operation with the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, the non-governmental organization “Legal Problems Research Center”, and the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
Over 50 participants, including high-level state officials, representatives of HCCH and OSCE experts, attended the online meeting.
The main objective of the event was to discuss major research findings from the study of selected international HCCH conventions and prospects of accession to the conventions. The research was conducted by two groups of national experts invited by the PCUz. Experts who participated in the seminar put forward evidence-based recommendations and proposals that promote private international law development in Uzbekistan.
“This event is particularly significant for mainstreaming the legal framework in order to ensure the protection of property rights and integrate international best practice,” said John MacGregor, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan. “This event also contributes to the ongoing comprehensive reforms and improvement of investment climate in Uzbekistan.”


osce--2020-12-30--OSCE Mission to Montenegro facilitates online debate organized within the “LIVE” project

On 27 December 2020 , four young people from the coastal region of Montenegro , with the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and Forum MNE , organized an online debate focused on young people as promoters of European values in Montenegro and Montenegrin values in Europe , as part of the “ Leaders against Intolerance and Violent Extremism – LIVE ” project .
After being part of two-module training courses in September and November , four participants of the “ LIVE ” project gathered six young people – students of the high schools “ Danilo Kiš ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ulcinj respectively – to discuss the values of Montenegrin society , European values , multi-culturalism , human rights , ecology , social networks , technological innovation , prosperity and many other topics .
Through the debate “ This home believes that the social media contributes to the promotion of Montenegrin values in Europe ” , the students sought to contribute to the promotion of European values and those goals that modern Montenegrin society fully strives for , but also values that represent a counter-narrative to all forms of violent extremism that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has enabled young people from different cities of Montenegro to discuss very important topics related to their progress , but also the progress of society as a whole .
The debate encourages an argumentative discussion that requires research engagement , which is the basis of a quality dialogue , ” said Mina Milović , the leader of the coastal group that organized the debate .
The participants concluded that P/CVERLT requires dedicated engagement and professional co-operation of all segments of society – state bodies and local governments , but also non-governmental organizations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Leaders against Intolerance and Violent Extremism – LIVE ” is a project aimed at the capacity building of civil society – youth , women and community leaders to support the community in preventing terrorism and countering violent extremism leading to terrorism ( P/CVERLT ) .

On 27 December 2020, four young people from the coastal region of Montenegro, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and Forum MNE, organized an online debate focused on young people as promoters of European values in Montenegro and Montenegrin values in Europe, as part of the “Leaders against Intolerance and Violent Extremism – LIVE” project.
After being part of two-module training courses in September and November, four participants of the “LIVE” project gathered six young people – students of the high schools “Danilo Kiš” and “Bratstvo i jedinstvo” from Budva and Ulcinj respectively – to discuss the values of Montenegrin society, European values, multi-culturalism, human rights, ecology, social networks, technological innovation, prosperity and many other topics.
Through the debate “This home believes that the social media contributes to the promotion of Montenegrin values in Europe”, the students sought to contribute to the promotion of European values and those goals that modern Montenegrin society fully strives for, but also values that represent a counter-narrative to all forms of violent extremism that would lead to terrorism.
“This debate has enabled young people from different cities of Montenegro to discuss very important topics related to their progress, but also the progress of society as a whole. The debate encourages an argumentative discussion that requires research engagement, which is the basis of a quality dialogue,” said Mina Milović, the leader of the coastal group that organized the debate.
The participants concluded that P/CVERLT requires dedicated engagement and professional co-operation of all segments of society – state bodies and local governments, but also non-governmental organizations, private, scientific and civic sector.
“Leaders against Intolerance and Violent Extremism – LIVE” is a project aimed at the capacity building of civil society – youth, women and community leaders to support the community in preventing terrorism and countering violent extremism leading to terrorism (P/CVERLT).


osce--2020-12-30--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 309/2020 issued on 30 December 2020

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osce--2020-12-29--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 308/2020 issued on 29 December 2020


osce--2020-12-29--OSCE Mission to Montenegro to launch campaign on “We are the power of the team — For more women in p

OSCE Mission to Montenegro to launch campaign on “We are the power of the team — For more women in policing”

To raise citizens ’ awareness of the benefits women can bring to all sectors of policing , the OSCE Mission to Montenegro , together with the country ’ s Police Directorate , announced on 29 December 2020 that they are launching a public information campaign called , “ We are the power of the team — For more women in policing ” .
The Mission and the Police Directorate produced six , 30-second videos promoting women as police officers and showing how a career as a police officer can be an attractive employment opportunity for women .
Additionally , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practical information about policing as well as education and employment opportunities for police officers .
These videos and materials draw on the professional and personal experiences of police officers in the crime unit , specialized police unit and the border unit , as well the public peace and order sectors , the traffic unit , and the police academy .
The videos highlight importance to recruit more women in policing , including women in policing teams and the police in general .
Research has shown that increased diversity , including women , within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide to the public .
The research also indicates that increasing the number of women in policing helps to build public confidence and trust , improves the police officers ’ responses to a variety of situations such as gender-related tasks , gender-based violence , sexual offences and cases involving children .
Women police officers have also been found to be more likely to solve sensitive and volatile situations without using physical force and thus avoiding bodily harm .
The six videos produced for this campaign are available here :

To raise citizens’ awareness of the benefits women can bring to all sectors of policing, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, together with the country’s Police Directorate, announced on 29 December 2020 that they are launching a public information campaign called, “We are the power of the team — For more women in policing”.
The Mission and the Police Directorate produced six, 30-second videos promoting women as police officers and showing how a career as a police officer can be an attractive employment opportunity for women. Additionally, the Mission produced a brochure and poster with practical information about policing as well as education and employment opportunities for police officers.
These videos and materials draw on the professional and personal experiences of police officers in the crime unit, specialized police unit and the border unit, as well the public peace and order sectors, the traffic unit, and the police academy. The videos highlight importance to recruit more women in policing, including women in policing teams and the police in general.
Research has shown that increased diversity, including women, within police units improves professionalism and services police provide to the public. The research also indicates that increasing the number of women in policing helps to build public confidence and trust, improves the police officers’ responses to a variety of situations such as gender-related tasks, gender-based violence, sexual offences and cases involving children. Women police officers have also been found to be more likely to solve sensitive and volatile situations without using physical force and thus avoiding bodily harm.
The six videos produced for this campaign are available here:
Police Academy - https://youtu.be/dJKO-UxRWw0
Crime Police - https://youtu.be/7oZ60OL5n-M
Border Police - https://youtu.be/hyCh8nlOAJ8
Special Police - https://youtu.be/uwM8XnTM31E
Public Peace and Order Police - https://youtu.be/wdIZcKaD028
Traffic Police - https://youtu.be/WoF06PPLJvg
All six videos with English subtitles are available here: https://youtu.be/hYQKORwkN7E


osce--2020-12-29--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 29 December 2020

