osce--2020-06-10--Central Asian OSCE PA delegations discuss regional co-operation in fighting COVID-19

COPENHAGEN , 9 June 2020 – In the second of a series of informal meetings to focus on regional aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic , parliamentarians from Central Asian countries met online Tuesday with OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli ( Georgia ) and Secretary General Roberto Montella .
The OSCE parliamentarians were joined by the representatives of OSCE field operations in Central Asia , as well as regional experts from the OSCE Conflict Prevention Center , OSCE Secretariat , OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , and the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities .
OSCE PA Heads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan spoke about recent developments in their countries , including the authorities ’ responses to COVID-19 in the field of health care and economic aid measures .
Also in focus were legislative reform efforts , elections , regional co-operation , parliamentary dialogue , and Central Asian engagement in OSCE PA activities .
The PA President and Secretary General underlined the importance of regional connectivity , co-operation , timely exchange of information and dialogue among the parliamentarians in order to promote beneficial outcomes for the people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all countries are faced with unprecedented challenges during this period , and that while the focus is on measures in the field of health care , there have also been serious consequences in the economic sphere .
At the same time , attention must continue to be paid to the issue of democratic development and fundamental rights and freedoms , he said .
The President also expressed hope that this discussion would provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and examples of ‘ good practice , ’ as well as to identify what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phase .
In his remarks , Secretary General Montella said that the purpose of the meeting was to touch base with OSCE PA Heads of Delegations in an informal manner to stimulate fruitful discussions on regional issues .
He stressed that for the OSCE PA to reach its potential , it is important to involve all national delegations on an equal basis .
Montella highlighted the OSCE PA ’ s work with other international organizations , noting the importance of strengthening the bodies of multilateral co-operation .
He also briefed the delegations on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upcoming activities .
In the discussion , the OSCE PA delegations provided updates on the public health situations and other developments in the region .
Parliamentarians highlighted measures taken in their countries to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and legislative initiatives taken in response to the pandemic , as well as ongoing legislative reform in the areas of parliamentarism , democratization , health care , and fundamental rights and freedoms .
They also discussed the impact on the economy and society , emphasizing the need to address jointly with neighboring countries the areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade and technical collaboration in the medical sector .
Regional co-operation and the importance of mutual support was highlighted by several delegations .
Appreciation was also expressed for the OSCE PA as an effective platform for dialogue and inter-parliamentary relations in which critical issues and joint responses to common challenges can be discussed .
For more on the OSCE PA ’ s response to the COVID-19 crisis , please click here .

COPENHAGEN, 9 June 2020 – In the second of a series of informal meetings to focus on regional aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, parliamentarians from Central Asian countries met online Tuesday with OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli (Georgia) and Secretary General Roberto Montella. The OSCE parliamentarians were joined by the representatives of OSCE field operations in Central Asia, as well as regional experts from the OSCE Conflict Prevention Center, OSCE Secretariat, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, and the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities.
OSCE PA Heads of Delegation and Deputy Heads of Delegation from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan spoke about recent developments in their countries, including the authorities’ responses to COVID-19 in the field of health care and economic aid measures. Also in focus were legislative reform efforts, elections, regional co-operation, parliamentary dialogue, and Central Asian engagement in OSCE PA activities.
The PA President and Secretary General underlined the importance of regional connectivity, co-operation, timely exchange of information and dialogue among the parliamentarians in order to promote beneficial outcomes for the people of the region.
President Tsereteli noted that all countries are faced with unprecedented challenges during this period, and that while the focus is on measures in the field of health care, there have also been serious consequences in the economic sphere. At the same time, attention must continue to be paid to the issue of democratic development and fundamental rights and freedoms, he said. The President also expressed hope that this discussion would provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and examples of ‘good practice,’ as well as to identify what the main issues will be in the post-COVID phase.
In his remarks, Secretary General Montella said that the purpose of the meeting was to touch base with OSCE PA Heads of Delegations in an informal manner to stimulate fruitful discussions on regional issues. He stressed that for the OSCE PA to reach its potential, it is important to involve all national delegations on an equal basis. Montella highlighted the OSCE PA’s work with other international organizations, noting the importance of strengthening the bodies of multilateral co-operation. He also briefed the delegations on the PA's recent online discussions and upcoming activities.
In the discussion, the OSCE PA delegations provided updates on the public health situations and other developments in the region. Parliamentarians highlighted measures taken in their countries to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and legislative initiatives taken in response to the pandemic, as well as ongoing legislative reform in the areas of parliamentarism, democratization, health care, and fundamental rights and freedoms. They also discussed the impact on the economy and society, emphasizing the need to address jointly with neighboring countries the areas affected by COVID-19, for example through trade and technical collaboration in the medical sector. Regional co-operation and the importance of mutual support was highlighted by several delegations.
Appreciation was also expressed for the OSCE PA as an effective platform for dialogue and inter-parliamentary relations in which critical issues and joint responses to common challenges can be discussed.
For more on the OSCE PA’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, please click here.


osce--2020-06-09--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 9 June 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 20 permanent international staff members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna .
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with measures set by the host country authorities .
The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review , in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship .
Following the host country recommendations , the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between the shifts at the border checkpoints and adherence 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 fulfill its mandate without any limitations in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows : • Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage .
• Families ( often including elderly persons and/or children ) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage .
The average number of entries/exits significantly increased from 873 to 1050 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 1 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation , with an average net flow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 April , the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was suspended .
During the reporting period , the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was four compared to nine last week , all four crossed into Ukraine , three of them at the Donetsk BCP and one at the Gukovo BCP .
These individuals crossed the border on foot .
The OTs continued to report on families , sometimes with elderly persons and/or children , crossing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of luggage , or travelling in heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , only one family was observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing to the Russian Federation and one family crossed into Ukraine .
Regular local and long-distance bus connections between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation were stopped from 10 April .
During the reporting period , no buses were observed at the two BCPs .
During the reporting period , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 1078 compared to 994 during the previous reporting week ) ; 677 at the Gukovo BCP and 401 at the Donetsk BCP , 819 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 259 crossed into Ukraine .
Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , on a daily basis , the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation , Belarus , Lithuania and trucks with “ LPR ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions .
During the reporting week , the number of tanker trucks decreased from 70 to 47 .
These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs .
The trucks had the words “ Propane ” and “ Flammable ” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian .
The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs , indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane .
All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP , the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks .
Compared to the previous week , the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP significantly decreased from 193 to 91 .
Of the total number of trucks scanned , 51 trucks ( 56 per cent ) were bound for Ukraine : the remaining 40 trucks ( 44 per cent ) crossed into the Russian Federation .
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans [ 2 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both BCPs .
The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation .
Compared to the previous week , the number of cargo minivans slightly decreased from 82 to 77 vehicles ; 42 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 35 into Ukraine .
The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP .
During the reporting week , the OTs heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessed that 19 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 20 trains were travelling to Ukraine ( more details are provided in the sections “ trends and figures at a glance ” below ) .
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP .
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates .
A significant number of vehicles with “ LPR ” plates were also observed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a daily basis .
On 5 June at 21:47 , the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a helicopter flying from the north-east in a south-easterly direction at approximately 200 metres distance from the BCP .
The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT .
On 8 June at 19:40 , the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a group of four brand-new tractors type ” Кировец ” ( in English ” Kirovec ” ) entering the BCP from the Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone .
The tractors had no licence plates and three were painted in red and one in green .
All the tractors underwent customs control procedures and at 20:35 crossed the border into Ukraine .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 5 May to 9 June 2020 , please see the attachment here .
[ 1 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 2 ] Cargo minivans : light commercial vehicles with a maximum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 20 permanent international staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.
Update on COVID-19 measures
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between the shifts at the border checkpoints and adherence 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 fulfill 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 significantly increased from 873 to 1050 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 12 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.
Responding to the COVID-19 situation, the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March. Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border (which entered into force on 19 March), are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was suspended.
Persons in military-style outfits
During the reporting period, the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was four compared to nine last week, all four crossed into Ukraine, three of them at the Donetsk BCP and one at the Gukovo BCP. 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, only one family was observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when one family was observed crossing to the Russian Federation and one family crossed into Ukraine.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation were stopped from 10 April. During the reporting period, no buses were observed at the two BCPs.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (1078 compared to 994 during the previous reporting week); 677 at the Gukovo BCP and 401 at the Donetsk BCP, 819 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 259 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania and trucks with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks decreased from 70 to 47. 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 significantly decreased from 193 to 91. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 51 trucks (56 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 40 trucks (44 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans slightly decreased from 82 to 77 vehicles; 42 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 35 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 39 occasions; the OTs assessed that 19 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 20 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.
On 5 June at 21:47, the OT at the Gukovo BCP observed a helicopter flying from the north-east in a south-easterly direction at approximately 200 metres distance from the BCP. The helicopter remained inside the airspace of the Russian Federation the entire time it was visible to the OT.
On 8 June at 19:40, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a group of four brand-new tractors type ”Кировец” (in English ”Kirovec”) entering the BCP from the Russian Federation side and parking in the customs control zone. The tractors had no licence plates and three were painted in red and one in green. All the tractors underwent customs control procedures and at 20:35 crossed the border into Ukraine.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 5 May to 9 June 2020, please see the attachment here.
[1]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[2] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).


