osce--2020-11-24--OSCE promotes environmental protection in oil and gas sector in Turkmenistan

Representatives of the State Concerns “ Turkmengas ” and “ Turkmenoil ” , Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection and other relevant agencies of Turkmenistan discussed environmental protection in the oil and gas sector at an OSCE-organized online webinar on 23 and 24 November 2020 .
The two-day event presented best practices and innovative approaches of OSCE participating States in the area of environmental management and ecologic protection in oil and gas exploration and production .
International experts provided insights into environmental engineering surveys and environmental impact assessments in oil and gas projects .
“ Dynamic development of Turkmenistan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular significance for the country ’ s economy , this is why it is important to ensure balance between operations of oil and gas facilities and preserving environment , ” said Natalya Drozd , Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat .
“ We organized this seminar to support the efforts of the host country to boost the development of fuel and energy industry while also promoting environmental sustainability.
” The seminar also addressed measures aimed at the reduction of greenhouse effects from flaring associated petroleum gas and explored ways for developing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil and gas industry .
Participants discussed OSCE best practices in applying pollution prevention management approaches in the oil and gas industry and emphasized the importance of the development of educational ecologic programmes for oil and gas companies .

Representatives of the State Concerns “Turkmengas” and “Turkmenoil”, Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection and other relevant agencies of Turkmenistan discussed environmental protection in the oil and gas sector at an OSCE-organized online webinar on 23 and 24 November 2020.
The two-day event presented best practices and innovative approaches of OSCE participating States in the area of environmental management and ecologic protection in oil and gas exploration and production.
International experts provided insights into environmental engineering surveys and environmental impact assessments in oil and gas projects.
“Dynamic development of Turkmenistan’s fuel and energy sector is of particular significance for the country’s economy, this is why it is important to ensure balance between operations of oil and gas facilities and preserving environment,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. “We organized this seminar to support the efforts of the host country to boost the development of fuel and energy industry while also promoting environmental sustainability.”
The seminar also addressed measures aimed at the reduction of greenhouse effects from flaring associated petroleum gas and explored ways for developing and integrating technological solutions for decarbonization of the oil and gas industry.
Participants discussed OSCE best practices in applying pollution prevention management approaches in the oil and gas industry and emphasized the importance of the development of educational ecologic programmes for oil and gas companies.


osce--2020-12-02--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 287/2020 issued on 2 December 2020

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osce--2020-12-01--OSCE offers online training course in computer programming for Georgian police investigators

The OSCE launched the first fully online version of its training course , ‘ Python Programming for Investigators ’ , on 30 November 2020 in collaboration with the European Cybercrime Training and Education Group ( ECTEG ) for cybercrime investigators in the Georgian Criminal Police Department and trainers of the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia .
Originally a 5-day in-person programme , the training course has been re-developed into a 12-week e-learning curriculum that is being administered in four phases through ECTEG ’ s Learning Management System .
It combines self-paced modules , live webinars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to use and apply Python , a computer programming language , to their investigative work .
The course will end with an official examination .
The development of this e-learning course is part of the response by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department ’ s Strategic Police Matters Unit to the increased demand from OSCE participating States , especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , for e-learning versions of cybercrime and digital forensics-related training material .
“ Such efforts of the OSCE , as a long-time ECTEG member , will undoubtedly pay off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to train more police officers not only in the areas where the OSCE is traditionally active , but also within the European Union and beyond its borders through the assistance programmes of other ECTEG international members and partners , such as the Council of Europe , the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training , INTERPOL and United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime , ” said Alexander Malyshau , Technical Focal Point for Cybercrime Issues in the OSCE ’ s Transnational Threats Department .

The OSCE launched the first fully online version of its training course, ‘Python Programming for Investigators’, on 30 November 2020 in collaboration with the European Cybercrime Training and Education Group (ECTEG) for cybercrime investigators in the Georgian Criminal Police Department and trainers of the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.
Originally a 5-day in-person programme, the training course has been re-developed into a 12-week e-learning curriculum that is being administered in four phases through ECTEG’s Learning Management System. It combines self-paced modules, live webinars, tests and coding assignments to teach investigators how to use and apply Python, a computer programming language, to their investigative work. The course will end with an official examination.
The development of this e-learning course is part of the response by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department’s Strategic Police Matters Unit to the increased demand from OSCE participating States, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, for e-learning versions of cybercrime and digital forensics-related training material.
“Such efforts of the OSCE, as a long-time ECTEG member, will undoubtedly pay off in the years to come by helping to train more police officers not only in the areas where the OSCE is traditionally active, but also within the European Union and beyond its borders through the assistance programmes of other ECTEG international members and partners, such as the Council of Europe, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training, INTERPOL and United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime,” said Alexander Malyshau, Technical Focal Point for Cybercrime Issues in the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department.


osce--2020-12-01--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 286/2020 issued on 1 December 2020


osce--2020-12-01--Outlook of OSCE, appointments of senior officials the focus of virtual OSCE Ministerial Council this

Outlook of OSCE, appointments of senior officials the focus of virtual OSCE Ministerial Council this week

TIRANA/VIENNA , 1 December 2020 — At the invitation of the 2020 OSCE Chairperson-in-Office , Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania , Edi Rama , OSCE foreign ministers will gather for the 27th OSCE Ministerial Council ( MC ) on 3 and 4 December 2020 to discuss major security issues in the region , the present and future course of the OSCE and the appointments of senior OSCE officials .
Due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic , for the first time , the MC will be held via video teleconferencing ( VTC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from across the OSCE region expected to attend , the MC is the highlight of Albania ’ s 2020 OSCE Chairmanship and will set the course for the OSCE ’ s work next year , with Sweden taking over as OSCE Chair on 1 January 2021 .
In addition to the Ministerial Council plenary meeting , a number of online events will provide media opportunities .
Chairperson-in-Office Edi Rama and the incoming Chairperson-in-Office , Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ann Linde , will hold a joint press conference online following the official closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13:30 ) .
Several events focusing on OSCE-related projects and topics will be open to MC accredited media representatives .
These side events will provide a forum for dialogue between civil society , youth , academia , the media and MC delegations .
Advance accreditation of media representatives is mandatory .
The deadline for registration is 17:00 , 1 December 2020 .
Accreditation will be granted following self-registration via https : //events.osce.org/2020-osce-ministerial-council-press-and-media/registration/Site/Register .
In order to join the Zoom meeting , participants must use the same name that was used for registration .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied access to the Ministerial Council .
Links to Zoom meeting sessions , press conferences and OSCE-organized side events open to accredited media will be provided following registration .
MC Plenary sessions , as well as the closing press conference on 4 December will be streamed online at www.osce.org/live .
Follow the Ministerial Council on Twitter at @ OSCE , @ AlMissionVienna and # OSCEMC20 for up-to-date news and information .
For more information go to : www.osce.org/event/mc_2020 .
For briefings and individual interviews , as well as any information on the distribution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other documents , media representatives can e-mail press @ osce.org or call +43 676 3756 163 .
Photographs by the host photographer for use by the media and delegations can be downloaded from https : //bit.ly/OSCEMC20photos .
Requests may also be sent by email to COMMS-Online @ osce.org .