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy , Russian Federation .
The Observer Mission ( OM ) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points ( BCPs ) .
The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) and one first responder [ 1 ] .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna .
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 increased from 7,521 to 7,960 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 2 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine , with an average net flow of 995 per day for both BCPs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 16 , compared to 13 last week .
Nine persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another seven 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 a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , two families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and four families were observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing into the Russian Federation and four 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 an increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observed during the previous week ) .
There were 197 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 145 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 decrease in the overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both BCPs ( 758 compared to 922 during the previous reporting week ) ; 391 at the Gukovo BCP and 367 at the Donetsk BCP , 352 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 406 crossed into Ukraine .
Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , on a daily basis , the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation , Belarus , Lithuania , Poland and trucks with “ LPR ” plates .
The OTs also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border in both directions .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 49 compared to 45 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 increased from 126 to 136 .
Of the total number of trucks scanned , all 136 trucks ( 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 slight decrease in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs ( 168 compared to 173 observed during the previous week ) ; 96 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 72 into Ukraine .
The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During the reporting week , the OTs heard trains on 12 occasions ; the OTs assessed that five 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 and also with “ DPR ” plates .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 22 to 29 December 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federation .
[ 3 ] Cargo minivans : light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t ; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg ( small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1 ) .

SUMMARY
Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO) and one first responder[1]. The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.
Update on COVID-19 measures
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are adhering to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities.
OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS
Persons crossing the border
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:
Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage. Persons in military-style outfits. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.
The average number of entries/exits increased from 7,521 to 7,960 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[2].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine, with an average net flow of 995 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 16, compared to 13 last week. Nine persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another seven 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, two families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and four families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing into the Russian Federation and four 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 an increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (342 compared to 303 observed during the previous week). There were 197 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 145 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 (758 compared to 922 during the previous reporting week); 391 at the Gukovo BCP and 367 at the Donetsk BCP, 352 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 406 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland 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 an increase in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (49 compared to 45 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 increased from 126 to 136. Of the total number of trucks scanned, all 136 trucks (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 slight decrease in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (168 compared to 173 observed during the previous week); 96 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 72 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 12 occasions; the OTs assessed that five 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 and also with “DPR” plates.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 22 to 29 December 2020, please see the attachment here.
[1]First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time.
[2]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[3]Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).


osce--2020-12-28--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 307/2020 issued on 28 December 2020


osce--2020-12-28--OSCE Mission to Montenegro provides technical equipment to country’s oldest daily newspaper, Pobjeda

As part of activities to preserve the cultural and media heritage of Montenegro , the OSCE Mission to Montenegro provided technical equipment to Pobjeda , Montenegro ’ s oldest daily print newspaper , in Podogrica on 28 December 2020 .
Pobjeda will use the specialized equipment to process and digitize its vast media archive , which includes artifacts , such as photos and articles , from the past 76 years .
“ This new equipment provided to Pobjeda will have a positive influence on the quality of journalistic content creation in the future .
Journalists will be able to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their articles , making them more interesting and substantial , ” said Maryse Daviet , Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro .
She added that , being Montenegro ’ s oldest print newspaper , Pobjeda has a historical record of the country , which is a great treasure that should be preserved for future generations .
Draško Đuranović , Director and Editor-in-Chief of Pobjeda , said that the donation of the OSCE Mission provides significant technical support to Pobjeda ’ s project .
“ I am thankful to the OSCE Mission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-operation between the OSCE and Pobjeda , and it supports Montenegro ’ s interest and its cultural heritage , which includes the Pobjeda ’ s photos and archive , ” said Đuranović .
The donation is part of the Mission ’ s efforts to strengthen media outlets in Montenegro .

As part of activities to preserve the cultural and media heritage of Montenegro, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro provided technical equipment to Pobjeda, Montenegro’s oldest daily print newspaper, in Podogrica on 28 December 2020.
Pobjeda will use the specialized equipment to process and digitize its vast media archive, which includes artifacts, such as photos and articles, from the past 76 years.
“This new equipment provided to Pobjeda will have a positive influence on the quality of journalistic content creation in the future. Journalists will be able to use the archive with both photos and information for their articles, making them more interesting and substantial,” said Maryse Daviet, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro.
She added that, being Montenegro’s oldest print newspaper, Pobjeda has a historical record of the country, which is a great treasure that should be preserved for future generations.
Draško Đuranović, Director and Editor-in-Chief of Pobjeda, said that the donation of the OSCE Mission provides significant technical support to Pobjeda’s project. “I am thankful to the OSCE Mission. This valuable donation confirms the good co-operation between the OSCE and Pobjeda, and it supports Montenegro’s interest and its cultural heritage, which includes the Pobjeda’s photos and archive,” said Đuranović.
The donation is part of the Mission’s efforts to strengthen media outlets in Montenegro.


osce--2020-12-28--OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan supplies Border Academy with devices for verifying travel docume

OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan supplies Border Academy with devices for verifying travel document authenticity

The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan handed over 25 devices for verifying travel document authenticity during the signing of a donation agreement with the Border Academy of the Committee for National Security of Kazakhstan on 25 December 2020 in Almaty .
The Academy will use the devices to train its current and future border controllers to identify forged travel documents .
“ Within the scope of our border security and management assistance to Kazakhstan , we are providing these devices for checking travel documents .
These devices have already proven to be useful , not only for training border controllers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said György Szabó , Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan .
“ We are confident that these devices will enhance the Academy ’ s capabilities and support the training of cadets and other border control specialists.
” Colonel Pavel Polivanov , Head of the Border Academy , said : “ The Border Academy of the Committee for National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan welcomes the contribution of the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan , which will strengthen the Academy ’ s educational and methodological potential for checking travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-operation with the OSCE Office in 2021 by providing a venue for training during joint events , and we are ready to provide instructor support and share our experience in the field of border security and management at any OSCE-related events .
”