osce--2020-06-09--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 136/2020 issued on 9 June 2020

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osce--2020-06-08--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 135/2020 issued on 8 June 2020


osce--2020-06-08--OSCE Media Freedom Representative and Head of Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina condemn physical att

OSCE Media Freedom Representative and Head of Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina condemn physical attack and threats against journalist in Zenica

VIENNA / SARAJEVO , 8 June 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , Harlem Désir , and Kathleen Kavalec , Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina , strongly condemned today the physical attack and threats against RTV Zenica journalist Sinan Gluhić .
Reportedly , on 5 June , a member of a political party in Zenica assaulted journalist Sinan Gluhić .
Earlier , the President of the party ’ s Cantonal Board was reported to have made a threatening phone call to the journalist .
These incidents are believed to be connected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on 31 May , about the delayed construction work on a local road .
“ I strongly condemn the shameful and dangerous attacks against journalist Gluhić .
Such attacks and threats against the press are unacceptable , especially by politicians .
I call on the authorities to swiftly investigate the incidents , bring the perpetrators to justice , and protect the journalist , ” said Désir .
The Representative further emphasized that a culture of impunity should not prevail .
“ Any attack or threat made against journalists , especially in connection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest , is unacceptable .
When incidents such as this occur , all members of society must take them seriously , in particular the local authorities that should provide journalists the protection they need at once , ” stated Kavalec .
Désir and Kavalec recalled the Ministerial Council ’ s Decision No .
3/18 on the safety of journalists , which urges “ political leaders , public officials and/or authorities to refrain from intimidating , threatening or condoning – and to unequivocally condemn – violence against journalists ” .
They concluded that targeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attack on freedom of expression , democratic values and citizens ’ right to be informed .
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 .

VIENNA / SARAJEVO, 8 June 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, and Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, strongly condemned today the physical attack and threats against RTV Zenica journalist Sinan Gluhić.
Reportedly, on 5 June, a member of a political party in Zenica assaulted journalist Sinan Gluhić. Earlier, the President of the party’s Cantonal Board was reported to have made a threatening phone call to the journalist. These incidents are believed to be connected to Gluhić’s posts on social media, on 31 May, about the delayed construction work on a local road.
“I strongly condemn the shameful and dangerous attacks against journalist Gluhić. Such attacks and threats against the press are unacceptable, especially by politicians. I call on the authorities to swiftly investigate the incidents, bring the perpetrators to justice, and protect the journalist,” said Désir. The Representative further emphasized that a culture of impunity should not prevail.
“Any attack or threat made against journalists, especially in connection to media investigations on issues of public interest, is unacceptable. When incidents such as this occur, all members of society must take them seriously, in particular the local authorities that should provide journalists the protection they need at once,” stated Kavalec.
Désir and Kavalec recalled the Ministerial Council’s Decision No. 3/18 on the safety of journalists, which urges “political leaders, public officials and/or authorities to refrain from intimidating, threatening or condoning – and to unequivocally condemn – violence against journalists”. They concluded that targeting media professionals because of their work is an attack on freedom of expression, democratic values and citizens’ right to be informed.
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--2020-06-08--OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned by prison sentences against two journalists in Turkey, u

OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned by prison sentences against two journalists in Turkey, urges authorities to respect freedom of expression

VIENNA , 8 June 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , Harlem Désir , expressed his dismay today over the prison sentences handed down to journalists Özgür Boğatekin and Metin Uca in Turkey .
On 4 June , the 8th Penal Chamber of the Court of Cassation upheld a prison sentence of one year and 15 days against the news director of the Gerger Fırat newspaper , Özgür Boğatekin .
He was initially sentenced in 2014 , in relation to his critical articles about a former Sub-Governor of Gerger .
In a separate case , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handed down a prison sentence of one year , two months and 17 days to journalist Metin Uca .
The sentencing follows accusations by an Anadolu Agency Director General and a Vice Director General over a tweet that Uca had published .
According to media reports , the Court ruled that the journalist committed the crime of “ insulting a commissioned officer due to their duty ” .
“ I am seriously concerned that these journalists have been sentenced to prison for their critical writing and for expressing their opinions .
Such sentences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can lead to self-censorship in the country , ” said Representative Désir .
“ I urge the Turkish authorities to refrain from punishing journalists for their professional activities.
” He further stressed that freedom of expression , as one of the fundamental human rights , needs to be protected and respected .
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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom .

VIENNA, 8 June 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his dismay today over the prison sentences handed down to journalists Özgür Boğatekin and Metin Uca in Turkey.
On 4 June, the 8th Penal Chamber of the Court of Cassation upheld a prison sentence of one year and 15 days against the news director of the Gerger Fırat newspaper, Özgür Boğatekin. He was initially sentenced in 2014, in relation to his critical articles about a former Sub-Governor of Gerger.
In a separate case, the İstanbul 52nd Penal Court of First Instance handed down a prison sentence of one year, two months and 17 days to journalist Metin Uca. The sentencing follows accusations by an Anadolu Agency Director General and a Vice Director General over a tweet that Uca had published. According to media reports, the Court ruled that the journalist committed the crime of “insulting a commissioned officer due to their duty”.
“I am seriously concerned that these journalists have been sentenced to prison for their critical writing and for expressing their opinions. Such sentences undermine the freedom of the media and can lead to self-censorship in the country,” said Representative Désir. “I urge the Turkish authorities to refrain from punishing journalists for their professional activities.” He further stressed that freedom of expression, as one of the fundamental human rights, needs to be protected and respected.
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--2020-06-08--ODIHR opens special election assessment mission in Serbia

BELGRADE , 8 June 2020 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) today formally opened a special election assessment mission ( SEAM ) for the 21 June parliamentary elections in Serbia .
The deployment follows an official invitation from the Serbian authorities .
The mission is led by Ambassador Urszula Gacek ( Poland ) and consists of a core team of eight international experts based in Belgrade .
The ODIHR SEAM will focus on observing priority areas of the election process identified by the ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission ( NAM ) conducted from 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention .
The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections , as well as with national legislation .
Observers will follow fundamental aspects of the election such as voter registration , candidate registration , campaign activities and the media coverage of the campaign , the work of the election administration and relevant state bodies , implementation of the legal framework and the resolution of election disputes .
Meetings with representatives of relevant authorities and political parties , civil society , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an integral part of the observation .
In conducting its activities , ODIHR SEAM will co-operate closely with the Serbian health authorities and follow the health protocols they have established .
The ODIHR SEAM will not carry out systematic or comprehensive observation of the voting , counting and tabulation proceedings on election day , in line with ODIHR ’ s methodology for election assessment missions .
Mission members will , however , visit a limited number of polling stations on election day .
The day after the elections , ODIHR will discuss its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invitation to participate will follow separately .
A final report summing up the entire election process and including recommendations will be published approximately two months after the end of the election process .
For further information , please visit https : //www.osce.org/odihr/elections/serbia/442738 or contact Marek Mracka , Media Analyst , at +38163694164 , or at marek.mracka @ odihr.rs Katya Andrusz , ODIHR Spokesperson , at +48 609 522 266 ( Warsaw mobile ) , or at katya.andrusz @ odihr.pl .

BELGRADE, 8 June 2020 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today formally opened a special election assessment mission (SEAM) for the 21 June parliamentary elections in Serbia. The deployment follows an official invitation from the Serbian authorities.
The mission is led by Ambassador Urszula Gacek (Poland) and consists of a core team of eight international experts based in Belgrade. The ODIHR SEAM will focus on observing priority areas of the election process identified by the ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) conducted from 12 to 15 November 2019 found to merit attention.
The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. Observers will follow fundamental aspects of the election such as voter registration, candidate registration, campaign activities and the media coverage of the campaign, the work of the election administration and relevant state bodies, implementation of the legal framework and the resolution of election disputes.
Meetings with representatives of relevant authorities and political parties, civil society, the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation. In conducting its activities, ODIHR SEAM will co-operate closely with the Serbian health authorities and follow the health protocols they have established.
The ODIHR SEAM will not carry out systematic or comprehensive observation of the voting, counting and tabulation proceedings on election day, in line with ODIHR’s methodology for election assessment missions. Mission members will, however, visit a limited number of polling stations on election day.
The day after the elections, ODIHR will discuss its findings at a press conference. An invitation to participate will follow separately.
A final report summing up the entire election process and including recommendations will be published approximately two months after the end of the election process.
For further information, please visit https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/serbia/442738 or contact Marek Mracka, Media Analyst, at +38163694164, or at marek.mracka@odihr.rs
or
Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson, at +48 609 522 266 (Warsaw mobile), or at katya.andrusz@odihr.pl.


osce--2020-06-06--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 134/2020 issued on 6 June 2020


osce--2020-06-06--OSCE PA statement on electoral reform in Albania

COPENHAGEN , 6 June 2020 – Welcoming the agreement on electoral reform in Albania , OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli , Special Representative on South East Europe Mark Pritchard and Secretary General Roberto Montella issued the following joint statement today : “ We are pleased to see that a political agreement on electoral reform , in line with recommendations from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights , has been reached in Albania .
We congratulate all the parties for the inclusive process and for securing the necessary political will .
This is an important achievement for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts toward political dialogue and co-operation in the interests of the Albanian people .
“ In the spirit of the longstanding good co-operation between Albania and the PA , which has been enhanced this year with Albania holding the OSCE Chairmanship , we continue to support reforms in line with Albania ’ s domestic and foreign policy priorities.
” The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 57 countries spanning Europe , Central Asia and North America .
The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy , monitors elections , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political , security , economic , environmental and human rights issues .

COPENHAGEN, 6 June 2020 – Welcoming the agreement on electoral reform in Albania, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli, Special Representative on South East Europe Mark Pritchard and Secretary General Roberto Montella issued the following joint statement today:
“We are pleased to see that a political agreement on electoral reform, in line with recommendations from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, has been reached in Albania. We congratulate all the parties for the inclusive process and for securing the necessary political will. This is an important achievement for Albania and we hope to see continued efforts toward political dialogue and co-operation in the interests of the Albanian people.
“In the spirit of the longstanding good co-operation between Albania and the PA, which has been enhanced this year with Albania holding the OSCE Chairmanship, we continue to support reforms in line with Albania’s domestic and foreign policy priorities.”
###
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 57 countries spanning Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international co-operation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.


osce--2020-06-19--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 145/2020 issued on 19 June 2020


osce--2020-06-19--Spot Report 32/2020: Members of the armed formations continued to deny SMM patrols passage at checkp

Spot Report 32/2020: Members of the armed formations continued to deny SMM patrols passage at checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions

From 13 to 19 June , members of the armed formations again denied SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes : four times in Donetsk region and four times in Luhansk region , while further attempts to cross into government-controlled areas were also denied , twice in Donetsk region and four times in Luhansk region .
On 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 and 19 June , at a checkpoint south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge ( 15km north-east of Luhansk ) , members of the armed formations continued to deny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four occasions , and passage towards government-controlled areas on four other occasions , each time referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19 .
On 14 and 16 June , at a checkpoint near Olenivka ( non-government-controlled , 23km south-west of Donetsk ) , members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards government-controlled areas on two occasions , stating that “ the SMM did not have permission to pass ” and the need for “ permission from superiors ” , respectively .
On the same days and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed formations denied the Mission passage towards non-government-controlled areas , twice referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19 and once without providing any reason .
In addition , on 15 June , at a checkpoint near Horlivka ( non-government-controlled , 39km north-east of Donetsk ) , a member of the armed formations denied the Mission passage towards non-government-controlled areas , referring to restrictions due to COVID-19 .
The SMM continued to observe the presence of a metal barrier and spikes laid across the road , and of a mine hazard sign .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cross into non-government-controlled areas at checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region on 21 March and Luhansk region on 23 March ( see previous SMM Spot Reports ) .
They restrict the SMM ’ s freedom of movement across the contact line , thus impeding the implementation of its mandate throughout the country .
With regard to COVID-19 , the SMM has introduced a number of stringent mitigation measures into its operational procedures .
These include strict adherence to social distancing rules both internally and with external interlocutors , daily temperature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of personnel in vehicles .