TIRANA/VIENNA, 1 December 2020 — At the invitation of the 2020 OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Edi Rama, OSCE foreign ministers will gather for the 27th OSCE Ministerial Council (MC) on 3 and 4 December 2020 to discuss major security issues in the region, the present and future course of the OSCE and the appointments of senior OSCE officials. Due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, for the first time, the MC will be held via video teleconferencing (VTC).
With over 50 foreign ministers from across the OSCE region expected to attend, the MC is the highlight of Albania’s 2020 OSCE Chairmanship and will set the course for the OSCE’s work next year, with Sweden taking over as OSCE Chair on 1 January 2021.
Media opportunities
In addition to the Ministerial Council plenary meeting, a number of online events will provide media opportunities.
Chairperson-in-Office Edi Rama and the incoming Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, will hold a joint press conference online following the official closing of the Ministerial Council (approx. 13:30).
Thematic side events
Several events focusing on OSCE-related projects and topics will be open to MC accredited media representatives. These side events will provide a forum for dialogue between civil society, youth, academia, the media and MC delegations.
Practical information
Advance accreditation of media representatives is mandatory. The deadline for registration is 17:00, 1 December 2020. Accreditation will be granted following self-registration via https://events.osce.org/2020-osce-ministerial-council-press-and-media/registration/Site/Register.
In order to join the Zoom meeting, participants must use the same name that was used for registration. Failure to do so will result in denied access to the Ministerial Council. Links to Zoom meeting sessions, press conferences and OSCE-organized side events open to accredited media will be provided following registration.
MC Plenary sessions, as well as the closing press conference on 4 December will be streamed online at www.osce.org/live.
Follow the Ministerial Council on Twitter at @OSCE, @AlMissionVienna and #OSCEMC20 for up-to-date news and information.
For more information go to: www.osce.org/event/mc_2020.
For briefings and individual interviews, as well as any information on the distribution of press releases, declarations, speeches and other documents, media representatives can e-mail press@osce.org or call +43 676 3756 163.
Photographs by the host photographer for use by the media and delegations can be downloaded from https://bit.ly/OSCEMC20photos. Requests may also be sent by email to COMMS-Online@osce.org.


osce--2020-12-01--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 1 December 2020

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy , Russian Federation .
The Observer Mission ( OM ) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points ( BCPs ) .
The overall number of border crossings by persons slightly increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The ninety-eighth Russian convoy of seven vehicles crossed into Ukraine and returned through the Donetsk Border Crossing Point .
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) and one first responder [ 1 ] .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities .
The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review , in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship .
Following the host country recommendations , the observers are adhering to social distancing .
Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities , the OM is faced with certain difficulties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities .
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows : • Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage .
• Families ( often including elderly persons and/or children ) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage .
The average number of entries/exits slightly increased from 7,298 to 7,356 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 2 ] .
During the reporting period , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Federation , with an average net flow of 79 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reportedly , due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19 , starting from 10 April , the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June .
During the reporting period , the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was 15 , compared to 13 last week .
Nine persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another six persons crossed into Ukraine .
These individuals crossed the border on foot .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sometimes with elderly persons and/or children , crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage , or travelling in heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , four families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and two families were observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when five families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and one family crossing into Ukraine .
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs ( 235 compared to 263 observed during the previous week ) .
There were 131 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 104 bound for Ukraine .
On some occasions , the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses , while some buses did not display their route at all .
The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luhansk region .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 848 compared to 794 during the previous reporting week ) ; 497 at the Gukovo BCP and 351 at the Donetsk BCP , 551 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 297 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus , Lithuania and trucks with “ LPR ” plates .
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 34 compared to 39 during the previous reporting week ) .
These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs .
The trucks had the words “ Propane ” and “ Flammable ” written across the tanks in either Russian or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had hazard signs , indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane .
All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials , which could include an X-ray check .
Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP , the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks .
Compared to the previous week , the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP increased from 117 to 131 .
Of the total number of trucks scanned , 112 trucks ( 85 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the remaining 19 trucks ( 15 per cent ) crossed into the Russian Federation .
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans [ 3 ] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs .
The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a slight increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs ( 152 compared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 86 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 66 into Ukraine .
The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP .
During the reporting week , the OTs heard trains on 24 occasions ; the OTs assessed that 12 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 12 trains were travelling to Ukraine ( more details are provided in the sections “ trends and figures at a glance ” below ) .
Visual observation was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located between the train tracks and the BCP .
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates .
A significant number of vehicles with “ LPR ” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis .
The OTs also observed vehicles with Georgian and Lithuanian licence plates .
On 25 November at 15:30 , the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a police vehicle , type UAZ - 469 with Russian Federation licence plates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BCP and parking behind the main building .
At 15:45 , the vehicle left the BCP into the Russian Federation .
The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position .
On 26 November at 07:30 , the ninety-eighth [ 4 ] Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk BCP .
A total of seven vehicles were checked by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers prior to their crossing into Ukraine .
All seven vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation by 17:04 the same day .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 : https : //www.osce.org/observer-mission-at-russian-checkpoints-gukovo-and- ... ) .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 27 October to 1 December 2020 , please see the attachment here .
[ 1 ] First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time .
[ 2 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 3 ] Cargo minivans : light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg ( small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1 ) .
[ 4 ] Based on the Observer Mission ’ s counting , this convoy is considered the ninety-eighth convoy that has crossed into Ukraine through the “ Donetsk ” or “ Gukovo ” BCPs .
However , so far all these convoys crossed through the “ Donetsk ” BCP .

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 slightly increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week. The ninety-eighth Russian convoy of seven vehicles crossed into Ukraine and returned through the Donetsk Border Crossing Point.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO) and one first responder[1]. The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.
Update on COVID-19 measures
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are adhering to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities.
OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS
Persons crossing the border
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:
Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage. Persons in military-style outfits. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.
The average number of entries/exits slightly increased from 7,298 to 7,356 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[2].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 79 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.
Responding to the COVID-19 situation, the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March. Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border (which entered into force on 19 March), are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June.
Persons in military-style outfits
During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was 15, compared to 13 last week. Nine persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another six persons crossed into Ukraine. These individuals crossed the border on foot.
Families with a significant amount of luggage
The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, four families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and two families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when five families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and one family crossing into Ukraine.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (235 compared to 263 observed during the previous week). There were 131 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 104 bound for Ukraine.
On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (848 compared to 794 during the previous reporting week); 497 at the Gukovo BCP and 351 at the Donetsk BCP, 551 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 297 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania and trucks with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (34 compared to 39 during the previous reporting week). These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane. All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.
Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP increased from 117 to 131. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 112 trucks (85 per cent) were bound for Ukraine, the remaining 19 trucks (15 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[3] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (152 compared to 150 observed during the previous week); 86 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 66 into Ukraine.
Trains
The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 24 occasions; the OTs assessed that 12 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 12 trains were travelling to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.
Other observations
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis. The OTs also observed vehicles with Georgian and Lithuanian licence plates.
On 25 November at 15:30, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a police vehicle, type UAZ - 469 with Russian Federation licence plates and two passengers on board, entering the BCP and parking behind the main building. At 15:45, the vehicle left the BCP into the Russian Federation. The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position.
On 26 November at 07:30, the ninety-eighth[4] Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk BCP. A total of seven vehicles were checked by Russian Federation border guards and customs officers prior to their crossing into Ukraine. All seven vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation by 17:04 the same day. (See OM Spot Report of 26 November 2020: https://www.osce.org/observer-mission-at-russian-checkpoints-gukovo-and-...).
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 27 October to 1 December 2020, please see the attachment here.
[1] First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time.
[2] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[3] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).
[4] Based on the Observer Mission’s counting, this convoy is considered the ninety-eighth convoy that has crossed into Ukraine through the “Donetsk” or “Gukovo” BCPs. However, so far all these convoys crossed through the “Donetsk” BCP.


osce--2020-12-01--OSCE annual meeting of Police Academies Network explores role of training and education institutions

OSCE annual meeting of Police Academies Network explores role of training and education institutions in preventing excessive use of force by police

The 2020 OSCE Annual Meeting of the Police Academies Network ( PAN ) , held on 27 November 2020 , gathered over 50 participants and focused on how Police Academies can deliver training programmes that develop and strengthen sound attitudes among police in preventing excessive use of force , even in difficult and/or dangerous situations .
The event was held online for representatives of law enforcement education and training institutions in the OSCE participating States as well as representatives from partner international organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Union Agency for Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was organized by the Transnational Threats Department ’ s Strategic Police Matters Unit ( TNTD/SPMU ) .
Participants were welcomed by Florian Pema , Head of the Politico-Military Dimension at Albania ’ s 2020 OSCE Chairmanship ; Andrea Huber , Head of the Human Rights Department at the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) ; and Guy Vinet , Head of TNTD/SPMU .
In his opening remarks , Pema said : “ Police Academies have to make sure that their training and education lead to police officers that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
” Vinet emphasized that ethical thinking should remain prevalent for all police training activities and that police officers will react appropriately if they have embraced the core democratic principles and values guiding the police .
Discussions elaborated on how to ensure that all delivered training programmes contribute to further enhancing democratic and value-based policing .
The PAN was launched in 2018 to promote and support international police training and co-operation .
Its aim is to promote police training co-operation and to share education and training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expertise of law enforcement training institutions in the OSCE area .
The PAN is currently co-ordinated by Bjorn Tore Saltvik , Adviser on Police Reform in TNTD/SPMU .
For enquiries , please contact : BjornTore.Saltvik @ osce.org