The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan handed over 25 devices for verifying travel document authenticity during the signing of a donation agreement with the Border Academy of the Committee for National Security of Kazakhstan on 25 December 2020 in Almaty. The Academy will use the devices to train its current and future border controllers to identify forged travel documents.
“Within the scope of our border security and management assistance to Kazakhstan, we are providing these devices for checking travel documents. These devices have already proven to be useful, not only for training border controllers but, most importantly, in practice,” said György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan. “We are confident that these devices will enhance the Academy’s capabilities and support the training of cadets and other border control specialists.”
Colonel Pavel Polivanov, Head of the Border Academy, said: “The Border Academy of the Committee for National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan welcomes the contribution of the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, which will strengthen the Academy’s educational and methodological potential for checking travel documents. We are open to continuing co-operation with the OSCE Office in 2021 by providing a venue for training during joint events, and we are ready to provide instructor support and share our experience in the field of border security and management at any OSCE-related events.”


osce--2020-12-24--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 306/2020 issued on 24 December 2020


osce--2020-12-24--OSCE Mission to BiH welcomes development of Rulebook on prevention of discrimination in primary and

OSCE Mission to BiH welcomes development of Rulebook on prevention of discrimination in primary and secondary schools in Tuzla Canton

Damir Gnjidić , Head of the Tuzla Office of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina , met with Fahreta Brašnjić , Minister of Education and Science of Tuzla Canton on 24 December 2020 , to discuss adoption of the “ Rulebook on principles and procedure for protection of students from discrimination in primary and secondary schools in Tuzla Canton ” .
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes the approval of the Rulebook , developed with the Mission ’ s support and derived from the “ Guidelines for recognizing discrimination in education in BiH ” .
This Rulebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensuring safe and non-discriminatory school environments in over 120 primary and secondary schools .
It is an important step towards ensuring a timely response to any form of discrimination in education and enables those students who believe that they were discriminated against , and their parents , to seek protection from the school .
At the same time , the Rulebook educates all stakeholders in the education system on how to recognize various forms of discrimination and prevent it .
The OSCE Mission to BiH remains committed to assisting the Tuzla Canton Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better education system .

Damir Gnjidić, Head of the Tuzla Office of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, met with Fahreta Brašnjić, Minister of Education and Science of Tuzla Canton on 24 December 2020, to discuss adoption of the “Rulebook on principles and procedure for protection of students from discrimination in primary and secondary schools in Tuzla Canton”.
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes the approval of the Rulebook, developed with the Mission’s support and derived from the “Guidelines for recognizing discrimination in education in BiH”.
This Rulebook confirms the commitment of the Ministry to ensuring safe and non-discriminatory school environments in over 120 primary and secondary schools. It is an important step towards ensuring a timely response to any form of discrimination in education and enables those students who believe that they were discriminated against, and their parents, to seek protection from the school. At the same time, the Rulebook educates all stakeholders in the education system on how to recognize various forms of discrimination and prevent it.
The OSCE Mission to BiH remains committed to assisting the Tuzla Canton Ministry of Education and Science in building a better education system.


osce--2020-12-31--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 310/2020 issued on 31 December 2020


osce--2020-12-31--In final act of Albanian OSCE Chairmanship, Prime Minister Rama signs the PA’s OSCE Call for Action

COPENHAGEN , 31 December 2020 – As the 2020 OSCE Chairmanship comes to a close , the Chairperson-in-Office for the year , Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama , signed the Parliamentary Assembly ’ s “ OSCE Call for Action.
” In doing so , Rama joined his predecessors as well as other leaders of OSCE institutions , former Secretaries General and OSCE PA Presidents in calling for streamlining and refocusing OSCE activities to confront key challenges in fields where the Organization has deep expertise and a comparative advantage .
“ In this final act of the Albanian Chairmanship , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed this call to help ensure that the OSCE remains strong and in a position to foster comprehensive and co-operative security , ” said Prime Minister Rama .
“ As an Albanian politician I have seen in the past the work that the OSCE has done in my country and as a consumer of the OSCE product I can attest to the great work that this Organization does .
During this year as Chair I have had the opportunity to further explore the great potential of the OSCE and I am convinced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The OSCE PA initiative is very timely and I wish to congratulate the Assembly ’ s leadership for launching it.
” OSCE PA President Peter Lord Bowness welcomed Rama ’ s signature .
“ To realize our shared vision declared over 45 years ago in the Helsinki Final Act , we must all work together to ensure that our commitments are fully implemented , that dialogue is chosen over confrontation , and that multilateralism is chosen over unilateralism , ” said President Bowness .
“ I thank Prime Minister Rama for joining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ambassador Lamberto Zannier noted that by joining the initiative , Rama has underscored its timeliness and political significance .
“ Joining leaders of the OSCE over the last 30 years , Edi Rama adds his voice to the call for more effective multilateralism .
Having just led the OSCE in one of the most challenging years in modern history , the Albanian Chairmanship has worked to build a stronger organization to meet our challenges under difficult circumstances.
” OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella noted that the Call for Action can help the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these times of unprecedented global challenges and at the close of a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic , we see more clearly than ever the need for effective multilateralism , ” Montella said .
“ But at the same time , there is a lack of appreciation for international organizations and for the OSCE in particular .
The challenges facing the OSCE are many – some of these are external , and some are internal , but none of them are insurmountable .
As this year comes to a close , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year of a renewed commitment to making the OSCE as strong as it can be , and I am confident that the incoming Swedish Chairmanship shares this commitment.
” The PA ’ s Call for Action , which has been endorsed by more than 50 former OSCE Chairpersons-in-Office , Presidents of the OSCE PA , Secretaries General and other Heads of Institutions of the OSCE , was presented at an event on the margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council on 3 December .
It aims to stimulate the work of the OSCE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reaffirming the importance of governments implementing their key commitments and proposes a set of considerations aimed at strengthening the role of the Organization in addressing the contemporary challenges .
It is available to download in the OSCE ’ s six official languages here .
Download a Flipping Book version here