From 13 to 19 June, members of the armed formations again denied SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes: four times in Donetsk region and four times in Luhansk region, while further attempts to cross into government-controlled areas were also denied, twice in Donetsk region and four times in Luhansk region.
On 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 June, at a checkpoint south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk), members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas on four occasions, and passage towards government-controlled areas on four other occasions, each time referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19.
On 14 and 16 June, at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards government-controlled areas on two occasions, stating that “the SMM did not have permission to pass” and the need for “permission from superiors”, respectively. On the same days and on 19 June, members of the armed formations denied the Mission passage towards non-government-controlled areas, twice referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19 and once without providing any reason.
In addition, on 15 June, at a checkpoint near Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk), a member of the armed formations denied the Mission passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to restrictions due to COVID-19. The SMM continued to observe the presence of a metal barrier and spikes laid across the road, and of a mine hazard sign.
The Mission began facing repeated denials when attempting to cross into non-government-controlled areas at checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region on 21 March and Luhansk region on 23 March (see previous SMM Spot Reports). They restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, thus impeding the implementation of its mandate throughout the country.
***
With regard to COVID-19, the SMM has introduced a number of stringent mitigation measures into its operational procedures. These include strict adherence to social distancing rules both internally and with external interlocutors, daily temperature checks, use of PPE and minimizing the number of personnel in vehicles.


osce--2020-06-19--Election observers to Serbia’s parliamentary elections to hold press conference on Monday

Belgrade , 19 June 2020 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) @ @ @ @ @ to present their findings following the parliamentary elections in Serbia .
• A news conference @ @ @ @ @ sent by ODIHR to the parliamentary elections in Serbia • The news conference can be @ @ @ @ @ Zoom ( details below ) • You can also follow the livestream on www.facebook.com/osce.odihr • @ @ @ @ @ you are attending the press conference in person , but only questions from journalists will @ @ @ @ @ part via Zoom , please register with Katya Andrusz , ODIHR spokesperson , katya.andrusz @ @ @ @ @ @ media analyst , Marek.Mracka @ odihr.rs by 11:00 on 22 June .

Belgrade, 19 June 2020 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold a press conference to present their findings following the parliamentary elections in Serbia.
What:
A news conference of the international observer team sent by ODIHR to the parliamentary elections in Serbia
The news conference can be attended in person or via Zoom (details below)
You can also follow the livestream on www.facebook.com/osce.odihr
Who:
Urszula Gacek, Head of the ODIHR special election assessment mission
Stefan Krause, Deputy Head of the ODIHR special election assessment mission
When:
15.00 on 22 June 2020
Where:
Crowne Plaza Belgrade Hotel, Mezzanine floor, Vladimira Popovića 10, Belgrade
Registration:


osce--2020-06-19--Parliamentarians press for more action to help child refugees and prevent human trafficking ahead of

Parliamentarians press for more action to help child refugees and prevent human trafficking ahead of World Refugee Day

COPENHAGEN/STRASBOURG , 19 June 2020 – On the eve of World Refugee Day , parliamentarians from the OSCE and Council of Europe participated in a high-level discussion organized by the British House of Lords on how to best protect unaccompanied child refugees , enable relocations and prevent human trafficking .
In today ’ s webinar chaired by Earl Alexander Dundee , Chair of the PACE Sub-Committee on Refugee and Migrant Children and Young People , participants explored how to ensure a high level of co-ordination between countries and support from relevant international and non-governmental organizations in order to protect refugees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alf Dubs , Member of the OSCE PA Ad Hoc Committee on Migration .
Participants noted that children who have made dangerous journeys fleeing conflicts continue to face risks once in Europe , including unsanitary living conditions , a lack of appropriate care , and threats of human trafficking , smuggling and sexual abuse .
There is a need for improved co-ordination based on regular communication and information exchange between all key actors , including child protection services and civil society organizations in countries of origin , transit and destination , in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was stressed .
According to the UN Refugee Agency , last year at least 80,800 people arrived in Europe via Mediterranean routes , more than a quarter of them children .
Unaccompanied children often live in large centres with minimal oversight , exposing them to abuse and psychological distress .
Globally , an estimated 30-34 million of the 79.5 million forcibly displaced persons were children below 18 years of age .
Many child refugees have fallen victim to smugglers and traffickers .
In his opening remarks , Rik Daems , President of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe , recalled the precarious situation that migrant children face , including the constant threat of being trafficked .
“ This is an absolute priority of the Council of Europe as a whole , ” Daems said , noting a range of binding international commitments in this regard such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child , European Convention on Human Rights and the European Social Charter .
He also noted the work of other international organizations , including the OSCE with its cross-dimensional character , and the role of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority .
“ We have to push the executive to establish strong policy objectives , ” he said .
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli said that the online event was an opportunity for parliamentarians to do their part in addressing this crisis , including through international co-ordination efforts for relocating child refugees .
He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges when it comes to protecting refugees and migrants and managing migration flows .
“ What we have been experiencing in recent months has shown that the virus knows no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have also realized that the good health of our societies is dependent on the health of all its members , including the most marginalized and vulnerable.
” Lord Dubs stressed that addressing the challenges of child refugees must be done on the basis of international co-operation and shared responsibility .
“ No one country can do it on its own , ” he said .
“ We all know that what we desperately need is to find safe passage for child refugees .
We can not let people exist in conditions that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance of engaging the public to create political pressure to accept more refugees , which must be matched by parliamentary activity .
Dubs also called for an EU-wide agreement with the United Kingdom after Brexit in order to continue to provide children a safe route and the opportunity to lead a decent life with proper education .
OSCE PA Vice-President Margareta Cederfelt , Acting Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration , praised the support given by the European Commission for the relocation of unaccompanied child refugees from Greece and expressed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We stand ready to work further , together with other international actors , to ensure that we abide by our international commitments to protect the rights of all refugees and in particular children , irrespective of migration status , and to address common migration challenges in a co-ordinated , responsible and dignified manner , ” Cederfelt said .
“ Such an approach is for the benefit of all of our citizens and the only path forward.
” Given the heightened health risks due to the overcrowded and unhygienic conditions in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family reunifications to continue in parallel to these voluntary relocations , as agreed under the Dublin III regulation .
She welcomed the opportunity to strengthen co-operation between the OSCE PA and PACE and expressed hope that it would bring tangible results .
The event included participation of Miltiadis Varvitsiotis , Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece and Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe ; Amani Ballour , a paediatrician from Syria and 2020 Laureate of the Raoul Wallenberg Prize of the Council of Europe ; Ambassador Drahoslav @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General on Migration and Refugees at the Council of Europe ; Valiant Richey , OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings ; Stephan Mayer , Parliamentary State Secretary , Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany ; and Isabel Santos , Member of the European Parliament from Portugal , among others .
In discussions , participants focused on issues such as humanitarian aid and relocations to safe homes for unaccompanied child refugees and concerted action against human trafficking and migrant smuggling .
OSCE Special Representative Richey stressed the importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential victims have been identified in the United Kingdom , with only 42 convictions .
Calling this gap is unacceptable , he urged support for stepped-up prosecutions to ensure that the rule of law is upheld .
Speakers also underlined that relocations must be done after an assessment of the best interests of the child has been carried out .
They emphasized the importance of following up on children after relocation and the need to ensure an effective guardianship system , urging host countries to re-evaluate their reception models and to ensure strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations .
For more information on the OSCE PA 's work on migration , please click here .