The 2020 OSCE Annual Meeting of the Police Academies Network (PAN), held on 27 November 2020, gathered over 50 participants and focused on how Police Academies can deliver training programmes that develop and strengthen sound attitudes among police in preventing excessive use of force, even in difficult and/or dangerous situations.
The event was held online for representatives of law enforcement education and training institutions in the OSCE participating States as well as representatives from partner international organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL). It was organized by the Transnational Threats Department’s Strategic Police Matters Unit (TNTD/SPMU).
Participants were welcomed by Florian Pema, Head of the Politico-Military Dimension at Albania’s 2020 OSCE Chairmanship; Andrea Huber, Head of the Human Rights Department at the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR); and Guy Vinet, Head of TNTD/SPMU.
In his opening remarks, Pema said: “Police Academies have to make sure that their training and education lead to police officers that perform their duties in accordance with universally agreed standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Vinet emphasized that ethical thinking should remain prevalent for all police training activities and that police officers will react appropriately if they have embraced the core democratic principles and values guiding the police.
Discussions elaborated on how to ensure that all delivered training programmes contribute to further enhancing democratic and value-based policing.
The PAN was launched in 2018 to promote and support international police training and co-operation. Its aim is to promote police training co-operation and to share education and training curricula, modules, training material and expertise of law enforcement training institutions in the OSCE area.
The PAN is currently co-ordinated by Bjorn Tore Saltvik, Adviser on Police Reform in TNTD/SPMU. For enquiries, please contact: BjornTore.Saltvik@osce.org


osce--2020-11-30--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 285/2020 issued on 30 November 2020


osce--2020-11-20--Parliamentarians celebrate Paris Charter’s 30th anniversary, recall OSCE’s successes and urge renewe

Parliamentarians celebrate Paris Charter’s 30th anniversary, recall OSCE’s successes and urge renewed commitment to principles

COPENHAGEN , 20 November 2020 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the French Delegation to the OSCE PA held a web-based roundtable today to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Charter of Paris for a New Europe , which was adopted during the second Summit of Heads of State or Government of the Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe , held in Paris from 19 to 21 November 1990 .
Participants in today ’ s event , entitled “ The 30th Anniversary of the Charter of Paris : A Parliamentary Perspective , ” discussed the relevance of the Paris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a particular focus on the Assembly ’ s work in supporting the Organization since its inception .
Many dedicated parliamentarians want to make the OSCE stronger , it was stressed , and to increase its effectiveness to ensure higher political commitment from governments .
The event featured contributions from Head of the French Delegation to the OSCE PA Sereine Mauborgne , Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Jean-Yves Le Drian , OSCE PA President George Tsereteli , Vice Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Agron Tare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and incoming OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde , OSCE PA High-Level Expert Ambassador Lamberto Zannier , and former OSCE PA President Joao Soares .
Other contributions included reflections of former Swiss President and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Didier Burkhalter , delivered by OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella , remarks by OSCE PA Vice-President Pascal Allizard , and Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs and former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta .
“ If the Charter is our common compass , the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe , the OSCE , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Minister Le Drian in a recorded video message .
“ It is this organization that we designed on the basis of the commitments made in Helsinki , then in Paris and that we have continued to build ever since.
” “ The OSCE needs to be strengthened , ” said Mauborgne in her opening remarks .
“ This may involve modifying some rules or operating mechanisms .
But strengthening and giving credibility to the OSCE presupposes first and foremost the political will of each of its participating States and respect for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that at the time of the Paris Charter ’ s signing , Albania was internationally isolated .
When it eventually signed in 1991 , it marked a change in Albanian foreign policy , and had a profound impact on the future of the country .
He regretted that many aspirations of the Charter have not been realized , emphasizing that certain current trends must be reversed .
“ We are a diverse organization , ” Tare said , “ but there can be no divergence from our founding principles.
” Linde noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have shown that given the chance , people will always choose freedom over tyranny , and the OSCE helps make this possible .
The OSCE has the tools to help countries live up to commitments found in the Charter of Paris , she said , noting that resolving conflicts is essential to building comprehensive security .
“ At a time when our Europe is under assault from all sides , we are realizing the importance of this moment of unity which led to the signing of the Charter of Paris , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from our trajectory and this anniversary is an opportunity to realize this and if we want to count in the world of tomorrow , when the center of gravity of our planet shifts towards Asia , we need to rediscover the spirit that presided over the drafting of the Charter of Paris 30 years ago.
” Soares discussed the OSCE ’ s role over the years in conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation in the Balkans and the Caucasus .
The PA can help ensure that the OSCE lives up to its capacity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability of parliamentarians is to bring people together and build dialogue , he said , pointing to earlier experiences as examples of how the OSCE can overcome current challenges .
Ambassador Zannier said : “ With a view to the 50th Anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act in 2025 , the OSCE should now begin a process of revitalization and renewal , to be able to address effectively the new difficult challenges ahead while ensuring that agreed principles and commitments are fully adhered to .
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is ready to stimulate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We must continue to fully exploit the potential of parliamentary diplomacy , as outlined in the Charter of Paris , as an inclusive and constructive tool to break political deadlock , ” said OSCE PA President George Tsereteli .
“ We must also remain outspoken in our commitment for more transparency and accountability within the OSCE as a way to make the Organization stronger and more effective.
” In the discussion , OSCE PA members recalled the history of the Helsinki process and the role of civil society in moving the process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Charter of Paris was the creation of the Parliamentary Assembly , parliamentarians said , and one of its strengths is that it is a forum for open debate .
Members of the Assembly must add legitimacy to the work of the OSCE , including by the monitoring of human rights commitments , it was stressed .
It was also pointed out that while some countries have moved away from multilateral cooperation , this trend can be overcome by strengthening the multilateral frameworks and ensuring that governments are in a better position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 parliamentarians , experts and practitioners participated in today ’ s event .
It was moderated by Secretary General Montella , who recalled that the Paris Charter is a document that is still well alive , and that many women and men in the OSCE region are working with passion and dedication every day to concretely implement the ideals of its vision .
To read the Charter of Paris , along with other historical OSCE documents , please click here .
A photo exhibition on the Paris Charter is available here .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ click here .