COPENHAGEN, 31 December 2020 – As the 2020 OSCE Chairmanship comes to a close, the Chairperson-in-Office for the year, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, signed the Parliamentary Assembly’s “OSCE Call for Action.” In doing so, Rama joined his predecessors as well as other leaders of OSCE institutions, former Secretaries General and OSCE PA Presidents in calling for streamlining and refocusing OSCE activities to confront key challenges in fields where the Organization has deep expertise and a comparative advantage.
“In this final act of the Albanian Chairmanship, we add our voice to those who have signed this call to help ensure that the OSCE remains strong and in a position to foster comprehensive and co-operative security,” said Prime Minister Rama. “As an Albanian politician I have seen in the past the work that the OSCE has done in my country and as a consumer of the OSCE product I can attest to the great work that this Organization does. During this year as Chair I have had the opportunity to further explore the great potential of the OSCE and I am convinced that we need to fully exploit its potential. The OSCE PA initiative is very timely and I wish to congratulate the Assembly’s leadership for launching it.”
OSCE PA President Peter Lord Bowness welcomed Rama’s signature. “To realize our shared vision declared over 45 years ago in the Helsinki Final Act, we must all work together to ensure that our commitments are fully implemented, that dialogue is chosen over confrontation, and that multilateralism is chosen over unilateralism,” said President Bowness. “I thank Prime Minister Rama for joining this initiative.”
OSCE PA High-Level Expert Ambassador Lamberto Zannier noted that by joining the initiative, Rama has underscored its timeliness and political significance. “Joining leaders of the OSCE over the last 30 years, Edi Rama adds his voice to the call for more effective multilateralism. Having just led the OSCE in one of the most challenging years in modern history, the Albanian Chairmanship has worked to build a stronger organization to meet our challenges under difficult circumstances.”
OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella noted that the Call for Action can help the OSCE overcome its difficulties.
“In these times of unprecedented global challenges and at the close of a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, we see more clearly than ever the need for effective multilateralism,” Montella said. “But at the same time, there is a lack of appreciation for international organizations and for the OSCE in particular. The challenges facing the OSCE are many – some of these are external, and some are internal, but none of them are insurmountable. As this year comes to a close, I hope that we can look ahead to a year of a renewed commitment to making the OSCE as strong as it can be, and I am confident that the incoming Swedish Chairmanship shares this commitment.”
The PA’s Call for Action, which has been endorsed by more than 50 former OSCE Chairpersons-in-Office, Presidents of the OSCE PA, Secretaries General and other Heads of Institutions of the OSCE, was presented at an event on the margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council on 3 December. It aims to stimulate the work of the OSCE and increase the political attention to it, reaffirming the importance of governments implementing their key commitments and proposes a set of considerations aimed at strengthening the role of the Organization in addressing the contemporary challenges.
It is available to download in the OSCE’s six official languages here . Download a Flipping Book version here


osce--2020-12-29--Sweden takes over OSCE Chair

Sweden takes over OSCE Chair

Vienna/Stockholm , 1 January 2021 — Sweden takes over the OSCE Chair today , and will in the coming year focus on defending the European security order , addressing protracted conflicts and enhancing democracy and gender equality .
“ Sweden is honoured to take over the Chair of the OSCE at a time when our region needs to come together to focus on our common security , based on the principles and commitments we all have made , ” said Ann Linde , Sweden ’ s Foreign Minister and the new OSCE Chairperson-in-Office .
“ While conflicts and political crises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , democratic principles and sustainable development , the OSCE can serve as a crucial multilateral platform to tackle these challenges and build stronger societies together.
” “ Our priorities as Chair will be to emphasize the fundamental tasks of the OSCE ; defending the European security order , upholding the OSCE concept of comprehensive security and to contribute to resolving the conflicts in our region .
On 14 January , I will present our programme in detail to the OSCE Permanent Council , ” Linde added .
” The ongoing conflicts and crises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situations we see in Belarus , in and around Ukraine and the increased tensions around Nagorno-Karabakh require the continued , common attention of our organization .
This will naturally be on our agenda at the beginning of the year.
” The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office noted that enhancing gender equality would be a key priority of the Swedish Chair .
“ In line with the organization ’ s concept of comprehensive security we will stress the inclusion and meaningful participation of women in all phases of the conflict cycle , and move forward the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is crucial for the prevention and mitigation of conflicts , as well as to consolidate peace.
” Civil society will also be assured their place in discussions , Linde added .
“ The participation and inclusion of civil society in relevant OSCE meetings and formats is a unique component of the OSCE as a security organization .
To continue to promote the broad participation of civil society representatives in security discussions will be a priority for our time as Chair .
Our support for strengthening democratic processes and the right to freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2021.
” Linde concluded by adding that the Swedish Chair will work closely with , and support , the newly appointed OSCE Secretary General and the three Heads of Institutions ( the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights , the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities , and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media ) in their first year in office .

Vienna/Stockholm, 1 January 2021 — Sweden takes over the OSCE Chair today, and will in the coming year focus on defending the European security order, addressing protracted conflicts and enhancing democracy and gender equality.
“Sweden is honoured to take over the Chair of the OSCE at a time when our region needs to come together to focus on our common security, based on the principles and commitments we all have made,” said Ann Linde, Sweden’s Foreign Minister and the new OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. “While conflicts and political crises continue to challenge security, international law, democratic principles and sustainable development, the OSCE can serve as a crucial multilateral platform to tackle these challenges and build stronger societies together.”
“Our priorities as Chair will be to emphasize the fundamental tasks of the OSCE; defending the European security order, upholding the OSCE concept of comprehensive security and to contribute to resolving the conflicts in our region. On 14 January, I will present our programme in detail to the OSCE Permanent Council,” Linde added.
”The ongoing conflicts and crises in the OSCE area, such as the situations we see in Belarus, in and around Ukraine and the increased tensions around Nagorno-Karabakh require the continued, common attention of our organization. This will naturally be on our agenda at the beginning of the year.”
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office noted that enhancing gender equality would be a key priority of the Swedish Chair.
“In line with the organization’s concept of comprehensive security we will stress the inclusion and meaningful participation of women in all phases of the conflict cycle, and move forward the Women, Peace and Security agenda. This is crucial for the prevention and mitigation of conflicts, as well as to consolidate peace.”
Civil society will also be assured their place in discussions, Linde added.
“The participation and inclusion of civil society in relevant OSCE meetings and formats is a unique component of the OSCE as a security organization. To continue to promote the broad participation of civil society representatives in security discussions will be a priority for our time as Chair. Our support for strengthening democratic processes and the right to freedom of opinion and expression will remain steadfast in 2021.”
Linde concluded by adding that the Swedish Chair will work closely with, and support, the newly appointed OSCE Secretary General and the three Heads of Institutions (the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media) in their first year in office.


osce--2020-01-30--Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan and the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Min

Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan and the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group

GENEVA , Switzerland , 30 January 2020 – The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group ( Igor Popov of the @ @ @ @ @ of France , and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America ) met separately @ @ @ @ @ Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov in Geneva on 28-30 January .
@ @ @ @ @ meetings by the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office , Andrzej Kasprzyk .
Over three @ @ @ @ @ the Co-Chairs and the Ministers discussed the following agenda items : implementation of agreements and @ @ @ @ @ possible next steps to prepare the populations for peace ; principles and elements forming the @ @ @ @ @ ; and timing and agenda for advancing the settlement process .
The Co-Chairs reiterated their @ @ @ @ @ sides find a peaceful solution to the conflict and the principle of confidentiality in the @ @ @ @ @ as the need for creativity and a spirit of compromise to achieve a fair and @ @ @ @ @ agreed to meet again in the near future under Co-Chair auspices .