COPENHAGEN/STRASBOURG, 19 June 2020 – On the eve of World Refugee Day, parliamentarians from the OSCE and Council of Europe participated in a high-level discussion organized by the British House of Lords on how to best protect unaccompanied child refugees, enable relocations and prevent human trafficking.
In today’s webinar chaired by Earl Alexander Dundee, Chair of the PACE Sub-Committee on Refugee and Migrant Children and Young People, participants explored how to ensure a high level of co-ordination between countries and support from relevant international and non-governmental organizations in order to protect refugees. The meeting was co-hosted by Lord Alf Dubs, Member of the OSCE PA Ad Hoc Committee on Migration.
Participants noted that children who have made dangerous journeys fleeing conflicts continue to face risks once in Europe, including unsanitary living conditions, a lack of appropriate care, and threats of human trafficking, smuggling and sexual abuse. There is a need for improved co-ordination based on regular communication and information exchange between all key actors, including child protection services and civil society organizations in countries of origin, transit and destination, in order to effectively combat trafficking of children, it was stressed.
According to the UN Refugee Agency, last year at least 80,800 people arrived in Europe via Mediterranean routes, more than a quarter of them children. Unaccompanied children often live in large centres with minimal oversight, exposing them to abuse and psychological distress. Globally, an estimated 30-34 million of the 79.5 million forcibly displaced persons were children below 18 years of age. Many child refugees have fallen victim to smugglers and traffickers.
In his opening remarks, Rik Daems, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, recalled the precarious situation that migrant children face, including the constant threat of being trafficked.
“This is an absolute priority of the Council of Europe as a whole,” Daems said, noting a range of binding international commitments in this regard such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, European Convention on Human Rights and the European Social Charter. He also noted the work of other international organizations, including the OSCE with its cross-dimensional character, and the role of parliamentarians in making this issue an international priority. “We have to push the executive to establish strong policy objectives,” he said.
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli said that the online event was an opportunity for parliamentarians to do their part in addressing this crisis, including through international co-ordination efforts for relocating child refugees. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges when it comes to protecting refugees and migrants and managing migration flows.
“What we have been experiencing in recent months has shown that the virus knows no borders,” Tsereteli said. “We have also realized that the good health of our societies is dependent on the health of all its members, including the most marginalized and vulnerable.”
Lord Dubs stressed that addressing the challenges of child refugees must be done on the basis of international co-operation and shared responsibility. “No one country can do it on its own,” he said. “We all know that what we desperately need is to find safe passage for child refugees. We cannot let people exist in conditions that are not humane.” He stressed the importance of engaging the public to create political pressure to accept more refugees, which must be matched by parliamentary activity.
Dubs also called for an EU-wide agreement with the United Kingdom after Brexit in order to continue to provide children a safe route and the opportunity to lead a decent life with proper education.
OSCE PA Vice-President Margareta Cederfelt, Acting Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration, praised the support given by the European Commission for the relocation of unaccompanied child refugees from Greece and expressed the hope that additional states would step forward.
“We stand ready to work further, together with other international actors, to ensure that we abide by our international commitments to protect the rights of all refugees and in particular children, irrespective of migration status, and to address common migration challenges in a co-ordinated, responsible and dignified manner,” Cederfelt said. “Such an approach is for the benefit of all of our citizens and the only path forward.”
Given the heightened health risks due to the overcrowded and unhygienic conditions in the camps, Cederfelt stressed the need for family reunifications to continue in parallel to these voluntary relocations, as agreed under the Dublin III regulation. She welcomed the opportunity to strengthen co-operation between the OSCE PA and PACE and expressed hope that it would bring tangible results.
The event included participation of Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece and Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe; Amani Ballour, a paediatrician from Syria and 2020 Laureate of the Raoul Wallenberg Prize of the Council of Europe; Ambassador Drahoslav Štefánek, Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees at the Council of Europe; Valiant Richey, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings; Stephan Mayer, Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany; and Isabel Santos, Member of the European Parliament from Portugal, among others.
In discussions, participants focused on issues such as humanitarian aid and relocations to safe homes for unaccompanied child refugees and concerted action against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
OSCE Special Representative Richey stressed the importance of prosecuting traffickers, noting that 7,000 potential victims have been identified in the United Kingdom, with only 42 convictions. Calling this gap is unacceptable, he urged support for stepped-up prosecutions to ensure that the rule of law is upheld.
Speakers also underlined that relocations must be done after an assessment of the best interests of the child has been carried out. They emphasized the importance of following up on children after relocation and the need to ensure an effective guardianship system, urging host countries to re-evaluate their reception models and to ensure strong co-ordination between national authorities and civil society organizations.
For more information on the OSCE PA's work on migration, please click here.


osce--2020-06-19--Safer and sustainable supply chains connecting Central Asia and Europe focus of OSCE discussion on g

Safer and sustainable supply chains connecting Central Asia and Europe focus of OSCE discussion on green ports and connectivity in Caspian Sea Region

Making supply chains , connecting Central Asia with Europe , safer , smarter and more sustainable was the focus of a virtual discussion of some 70 logistics and trade stakeholders from the private and public sectors from Central Asia and the Caspian and Black Sea region , on 19 June 2020 .
Representatives of national railway and shipping companies , customs , freight forwarders and trade ministries participated in the first meeting of the Digital Route Working Group .
Technical experts presented the findings of a comprehensive feasibility study on “ Promoting Green Ports and Connectivity in the Caspian Sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project is to create a common digital trade platform that connects all stakeholders , which would significantly improve speed , traceability and sustainability of cargo flows .
“ A common platform is a key solution to removing existing trade bottlenecks and improving regional connectivity , ” said OSCE Co-ordinator for Economic and Environmental Affairs Vuk Zugić .
Austrian Rail Cargo announced a project partnership with the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities ( OCEEA ) to promote digitalization and to solve current bottlenecks of its cargo operations in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project can make a viable contribution to promote sustainable connectivity from Central Asia to Europe , ” said Zugić .
“ We made the best use of today ’ s unique setting , discussing some concrete ideas for digitizing trade and increasing connectivity for the benefit of all.
” The second phase of the OSCE/OCEEA project will further improve connectivity through the promotion of renewable energy , energy efficiency and digital data exchange between logistics stakeholders and strengthen equal opportunities for women and men in the trade and logistics sector .

Making supply chains, connecting Central Asia with Europe, safer, smarter and more sustainable was the focus of a virtual discussion of some 70 logistics and trade stakeholders from the private and public sectors from Central Asia and the Caspian and Black Sea region, on 19 June 2020.
Representatives of national railway and shipping companies, customs, freight forwarders and trade ministries participated in the first meeting of the Digital Route Working Group.
Technical experts presented the findings of a comprehensive feasibility study on “Promoting Green Ports and Connectivity in the Caspian Sea Region”. Phase one of the project is to create a common digital trade platform that connects all stakeholders, which would significantly improve speed, traceability and sustainability of cargo flows. “A common platform is a key solution to removing existing trade bottlenecks and improving regional connectivity,” said OSCE Co-ordinator for Economic and Environmental Affairs Vuk Zugić.
Austrian Rail Cargo announced a project partnership with the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) to promote digitalization and to solve current bottlenecks of its cargo operations in the region.
“I believe that this project can make a viable contribution to promote sustainable connectivity from Central Asia to Europe,” said Zugić. “We made the best use of today’s unique setting, discussing some concrete ideas for digitizing trade and increasing connectivity for the benefit of all.”
The second phase of the OSCE/OCEEA project will further improve connectivity through the promotion of renewable energy, energy efficiency and digital data exchange between logistics stakeholders and strengthen equal opportunities for women and men in the trade and logistics sector.


osce--2020-06-19--UNODC and OSCE deliver online training course to enhance Turkmenistan’s capacities to analyze existi

UNODC and OSCE deliver online training course to enhance Turkmenistan’s capacities to analyze existing and emerging risks and threats related to terrorist financing