COPENHAGEN, 20 November 2020 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the French Delegation to the OSCE PA held a web-based roundtable today to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, which was adopted during the second Summit of Heads of State or Government of the Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe, held in Paris from 19 to 21 November 1990.
Participants in today’s event, entitled “The 30th Anniversary of the Charter of Paris: A Parliamentary Perspective,” discussed the relevance of the Paris Charter in the current international context, with a particular focus on the Assembly’s work in supporting the Organization since its inception. Many dedicated parliamentarians want to make the OSCE stronger, it was stressed, and to increase its effectiveness to ensure higher political commitment from governments.
The event featured contributions from Head of the French Delegation to the OSCE PA Sereine Mauborgne, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Jean-Yves Le Drian, OSCE PA President George Tsereteli, Vice Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Agron Tare, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden and incoming OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde, OSCE PA High-Level Expert Ambassador Lamberto Zannier, and former OSCE PA President Joao Soares.
Other contributions included reflections of former Swiss President and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Didier Burkhalter, delivered by OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella, remarks by OSCE PA Vice-President Pascal Allizard, and Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs and former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta.
“If the Charter is our common compass, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the OSCE, is our ‘common home’,” said Minister Le Drian in a recorded video message. “It is this organization that we designed on the basis of the commitments made in Helsinki, then in Paris and that we have continued to build ever since.”
“The OSCE needs to be strengthened,” said Mauborgne in her opening remarks. “This may involve modifying some rules or operating mechanisms. But strengthening and giving credibility to the OSCE presupposes first and foremost the political will of each of its participating States and respect for the commitments entered into.”
Vice Minister Tare noted that at the time of the Paris Charter’s signing, Albania was internationally isolated. When it eventually signed in 1991, it marked a change in Albanian foreign policy, and had a profound impact on the future of the country. He regretted that many aspirations of the Charter have not been realized, emphasizing that certain current trends must be reversed. “We are a diverse organization,” Tare said, “but there can be no divergence from our founding principles.”
Linde noted that developments over the past three decades have shown that given the chance, people will always choose freedom over tyranny, and the OSCE helps make this possible. The OSCE has the tools to help countries live up to commitments found in the Charter of Paris, she said, noting that resolving conflicts is essential to building comprehensive security.
“At a time when our Europe is under assault from all sides, we are realizing the importance of this moment of unity which led to the signing of the Charter of Paris,” said Vice-President Allizard. “We have strayed from our trajectory and this anniversary is an opportunity to realize this and if we want to count in the world of tomorrow, when the center of gravity of our planet shifts towards Asia, we need to rediscover the spirit that presided over the drafting of the Charter of Paris 30 years ago.”
Soares discussed the OSCE’s role over the years in conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation in the Balkans and the Caucasus. The PA can help ensure that the OSCE lives up to its capacity, said the former PA President. The ability of parliamentarians is to bring people together and build dialogue, he said, pointing to earlier experiences as examples of how the OSCE can overcome current challenges.
Ambassador Zannier said: “With a view to the 50th Anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act in 2025, the OSCE should now begin a process of revitalization and renewal, to be able to address effectively the new difficult challenges ahead while ensuring that agreed principles and commitments are fully adhered to. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is ready to stimulate this process and contribute to it.”
“We must continue to fully exploit the potential of parliamentary diplomacy, as outlined in the Charter of Paris, as an inclusive and constructive tool to break political deadlock,” said OSCE PA President George Tsereteli. “We must also remain outspoken in our commitment for more transparency and accountability within the OSCE as a way to make the Organization stronger and more effective.”
In the discussion, OSCE PA members recalled the history of the Helsinki process and the role of civil society in moving the process forward. One of the great achievements of the Charter of Paris was the creation of the Parliamentary Assembly, parliamentarians said, and one of its strengths is that it is a forum for open debate. Members of the Assembly must add legitimacy to the work of the OSCE, including by the monitoring of human rights commitments, it was stressed.
It was also pointed out that while some countries have moved away from multilateral cooperation, this trend can be overcome by strengthening the multilateral frameworks and ensuring that governments are in a better position to help each other.
More than 100 parliamentarians, experts and practitioners participated in today’s event. It was moderated by Secretary General Montella, who recalled that the Paris Charter is a document that is still well alive, and that many women and men in the OSCE region are working with passion and dedication every day to concretely implement the ideals of its vision.
To read the Charter of Paris, along with other historical OSCE documents, please click here. A photo exhibition on the Paris Charter is available here.
To watch today’s event, please click here.


osce--2020-12-09--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 293/2020 issued on 9 December 2020


osce--2020-12-09--Infographics and data visualization workshops organized by OSCE Mission to Montenegro

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro completed on 9 December 2020 a series of training workshops for research staff of the Parliamentary Institute on infographics and data visuals as a modern way of presenting parliamentary work data .
During the 12 training days , in the period from October to- December , the participants learned how to present successfully a complex data in an eye-catching and easy to understand visual .
Several infographics related to their daily work were produced .
“ The lectures were of a very high quality and have been extremely useful , ” said Jelena Ulic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We learned the steps to create infographics related to our work and the trainer helped us to produce material that we can already use in the Research Centre , the Education Centre and the Library.
” Luka Lakovic , the expert who was leading the workshop said that Parliamentary Institute members gained knowledge , but also a passion for infographics .
“ They realized that creating infographics is not only an important professional skill , but it can be easy and fun , ” he said .
During the training period , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work of the Parliamentary Institute that confirmed the importance of enhancing data presentation material .
“ The Mission will continue supporting the Parliamentary Institute to enhance its services and effective communication with Members of the Parliament and citizens , ” said Lia Magnaguagno , OSCE Democratization Programme Manager .

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro completed on 9 December 2020 a series of training workshops for research staff of the Parliamentary Institute on infographics and data visuals as a modern way of presenting parliamentary work data.
During the 12 training days, in the period from October to- December, the participants learned how to present successfully a complex data in an eye-catching and easy to understand visual. Several infographics related to their daily work were produced.
“The lectures were of a very high quality and have been extremely useful,” said Jelena Ulic, Head of the Parliamentary Institute. “We learned the steps to create infographics related to our work and the trainer helped us to produce material that we can already use in the Research Centre, the Education Centre, the Library and the Parliamentary Budget Office.”
Luka Lakovic, the expert who was leading the workshop said that Parliamentary Institute members gained knowledge, but also a passion for infographics. “They realized that creating infographics is not only an important professional skill, but it can be easy and fun,” he said.
During the training period, the Mission completed a baseline report related to the work of the Parliamentary Institute that confirmed the importance of enhancing data presentation material. “The Mission will continue supporting the Parliamentary Institute to enhance its services and effective communication with Members of the Parliament and citizens,” said Lia Magnaguagno, OSCE Democratization Programme Manager.


osce--2020-12-09--OSCE organizes trainings to enhance the skills of journalists and bloggers in the regions of Uzbekis

OSCE organizes trainings to enhance the skills of journalists and bloggers in the regions of Uzbekistan

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan , in co-operation with the Public Foundation for Support and Development of National Mass Media , is organizing a series of training courses to enhance the skills of journalists and bloggers in the regions of Uzbekistan .
Each training session will last for two days and will be conducted in the following regions of Uzbekistan : Karshi , Samarkand , Bukhara and Nukus from 10 to 25 December 2020 .
The training courses will enable journalists and bloggers to study and discuss topics such as digital security in journalism ; online tools for detecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digital hygiene in journalism ; legal awareness issues for journalists ; criteria for the professional ethics of a journalist ; principles of working with YouTube ; security issues ; and other media-related topics .
The training courses will be held in an interactive format and will assist with strengthening group cohesion , and developing verbal communication and teamwork skills .
Each training course will include a presentation session , which will be followed by a question and answer session .
All participants will be able to share their experiences with each other .

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, in co-operation with the Public Foundation for Support and Development of National Mass Media, is organizing a series of training courses to enhance the skills of journalists and bloggers in the regions of Uzbekistan. Each training session will last for two days and will be conducted in the following regions of Uzbekistan: Karshi, Samarkand, Bukhara and Nukus from 10 to 25 December 2020.
The training courses will enable journalists and bloggers to study and discuss topics such as digital security in journalism; online tools for detecting fake texts, photos and videos; digital hygiene in journalism; legal awareness issues for journalists; criteria for the professional ethics of a journalist; principles of working with YouTube; security issues; and other media-related topics.
The training courses will be held in an interactive format and will assist with strengthening group cohesion, and developing verbal communication and teamwork skills. Each training course will include a presentation session, which will be followed by a question and answer session. All participants will be able to share their experiences with each other.


osce--2020-12-09--OSCE and Mediterranean Partners discuss ways to implement Advance Passenger Information systems and

OSCE and Mediterranean Partners discuss ways to implement Advance Passenger Information systems and enhance regional co-operation