GENEVA, Switzerland, 30 January 2020 – The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stéphane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America) met separately and jointly with Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov in Geneva on 28-30 January. They were joined in their meetings by the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Andrzej Kasprzyk.
Over three days of intensive discussions, the Co-Chairs and the Ministers discussed the following agenda items: implementation of agreements and proposals discussed in 2019 and possible next steps to prepare the populations for peace; principles and elements forming the basis of a future settlement; and timing and agenda for advancing the settlement process.
The Co-Chairs reiterated their full commitment to helping the sides find a peaceful solution to the conflict and the principle of confidentiality in the settlement process, as well as the need for creativity and a spirit of compromise to achieve a fair and lasting peace.
The Ministers agreed to meet again in the near future under Co-Chair auspices.


osce--2020-01-29--OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation, under Turkey’s Chair, marks 20 years of Istanbul Summit; Speak

OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation, under Turkey’s Chair, marks 20 years of Istanbul Summit; Speakers urge revival of co-operative spirit

VIENNA , 29 January 2020 - The 20th Anniversary of the 1999 OSCE Istanbul Summit was marked at today ’ s meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation ( FSC ) in Vienna , held under Turkey ’ s FSC Chairmanship .
Speakers described the Summit as a “ bridge-builder to the 21st century ” , which could inspire OSCE participating States to step up a co-operative and constructive approach to addressing security challenges by reminding them of past common efforts to ensure peace , stability and security .
The discussion focused on the Summit ’ s landmark outcomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular focus on the Summit ’ s contribution to developing the FSC ’ s agenda .
“ Istanbul with her then two bridges that connected both sides of the Bosphorus represented a unique metaphor as a ‘ bridge-builder into the 21st century ’ ” , said Chairperson of the Forum and Permanent Representative of Turkey to the OSCE Ambassador Engin Soysal as he opened today ’ s meeting .
“ Today the city has three bridges .
Using Istanbul as a metaphor again , I hope today ’ s discussion will increase the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bridge today.
” On 18 and 19 November 1999 , Heads of State and governments of the OSCE participating States gathered in Istanbul for the Organization ’ s sixth summit .
Among the outcomes was the European Charter for Security , which aimed at strengthening the OSCE 's ability to prevent conflicts as well as its capacity to settle conflicts and rehabilitate post-conflict societies .
An adapted Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe ( CFE ) and an update to the Vienna Document on Confidence- and Security-Building Measures were also adopted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by small arms and light weapons and stockpiles of conventional ammunition were placed on the FSC agenda .
The first speaker to address representatives of participating States was Ambassador Hasan Göğüş , who headed the Turkish Foreign Ministry ’ s team to prepare the Summit .
He also served as the country ’ s chief negotiator for the Adapted Treaty on CFE between 1997 and 2000 .
He said : “ Istanbul was the last summit that furthered the FSC ’ s work and agenda .
It is the FSC which will play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrying us from a more unpredictable and unstable security environment to an environment which is full of trust , confidence and security .
As stated in the European Charter for Security ’ s paragraph 34 , we should ‘ broaden and strengthen our dialogue concerning developments related to all aspects of security within the FSC ’ s respective area of competence to address in greater depth security concerns of all participating States and to pursue the OSCE ’ s concept of comprehensive and indivisible security.
’ ” OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the co-operative spirit of the Istanbul Summit .
“ First , we need to revitalize the concept of multilateralism .
We should promote ‘ meaningful multilateralism ’ that brings visible benefit to people through the practice of genuine dialogue .
Second , we need to preserve the principles and commitments that form the bedrock of our Organization .
Third , we need a common vision for how we can overcome today ’ s security challenges , and in the longer term , for what a future European security architecture would look like .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectiveness of our existing instruments to enhance our political dialogue , ” he emphasized .
In terms of enhancing the Forum ’ s work , the OSCE Secretary General suggested strengthening co-operation between the FSC and the Permanent Council , providing the OSCE field operations with more opportunities to present and discuss at the FSC their work in areas relevant to the Forum ’ s mandate , and exploring avenues for enhancing the role of the FSC Chairmanship .
Captain Mehmet Cenk of the Turkish General Staff said that the Istanbul Summit showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enhance co-operative and comprehensive security , provided the participating States have the necessary political will .
“ The outcomes of the Istanbul Summit constitute some of the milestones in the OSCE ’ s history that ensured our security for a long period of time in the beginning of the 21st century , ” he said .
“ Turkey is determined to broaden and strengthen our dialogue concerning developments related to all aspects of security in the OSCE area .
Taking into account today ’ s global security threats , there is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported by dialogue , co-operation , and effective co-ordination of efforts in countering these threats are key elements to our future security , ” he added .