An online training course aimed at strengthening Turkmenistan ’ s capacity to counter terrorist financing , for 24 experts and practitioners from the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan , its Financial Monitoring Service , the Ministries of Internal Affairs and National Security , and the Prosecutor General ’ s Office of Turkmenistan was organized from 17 to 19 June 2020 .
The course follows the foundation course organized by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime ( UNODC ) and the OSCE from 1 to 3 June 2020 .
The training programme on countering terrorist financing aims at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and combat terrorist financing and strengthen compliance with international standards , in particular , Resolutions 1267 ( 1999 ) , 1373 ( 2001 ) , 1989 ( 2011 ) and 2462 ( 2019 ) of the UN Security Council , and their successive resolutions the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering ( FATF ) ’ s standards , and UN norms and OSCE commitments to promote human rights based approaches in countering terrorist financing .
The course emphasized the key role of inter-agency and international co-operation and focused on improving skills and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countering terrorist financing by involving all relevant stakeholders .
Participants worked on real-life scenario-based exercises .
The OSCE and the UNODC offer technical assistance and share good practices in the framework of an innovative , multiannual training programme on countering terrorist financing to help relevant national authorities to be more effective in countering this threat .

An online training course aimed at strengthening Turkmenistan’s capacity to counter terrorist financing, for 24 experts and practitioners from the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, its Financial Monitoring Service, the Ministries of Internal Affairs and National Security, and the Prosecutor General’s Office of Turkmenistan was organized from 17 to 19 June 2020.
The course follows the foundation course organized by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the OSCE from 1 to 3 June 2020.
The training programme on countering terrorist financing aims at increasing Turkmenistan’s capacity to detect and combat terrorist financing and strengthen compliance with international standards, in particular, Resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001), 1989 (2011) and 2462 (2019) of the UN Security Council, and their successive resolutions the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF)’s standards, and UN norms and OSCE commitments to promote human rights based approaches in countering terrorist financing.
The course emphasized the key role of inter-agency and international co-operation and focused on improving skills and techniques of analysis in the context of countering terrorist financing by involving all relevant stakeholders. Participants worked on real-life scenario-based exercises.
The OSCE and the UNODC offer technical assistance and share good practices in the framework of an innovative, multiannual training programme on countering terrorist financing to help relevant national authorities to be more effective in countering this threat.


osce--2020-06-18--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 144/2020 issued on 18 June 2020


osce--2020-06-18--OSCE Special Representative encourages leaderships in Chisinau and Tiraspol to focus on constructive

OSCE Special Representative encourages leaderships in Chisinau and Tiraspol to focus on constructive, forward-looking dialogue

CHISINAU , 18 June 2020 – Concluding his visit to the Republic of Moldova , the Special Representative of Albania ’ s OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process , Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting encouraged the Sides to focus on maintaining a constructive , results-oriented and forward-looking dialogue .
In his talks with Moldovan President Igor Dodon , Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Cristina Lesnic and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Oleg Tulea in Chisinau as well as Transdniestrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky and Political Representative Vitaly Ignatiev in Tiraspol , the Special Representative discussed the perspectives for progress in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area of telecommunications , banking issues , freedom of movement and the Latin-script schools .
“ Regarding the newly established posts my interlocutors in Tiraspol insisted that this was a temporary measure linked to the present pandemic and that these posts will be removed as soon as the COVID-19 situation is under control .
I stressed the key importance of the freedom of movement between the two banks , ” the Special Representative said .
“ In particular , I also underlined the need to facilitate the access of farmers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of work even during the pandemic , ” he added .
The Special Representative welcomed the resumption of the expert working group meetings and called on the Sides to formulate coordinated responses to all matters related to the settlement process , also in the context of the pandemic , bearing in mind interests of the people on both banks .
“ Earlier gains in the settlement process must not be lost , ” stressed the Ambassador .
Speaking about the way forward , Thomas Mayr-Harting reviewed with the Sides outstanding issues from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on new confidence-building measures .
Among the short-term priorities are the finalization of the telecommunication agreement , an improved internal banking connectivity , the establishment of a new trolleybus line between Bender and the Severny district .
“ In my respective contacts with the Sides in Chisinau and Tiraspol I gained the impression that there is a will to make tangible progress in the months to come in finding mutually acceptable solutions to these issues , ” said Ambassador Mayr-Harting .
The visit also provided an opportunity for Ambassador Mayr-Harting to exchange views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ambassadors of the mediators and observers in the Transdniestrian settlement process .

CHISINAU, 18 June 2020 – Concluding his visit to the Republic of Moldova, the Special Representative of Albania’s OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting encouraged the Sides to focus on maintaining a constructive, results-oriented and forward-looking dialogue.
In his talks with Moldovan President Igor Dodon, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Cristina Lesnic and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Oleg Tulea in Chisinau as well as Transdniestrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky and Political Representative Vitaly Ignatiev in Tiraspol, the Special Representative discussed the perspectives for progress in key issues for confidence-building, in particular in the area of telecommunications, banking issues, freedom of movement and the Latin-script schools.
“Regarding the newly established posts my interlocutors in Tiraspol insisted that this was a temporary measure linked to the present pandemic and that these posts will be removed as soon as the COVID-19 situation is under control. I stressed the key importance of the freedom of movement between the two banks,” the Special Representative said. “In particular, I also underlined the need to facilitate the access of farmers to their lands and commuters to their places of work even during the pandemic,” he added.
The Special Representative welcomed the resumption of the expert working group meetings and called on the Sides to formulate coordinated responses to all matters related to the settlement process, also in the context of the pandemic, bearing in mind interests of the people on both banks. “Earlier gains in the settlement process must not be lost,” stressed the Ambassador.
Speaking about the way forward, Thomas Mayr-Harting reviewed with the Sides outstanding issues from the “Berlin-plus” package and joint proposals on new confidence-building measures. Among the short-term priorities are the finalization of the telecommunication agreement, an improved internal banking connectivity, the establishment of a new trolleybus line between Bender and the Severny district.
“In my respective contacts with the Sides in Chisinau and Tiraspol I gained the impression that there is a will to make tangible progress in the months to come in finding mutually acceptable solutions to these issues,” said Ambassador Mayr-Harting.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Ambassador Mayr-Harting to exchange views on the negotiations process with the resident Ambassadors of the mediators and observers in the Transdniestrian settlement process.


osce--2020-06-18--Multilateral action, diplomacy and international solidarity to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic in Afgha

Multilateral action, diplomacy and international solidarity to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic in Afghanistan

The Islamic Republic ( I.R . )
of Afghanistan , like many OSCE participating States and Partners for co-operation States , is facing the wide-ranging consequences of the coronavirus pandemic .
In this critical situation , the provision of assistance to countries in need is essential .
Afghanistan , now more than ever , needs the support and co-operation of the international community in managing the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe ( OSCE ) and the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Vienna call for greater international solidarity with Afghanistan at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent a larger-scale outbreak of the coronavirus among the most vulnerable communities .
The COVID-19 pandemic knows no borders , it is a crisis that affects us all and needs a global solution at the international level .
We should take a collective approach , in line with the principle of shared responsibility , in order to protect the human rights of all people who are facing incredible hardships in combatting this crisis .
The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Vienna is receiving trilateral support from the OSCE Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Igli Hasani leading the Albanian OSCE Chair and Ambassador Radomír Boháč as Chair of the Asian Partners for Co-operation Group .
The OSCE and H.E .
Ambassador Khojesta Fana Ebrahimkhel , Permanent Representative of the I.R .
of Afghanistan in Vienna , call on all OSCE participating States to strengthen their support and commitment to the people of Afghanistan during the COVID-19 related emergency .
The OSCE invites all OSCE participating States and Partners to make use of the Partnership Fund and consider pledges dedicated to Afghanistan ’ s fight against this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participating States and the international community is indispensable for the people of Afghanistan and its most vulnerable citizens .