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department ’ s Border Security and Management Unit ( BSMU ) organized a two-day workshop for representatives of relevant agencies in Algeria , Egypt , Israel , Jordan , Morocco and Tunisia on establishing an Advance Passenger Information ( API ) system for preventing the movement of foreign terrorist fighters and enhancing aviation security on 8 and 9 December 2020 .
The workshop , which was held online , aimed at presenting the benefits of an API system , current implementing challenges , technical requirements , the importance of strong inter-agency co-operation and a comprehensive legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tabletop exercises to reflect on practical aspects of implementing an API system such as the collection of passenger data while fully respecting travellers ’ right to privacy , as well as adhering to international commitments on the collection and processing of API data , laid down in various United Nations Security Council ( UNSC ) Resolutions .
“ Our world , our regions , continue to evolve and present new challenges and risks for border and travel security , but also new opportunities for co-operation between countries and organizations , ” said Dennis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event .
“ As the nature of terrorism and other forms of organized crime changes constantly , there is a need for a strengthened response to this ever-evolving transnational threat - the response for which we must continue to collaborate as partners.
” An API system is an electronic system through which biographic data from a traveller ’ s passport and flight details are collected by airlines and transmitted to the relevant entities , such as border control agencies , before departure or arrival .
The collection and processing of API data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2178 ( 2014 ) , which calls for the establishment of individual API systems .
This obligation has been further reinforced with the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2396 ( 2017 ) and Amendment 26 to the Chicago Convention , making an API system mandatory .
This training course was the eighth activity of a multi-year OSCE initiative aimed at strengthening co-operation mechanisms between border security and management agencies of the OSCE participating States and the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation .

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department’s Border Security and Management Unit (BSMU) organized a two-day workshop for representatives of relevant agencies in Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia on establishing an Advance Passenger Information (API) system for preventing the movement of foreign terrorist fighters and enhancing aviation security on 8 and 9 December 2020.
The workshop, which was held online, aimed at presenting the benefits of an API system, current implementing challenges, technical requirements, the importance of strong inter-agency co-operation and a comprehensive legal framework.
Participants also engaged in interactive tabletop exercises to reflect on practical aspects of implementing an API system such as the collection of passenger data while fully respecting travellers’ right to privacy, as well as adhering to international commitments on the collection and processing of API data, laid down in various United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions.
“Our world, our regions, continue to evolve and present new challenges and risks for border and travel security, but also new opportunities for co-operation between countries and organizations,” said Dennis Cosgrove, Head of BSMU, opening the event. “As the nature of terrorism and other forms of organized crime changes constantly, there is a need for a strengthened response to this ever-evolving transnational threat - the response for which we must continue to collaborate as partners.”
An API system is an electronic system through which biographic data from a traveller’s passport and flight details are collected by airlines and transmitted to the relevant entities, such as border control agencies, before departure or arrival.
The collection and processing of API data by government structures has grown in importance since the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2178 (2014), which calls for the establishment of individual API systems. This obligation has been further reinforced with the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2396 (2017) and Amendment 26 to the Chicago Convention, making an API system mandatory.
This training course was the eighth activity of a multi-year OSCE initiative aimed at strengthening co-operation mechanisms between border security and management agencies of the OSCE participating States and the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.


osce--2020-12-09--Ukraine’s border authorities receive equipment and information materials from the OSCE to better ide

Ukraine’s border authorities receive equipment and information materials from the OSCE to better identify and address chemical security risks

At a ceremony in Kyiv on 9 December 2020 , Ukraine ’ s State Border Guard Service and State Customs Service received equipment and reference materials from the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine as part of their efforts to strengthen the country ’ s control over transboundary movement of chemicals .
“ No modern economy can exist now without active movement of chemical products across its borders .
There are also growing risks of criminal activity in this sphere , be it a smuggling attempt or a planned terrorist activity with the use of controlled substances , ” said Henrik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We hope that our assistance will help strengthen Ukraine ’ s own capacity for timely identification of and response to chemical threats at the border to minimize risks to the health and lives of people ” .
The equipment includes 60 sets of chemical control kits with protective gear and tools to enable quick identification of toxic hazards .
Four hydrogen generators and two precise laboratory scales were also received by the State Customs Service ’ s specialized laboratory for performing investigative tests to evaluate suspect materials and address incidents with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also received 820 sets of pocket guides with tips on identifying toxic chemicals , as well as brief guidance on actions to take in case of emergencies ; including spills of dangerous substances , transportation accidents and other cases involving chemical materials .
Last year , the Co-ordinator also trained around 100 border officials , including trainers-of-trainers , to respond to chemical emergencies through a series of three theoretical training sessions and four practical drills at land , air and sea border crossing points .
Thematic educational videos were also produced for institutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customs officers .
The training and equipment were provided as part of a project implemented by the Co-ordinator with the financial assistance of the European Union and the United States of America .

At a ceremony in Kyiv on 9 December 2020, Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service and State Customs Service received equipment and reference materials from the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine as part of their efforts to strengthen the country’s control over transboundary movement of chemicals.
“No modern economy can exist now without active movement of chemical products across its borders. There are also growing risks of criminal activity in this sphere, be it a smuggling attempt or a planned terrorist activity with the use of controlled substances,” said Henrik Villadsen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. “We hope that our assistance will help strengthen Ukraine’s own capacity for timely identification of and response to chemical threats at the border to minimize risks to the health and lives of people”.
The equipment includes 60 sets of chemical control kits with protective gear and tools to enable quick identification of toxic hazards. Four hydrogen generators and two precise laboratory scales were also received by the State Customs Service’s specialized laboratory for performing investigative tests to evaluate suspect materials and address incidents with chemicals at border crossings.
Both services also received 820 sets of pocket guides with tips on identifying toxic chemicals, as well as brief guidance on actions to take in case of emergencies; including spills of dangerous substances, transportation accidents and other cases involving chemical materials.
Last year, the Co-ordinator also trained around 100 border officials, including trainers-of-trainers, to respond to chemical emergencies through a series of three theoretical training sessions and four practical drills at land, air and sea border crossing points. Thematic educational videos were also produced for institutions that train and retrain border guards and customs officers.
The training and equipment were provided as part of a project implemented by the Co-ordinator with the financial assistance of the European Union and the United States of America.


osce--2020-12-09--OSCE PA Special Representatives appointed to work on regional issues in the South Caucasus, Eastern

OSCE PA Special Representatives appointed to work on regional issues in the South Caucasus, Eastern Europe and Central Asia

COPENHAGEN , 9 December 2020 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli ( Georgia ) has appointed Special Representatives to cover the important portfolios of the South Caucasus , Central Asia , and Eastern Europe .
The Special Representatives will serve as focal points for the PA ’ s work in the regions , provide advice , and regularly report back to the President and the Assembly .
Ditmir Bushati , Head of the OSCE PA ’ s Albanian Delegation and former Foreign Minister of Albania , has been designated Special Representative on the South Caucasus .
His mandate includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the region and seeking to promote dialogue in all segments of society , in particular at the parliamentary level , in order to encourage reconciliation and rehabilitation with regard to the protracted conflicts in the region ; • Considering ways for confidence-building measures to create more favourable conditions , conducive to the identification and implementation of political solutions based on the principles and values of OSCE commitments and international law ; • Working closely with the OSCE Chairmanship and executive structures , the Minsk Group , its Co-Chairs , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Conflict Dealt With by the Minsk Group , and following the developments in the Geneva International Discussions .
Reinhold Lopatka , Deputy Head of the Austrian Delegation to the OSCE PA and Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism , has been appointed Special Representative on Central Asia .
His mandate includes : • Encouraging active participation by parliamentarians from Central Asia ( Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan , Turkmenistan , Uzbekistan ) , as well as Mongolia , in the work of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to strengthen parliamentarism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and supporting the work of the OSCE field missions in the region , as well as relevant OSCE institutions , international and regional organizations and diplomatic missions ; • Encouraging closer contacts between the parliaments in the region to promote greater intra-regional co-operation in all three OSCE dimensions .
Daniela De Ridder ( Germany ) will serve as Special Representative on Eastern Europe , with a mandate to serve as the primary point of contact within the OSCE PA on issues pertinent to the region .
Additionally , she will : • Promote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in particular at the parliamentary level , in order to lend the Parliamentary Assembly ’ s contribution in the spheres of parliamentary diplomacy , confidence building , reconciliation and dialogue facilitation ; • Liaise and co-ordinate with other OSCE and OSCE PA structures as well as other relevant domestic and international actors on regional issues , particularly in relation to Belarus , Ukraine , and Moldova ; • Advise the President on the situation in the region and potential actions by the PA , and undertake country visits as deemed necessary .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the OSCE PA ’ s Annual Session in Bucharest , in July 2021 .