VIENNA, 29 January 2020 - The 20th Anniversary of the 1999 OSCE Istanbul Summit was marked at today’s meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) in Vienna, held under Turkey’s FSC Chairmanship. Speakers described the Summit as a “bridge-builder to the 21st century”, which could inspire OSCE participating States to step up a co-operative and constructive approach to addressing security challenges by reminding them of past common efforts to ensure peace, stability and security.
The discussion focused on the Summit’s landmark outcomes and the lessons learnt, with a particular focus on the Summit’s contribution to developing the FSC’s agenda.
“Istanbul with her then two bridges that connected both sides of the Bosphorus represented a unique metaphor as a ‘bridge-builder into the 21st century’”, said Chairperson of the Forum and Permanent Representative of Turkey to the OSCE Ambassador Engin Soysal as he opened today’s meeting. “Today the city has three bridges. Using Istanbul as a metaphor again, I hope today’s discussion will increase the efficiency of our Forum through building another bridge today.”
On 18 and 19 November 1999, Heads of State and governments of the OSCE participating States gathered in Istanbul for the Organization’s sixth summit. Among the outcomes was the European Charter for Security, which aimed at strengthening the OSCE's ability to prevent conflicts as well as its capacity to settle conflicts and rehabilitate post-conflict societies. An adapted Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) and an update to the Vienna Document on Confidence- and Security-Building Measures were also adopted, while efforts to combat the threats posed by small arms and light weapons and stockpiles of conventional ammunition were placed on the FSC agenda.
The first speaker to address representatives of participating States was Ambassador Hasan Göğüş, who headed the Turkish Foreign Ministry’s team to prepare the Summit. He also served as the country’s chief negotiator for the Adapted Treaty on CFE between 1997 and 2000.
He said: “Istanbul was the last summit that furthered the FSC’s work and agenda. It is the FSC which will play the role of a bridge today, carrying us from a more unpredictable and unstable security environment to an environment which is full of trust, confidence and security. As stated in the European Charter for Security’s paragraph 34, we should ‘broaden and strengthen our dialogue concerning developments related to all aspects of security within the FSC’s respective area of competence to address in greater depth security concerns of all participating States and to pursue the OSCE’s concept of comprehensive and indivisible security.’”
OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger put forward four suggestions on how to rekindle the co-operative spirit of the Istanbul Summit.
“First, we need to revitalize the concept of multilateralism. We should promote ‘meaningful multilateralism’ that brings visible benefit to people through the practice of genuine dialogue. Second, we need to preserve the principles and commitments that form the bedrock of our Organization. Third, we need a common vision for how we can overcome today’s security challenges, and in the longer term, for what a future European security architecture would look like. And fourth, we should maximize the effectiveness of our existing instruments to enhance our political dialogue,” he emphasized.
In terms of enhancing the Forum’s work, the OSCE Secretary General suggested strengthening co-operation between the FSC and the Permanent Council, providing the OSCE field operations with more opportunities to present and discuss at the FSC their work in areas relevant to the Forum’s mandate, and exploring avenues for enhancing the role of the FSC Chairmanship.
Captain Mehmet Cenk of the Turkish General Staff said that the Istanbul Summit showed that the OSCE offers a unique platform to enhance co-operative and comprehensive security, provided the participating States have the necessary political will.
“The outcomes of the Istanbul Summit constitute some of the milestones in the OSCE’s history that ensured our security for a long period of time in the beginning of the 21st century,” he said. “Turkey is determined to broaden and strengthen our dialogue concerning developments related to all aspects of security in the OSCE area. Taking into account today’s global security threats, there is no national or unilateral solution. Political will supported by dialogue, co-operation, and effective co-ordination of efforts in countering these threats are key elements to our future security,” he added.


osce--2020-01-29--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 in Minsk on 29 January 2020

MINSK , 29 January 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 meeting of the TCG and its working groups in Minsk on 29 January 2020 : “ Today the meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups were focused mainly on the implementation of the conclusions of the Normandy Summit in Paris .
Assessing the general security situation in the conflict zone , I would like to note that the number of ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s average level .
However , according to the data of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission , the number of civilian casualties has increased since the end of the last year .
Besides shelling , mines remain their main cause .
I urge the sides to take all the necessary measures to comply with the ceasefire and scale up their demining activities .
I also underline the need for safe and secure access of the OSCE SMM , as required by its mandate .
These are key preconditions to prevent civilian casualties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict .
Now , in more detail , about the Working Groups meetings .
The Security Working Group continued its discussions to identify additional areas for the disengagement of forces and hardware .
This topic will again be put on the agenda of the next meeting .
Issues of demining activities were addressed as well .
The Humanitarian Working Group discussed the topic of missing persons .
I want to note that the issue of the full and unconditional access of the International Committee of the Red Cross , as well as other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as agreed by the Normandy Four leaders , remains open .
In the focus of the Economic Working Group were the issues of water supplies across the contact line in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions ( CADR and CALR ) .
Issues related to pension payments and ensuring mobile communications were also addressed .
The Political Working Group focused on the issues related to the special status of CADR and CALR as well as the implementation of the ‘ Steinmeier formula ’ into Ukrainian legislation .
”

MINSK, 29 January 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 meeting of the TCG and its working groups in Minsk on 29 January 2020:
“Today the meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups were focused mainly on the implementation of the conclusions of the Normandy Summit in Paris.
Assessing the general security situation in the conflict zone, I would like to note that the number of ceasefire violations in January remains below last year’s average level.
However, according to the data of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, the number of civilian casualties has increased since the end of the last year. Besides shelling, mines remain their main cause.
I urge the sides to take all the necessary measures to comply with the ceasefire and scale up their demining activities. I also underline the need for safe and secure access of the OSCE SMM, as required by its mandate.
These are key preconditions to prevent civilian casualties and ensure a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Now, in more detail, about the Working Groups meetings.
The Security Working Group continued its discussions to identify additional areas for the disengagement of forces and hardware. This topic will again be put on the agenda of the next meeting. Issues of demining activities were addressed as well.
The Humanitarian Working Group discussed the topic of missing persons.
I want to note that the issue of the full and unconditional access of the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as other international organizations, to all detained persons, as agreed by the Normandy Four leaders, remains open.
In the focus of the Economic Working Group were the issues of water supplies across the contact line in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (CADR and CALR). Issues related to pension payments and ensuring mobile communications were also addressed.
The Political Working Group focused on the issues related to the special status of CADR and CALR as well as the implementation of the ‘Steinmeier formula’ into Ukrainian legislation.”


osce--2020-01-29--Judge Korner concludes assessment visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, on implementation of war crimes p

Judge Korner concludes assessment visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, on implementation of war crimes processing