The Islamic Republic (I.R.) of Afghanistan, like many OSCE participating States and Partners for co-operation States, is facing the wide-ranging consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. In this critical situation, the provision of assistance to countries in need is essential. Afghanistan, now more than ever, needs the support and co-operation of the international community in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Vienna call for greater international solidarity with Afghanistan at this critical time, in order to prevent a larger-scale outbreak of the coronavirus among the most vulnerable communities.
The COVID-19 pandemic knows no borders, it is a crisis that affects us all and needs a global solution at the international level. We should take a collective approach, in line with the principle of shared responsibility, in order to protect the human rights of all people who are facing incredible hardships in combatting this crisis.
The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Vienna is receiving trilateral support from the OSCE Secretary General H.E. Thomas Greminger, Ambassador Mr. Igli Hasani leading the Albanian OSCE Chair and Ambassador Radomír Boháč as Chair of the Asian Partners for Co-operation Group.
The OSCE and H.E. Ambassador Khojesta Fana Ebrahimkhel, Permanent Representative of the I.R. of Afghanistan in Vienna, call on all OSCE participating States to strengthen their support and commitment to the people of Afghanistan during the COVID-19 related emergency. The OSCE invites all OSCE participating States and Partners to make use of the Partnership Fund and consider pledges dedicated to Afghanistan’s fight against this pandemic.
The support of all OSCE participating States and the international community is indispensable for the people of Afghanistan and its most vulnerable citizens.


osce--2020-06-17--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 143/2020 issued on 17 June 2020


osce--2020-06-16--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 142/2020 issued on 16 June 2020


osce--2020-06-16--ODIHR opens special election assessment mission in Poland

WARSAW , 16 June 2020 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) today formally opened a special election assessment mission ( SEAM ) for the 28 June presidential election in Poland .
The deployment follows an official invitation from the Polish authorities .
The mission is led by Thomas Boserup ( Denmark ) and consists of a core team of eight international experts based in Warsaw .
The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections , as well as with national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the election such as voter registration , campaign activities and the media coverage of the campaign , the work of the election administration and relevant state bodies , implementation of the legal framework and the resolution of election disputes .
Meetings with representatives of relevant authorities and political parties , civil society , the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation .
In conducting its activities , the ODIHR SEAM will co-operate closely with the Polish health authorities and follow the health protocols they have established .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ systematic or comprehensive observation of the voting , counting and tabulation proceedings on election day , in line with ODIHR ’ s methodology for election assessment missions .
Mission members will , however , visit a limited number of polling stations on election day .
The day after the elections , ODIHR will discuss its findings at a press conference .
An invitation to participate will follow separately .
A final report summing up the entire election process and including recommendations will be published approximately two months after the end of the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit https : //www.osce.org/odihr/elections or contact Sanita Jemberga Media Analyst , at + 48 697 653 944 , or at sanita.jemberga @ odihr-seam.pl Katya Andrusz , ODIHR Spokesperson , at +48 609 522 266 ( Warsaw mobile ) , or at katya.andrusz @ odihr.pl .

WARSAW, 16 June 2020 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today formally opened a special election assessment mission (SEAM) for the 28 June presidential election in Poland. The deployment follows an official invitation from the Polish authorities.
The mission is led by Thomas Boserup (Denmark) and consists of a core team of eight international experts based in Warsaw.
The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. Observers will follow fundamental aspects of the election such as voter registration, campaign activities and the media coverage of the campaign, the work of the election administration and relevant state bodies, implementation of the legal framework and the resolution of election disputes.
Meetings with representatives of relevant authorities and political parties, civil society, the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation. In conducting its activities, the ODIHR SEAM will co-operate closely with the Polish health authorities and follow the health protocols they have established.
The ODIHR SEAM will not carry out systematic or comprehensive observation of the voting, counting and tabulation proceedings on election day, in line with ODIHR’s methodology for election assessment missions. Mission members will, however, visit a limited number of polling stations on election day.
The day after the elections, ODIHR will discuss its findings at a press conference. An invitation to participate will follow separately.
A final report summing up the entire election process and including recommendations will be published approximately two months after the end of the election process.
For further information, please visit https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections or contact Sanita Jemberga Media Analyst, at + 48 697 653 944, or at sanita.jemberga@odihr-seam.pl
or
Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson, at +48 609 522 266 (Warsaw mobile), or at katya.andrusz@odihr.pl.


osce--2020-06-16--Use new technologies to prevent and combat corruption and money-laundering, participants at OSCE Eco

Use new technologies to prevent and combat corruption and money-laundering, participants at OSCE Economic and Environmental meeting urge

VIENNA , 16 June 2020 – We must do all we can to adapt and use new technologies in preventing and combating corruption and money-laundering , participants of a two-day virtual 2nd Preparatory meeting of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum ( EEF ) urge , which concluded today .
Tackling corruption will be a critical element in the ability of many countries to successfully re-emerge from the COVID-19 crisis .
Chaired by the Permanent Representative of Albania to the OSCE , Ambassador Igli Hasani , the meeting addressed the benefits of digitalization in improving the investment climate , promoting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed the importance of joining efforts in fighting corruption in the area of managing natural resources with a view to promoting stability and economic growth .
Discussions also focused on the role of innovation and digitalization in addressing the challenges of environmental protection , including available tools and alternative financing models as a source of innovative , economically-viable and corruption-free solutions to environmental protection challenges .
“ The Albanian government has made the fight against corruption a top priority .
We have stepped up our anti-corruption efforts by adopting cross-cutting , inter-sectoral strategies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corruption is of high importance to the well-being and security of people across the OSCE region .
It is a problem we can not and we will not ignore.
” Hasani said that Albania wants to expand the OSCE discussion on digitalization to look at its benefits in the fight against corruption .
“ We are convinced that embracing the benefits of technological change as a tool to promote corruption-free , transparent and accountable societies will enhance security and stability in the OSCE region and beyond.
” OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another layer to anti-corruption efforts .
“ Corruption has already hampered government crisis response to protect public health and economic well-being , ” he said .
“ In recent weeks , there have been ample warning about the likely corrosive effect of corruption on post-COVID-19 recovery.
” Greminger indicated that as unprecedented amounts of public funds are pumped into the economy , the corruption challenge is set to grow .
“ So should our resolve to fight it , ” said Greminger .
“ This is the moment to use e-government and open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to improve the economic outlook and secure sustainable economic recovery .
We may not have fully realized the effect of COVID-19 on our personal lives yet , but its impact on comprehensive security could be severe if we fail to react early on and make full use of the tools at our disposal.
” Professor Paola Severino , Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Corruption said : “ Preserving the sustainability of our governance structures stands out as a most urgent task for all our countries.
” Severino said that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can provide a sound platform for facilitating dialogue .
“ The fight against corruption must remain a priority within the OSCE , and I am particularly glad to offer my experience and commitment to the Albanian Chairmanship , who has given high priority to the fight against corruption in its agenda.
” Li Yong , the Director General of UNIDO , said that in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution , processes are becoming increasingly transparent , and therefore digitalization efforts can expect to result in a decline in certain types of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circular economy practices not only improve the productivity of companies but through cost savings achieved create incentives to reduce also corruption , ” he said .
Participants discussed best practices and shared experiences on how new technologies and innovative solutions can strengthen efforts to prevent corruption in both the economic and environmental spheres .
The Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities , Vuk Žugić , said that the virtue of the OSCE is in bringing very different stakeholders together and connecting them in an active dialogue , even in the times of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We have gained new insights into how States are responding to the challenges posed by corruption and how technological advances could help to tackle these issues , ” said Žugić .
The Concluding Meeting of the 28th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum is envisaged to take place from 10 to 11 September in Prague .

VIENNA, 16 June 2020 – We must do all we can to adapt and use new technologies in preventing and combating corruption and money-laundering, participants of a two-day virtual 2nd Preparatory meeting of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum (EEF) urge, which concluded today. Tackling corruption will be a critical element in the ability of many countries to successfully re-emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.
Chaired by the Permanent Representative of Albania to the OSCE, Ambassador Igli Hasani, the meeting addressed the benefits of digitalization in improving the investment climate, promoting economic participation and increasing transparency.
Participants discussed the importance of joining efforts in fighting corruption in the area of managing natural resources with a view to promoting stability and economic growth. Discussions also focused on the role of innovation and digitalization in addressing the challenges of environmental protection, including available tools and alternative financing models as a source of innovative, economically-viable and corruption-free solutions to environmental protection challenges.
“The Albanian government has made the fight against corruption a top priority. We have stepped up our anti-corruption efforts by adopting cross-cutting, inter-sectoral strategies,” said Hasani. “Combating corruption is of high importance to the well-being and security of people across the OSCE region. It is a problem we cannot and we will not ignore.”
Hasani said that Albania wants to expand the OSCE discussion on digitalization to look at its benefits in the fight against corruption. “We are convinced that embracing the benefits of technological change as a tool to promote corruption-free, transparent and accountable societies will enhance security and stability in the OSCE region and beyond.”
OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic is adding another layer to anti-corruption efforts. “Corruption has already hampered government crisis response to protect public health and economic well-being,” he said. “In recent weeks, there have been ample warning about the likely corrosive effect of corruption on post-COVID-19 recovery.”
Greminger indicated that as unprecedented amounts of public funds are pumped into the economy, the corruption challenge is set to grow. “So should our resolve to fight it,” said Greminger. “This is the moment to use e-government and open data platforms, which are critical tools to improve the economic outlook and secure sustainable economic recovery. We may not have fully realized the effect of COVID-19 on our personal lives yet, but its impact on comprehensive security could be severe if we fail to react early on and make full use of the tools at our disposal.”
Professor Paola Severino, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Corruption said: “Preserving the sustainability of our governance structures stands out as a most urgent task for all our countries.”
Severino said that the OSCE with its comprehensive approach to security can provide a sound platform for facilitating dialogue. “The fight against corruption must remain a priority within the OSCE, and I am particularly glad to offer my experience and commitment to the Albanian Chairmanship, who has given high priority to the fight against corruption in its agenda.”
Li Yong, the Director General of UNIDO, said that in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, processes are becoming increasingly transparent, and therefore digitalization efforts can expect to result in a decline in certain types of corruption. “Environmentally sound technologies and circular economy practices not only improve the productivity of companies but through cost savings achieved create incentives to reduce also corruption,” he said.
Participants discussed best practices and shared experiences on how new technologies and innovative solutions can strengthen efforts to prevent corruption in both the economic and environmental spheres.
The Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Vuk Žugić, said that the virtue of the OSCE is in bringing very different stakeholders together and connecting them in an active dialogue, even in the times of closed borders, lockdowns and economic uncertainties. “We have gained new insights into how States are responding to the challenges posed by corruption and how technological advances could help to tackle these issues,” said Žugić.
The Concluding Meeting of the 28th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum is envisaged to take place from 10 to 11 September in Prague.


osce--2020-06-16--OSCE Mission launches report on property rights claims resolution in post-conflict Kosovo

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA , 16 June 2020 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo released today the Property Rights Mass-Claim Mechanism : Kosovo experience report , an evaluation of two decades of the handling of property cases arising after 1999 .
The report analyses the challenges the Housing and Property Directorate ( HPD , 1999–2006 ) , Kosovo Property Agency ( KPA , 2006-2016 ) , as well as the current Kosovo Property Comparison and Verification Agency ( KPCVA , established in 2016 ) faced in their endeavours , the results they achieved and the remaining gaps .
In the last 20 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , commercial and agricultural claims .
However , difficulties in notifications to the parties , in the administration of properties , administration of the rental scheme , the parallel review of cases by the courts , the demolition of illegal structures and compensation of cases were challenges to the adjudication of the post-conflict property claims .
“ In post-conflict societies with developing judicial systems , regular courts face difficulties in reviewing the large number of post-conflict property claims .
Therefore , the international community established quasi-judicial and administrative bodies to help facilitate a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Jan Braathu , Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo .
“ Addressing the issue of unresolved conflict-related property claims is a necessary prerequisite to achieve and maintain the stability of every post-conflict society .
Providing remedies for these specific claims contributes not only to the protection and advancement of human rights of affected parties , but can also have a positive impact on the reconciliation process within society , ” he added .
In line with its mandate , the Mission works for the promotion and protection of property rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensuring that their property rights are restored .
The Mission works closely with responsible institutions in Kosovo to develop policies and legislation , and their implementation , thus endeavoring to ensure the protection of individual property rights .
Full report is available here : https : //www.osce.org/mission-in-kosovo/454179

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 16 June 2020 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo released today the Property Rights Mass-Claim Mechanism: Kosovo experience report, an evaluation of two decades of the handling of property cases arising after 1999.
The report analyses the challenges the Housing and Property Directorate (HPD, 1999–2006), Kosovo Property Agency (KPA, 2006-2016), as well as the current Kosovo Property Comparison and Verification Agency (KPCVA, established in 2016) faced in their endeavours, the results they achieved and the remaining gaps.
In the last 20 years these three agencies resolved over 70,000 residential, commercial and agricultural claims. However, difficulties in notifications to the parties, in the administration of properties, administration of the rental scheme, the parallel review of cases by the courts, the demolition of illegal structures and compensation of cases were challenges to the adjudication of the post-conflict property claims.
“In post-conflict societies with developing judicial systems, regular courts face difficulties in reviewing the large number of post-conflict property claims. Therefore, the international community established quasi-judicial and administrative bodies to help facilitate a prompt resolution of these property claims,” said Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
“Addressing the issue of unresolved conflict-related property claims is a necessary prerequisite to achieve and maintain the stability of every post-conflict society. Providing remedies for these specific claims contributes not only to the protection and advancement of human rights of affected parties, but can also have a positive impact on the reconciliation process within society,” he added.
In line with its mandate, the Mission works for the promotion and protection of property rights of non-majority communities and displaced persons, ensuring that their property rights are restored. The Mission works closely with responsible institutions in Kosovo to develop policies and legislation, and their implementation, thus endeavoring to ensure the protection of individual property rights.
Full report is available here: https://www.osce.org/mission-in-kosovo/454179