COPENHAGEN, 9 December 2020 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President George Tsereteli (Georgia) has appointed Special Representatives to cover the important portfolios of the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. The Special Representatives will serve as focal points for the PA’s work in the regions, provide advice, and regularly report back to the President and the Assembly.
Ditmir Bushati, Head of the OSCE PA’s Albanian Delegation and former Foreign Minister of Albania, has been designated Special Representative on the South Caucasus. His mandate includes:
Following the overall political situation in the region and seeking to promote dialogue in all segments of society, in particular at the parliamentary level, in order to encourage reconciliation and rehabilitation with regard to the protracted conflicts in the region;
Considering ways for confidence-building measures to create more favourable conditions, conducive to the identification and implementation of political solutions based on the principles and values of OSCE commitments and international law;
Working closely with the OSCE Chairmanship and executive structures, the Minsk Group, its Co-Chairs, as well as the Chairman-in-Office’s Personal Representative on the Conflict Dealt With by the Minsk Group, and following the developments in the Geneva International Discussions.
Reinhold Lopatka, Deputy Head of the Austrian Delegation to the OSCE PA and Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism, has been appointed Special Representative on Central Asia. His mandate includes:
Encouraging active participation by parliamentarians from Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan), as well as Mongolia, in the work of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to strengthen parliamentarism in the region;
Liaising with and supporting the work of the OSCE field missions in the region, as well as relevant OSCE institutions, international and regional organizations and diplomatic missions;
Encouraging closer contacts between the parliaments in the region to promote greater intra-regional co-operation in all three OSCE dimensions.
Daniela De Ridder (Germany) will serve as Special Representative on Eastern Europe, with a mandate to serve as the primary point of contact within the OSCE PA on issues pertinent to the region. Additionally, she will:
Promote dialogue in all segments of society, in particular at the parliamentary level, in order to lend the Parliamentary Assembly’s contribution in the spheres of parliamentary diplomacy, confidence building, reconciliation and dialogue facilitation;
Liaise and co-ordinate with other OSCE and OSCE PA structures as well as other relevant domestic and international actors on regional issues, particularly in relation to Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova;
Advise the President on the situation in the region and potential actions by the PA, and undertake country visits as deemed necessary.
All the mandates expire at the end of the OSCE PA’s Annual Session in Bucharest, in July 2021.


osce--2020-12-09--Political will and good governance critical in fighting corruption, says OSCE PA Special Representat

Political will and good governance critical in fighting corruption, says OSCE PA Special Representative, marking International Anti-Corruption Day

COPENHAGEN , 9 December 2020 – Effectively preventing and combatting corruption requires co-ordinated responses at both national and international levels guided by strong political will , said Irene Charalambides ( Cyprus ) , the OSCE PA ’ s Special Representative on Fighting Corruption , at an event today marking International Anti-Corruption Day .
Addressing a webinar organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities ( OCEEA ) , entitled “ Open Data in Action : Beneficial Ownership and Public Procurement , ” Charalambides underlined the role of parliamentarians in building political will and proactively safeguarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from interference .
“ Without political will , anti-corruption laws will remain empty shells and anti-corruption authorities will feel abandoned , ” Charalambides said .
“ Political will is therefore the Alfa and the Omega of any effective anti-corruption strategy.
” Open data initiatives are critical , she emphasized , in making information available to the public and improving government accountability and enhancing public participation .
“ Open data makes existing information easier to analyze , process , and combine , allowing a new level of public scrutiny , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also supports technological innovation and economic growth.
” Charalambides highlighted the role of interparliamentary fora such as the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in building policy convergence on anti-corruption issues for the steady implementation of good governance principles at the national level .
She also pointed to the adoption last week of the Ministerial Council Decision “ Preventing and Combating Corruption through Digitalization and Increased Transparency , ” which confirmed that fighting corruption must remain a top priority across the OSCE region and recognized the important role played by national parliaments in this critical field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OSCE also represent a privileged platform for sharing best practices , developing coordinated responses and promoting strategic partnerships among key actors in this field , including parliaments , governments , civil society , the business community , media and youth , ” Charalambides said .
The Special Representative commended the work of journalists who act as a watchdog by uncovering and publicly exposing malfeasance as well as by fighting impunity .
“ To ensure their effective role in fighting corruption , journalists must be free and independent , and the media environment needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from undue influence , ” she said .
Special Representative Charalambides chaired a Parliamentary Web Dialogue on 14 October , entitled “ Parliamentarians & Journalists : Partners Against Corruption , ” which explored topics such as money laundering , the risks of organized crime infiltrating economic activity , the importance of transparency , and the need for promoting a safe work environment for journalists to carry out their essential work in combating corruption .
For more on the work of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly 's Special Representative on Fighting Corruption , please click @ @

COPENHAGEN, 9 December 2020 – Effectively preventing and combatting corruption requires co-ordinated responses at both national and international levels guided by strong political will, said Irene Charalambides (Cyprus), the OSCE PA’s Special Representative on Fighting Corruption, at an event today marking International Anti-Corruption Day.
Addressing a webinar organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), entitled “Open Data in Action: Beneficial Ownership and Public Procurement,” Charalambides underlined the role of parliamentarians in building political will and proactively safeguarding the independence of key anti-corruption national stakeholders from interference.
“Without political will, anti-corruption laws will remain empty shells and anti-corruption authorities will feel abandoned,” Charalambides said. “Political will is therefore the Alfa and the Omega of any effective anti-corruption strategy.”
Open data initiatives are critical, she emphasized, in making information available to the public and improving government accountability and enhancing public participation. “Open data makes existing information easier to analyze, process, and combine, allowing a new level of public scrutiny,” she said. “If used properly, open data also supports technological innovation and economic growth.”
Charalambides highlighted the role of interparliamentary fora such as the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in building policy convergence on anti-corruption issues for the steady implementation of good governance principles at the national level.
She also pointed to the adoption last week of the Ministerial Council Decision “Preventing and Combating Corruption through Digitalization and Increased Transparency,” which confirmed that fighting corruption must remain a top priority across the OSCE region and recognized the important role played by national parliaments in this critical field.
“International organizations such as the OSCE also represent a privileged platform for sharing best practices, developing coordinated responses and promoting strategic partnerships among key actors in this field, including parliaments, governments, civil society, the business community, media and youth,” Charalambides said.
The Special Representative commended the work of journalists who act as a watchdog by uncovering and publicly exposing malfeasance as well as by fighting impunity. “To ensure their effective role in fighting corruption, journalists must be free and independent, and the media environment needs to be pluralistic, safe and protected from undue influence,” she said.
Special Representative Charalambides chaired a Parliamentary Web Dialogue on 14 October, entitled “Parliamentarians & Journalists: Partners Against Corruption,” which explored topics such as money laundering, the risks of organized crime infiltrating economic activity, the importance of transparency, and the need for promoting a safe work environment for journalists to carry out their essential work in combating corruption.
For more on the work of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's Special Representative on Fighting Corruption, please click here.


osce--2020-12-09--OSCE Mission to Moldova facilitates nationwide workshop on the history of the Holocaust

Around 175 school teachers from all over Moldova attended a workshop on the history of the Holocaust from 1 to 3 December 2020 .
The OSCE Mission to Moldova , in co-ordination with the Moldovan Ministry of Education , Culture and Research , facilitated the workshop for school teachers to learn about the teaching methodology for the optional school course `` The Holocaust : History and Lessons of life '' , which was introduced in September 2019 .
The teachers discussed topics outlined in the Methodological Guide , which experts developed with the Mission 's support in 2019 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the optional course with a strong emphasis on the local history context .
Participants were presented with a large variety of sources for their work , ranging from historic documents and maps to short documentary films as well as personal stories of Holocaust survivors .
The workshop also included an overview of online resources available at Yad Vashem , the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre located in Israel as well as an overview of several educational projects prepared by university and school students .
Participants said that they especially appreciated the practical approach adopted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with practical skills necessary for effective teaching of the optional course .
The training workshop was conducted in Romanian and Russian languages , thus facilitating participation of teachers from schools with both languages of instruction .
As part of its broader engagement to promote awareness and a conciliatory dialogue , the OSCE Mission to Moldova has supported the Moldovan authorities in the implementation of the country ’ s first action plan on the Holocaust remembrance and education in 2017-2019 , and will provide further assistance in the realization of the next thematic policy @ @

Around 175 school teachers from all over Moldova attended a workshop on the history of the Holocaust from 1 to 3 December 2020. The OSCE Mission to Moldova, in co-ordination with the Moldovan Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, facilitated the workshop for school teachers to learn about the teaching methodology for the optional school course "The Holocaust: History and Lessons of life", which was introduced in September 2019.
The teachers discussed topics outlined in the Methodological Guide, which experts developed with the Mission's support in 2019. The Guide is a practical instrument for teaching the optional course with a strong emphasis on the local history context.
Participants were presented with a large variety of sources for their work, ranging from historic documents and maps to short documentary films as well as personal stories of Holocaust survivors. The workshop also included an overview of online resources available at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre located in Israel as well as an overview of several educational projects prepared by university and school students.
Participants said that they especially appreciated the practical approach adopted by the trainers, which equipped them with practical skills necessary for effective teaching of the optional course.
The training workshop was conducted in Romanian and Russian languages, thus facilitating participation of teachers from schools with both languages of instruction.
As part of its broader engagement to promote awareness and a conciliatory dialogue, the OSCE Mission to Moldova has supported the Moldovan authorities in the implementation of the country’s first action plan on the Holocaust remembrance and education in 2017-2019, and will provide further assistance in the realization of the next thematic policy document.


osce--2020-12-09--Winners of essay competition on arms control and confidence- and security-building measures in Europ

Winners of essay competition on arms control and confidence- and security-building measures in Europe announced

VIENNA , 9 December 2020 — The winners of the OSCE–Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg ( IFSH ) Essay Competition : Conventional Arms Control and Confidence- and Security-Building Measures in Europe were announced today at a virtual award ceremony held during an OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation ( FSC ) meeting organized by the German FSC Chairmanship .
The first-of-its-kind essay competition was launched in March 2020 and invited students and young professionals under 35 years of age from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation to submit original essays on five topics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and security-building measures ( CSBMs ) in Europe .
The goal of the competition was to strengthen youth engagement in the field of arms control and CSBMs through a joint initiative between the OSCE and its long-standing partners and experts : the IFSH , the Geneva Centre for Security Policy ( GCSP ) , Moscow State Institute of International Relations and the Vienna Centre for Disarmament and Non-proliferation ( VCDNP ) .
“ The generation of ‘ arms control negotiators ’ from the 80s and 90s have reached peaks in their careers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active political knowledge about arms control is therefore dwindling , ” said Gesa Bräutigam , Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Germany to the OSCE , during her opening remarks at the ceremony .
“ We need the young generation of specialists on conventional arms control and CSBMs who will promote and develop it further either as members of diplomatic service or academia .
To add our contribution to develop this generation of young practitioners , the OSCE ’ s Conflict Prevention Centre ( CPC ) has developed the essay competition .
Today is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuula Yrjölä , Officer in Charge/Secretary General and Director of the OSCE CPC announced the three winners of the competition who then presented their essays to the ceremony participants .
First prize was awarded to Benjamin Schaller ( Germany , Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø ) for his essay that considered the “ untapped potential ” of European arms control and laid out policy proposals and recommendations on how to strengthen the role of the OSCE .
The second prize went to Naomi Egel ( USA , Cornell University ) whose essay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , structure , and political position offers a distinct , yet often overlooked approach to arms control , non-proliferation , and disarmament .
Anastasia Prokhorova ( Russian Federation , Central European University ) was awarded the third prize for her essay that examined perceptions of the OSCE in reducing military risks in Europe and the organization ’ s innovative approach to security .
The winners each received cash prizes of up to €3,000 and an all-expenses paid trip to Vienna to attend a future FSC meeting .
Other prizes for the winners and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Disarmament Short Course offered by the VCDNP , book vouchers of up to €500 , and an opportunity to intern with GCSP .
Adapted versions of the winning essays will also be published in GCSP ’ s Strategic Security Analysis Series .
The winning essays were selected from 96 entries submitted by participants in 36 OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation .
Each entry was evaluated anonymously by a jury of experts from the field using a process and scoresheet defined prior to the competition launch .
Of the entries received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The main purpose of this initiative is to bring young talented students and professionals closer to the topics that we discuss here in the FSC every week .
We hope that some of them will choose to continue working on these important topics in the future , ” said Yrjölä .
Representatives from each organization supporting the competition were also invited to speak and shared details about the competition , its development , and the selection process .
They highlighted continuing efforts to support current and future competition participants , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ momentum by developing further joint initiatives .
“ The academic community needs the inflow of the young generation of experts who will be able to support future negotiation processes and in this manner contribute to more stability , predictability and security in the Euro-Atlantic region , ” said Cornelius Friesendorf , Head of the Centre for OSCE Research ( CORE ) at the IFSH , who spoke on behalf of all the partners involved in the competition .
“ The future belongs to the youth , and that is why they should engage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That is why we have joined this initiative without hesitation.
” Read more about the winners and their entries here : https : //www.osce.org/forum-for-security-cooperation/473055

VIENNA, 9 December 2020 — The winners of the OSCE–Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) Essay Competition: Conventional Arms Control and Confidence- and Security-Building Measures in Europe were announced today at a virtual award ceremony held during an OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) meeting organized by the German FSC Chairmanship.
The first-of-its-kind essay competition was launched in March 2020 and invited students and young professionals under 35 years of age from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation to submit original essays on five topics related to conventional arms control and confidence- and security-building measures (CSBMs) in Europe.
The goal of the competition was to strengthen youth engagement in the field of arms control and CSBMs through a joint initiative between the OSCE and its long-standing partners and experts: the IFSH, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), Moscow State Institute of International Relations and the Vienna Centre for Disarmament and Non-proliferation (VCDNP).
“The generation of ‘arms control negotiators’ from the 80s and 90s have reached peaks in their careers and are now starting to retire. The active political knowledge about arms control is therefore dwindling,” said Gesa Bräutigam, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Germany to the OSCE, during her opening remarks at the ceremony. “We need the young generation of specialists on conventional arms control and CSBMs who will promote and develop it further either as members of diplomatic service or academia. To add our contribution to develop this generation of young practitioners, the OSCE’s Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) has developed the essay competition. Today is the pinnacle of that competition.”
Ambassador Tuula Yrjölä, Officer in Charge/Secretary General and Director of the OSCE CPC announced the three winners of the competition who then presented their essays to the ceremony participants.
First prize was awarded to Benjamin Schaller (Germany, Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø) for his essay that considered the “untapped potential” of European arms control and laid out policy proposals and recommendations on how to strengthen the role of the OSCE.
The second prize went to Naomi Egel (USA, Cornell University) whose essay explored how the OSCE’s history, structure, and political position offers a distinct, yet often overlooked approach to arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament.
Anastasia Prokhorova (Russian Federation, Central European University) was awarded the third prize for her essay that examined perceptions of the OSCE in reducing military risks in Europe and the organization’s innovative approach to security.
The winners each received cash prizes of up to €3,000 and an all-expenses paid trip to Vienna to attend a future FSC meeting. Other prizes for the winners and runners-up included a spot in the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Short Course offered by the VCDNP, book vouchers of up to €500, and an opportunity to intern with GCSP. Adapted versions of the winning essays will also be published in GCSP’s Strategic Security Analysis Series.
The winning essays were selected from 96 entries submitted by participants in 36 OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation. Each entry was evaluated anonymously by a jury of experts from the field using a process and scoresheet defined prior to the competition launch. Of the entries received, 44% were from female participants.
“The main purpose of this initiative is to bring young talented students and professionals closer to the topics that we discuss here in the FSC every week. We hope that some of them will choose to continue working on these important topics in the future,” said Yrjölä.
Representatives from each organization supporting the competition were also invited to speak and shared details about the competition, its development, and the selection process. They highlighted continuing efforts to support current and future competition participants, and to expand on the competition’s momentum by developing further joint initiatives.
“The academic community needs the inflow of the young generation of experts who will be able to support future negotiation processes and in this manner contribute to more stability, predictability and security in the Euro-Atlantic region,” said Cornelius Friesendorf, Head of the Centre for OSCE Research (CORE) at the IFSH, who spoke on behalf of all the partners involved in the competition. “The future belongs to the youth, and that is why they should engage in forming the future security landscape. That is why we have joined this initiative without hesitation.”
Read more about the winners and their entries here: https://www.osce.org/forum-for-security-cooperation/473055


osce--2020-12-09--OSCE Mission to BiH marks International Anti-Corruption Day

SARAJEVO , 9 December 2020 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina joins BiH citizens , the country ’ s national institutions and other international organizations in marking today ’ s International Anti-corruption Day .
Today , we take stock and highlight what changes are needed to ensure citizens are served by efficient , effective and transparent government institutions .
The situation in BiH in 2020 is particularly concerning given the country 's failure to make progress in curbing corruption , despite support from national and international anti-corruption stakeholders .
According to Transparency International ’ s Corruption Perception Index @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the global scale .
The latest report of the Council of Europe ’ s Group of States against Corruption ( GRECO ) concluded that BiH has made no progress in implementing recommendations provided in previous evaluation reports .
The Mission ’ s own monitoring , as reported in our recently-released third annual Report on the Judicial Response to Corruption entitled `` The Impunity Syndrome , '' indicates a clear failure of the BiH criminal justice system to address corruption effectively .
Meanwhile , the COVID-19 pandemic has created new openings for corrupt actors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and transparency , testing the resilience of institutions and corruption prevention mechanisms .
Recognizing these challenges , the Mission remains committed to assisting institutions and stakeholders to improve their capacities to curb corruption .
In 2020 , based on the positive example of Sarajevo Canton , the Mission supported the establishment of databases that help identify situations of conflict of interest in the Brčko District , Bosnian-Podrinje Canton , and the Travnik Municipality .
The Mission helped with the development and adoption of anti-corruption action plans at all government levels to combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and alleviate technical challenges , the Mission plans to provide IT equipment to key anti-corruption authorities .
Ongoing Mission monitoring of corruption cases serves to identify issues and trends ; information which can be used to help secure the integrity , impartiality , and accountability of the judiciary as a necessary precondition for effective judicial response to corruption .
While Mission and other international support remains available to help BiH in its efforts to combat corruption , progress will not occur without the commitment of all citizens , including public officials , legislators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We urge citizens to report suspected cases of corruption and press their elected officials for action to curb corruption in government .
We commend the dedication and courage of investigative journalists who have helped uncover cases of corruption .
We call on judicial and law enforcement authorities to step up efforts to investigate and prosecute violations .
We urge lawmakers to adopt needed legislation on conflict of interest and crucial amendments to the existing law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council .
Unless and until BiH makes progress in combatting corruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its potential to develop as a prosperous democratic state .

SARAJEVO, 9 December 2020 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina joins BiH citizens, the country’s national institutions and other international organizations in marking today’s International Anti-corruption Day. Today, we take stock and highlight what changes are needed to ensure citizens are served by efficient, effective and transparent government institutions.
The situation in BiH in 2020 is particularly concerning given the country's failure to make progress in curbing corruption, despite support from national and international anti-corruption stakeholders.
According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, BiH continues to regress steadily on the global scale. The latest report of the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) concluded that BiH has made no progress in implementing recommendations provided in previous evaluation reports.
The Mission’s own monitoring, as reported in our recently-released third annual Report on the Judicial Response to Corruption entitled "The Impunity Syndrome," indicates a clear failure of the BiH criminal justice system to address corruption effectively. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has created new openings for corrupt actors to exploit inadequate institutional oversight, co-ordination, and transparency, testing the resilience of institutions and corruption prevention mechanisms.
Recognizing these challenges, the Mission remains committed to assisting institutions and stakeholders to improve their capacities to curb corruption. In 2020, based on the positive example of Sarajevo Canton, the Mission supported the establishment of databases that help identify situations of conflict of interest in the Brčko District, Bosnian-Podrinje Canton, and the Travnik Municipality.
The Mission helped with the development and adoption of anti-corruption action plans at all government levels to combat pandemic-related corruption. To improve co-ordination efforts and alleviate technical challenges, the Mission plans to provide IT equipment to key anti-corruption authorities. Ongoing Mission monitoring of corruption cases serves to identify issues and trends; information which can be used to help secure the integrity, impartiality, and accountability of the judiciary as a necessary precondition for effective judicial response to corruption.
While Mission and other international support remains available to help BiH in its efforts to combat corruption, progress will not occur without the commitment of all citizens, including public officials, legislators, prosecutors, police and the media.
We urge citizens to report suspected cases of corruption and press their elected officials for action to curb corruption in government. We commend the dedication and courage of investigative journalists who have helped uncover cases of corruption. We call on judicial and law enforcement authorities to step up efforts to investigate and prosecute violations. We urge lawmakers to adopt needed legislation on conflict of interest and crucial amendments to the existing law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council.
Unless and until BiH makes progress in combatting corruption, it will continue to fall short of its potential to develop as a prosperous democratic state.


osce--2020-12-09--On anniversary of Youth, Peace and Security agenda OSCE Special Representative on Youth and Security

On anniversary of Youth, Peace and Security agenda OSCE Special Representative on Youth and Security stresses young people’s role in peacebuilding

VIENNA / TIRANA , 9 December 2020 – On the occasion of the Fifth Anniversary of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth , Peace and Security , Keisi Seferi , OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Special Representative on Youth and Security said that “ this is a moment to take stock of the achievements of the international community in engaging with youth and reflect on the way forward to enhance young people ’ s role as providers of human security ” .
Seferi acknowledged the importance of engaging youth in conflict prevention and conflict resolution , including reflecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implementation of peace agreements .
She called on governments and civil society to recognize the full potential of young people as actors of change and agents of peace and security .
“ OSCE participating States should implement all commitments related to youth and put into action their engagement in giving youth a dedicated space , so that young people can play a proactive role in supporting participating States in the implementation of commitments in all three dimensions of the OSCE concept of comprehensive security , ” Seferi said .
She also encouraged OSCE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to further deepen the co-operation with the United Nations on the Youth , Peace and Security agenda and to join efforts in upholding the role of youth in contributing to a culture of peace , dialogue , justice and peaceful coexistence , trust and reconciliation .

VIENNA / TIRANA, 9 December 2020 – On the occasion of the Fifth Anniversary of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, Keisi Seferi, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Special Representative on Youth and Security said that “this is a moment to take stock of the achievements of the international community in engaging with youth and reflect on the way forward to enhance young people’s role as providers of human security”.
Seferi acknowledged the importance of engaging youth in conflict prevention and conflict resolution, including reflecting their perspective in negotiations and in the implementation of peace agreements. She called on governments and civil society to recognize the full potential of young people as actors of change and agents of peace and security.
“OSCE participating States should implement all commitments related to youth and put into action their engagement in giving youth a dedicated space, so that young people can play a proactive role in supporting participating States in the implementation of commitments in all three dimensions of the OSCE concept of comprehensive security,” Seferi said.
She also encouraged OSCE participating States to explore all possible ways to further deepen the co-operation with the United Nations on the Youth, Peace and Security agenda and to join efforts in upholding the role of youth in contributing to a culture of peace, dialogue, justice and peaceful coexistence, trust and reconciliation.