Judge Joanna Korner CMG QC [ 1 ] concluded today her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina devoted to assessing the implementation of the recommendations provided in her earlier , 2016 , OSCE-supported Report on war crimes processing at the state level in BiH .
Judge Korner met with the highest judicial officials at the state level and interviewed a number of stakeholders for this purpose .
“ We are happy to host again Judge Korner and assist her in assessing the state of war crimes processing at the state-level in Bosnia and Herzegovina , ” said Head of the OSCE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We hope that the recommendations provided in the earlier report were taken on board and that Judge Korner ’ s new report will support judicial institutions in further improving their work on processing of war crimes , ” said Kavalec .
“ The United Kingdom Government is firmly committed to strengthening the rule of law in BiH and has been at the forefront in supporting the relevant institutions in dealing with the processing of war crimes cases since 2003 , ” said Matt Field , British Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work of Judge Korner , as well as the state Prosecutor ’ s Office in addressing some of her recommendations over the past three years .
I hope the new report will help judicial institutions in BiH to make some serious progress in addressing challenges related to war crimes processing .
We look forward to her new assessment and I expect relevant institutions to act on it , ” said Ambassador Field .
A follow up report of Judge Korner will be published in spring 2020 .
[ 1 ] ( in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) of St Michael and St George

Judge Joanna Korner CMG QC[1] concluded today her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina devoted to assessing the implementation of the recommendations provided in her earlier, 2016, OSCE-supported Report on war crimes processing at the state level in BiH.
Judge Korner met with the highest judicial officials at the state level and interviewed a number of stakeholders for this purpose.
“We are happy to host again Judge Korner and assist her in assessing the state of war crimes processing at the state-level in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Kathleen Kavalec. ”We hope that the recommendations provided in the earlier report were taken on board and that Judge Korner’s new report will support judicial institutions in further improving their work on processing of war crimes,” said Kavalec.
“The United Kingdom Government is firmly committed to strengthening the rule of law in BiH and has been at the forefront in supporting the relevant institutions in dealing with the processing of war crimes cases since 2003,” said Matt Field, British Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina. “We are pleased we could support the work of Judge Korner, as well as the state Prosecutor’s Office in addressing some of her recommendations over the past three years. I hope the new report will help judicial institutions in BiH to make some serious progress in addressing challenges related to war crimes processing. We look forward to her new assessment and I expect relevant institutions to act on it,” said Ambassador Field.
A follow up report of Judge Korner will be published in spring 2020.
[1] (in the UK) Companion (of the Order) of St Michael and St George


osce--2020-02-01--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 26/2020 issued on 1 February 2020


osce--2020-01-31--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 25/2020 issued on 31 January 2020


osce--2020-01-31--OSCE Media Freedom Representative and OSCE Head of Mission to Serbia welcome adoption of Serbian Med

OSCE Media Freedom Representative and OSCE Head of Mission to Serbia welcome adoption of Serbian Media Strategy

VIENNA / BELGRADE , 31 January 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , Harlem Désir , and the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia , Andrea Orizio , welcomed yesterday ’ s adoption of the new Strategy for the Development of the Public Information System in Serbia .
“ Such a strategy is of critical importance to the Serbian media landscape , ” Désir said .
“ My Office and the OSCE Mission to Serbia have , over the last couple of years , provided substantial assistance in order to ensure a climate that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I am pleased to see this has been fruitful.
” Orizio added : “ The adoption of the Media Strategy , thanks to the joint commitment and inclusive effort of all stakeholders – the Serbian Government , professional associations , civil society organizations – is a major step towards a healthier media environment rooted in media freedom , ethics , professionalism and literacy.
” The strategy deals with , among other things , the independence and financial sustainability of public service media , the safety of journalists , the organizational and financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Media ( REM ) , the right of free access to information , and media pluralism , including national minority languages .
It also includes the issue of state ownership in the Politika AD media company as well as in the Tanjug news agency .
The full implementation of this document will be crucial for its success and sustainability , they said , adding that the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and the OSCE Mission to Serbia stand ready to further support the media reform process .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States .
He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments .
Learn more at www.osce.org/fom , Twitter : @ OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom .

VIENNA / BELGRADE, 31 January 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, and the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Andrea Orizio, welcomed yesterday’s adoption of the new Strategy for the Development of the Public Information System in Serbia.
“Such a strategy is of critical importance to the Serbian media landscape,” Désir said. “My Office and the OSCE Mission to Serbia have, over the last couple of years, provided substantial assistance in order to ensure a climate that is conducive to media freedom in the country. I am pleased to see this has been fruitful.”
Orizio added: “The adoption of the Media Strategy, thanks to the joint commitment and inclusive effort of all stakeholders – the Serbian Government, professional associations, civil society organizations – is a major step towards a healthier media environment rooted in media freedom, ethics, professionalism and literacy.”
The strategy deals with, among other things, the independence and financial sustainability of public service media, the safety of journalists, the organizational and financial independence of the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM), the right of free access to information, and media pluralism, including national minority languages. It also includes the issue of state ownership in the Politika AD media company as well as in the Tanjug news agency.
The full implementation of this document will be crucial for its success and sustainability, they said, adding that the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and the OSCE Mission to Serbia stand ready to further support the media reform process.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.


osce--2020-01-31--ODIHR Director expresses concern over amendments to legislation on ‘foreign agents’ in Russian Feder

ODIHR Director expresses concern over amendments to legislation on ‘foreign agents’ in Russian Federation

WARSAW , 31 January 2020 – Following amendments to legislation on ‘ foreign agents ’ that places further restrictions on human rights organizations in the Russian Federation , Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir , Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) , said : “ I am concerned that the ‘ foreign agents ’ law will have a negative impact on civil society and free media and on their ability to operate freely in the Russian Federation .
Recent amendments , which extend the status of a 'foreign agent ’ to private individuals , impose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlets categorized as 'foreign agents ’ , and increase the imposable fines ” .
Pressure on Memorial organizations in Russia has increased in recent years , presenting even more challenges for such organizations to carry out their work .
The International Memorial and the Human Rights Centre Memorial are facing fines and are involved in administrative court proceedings over alleged violation of the ‘ foreign agents ’ law .
“ I call on the Russian authorities to revisit the law and to ensure a safe and enabling space for civil society organizations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The OSCE ’ s 57 participating States have committed to ensuring that individuals are able to exercise their freedom of association , including the right to participate effectively in Non-Governmental Organizations ( NGOs ) seeking to promote and protect of human rights ( Copenhagen 1990 ) .
Participating States further acknowledge the vital role played by human rights defenders , both organizations and individuals , in ensuring full respect for human rights , democracy and the rule of law ( Helsinki 1975 ) .
They also emphasized “ the need for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Budapest 1994 ) , in line with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders .

WARSAW, 31 January 2020 – Following amendments to legislation on ‘foreign agents’ that places further restrictions on human rights organizations in the Russian Federation, Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), said:
“I am concerned that the ‘foreign agents’ law will have a negative impact on civil society and free media and on their ability to operate freely in the Russian Federation. Recent amendments, which extend the status of a 'foreign agent’ to private individuals, impose new restrictions on the operation of media outlets categorized as 'foreign agents’, and increase the imposable fines”.
Pressure on Memorial organizations in Russia has increased in recent years, presenting even more challenges for such organizations to carry out their work. The International Memorial and the Human Rights Centre Memorial are facing fines and are involved in administrative court proceedings over alleged violation of the ‘foreign agents’ law.
“I call on the Russian authorities to revisit the law and to ensure a safe and enabling space for civil society organizations, allowing them to continue their important work.”
The OSCE’s 57 participating States have committed to ensuring that individuals are able to exercise their freedom of association, including the right to participate effectively in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) seeking to promote and protect of human rights (Copenhagen 1990). Participating States further acknowledge the vital role played by human rights defenders, both organizations and individuals, in ensuring full respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Helsinki 1975). They also emphasized “the need for the protection of human rights defenders” (Budapest 1994), in line with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.


osce--2020-01-31--OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities discusses language and education in Moldova

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier focused on issues related to language and education during a visit to Moldova from 28 to 31 January 2020 .
In Chisinau , Zannier met members of the parliament , where he discussed the law regulating the functioning of languages in Moldova .
“ The situation with regard to the law regulating the functioning of languages needs to be clarified following the Constitutional Court ’ s decision declaring the law obsolete , ” he said .
The High Commissioner also encouraged all communities in the country to learn the state language to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to ensure the effective participation of all minority communities in public life .
The High Commissioner also met with representatives of different ethnic communities at the Coordinating Council of Ethno-cultural Organizations under the Agency of Inter-ethnic Relations to acquaint himself with the latest developments on issues related to his mandate .
In particular , he received updates on the process to implement the National Strategy for Consolidating Inter-Ethnic Relations through the Action Plan 2017–2020 , and discussed prospects for the next phase .
Zannier met with the Bashkan ( Governor ) of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives .
He encouraged his interlocutors to continue making progress in the political dialogue and expressed his support for the process .
In Comrat , he visited a Romanian-language school , where he met teachers and students , and gave a lecture at the university .
He also travelled to the region of Taraclia , where he met representatives of the Bulgarian community and regional institutions , and visited the university .
The visit was organized with the support of the OSCE Mission to Moldova .

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier focused on issues related to language and education during a visit to Moldova from 28 to 31 January 2020.
In Chisinau, Zannier met members of the parliament, where he discussed the law regulating the functioning of languages in Moldova. “The situation with regard to the law regulating the functioning of languages needs to be clarified following the Constitutional Court’s decision declaring the law obsolete,” he said.
The High Commissioner also encouraged all communities in the country to learn the state language to facilitate a stable and inclusive society, and to ensure the effective participation of all minority communities in public life.
The High Commissioner also met with representatives of different ethnic communities at the Coordinating Council of Ethno-cultural Organizations under the Agency of Inter-ethnic Relations to acquaint himself with the latest developments on issues related to his mandate. In particular, he received updates on the process to implement the National Strategy for Consolidating Inter-Ethnic Relations through the Action Plan 2017–2020, and discussed prospects for the next phase.
Zannier met with the Bashkan (Governor) of Gagauzia Iryna Vlah, and other institutional representatives. He encouraged his interlocutors to continue making progress in the political dialogue and expressed his support for the process.
In Comrat, he visited a Romanian-language school, where he met teachers and students, and gave a lecture at the university. He also travelled to the region of Taraclia, where he met representatives of the Bulgarian community and regional institutions, and visited the university.
The visit was organized with the support of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.


osce--2020-01-30--OSCE Presence in Albania presents achievements in preventing and countering violent extremism and ra

OSCE Presence in Albania presents achievements in preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism in prisons and probation services

The results of a project on preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism ( VERLT ) in prisons and probation services were presented by the OSCE Presence in Albania on 31 January 2020 in Tirana .
“ Through continued co-operation , Albania ’ s prisons can become ground for moderation and de-radicalization , ” said the Head of OSCE Presence Bernd Borchardt .
“ We stand ready to continue supporting the relevant authorities in preventing and countering violent extremism in prisons and probation through an integrated approach.
” The Presence has contributed to mitigating VERLT risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by conducting , together with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute ( UNICRI ) , a needs assessment on the situation in prisons and probation settings ; by developing a training module on the phenomenon of VERLT and building capacities for prison and probation staff ; by strengthening regional co-operation ; and by raising awareness and knowledge about VERLT and human rights based interventions to tackle it .
Some 300 prison and probation staff were trained on countering and preventing violent extremism ; 220 young offenders on probation participated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VERLT ; and some 200 Master students took part in open lectures on this topic The project was implemented in close partnership with the National Co-ordination Centre on CVE , the General Directorate of Prisons and the General Directorate of the Probation Service .
The implementation of the project – financially supported by the Austrian , Swedish , German and Italian governments – started in November 2017 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Albanian Ministry of Justice and the National Co-ordinator on Countering Violent Extremism ( CVE ) .

The results of a project on preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (VERLT) in prisons and probation services were presented by the OSCE Presence in Albania on 31 January 2020 in Tirana.
“Through continued co-operation, Albania’s prisons can become ground for moderation and de-radicalization,” said the Head of OSCE Presence Bernd Borchardt. “We stand ready to continue supporting the relevant authorities in preventing and countering violent extremism in prisons and probation through an integrated approach.”
The Presence has contributed to mitigating VERLT risks in Albania through a four-track approach: by conducting, together with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), a needs assessment on the situation in prisons and probation settings; by developing a training module on the phenomenon of VERLT and building capacities for prison and probation staff; by strengthening regional co-operation; and by raising awareness and knowledge about VERLT and human rights based interventions to tackle it.
Some 300 prison and probation staff were trained on countering and preventing violent extremism; 220 young offenders on probation participated in awareness raising forums on preventing and countering VERLT; and some 200 Master students took part in open lectures on this topic
The project was implemented in close partnership with the National Co-ordination Centre on CVE, the General Directorate of Prisons and the General Directorate of the Probation Service.
The implementation of the project – financially supported by the Austrian, Swedish, German and Italian governments – started in November 2017 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Albanian Ministry of Justice and the National Co-ordinator on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE).